Fantasy Studios Unveils State-of-the-Art Mixing Theater
Fantasy Studios today will unveil its refurbished 1,820-foot Fantasy Film Center in the Bay Area, used for sound mixing.
Formerly the Saul Zaentz Film Center, the full-service theater in Berkeley seats 50 guests and has been revamped to include the latest technologies, all the while conserving the feel of the original 1981 theater.
Over 200 films have been mixed at the Fantasy Film Studios, including the Oscar-winning classics “Amadeus,” “The English Patient,” “The Right Stuff,” “Blue Velvet” and “Boogie Nights.” The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also does screenings at Fantasy Film Studios.
“When I put the question to top people in the industries we service, ‘what would you think if we reopened the third floor mix stage?’ everyone responded unanimously,‘Fantastic!’ They all raved about the sound and build quality of the room, as well as the convenience and comfort,” said Fantasy Studios’ director Jeffrey Wood.
“We are proud to have achieved the re-build in an exceptional way, so that it is compatible and comparable with all of the top mix theaters. Fantasy Film Center was constructed like a musical instrument. The clarity and detail of the room is beautiful and it’s perfect for precision mixing,” he said.
Originally designed by screening room designer Jeff Cooper, the renovation was overseen by Bay Area engineer Jim Austin along with Alberto Hernandez and James Gangwer of Fantasy Studios in collaboration with Meyer Sound and Avid.
The Meyer Sound cinema system was updated by adding to two previously installed 650-P subwoofers. The theater’s new 5.1/7.1 system comprises three Acheron 80 screen channel loudspeakers, 10 HMS-12 surround loudspeakers, and a Galileo loudspeaker management system with one Galileo 408 and one Galileo 616 processor for system drive and optimization.
Having used Avid Pro Tools digital audio software in all its rooms since 1999, Fantasy Studios has installed the Avid Pro Tools | S6 modular control surface in the revived mix theater. The theater now includes ISDN connectivity and is directly linked to the large reverb and chamber collection in Fantasy Studios.
“Apocalypse Now,” “Good Will Hunting,” “Fellowship of the Ring,” “Sixth Sense,” “Moneyball,” “Finding Nemo” and “Toy Story” have all had post-production work done at Fantasy Studios and Fantasy Film Center. It also has been the home of many video-game recording sessions, including for Sony, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Telltale, and Somatone.
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