Jim LeBrecht

Jim LeBrecht has over 40 years experience as a film and theater sound designer and mixer, author, disability rights activist, filmmaker and founding member of FWD-Doc. Jim began his career in the theater, working as the resident sound designer at Berkeley Repertory Theatre for 10 years. His film mixing credits include the documentaries MINDING THE GAP, UNREST, THE FORCE, THE ISLAND PRESIDENT, THE WAITING ROOM, THE KILL TEAM, and AUDRIE AND DAISY. Jim co-authored “Sound and Music for the Theatre: the art and technique of design.” Now in its 4th edition, the book is used as a textbook all over the world.

Jim’s work as an activist began in high school and continues to this day. Jim is currently a board member at the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, which works for the rights of the disabled through education, legislation and litigation.

Nicole Newnham and Jim directed and produced the feature length documentary CRIP CAMP. CRIP CAMP tells the story of a revolutionary summer camp “for the handicapped,” Camp Jened, which ignited a community of people with disabilities to fight for civil rights and independence.