Description

A discussion about the emotional perception of sound as an immediate automatic response and how this plays a role in the sound design of The Sims.

Registration

This event is free and open to the public with registration. To register, please fill out this Google form.

Speakers

Jackie Perez Gratz, Audio Director at Electronic Arts and Voice Craft Director at Maxis

Jackie Perez Gratz is an Audio Director at Electronic Arts and Voice Craft Director for the Maxis Studio and Sims franchise where she has been involved with Voice for Sims games for over 20 years including The Sims2, The Sims3, The Sims4, MySims, Sims Medieval, and other Sims console and mobile titles. Jackie is also an accomplished vocalist and musician, singing and playing cello in her own metal bands as well as contributing to albums of iconic underground bands such as Neurosis, Om, Kingwoman, and Agalloch.

Stephen Frank, Senior Audio Artist with Electronic Arts and Maxis

Stephen Frank is a Senior Audio Artist with Electronic Arts and Maxis where he works on The Sims. Before his time at EA he was the lead sound designer for the 4x game Old World by Mohawk Games. In Stephen’s nearly 20 year career in audio he has worked in film, commercial, music, and broadcast studios during which he won sound design awards for the short film Chemistry 101 and engineered for Mickey Hart.

Hessel, Voice Director with Electronic Arts and Maxis

Hessel is a Voice Director with Electronic Arts and has worked with the Maxis studio for 8 years. During their time on the Sims, they have worked on many expansion packs including The Sims 4 Cats and Dogs, Cottage Living, Horse Ranch, and Life and Death. Before their time at The Sims they worked with Side London as a voice editor for video games such as MLB the Show, and Final Fantasy XIV, as well as being part of a team helping build voice recognition tools for companies such as Facebook and Google. Hessel comes from a musical background, playing both flute and singing in bands and side projects.