EVENT: Tom Smith, filmmaker and special effects pioneer, discusses his work on films including “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “E.T.,” “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” and “Return of the Jedi” as part of the Harry Ransom Lectures.
WHEN: Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: KLRU’s Studio 6A in the Communication Center Building B at The University of Texas at Austin. Maps of campus are available online.
BACKGROUND: As head of George Lucas’ visual effects facility, Industrial Light and Magic, Smith oversaw the visual effects for many iconic films. After leaving Lucasfilm, Smith produced films and visual effects for Disney, Jim Henson Productions and Ted Turner. Smith is also the author of “Industrial Light and Magic: The Art of Special Effects.” Smith recently donated his collection to the Harry Ransom Center.
The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Members of the Harry Ransom Center receive complimentary parking and priority entry at this program. Doors open at 6:20 p.m. for members and at 6:30 p.m. for the general public. Members must present their membership cards for priority entrance; one seat per membership card. Members arriving after 6:30 p.m. will join the general queue. Complimentary parking for members is available at the University Co-op garage at 23rd and San Antonio streets.
The Harry Ransom Lectures honor former University of Texas Chancellor Harry Huntt Ransom and highlight the Ransom Center’s vital role in the university’s intellectual and cultural life. The program brings internationally renowned writers, artists and scholars to Austin for public events and conversations with university students. The lectures are made possible by the generous support of the University Co-op.
