This week, Hollywood celebrated cinema and science with the Academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards, which honor the discoveries and innovations that we’re not always aware of, but change our experience of watching movies.
Joining Host Flora Lichtman to talk about the newest advances in safely setting performers on fire and the other big screen breakthroughs is Darin Grant, co-chair of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee, part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Read our coverage of one of this year’s winners, FireSkin360 Naked Burn Gel, which allows stunt professionals to perform the illusion of setting their skin on fire.
Further Reading
- For monthly stories about the science behind the silver screen, subscribe to our reported newsletter, “Science Goes To The Movies.”
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Segment Guests
Darin Grant
Darin Grant is co-chair of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles, California.
Segment Transcript
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Meet the Producers and Host
About Dee Peterschmidt
Dee Peterschmidt is a producer, host of the podcast Universe of Art, and composes music for Science Friday’s podcasts. Their D&D character is a clumsy bard named Chip Chap Chopman.
About Flora Lichtman
Flora Lichtman is a host of Science Friday. In a previous life, she lived on a research ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.