Biography

There are many professions in the entertainment industry that few people are aware of that are held by talented artisans. Ms. Bobbi Banks is one of those exceptional individuals. Ms. Banks brings to life the heart of the movie that without it would take us back to the days of silent film with subtitles, her talent for listening and her expertise in sound editing. . In 1985 Maurice Schell gave Ms. Banks her first film break as a Sound Apprentice on "Desperately Seeking Susan." With over 30 years in the industry, Ms. Banks' persistence and diligence have garnered her over 130 films to her credit list. Ms. Banks has gone on to work with directors such as John Singleton, Malcolm Lee, Louis Leterrier, Craig Brewer, Edward Zwick, F. Gary Gray and Reggie Hudlin. Some film titles include The Batman, Chevalier, Coming 2 America, Fate of the Furious, Selma, Straight Outta Compton, The Incredible Hulk, Poetic Justice, Best Man Holiday, Pawn Sacrifice, August Osage County and Ghost Rider. Ms. Banks' ADR Supervision has allowed her to work with such esteemed actors such as; Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Taraji P Henson, Terence Howard, Janet Jackson, Tupac, Jon Voight, Sir Ben Kingsley, Michael Caine, Jason Mitchell, O'Shea Jackson Jr, The Rock, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez.. and the list goes on. As Ms. Banks has a deep love for the post-production community, to add to her credit history, she is also a past president of Motion Picture Sound Editors; having become the first African American and the fourth woman to hold this position. She is also the first African American female sound editor, mix tech, female sound member at AMPAS and TV Academy Sound Editor Governor. Furthermore, Ms. Banks is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), serves on several committees. Some of the committees she currently serves on include the Television Academy Board of Governors, Motion Picture Editor Guild Board of Directors, Television Academy Honors co-chair, GreenLight Women Board of Directors, Academy Sound Branch Executive Committee, Academy Nicholl Task Force, Academy Museum Inclusion Advisory Committee, Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, Academy Gold Program Mentor, Academy Womens Affinity Core Committee, Academy's Student Academy Award Committee, Avid's Community Association, Academy Sound Branch Museum Committee, MPEG Political Engagement Committee, co-chair TV Academy Honors, and Industry Council for Roybal Film & Television Magnet. Ms. Banks is also past president of Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE), a former chair of A2020 Inclusion & Diversity Committee at AMPAS and former Chair of AMPAS Inclusion Advisory Committee. She is also one of the featured sound editors in the Sound Documentary "Making Waves." In March of 2025 Bobbi joined colleagues of I.A.T.S.E. in Sacrament to advocate for expanding California's tax incentive - speaking at hearings and town halls, meeting legislators to educate on the importance of sustaining our industry. Ms. Banks also is very passionate about furthering the artistic ability of our youth. She has helped to give scholarships to a youth summer film program, and continues being a conduit in putting people together from all cultures and artistic disciplines to tell their stories and continues to seek ways to encourage and mentor the next generation.
- IMDb mini biography by: Bobbi Banks

(2006-2013) President of the Motion Picture Sound Editors (M.P.S.E.). She was the longest active serving president of the organization to date.

Member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) (Emmys).

Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) (Oscars), serving on several committees and is also chair of the A2020 Diversity and Inclusion Initiative at AMPAS.