Kennedy: Sound is the heartbeat of film

Filmmaker Kathleen Kennedy was honored by the Motion Picture Sound Editors, where she celebrated the vital role of sound design in filmmaking. Kennedy emphasized that sound is not merely an add-on but the fundamental 'heartbeat of the story.' She recounted how the iconic sounds for E.T. in Steven Spielberg's film, such as heavy footsteps and raspy breathing, were crucial in making the character feel real.

Kennedy revealed that E.T.'s distinctive voice was created from recordings of a woman named Pat Welsh, who was overheard at a store. This story exemplifies how sound, even from unexpected sources, can define a character. She also confirmed that Grogu, a popular character from 'The Mandalorian & Grogu,' will continue to communicate non-verbally in the upcoming film.

Reflecting on her departure from Lucasfilm leadership in January, Kennedy mentioned a decade-long mentorship process for her successors, Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan. She also addressed the impact of social media on fan expectations during her tenure. Kennedy expressed intrigue about AI's potential role in filmmaking, clarifying it should augment human creativity rather than replace it.

During her career, Kennedy has been involved in numerous acclaimed films, including 'Jurassic Park,' 'Back to the Future,' and 'Schindler's List.' Her leadership at Lucasfilm saw the release of major hits like 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.' Her upcoming projects include 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' and 'Star Fighter.'