Corporate logo for Skywalker Sound as of 2005

Corporate logo for Skywalker Sound as of 2005

Skywalker Sound (formerly known as Sprocket Systems and occasionally Skywalker Sound North) is a post-production division of Lucasfilm Ltd., which was founded in 1975 by George Lucas, Gary Kurtz, and Ben Burtt (a successor to Dr. Walter Murch, A.C.E., who previously worked on American Graffiti and THX 1138) during the production of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. While their services include picture editorial, they specialize in sound effects, sound editing, sound design, foley, sound mixing (that is "re-recording"), and music recording/scoring. The company's main facilities are located at George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch in Lucas Valley (near Nicasio, California, though Marin County is most often attributed to the credits for Skywalker Sound's main studio); from 1990 to 1996, they also had an alternate division: Skywalker Sound South (which might have been called "Skywalker Sound West" on 1995's The Cure), but they still offer sound design and mix in Los Angeles.

Skywalker Sound was involved with the debut of such major sound formats as Dolby Digital (1992's "Ghost Train" trailer), Auro 3D (Red Tails), and Dolby Atmos (Brave).

In 1990 (the year that the company dropped the "Sprocket Systems" name completely), Skywalker Sound essentially collaborated with Sound Ideas Canada Ltd. and created the Lucasfilm Sound Effects Library. Some of their sound effects can be heard on other sound effects libraries, including the Soundstorm Sound Effects Library and Sony Pictures Sound Effects Library Volumes 6-10.

Staff

Over 600 people contributed to Skywalker Sound over the years since 1975. Many of their staff came from and/or went on to work at such post-production studios as American Zoetrope (AKA Zoetrope Studios and formerly known as Omni Zoetrope Studios), Saul Zaentz Film Center / Fantasy Studios, Studio C, Sound Recording Organization (S-R-O), Russian Hill Recording, Berkeley Sound Artists / IMRSV Post Sound (currently where the Saul Zaentz Film Center was formerly located), Warner Bros. Post Production Creative Services (AKA Warner Bros. Sound), e², Pacific Standard Sound, Park Road Post Production, Weddington Productions / Technicolor Sound Services (Weddington and Technicolor talent are now with Formosa Group), and Kelvin Optical among other services, many of which collaborated with Skywalker Sound. A nearly complete, unofficial list can be found here.

  • Andy Aaron
  • David Acord
  • Christopher Barnett
  • Jalise Beamon (2021-)
  • Richard Beggs
  • Tom Bellfort (1985-2005)
  • Steve Bissinger
  • Steve Boeddeker (1996-)
  • Kevin Bolen (2011-)
  • Jeremy Bowker (2007-)
  • Christopher Boyes
  • Onnalee Blank
  • Ben Burtt
  • Ian Chase (2022-)
  • Blake Collins (2016-2020)
  • David W. Collins (2018-)
  • Rich Danhakl (2022-)
  • Jessey Drake (2022-)
  • Richard Duarte (2020-)
  • Teresa Eckton
  • Bob Edwards
  • Frank Eulner (1990-2021)
  • David Farmer
  • Tim Farrell (2022-)
  • Andre Fenley
  • Erik Foreman (1998-2016)
  • Ryan J. Frias (2011-2018)
  • Luis Galdames (2023-)
  • J.R. Grubbs
  • Scott Guitteau
  • Colin Andrew Grant (2021-)
  • Colin Guthrie (2020-)
  • Nia Hansen
  • Lora Hirschberg
  • E.J. Holowicki
  • Pete Horner
  • Colette D. Dahanne
  • Alan Howarth (Early-to-mid 1980s or early-to-mid 1990s? Otherwise freelance)
  • Richard Hymns (Unknown-2018)
  • Leslie Ann Jones (Music/Scoring Department)
  • Richard King (1991-1998)
  • Ren Klyce
  • Casey Langfelder
  • Mary Helen Leasman (1983-2002)
  • James LeBrecht
  • Goeun Lee (AKA Goeun Lee Everett; 2021-)
  • Dennis Leonard
  • Michael Levine
  • Scott Levine (Engineering Services and Digital Editorial Support)
  • Leo Marcil (2022-)
  • Kristina Morss (2022-)
  • Tom Myers
  • Al Nelson
  • Tim Nielsen
  • Larry Oatfield
  • Steve Orlando
  • Kimberly Patrick
  • David Peifer (Digital Editorial Services and Support)
  • Juan Peralta
  • Travis Powers
  • Emma Present (2020-)
  • Brandon Proctor
  • Gary Reinhold
  • Gary A. Rizzo
  • Bill Rudolph
  • Gary Rydstrom
  • Chris Scarabosio (1992-)
  • Steve Schatz (2020-)
  • Michael Semanick
  • Brad Semenoff
  • Leslie Shatz
  • Michael Silvers (1983-2020)
  • Jason Skipper - Freelance Foley Recordist
  • Mac Smith
  • Kent Sparling
  • Gary Summers
  • Jussi Tegelman (2022-)
  • Randy Thom
  • Gwendolyn Yates Whittle
  • Bonnie Wild
  • Doug Winningham
  • Seth Wise (2020-)
  • Katy Wood
  • Matthew Wood (1992-)
  • Dawit Zemene (2021-)
  • Andre Zweers

Sound Effects Used by Skywalker Sound

Here are some non-Skywalker Sound and "stock" sound effects used by Skywalker Sound creatives, in alphabetical order:

Sound Effects Created by Skywalker Sound

Here are a few of Skywalker Sound's sound effects (listed in alphabetical order). However, some of the Hollywood Edge and Sound Ideas sound effects listed may be confused with similar sounds in Skywalker Sound projects; a question mark (?) is detonated by the applicable sound effects.

Partial filmography

Any film with an asterisk means that, though Skywalker Sound didn't provide sound services, a creative worked on it, but this list should include only Skywalker Sound-based projects.

NOTE: Any film with the attributes "uncredited?" "uncredited" and/or "rumored", and/or a question mark after the link to the title's page on this wiki, is unconfirmed and may be based solely on the presence of certain Skywalker Sound sound effects (which may be considered stock sound effects) used in the film, its trailers, or remixes of the film; the attributes may also apply to fake IMDb credits for Skywalker Sound crew claimed to be involved (uncredited or credited). In those cases, Skywalker Sound should NOT be added to the IMDb pages of any of those films, unless you can confirm the source.

1940s

  • The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress (1944) (The 2018 Restoration, uncredited)

1970s

1980s

  • Black Angel (1980) (2015 restoration)
  • Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) (uncredited except for the 1997 edition. Separate credits for the 2004 edition apply; unknown for the 2007, 2011 and 2019 editions.)
  • SP FX: Special Effects - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) (uncredited)
  • Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) (uncredited; in collaboration with Weddington Productions.)
  • The Big Stuffed Dog (1981) (rumored for "uncredited" re-recording.)
  • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) (uncredited)
  • Koyaanisqatsi (1982) (uncredited)
  • The Stereo Demonstration Film (1982) (Credited only for Re-recording as "Sprocket Systems, Lucasfilm".)
  • Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) (Credited only for "Rerecording at Sprocket Systems" except for the 1997 edition. Separate credits for the 2004 edition apply; unknown for the 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 editions.)
  • Twice Upon a Time (1983) (Credited as "Sprocket Systems" and in collaboration with Saul Zaentz Film Center.)
  • The Right Stuff (1983) (uncredited? Otherwise confused with Saul Zaentz Film Center, which was the main post-production services for the film.)
  • Never Cry Wolf (1983) (uncredited or confused with the uncredited Saul Zaentz Film Center? In association R.C.A. Photophone System.)
  • From 'Star Wars' to 'Jedi': The Making of a Saga (1983) (Credited only for Sound Re-recording at "SPROCKET SYSTEMS, MARIN COUNTY, CALIF.")
  • The Terminator (1984) (Audio Restoration and Re-Mixing for the 2000 DVD release only.)
  • Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) (Credited as "SPROCKET SYSTEMS, A Division of Lucasfilm Ltd.")
  • The Adventures of André & Wally B. (1984) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • The Ewok Adventure (1984) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • The Cotton Club (1984) (in association with Zoetrope Studios and Sound One Corp., and maybe the uncredited Saul Zaentz Film Center; credited as Sprocket Systems.)
  • Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets (1984) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Speed (1984) (in collaboration with Soundelux and International Recording; credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) (in collaboration with Glen Glenn Sound Company; credited as SPROCKET SYSTEMS)
  • The Times of Harvey Milk (1984) (LT/RT Stereo Mix from the Original only, although some Skywalker Sound-based staff were involved at Saul Zaentz Film Center.)
  • Wildrose (1984) (in collaboration with EFX Systems, Russian Hill Recording, Studio C. San Francisco, and The Sound Service. Credited as both "Sprocket Systems" and "Lucasfilm Ltd." along with the other sound post-production services under "Film Services".)
  • Star Wars: Droids ("The Great Heep" only / 1985–1986; uncredited)
  • Star Wars: Ewoks (Season 2 only / 1985–1986; in collaboration with Russian Hill Recording. Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Punky Brewster (rumored on IMDb for post-production sound services)
  • Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Cocoon (1985) (Credited for "Special Sound Design by" only as Sprocket Systems; some uncredited sound editorial and mixing unconfirmed.)
  • Latino (1985) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • The Dream is Alive (1985) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Prehistoric Beast (1985) (uncredited? May be confused with another sound service)
  • The Legend of Billie Jean (1985) (uncredited)
  • Explorers (1985) (uncredited; in collaboration with Weddington Productions)
  • Fletch (1985) (uncredited)
  • The Mean Season (1985) (credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985) (in collaboration with Russian Hill Recording; credited as Sprocket Systems. Zoetrope Studios may've also been involved.)
  • Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • The Mad Ave Wizard (1985) (in collaboration with Servisound; credited as Sprocket Systems. Russian Hill Recording was only involved with music.)
  • Luxo, Jr. (1986) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Nutcracker: The Motion Picture (1986) (in collaboration with Saul Zaentz Film Center; credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic (1986)
  • Howard the Duck (1986) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) (uncredited? mix only? in collaboration with Sound One Corporation and Zoetrope Studios?)
  • Seize the Day (1986) (Credited only for sound mixing as "Sprocket Systems")
  • True Stories (1986) (uncredited? May be confused for another sound service)
  • Captain EO (1986) (uncredited)
  • Cherry 2000 (1987) (re-recording only; in collaboration with Gordon Ecker Productions. Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam (1987) (in collaboration with Saul Zaentz Film Center, Gentle Synergy, Russian Hill Recording, S-R-O, and Buzzy's Recording. Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Gardens of Stone (1987) (uncredited; in collaboration with American Zoetrope [as Zoetrope Studios])
  • Gumby Adventures (Audio transfers only; 1987-1989. In collaboration with Focused Audio, Saul Zaentz Film Center, and Russian Hill Recording. Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Red's Dream (1987) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Walker (1987) (uncredited? In collaboration with Zoetrope Studios? May be confused with another sound service.)
  • Spaceballs (1987) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Wings of the Honneamise (1987) (uncredited? 1997 10th Anniversary 5.1 Remix only)
  • Sprocket Systems: The First Ten Years (1987) (No credits, but the company name then used is titular.)
  • '68 (1988) (re-recording only; in collaboration with B & B Sound Studios. Credited under parent company "Lucasfilm Ltd.")
  • Alamo: The Price of Freedom (1988)
  • Big Time (1988) (Re-recording only; in collaboration with Westwood One. Credited as Sprocket Systems.)
  • Willow (1988) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • The Land Before Time (1988) (uncredited; mix only? In collaboration with Cannon Elstree Studios and TAJ Soundworks)
  • Tin Toy (1988) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Spirit Warrior: Peacock King (OVAs "Festival at Ogre's Revival" (1988) and "Castle of Illusion" (1989) only; credited under parent company as "LUCASFILM.LTD SPROCKET SYSTEMS -POST PRODUCTION" and "LUCASFILM LTD SPROCKET SYSTEMS -POST PRODUCTION SKYWALKER STUDIO" respectively. These credits are reduced to "LUCAS FILM, Ltd." on the English credits.)
  • Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988) (in collaboration with Zoetrope Studios?)
  • Colors (1988)
  • Garfield and Friends (rumored on IMDb for post-production sound services; Horta Editorial & Sound/Hacienda Post did the sound.)
  • Cocoon: The Return (1988)
  • The Couch Trip (1988) (Credited only for being "Re-recorded at SPROCKET SYSTEMS")
  • Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) (Rumored)
  • Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) (Re-recording only; in collaboration with Saul Zaentz Film Center. Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Powaqqatsi (1988) (Credited only for re-recording on the movie as Sprocket Systems, though the soundtrack adds sound effects recording at Skywalker Ranch to the credits.)
  • Always (1989) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • An American Summer (1989) (Credited only for "Sound Mixed at SKYWALKER RANCH, San Raphael, California by SPROCKETSYSTEMS—a division of LUCASFILM, LTD.")
  • Body Wars (1989) (uncredited)
  • Bridge to Silence (1989) (Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • The Chilling (1989) (Re-recording facilities only, though some Skywalker Sound-based staff were involved outside of the mix. Credited as SPROCKET SYSTEMS INC. A DIVISION OF LUCASFILMS LTD. Marin Coutny, CA.)
  • Driving Miss Daisy (1989) (in collaboration with JDH Sound; credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Fletch Lives (1989) (uncredited)
  • Knick Knack (1989) (credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) (credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989) (remastered version only as of [year TBA]; uncredited?)
  • Matinee (1989) (Re-recording only; credited as Sprocket Systems.)
  • The Abyss (1989) (1993 Special Edition; Re-recording only, in collaboration with Sonic Kitchen)
  • The Little Mermaid (1989) (rumored)
  • The Neon Empire (1989) (Credited only for but not limited to "RE-RECORDING BY SPROCKET SYSTEMS, A DIVISION OF LUCASFILM LTD.")
  • Romero (1989) (Credited as "SPROCKET SYSTEMS, A Division of LUCASFILM, LTD.")
  • Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989) (foley only; in collaboration with Weddington Productions. Credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Deadlock (1989) (Re-recording Facilities and Special Thanks to The Entire Staff only; credited as "SPROCKET SYSTEMS, a division of LUCASFILM, LTD. MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA", and in collaboration with Saul Zaentz Film Center. Some Skywalker Sound-based staff were involved with SZFC and on the C.P.P. crew.)
  • Eat a Bowl of Tea (1989) (uncredited? In collaboration or confused with Russian Hill Recording and S-R-O?)
  • Daredreamer (1989) (Re-recording only; credited as Sprocket Systems)
  • Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers (rumored episodically on IMDb for post-production sound services with Ben Burtt as a sound effects editor)
  • Santikos Theatres (1988-1989) (Policy Trailer)

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s

Upcoming

  • Little Mother Lies (2025) (Shorts)
  • Limbo (2025) (Shorts)
  • Queen at Sea (2026)
  • I Love Boosters (2026)
  • Mother Mary (2026) (in collaboration with Marshall Sound Design?)
  • From Dust We Spin (2026)
  • Toy Story 5 (2026)
  • Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)
  • Moana (2026)
  • Disclosure Day (2026) (in collaboration with Fox Studio Lot)
  • Exes (2026)
  • Midnight Drop (2026) (Shorts)
  • Seized (2026)
  • Buddy (2026)
  • Rachel, Breathe (2026)
  • The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender (2026)
  • Mouse (2026)
  • YO Love Is A Rebellious Bird (2026)
  • Ray Gunn (2026)
  • Children of Blood and Bone (2027)
  • Animal Friends (2027) (Rumored on IMDb likely due to rumors of Al Nelson and Soundbyte Studios creative James Mather being formerly listed as supervising sound editors. Warner Bros. De Lane Lea did the sound.)
  • Gatto (2027)
  • Spaceballs: The New One (2027)
  • Margie Claus (2027)
  • Sing 3 (2027)
  • Beasts of Burden (TBA)
  • Blade (TBA)

External Links