Scene from "Way Down East" recreated in Carolina Performing Arts' Process Series

Ice is cracking — and actor Lillian Gish is in danger of being swept away in a snowstorm.

This chase scene, from the 1920 silent film “Way Down East,” inspired international sound artist Stephen Vitiello’s new composition for Carolina Performing Arts’ Process Series.

The series gives artists an opportunity to create new, fresh pieces and present them to the college and community, said Joseph Megel, series founder and director.

The series runs throughout the academic year, and Vitiello is the first artist to be featured this year.

To create his art, Vitiello combines sound effects — such as the sound of cracking ice — with music.

Vitiello began collaborating with artists in the late ’80s to create music for video projects.

More recently, Vitiello has been doing sound exhibitions.

And for his performances in the Process Series on Friday and Saturday, he is going back to his roots in film.

Vitiello said he chose the chase scene from “Way Down East” because it captured his attention in a silent film class when he was in college.

“I found it really boring,” he said. “This scene was when I got excited.”

Vitiello wanted to use that memory as inspiration for the piece he will perform at UNC.

Vitiello does not approach his work as a composer when putting sound to the silent film — he improvises.

Working with surround sound in Gerrard Hall, he wrote the piece to go with the space.

He said he hopes his sound will go with the movie scene — not only with the background, but equal with the visual aspect.

In addition to the performances this weekend, Vitiello is participating in a two-week residency as part of the Process Series.

During his two weeks in Chapel Hill, Vitiello will interact with members of the art department and community. He will work with students to provide constructive criticism on their art.

“We haven’t done an artist who has worked specifically in sound,” Megel said.

He said there will be a question-and-answer session after the performances, so the audience can speak with Vitiello about his work.

Vitiello’s performance is both modern and relatable with its digital aspect, said Sabine Gruffat, an assistant professor in the art department.

“The internet is multimedia, not just text,” she said.

“Sounds are important.”

Contact the desk editor at arts@dailytarheel.com.