Douglas Shearer
Douglas Graham Shearer (November 17, 1899 – January 5, 1971) was a Canadian-American pioneering sound designer and recording director who played a key role in the advancement of sound technology for motion pictures. He won seven Academy Awards for his work. In 2008, he was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame. Douglas began his journey into cinema by studying experimental electricity at Northern Electric Company before joining MGM in 1925. Initially exploring lighting and cameras, he pivoted to sound when the era of sound pictures emerged in 1928. He pioneered synchronizing musical soundtracks with film scenes, notably in the groundbreaking "The Broadway Melody," which won the 1929 Oscar for Best Picture. As head of MGM's sound department until his retirement, Shearer revolutionized sound recording, winning an Academy Award for Best Sound Recording for "The Big House." His groundbreaking work at MGM significantly enhanced the technical aspects of filmmaking. His legacy was recognized even in death, receiving a front-page obituary in The New York Times—an honour typically reserved for industry giants and heads of state.
Known for
SoundBirthday
November 17, 1899Deathday
January 6, 1971Gender
MaleKnown Movie Credits
520Place of birth
Westmount, Québec, CanadaAlso known as
Douglas Graham Shearer, Douglas G. ShearerCast credits
Crew credits
The Human Comedy
Recording SupervisionThe Winning Ticket
Recording SupervisionWeek-End at the Waldorf
Recording SupervisionThe Cuban Love Song
Recording SupervisionAn American Romance
Recording SupervisionThe Outriders
Sound DesignerA New Romance of Celluloid: The Miracle of Sound
DirectorThe Voice of the City
Sound EngineerThe Idle Rich
Sound EngineerThe Thirteenth Chair
Sound RecordistThe Last of Mrs. Cheyney
Sound RecordistAnna Christie
Sound RecordistNot So Dumb
Sound RecordistThis Mad World
Sound EngineerThe Lady of Scandal
Sound DirectorFive and Ten
Sound DirectorThis Modern Age
Sound DirectorPaid
Sound DirectorThe Bachelor Father
Sound DirectorThe Sin of Madelon Claudet
Sound DirectorDynamite
Sound Recordist