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Our guest this episode is audiovisual visionary and Global Ambassador, Chris Conte. Chris is a legend in audiovisual technology design with over 30 years of experience creating immersive, location-based experiences. As Global Ambassador for Electrosonic, Chris has played a pivotal role in shaping some of the world’s most iconic projects, including theme parks, museums, theaters,…
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There’s no shortage of big ideas when you’re with our guest today, Creative Executive Jason McManus. Jason’s journey has taken him around the world from Disney’s magic factory to the themed entertainment frontier of the Middle East bringing the seeds of ideas to fruition in some of the most innovative projects we can think of.…
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Today, we’re focusing on “designing with purpose” with my friend and mentor, Anthony Esparza. Anthony is an expert in creating unforgettable guest experiences. With a career spanning SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, and more, he’s known for infusing every project with purpose. Join us for our second interview with Anthony as we explore…
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Join us as we delve into the intricacies of the project management realm. Our guest today is Jeff Burton, a former WED Enterprises Imagineer who has played a pivotal role in some of the most renowned attractions worldwide, such as Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, Euro Disney, and Sea World. Jeff, a second-generation Imagineer, is celebrated…
Jean the Bean Designs SLS Cruiseline Greta Jean Bachura – 2024 Graduate Ringling College of Art and Design Embark on a voyage of luxury to see the wonders of the universe. Allow yourself the luxury of relaxation in a hot tub beneath Neptune’s watchful gaze, revel in vibrant celebrations with Apollo, indulge in sumptuous dining…
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Our guest is Architect and Theme Park Master Planner, Jeff Damron. Jeff is a 30+ year veteran of themed entertainment and destination design providing his expertise as an architect, designer and master planner in theme park projects, hotels, resorts, casinos, and many other mixed-use projects where people can live, work and play. Most recently he…
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Our guest is TEA Master and founder of The Bezark Company, Adam Bezark. His storied career from WDI to Landmark Entertainment Group allowed him opportunities to conceive and design monstrous IP attractions such as Jurassic Park: The Ride, the JAWS ride, and Terminator 2:3D for Universal. For WDI, he co-directed the beloved IllumiNations nighttime spectacular…
SplashBotix, a leading supplier of aquatic controls and submersible mechatronics to the show fountain, aquatic play and themed entertainment industries, today announced that its SplashValve, the fountain industry’s first diverter valve flow control device, has been UL listed for use with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spas, and interactive fountains.
Immersion has been the buzzword of the themed entertainment industry for a little over a decade or so. We’re in an arms race where every new project attempts to one-up the last by increasing the ‘immersiveness’ by another factor. Bigger, more enveloping, more detailed, and especially: more real. While some of the projects this has…
Logline Receiving an invitation to an old manor in the English countryside, guests witness the wonders of magic showcased by the former protégé of Merlin, Venarius, and his four apprentices, while trying to prevent their souls from being overtaken by the dark art of witchcraft. High Concept Welcome; one and all! You’ve been invited…
The themed entertainment industry has made itself more accessible than ever for members of
Generation Z, born approximately 1997-2012. Whether it be through theme park strategy games, vocational courses, workshops, panels, or documentaries, a vast well of knowledge serves to nourish our interests. Continue reading for an overview of how Gen Z’s theme park strengths can benefit the future of storytelling.
In the age of social media, podcast interviews, and streaming services, fans of almost all forms of popular entertainment are constantly granted exclusive first looks, ‘making of’ documentaries, and numerous other peeks behind the curtain of their favourite television shows, films, albums, music videos, and even theme park attractions. How much is too much?
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Our guest is Christian Hope, Vice President of Paramount Studios Theme Parks & Resorts. Christian has contributed concept designs in development of world-class attractions here in the US and around the world. His concepts have resulted in some of the most visited location-based entertainment sites around including Disneyland Paris, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and The…
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…
Sparkling lights, cheery music, the smell of popcorn, cotton candy, and crisp churros floating through the air — bright colors, immersive worlds, elaborate spectacles from dawn past dusk. This is the imagery that’s conjured up when theme parks and other immersive experiences are discussed: fun, frivolity, and above all a disconnection from the real world.…
“The sheer talent among creatives in our space is staggering,” said Ben Thompson, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Clients at Storyland Studios. “We were thrilled with the astounding response to the challenge, and excited to present the winner and finalists with their well-deserved awards.”
Pale Blue Dot Ventures has partnered with Orlando-based experience design firm IDEAS to design an all new space-themed entertainment and education destination in coastal Santa Barbara County, CA.
Featured Photo Credit: https://orlandoinformer.com/blog/rides-at-universal-for-larger-guests/ This essay contains mentions of weight numbers, percentiles, and size-related traumatic experiences and may be triggering to those with such experiences or eating disorders. You’re 12. You’re excited. You’ve waited all year for the summer to come and school is finally out! You and your friends are headed down on a…
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Ben Thompson is a global themed entertainment and marketing strategist who spent the last 20 years in leadership roles at global monoliths like Mars Inc., The Walt Disney Company, and the Merlin Group, where he was responsible for opening 4 LEGOLAND®️ Parks and 40 location-based entertainment sites worldwide. Ben is now the Chief Strategy Officer…
Join The Time Watcher as he recruits you on a thrilling mission to save the very fabric of time on this one of a kind roller coaster. . . adriangr.com .
A hotsy-totsy romp into the age of big bands, speakeasies, airships, and more!
“We have our eye on the future of the guest experience, insisting that we not accept what is before us—that we rise up to do it better.” —Louis Alfieri, Principal & Chief Creative Officer
This is my MFA thesis. In it, I address the initial opportunity and preliminary concept for a global- scale, geolocation capable, storytelling application that will be an individualised, themed, Augmented Reality experience, incorporating the Oral Traditions, stories, and music from Indigenous Cultures and local peoples in their own source languages and translating them into the guest’s language of choice as they are walking, riding, or otherwise moving throughout the environment. This application will also double as a travel tool, allowing the content user to select from items in an informational mode, incorporating different icons, attractions, food and beverage offerings, hotels, festivals, events, etc. Finally, the guest will be able navigate through the application remotely and hear all of the curated stories and music from the comfort of their own home or classroom, with gamification that allows the guest to better understand and connect with the global community during times where travel isn’t an option.
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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.…
At first glance it may not seem like there is that much in common between film editing and theme park design – but it turns out there’s a lot in common.
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
“We are at the dawn of a new period in human existence. Faced with challenges great and small, how can we assist cultural institutions in breaking through the fractured transmedia landscape to grow their audience, make a difference in the world, and ensure their financial viability.” – Louis Alfieri
Picture this: You’ve just endured countless hours (or has it been weeks—months, maybe?) of creative charrettes, late nights of design revisions and updates to the proposal for your next big guest experience project—and now you’re ready to get organizational buy-in. One of your key stakeholders—and most critical partners—is the marketing team. Sure, it’s their job…