The "real" physics behind some of Hollywood's most famous action, science fiction and superhero scenes will be revealed when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents "When Worlds Collide: The Science of Movies," on Thursday, August 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
Presented by the Academy's Science and Technology Council, the program will be hosted by author Adam Weiner (DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME! THE PHYSICS OF HOLLYWOOD MOVIES) and will feature film clips and in-depth conversation with Oscar-winning visual effects artists Robert Legato ("Titanic") and Scott Stokdyk ("Spider-Man 2"), Oscar-nominated visual effects artists Shane Mahan ("Iron Man") and Matt Sweeney ("Apollo 13"), and stunt coordinator and second unit director Dan Bradley ("The Bourne Ultimatum").
Physics concepts will be used to analyze scenes from several films, including "2001: A Space Odyssey," "Speed," "Apollo 13," "Titanic," "The Bourne Ultimatum," "Spider-Man 3" and "The Dark Knight."
Weiner currently writes about science and popular culture for Popular Science magazine online and teaches physics at The Bishop's School, a private high school in La Jolla, California.
Established in 2003 by the Academy's Board of Governors, the Science and Technology Council provides a forum for the exchange of information, promotes cooperation among diverse technological interests within the industry, sponsors publications, fosters educational activities and preserves the history of science and technology of motion pictures.
Tickets to "When Worlds Collide: The Science of Movies" are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets are available for purchase by mail, at the Academy box office (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or online at
www.oscars.org . Doors open one hour prior to the event. All seating is unreserved.
The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information call (310) 247-3600 or visit
www.oscars.org .
