December Meeting Notice

Skywalker Sound is a division of Lucas Digital Ltd. It was founded in 1987 along with the creation of the Technical building on Skywalker Ranch. The facility is known for world class sound production.

The lecture will address the production techniques used to create movies. The facility itself has undergone several transitions in recent years to utilize technological developments. These transitions will be described. An audio demonstration will accompany the lecture.

Tim McGovern is Director of Engineering at Skywalker Sound. During his 30-years working in the audio industry he has held positions including Chief Engineer for American Zoetrope and Systems Engineer for Sony's (then) Systems Integration Division.

Doug Ford started his career as an operator with a number of UK broadcasters. This was followed by a ten year "sabbatical" with AMS Neve in a product support role where he was also was a member of the design team for the Logic range of large-format digital consoles. Doug joined Skywalker Sound in 1999 to assist with the digital transition.

• Take 280 north to 19^th Ave. Exit and follow 19^th Ave (which will turn into Park Presidio after you pass the Golden Gate Park) all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge.  After you cross the bridge the road will become 101 north.
• Stay on 101 north & take Lucas Valley/Smith Ranch Rd. Exit after passing Central San Rafael.
• Terra Linda Freitas Parkway is the exit before & Marinwood is the exit after.
• If you hit Novato, you've gone about 15 min. too far. If Petaluma, about 30 min. too far.
• Make a Left at the intersection light onto Lucas Valley Rd. and proceed approx. 7.8 miles (about 20min).
• It is located at 5858 Lucas Valley Rd. Look for a small wooden sign displaying only the numbers 5858 on your Right. ** Be ready to turn when you see the Yellow Deer Sign.**
• Proceed through the gate to the Security Kiosk for clearance and directions.

• Take HWY 880 North towards Richmond/ Sacramento.
• You will see a split, stay to the left and merge onto highway 880/80 Berkeley.
• You are now heading toward HWY 580 West / 80 East San Rafael / Sacramento . Travel approx. 12 miles. There is another split, stay on your right and take the 580 West, across the Richmond Bridge ($2.00 toll Westbound) into Marin County, you will travel approx. 5 miles.
• From the bridge follow the signs to HWY 101 North to Eureka. Take the Hwy. 101 North ramp. Continue on HWY 101 and travel approx. 7 miles to the Lucas Valley/ Smith Ranch Road exit.
• Turn left at the light. The ranch is located approximately 7.8 miles from the stoplight. The address is 5858 Lucas Valley Rd. Nicasio, CA. 94946
• Follow this road until you see a plain wooden sign displaying the above numbers. It will be on the right side of the road. Turn into the drive-way and the gate will automatically open for you. You will then reach the security kiosk. They will give you directions from this point on.