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49 S U M M E R Q 2 I S S U E I N M E M O R I A M sound mixing whose technical skill was matched by a steady collaborative presence. She worked with him across nine films, including major projects such as "Ordinary People," "Speed," and "Evan Almighty." She said that Maslow's background in music made him especially sensitive to how sound elements interact — and particularly admired his ability to "make the music sing" while still protecting dialogue and sound design. In an era when mixing roles were more segmented (dialogue, effects, music), she added that he was "an integral part" of shaping how music functioned within the overall soundscape. "He had this magic for isolating ele- ments so the sound effects and environment could still come through," she remembered. "Even on the dub stage, where egos can get intense, he kept everything calm and moving forward. Everybody who worked with him will tell you the same thing: he was kind, honest, and deeply respectful." Sixteen-time Oscar-nominated sound mixer Greg P. Russell agreed, adding that Maslow's commitment to his craft — and his trademark humor — never wavered. "Anytime he ever walked onto a stage I was mixing on, he'd walk over to me and lean on my shoulder and say, 'You're not gonna leave it like that, are ya?'" he said. "I loved to laugh with him." When asked by Dolby in 2011 what his advice would be for up-and-coming sound professionals, Maslow said, "If you're going to go into cinema sound, stay focused. It's a very competitive field. Focus in on the craft you want to do—and I really mean specifically. Not just generally. Decide if you want to be a sound editor, a sound designer, or a mixer." He then added with a wry smile, "And don't get married…because economic con- ditions can be a little lean sometimes." Over the years, his influence extended beyond individual friendships. To those coming up, Maslow was a standard-bearer and a consistent reassuring presence, said re -recording mixer/supervising sound editor Karol Urban, CAS, MPSE, who first met him when she asked him to speak at LA Sound Group. "At a time when I was struggling to understand an entirely new landscape here in Los Angeles, he stood out for his extraor- dinary humility and generosity," she said. "He spoke with warmth, encouragement, and a complete lack of ego. That perspective stripped away some of the intimidation a n d u n c e r t a i n t y I w a s c a r r y i n g a n d reminded me that persistence mattered more than perfection." For all their success over the decades, it was who Maslow was that will stay with his longtime collaborators. "I will miss his humor and warm smile," Landaker said. "RIP my dear friend." Maslow is survived by his wife Ronna Maslow, son Travis, one granddaughter, and numerous friends and colleagues. ■ — Kristin Marguerite Doidge Maslow (in red) working on the 1990 mix of "Repossessed" with producer Steve Wizan and Greg P. Russell, right. P H OT O : C O U R T E S Y G R E G P. R U S S E L L