Photo Credit: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/26/theater/stephen-sondheim-dead.html Stephen Sondheim, famed musical theatre composer, lyricist, genius, and a personal idol of mine recently passed away. His death has recently caused me to reexamine a thought I’ve had from time to time: that rides are akin to songs. It might sound a bit strange at first to suggest that rides and…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Jason Surrell is the Executive Creative Director at Storyland Studios. He was previously the Senior Creative Director on Universal’s newest theme park projects, Universal Studios Beijing and Epic Universe, as well as a creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering. Jason is an amazing storyteller, whether it be in the shows, attractions, or books he’s written.…
Taking a look at 5 Act Structure and how it might apply to themed attractions.
“If your team of experience designers is without a writer—a storyteller who braids the threads of the design into a golden cord that captures not just your guest’s imagination, but their hearts—you risk missing the emotional connection that drives success. Content, technology, spectacle, even story—without connection—will not be remembered or returned to.” ~ Stacy Barton
-or- How I Learned the First Thing my Themed Design Clients Really, Really, REALLY Want from Me by Adam M. Berger Berger Creative Associates, Inc. I was at a relatively early point in my career as a show writer when I learned a valuable lesson from one of my attraction design colleagues. Actually, I’ve learned…
Confessions of a Freelance Attraction Show Writer In response to your excellent questions about getting into the business of becoming a freelance themed attraction writer, I can only refer to my own experiences. As you know, I worked as a freelance writer in the themed attraction design business for several years before ITEC Productions finally…