Bob Slutske, Tech Expert Who Helped Pave the Way for Hollywood’s Computer-Digital Age, Dies at 81

Carly Thomas
·1 min read

Bob Slutske, an expert on the efficiency and effectiveness of media issues throughout the film production process, has died. He was 81.

Slutske died Tuesday in Los Angeles following a long illness, The Hollywood Reporter learned Wednesday.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Throughout his 60-year career, Slutske worked in the theater and entertainment space, serving as one of the initial developers of nonlinear editing technology. He also helped pave the way for computerized lighting and automated mix-down in the industry with “first of a kind” systems.

He started working in theater, focused on lighting, stage management and direction, including in the productions Amen Corner with James Baldwin and The Loudest Sound in the World with Frank Silvera. He transitioned to Ampex and LucasFilm, where he worked with Stanley Kubrick, Sidney Lumet, Alan Alda and George Lucas to bring nonlinear editing systems to market.

Slutske served 17 years as the vice president of National TeleConsultants, where he provided his tech expertise to industry leaders including Warner Bros., Universal Television, the Walt Disney Co., NBCUniversal, Paramount Pictures, ESPN, BET, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Television Archive, Microsoft and more.

Several media giants also had him assist with technology issues related to professional media, their functionality and cost-of-ownership, such as advanced technology, workflows and infrastructure.

Slutske was a lifelong member of the Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers and served on several key committees during his time there.

He is survived by his daughters, Shoshana and Reina Slutske, brother Dale Lewis and son-in-law Christopher Alden.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter