Location

MIT Media Lab, Building E14, 3rd Floor Atrium

Description

J.J. Abrams is the founder and president of Bad Robot Productions, which he runs with his producing partner Bryan Burk. Formed in 2001, Bad Robot is partnered with Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Studios and has produced films and television series such as "Cloverfield," "Star Trek," "Morning Glory," "Super 8," "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol," ABC’s "Alias" and "Lost," Fox’s "Fringe," and CBS’s "Person of Interest."

Born in New York and raised in Los Angeles, Abrams attended Sarah Lawrence College where he co-wrote a treatment that became the basis for Disney’s "Taking Care Of Business." In years following, he wrote or co-wrote such films as "Regarding Henry," "Forever Young," "Armageddon," and "Joy Ride."

In 1998, Abrams co-created his first television series "Felicity" with collaborator and long-time friend Matt Reeves. Abrams served as Executive Producer for the series’ four- season run on The WB. Additionally, Abrams created and executive produced "Alias" for ABC, and co-created (with Damon Lindelof) and executive produced ABC’s "Lost."

In 2006, Abrams directed his first feature film, "Mission: Impossible 3." His second feature directorial effort "Star Trek" was released in May 2009. "Super 8," written and directed by Abrams and produced by Abrams, Burk and Steven Spielberg, was released in June 2011. His most recent feature, the upcoming "Star Trek" sequel, will be released in 2013.

In 2005, Abrams received Emmy Awards for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series for the "Lost" pilot as well as Outstanding Drama Series for "Lost." He also received Emmy nominations for his "Alias" and "Lost" pilot scripts. In addition, Abrams composed the theme music for "Alias," "Fringe," "Lost," and "Person of Interest," and he co-wrote the theme song for "Felicity."

Host/Chair: Joi Ito