Serving the themed entertainment community

Latest News

  • Garner Holt Productions establishes non-profit foundation
  • Blackpool Pleasure Beach directer Nick Thompson to open InterFun Expo 2020
  • Space Center Houston marks record attendance and introduction of Galaxy Lights
  • Triotech creating Vietnam’s first media-based interactive dark ride for Vinpearl Phú Quốc
  • Panasonic and Disney partner on blockbuster Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attractions
  • Falcon’s Creative brings high-tech media experiences and interactives to National Geographic’s “Becoming Jane” exhibition
  • Raising the standards of immersive storytelling: Disney opens Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Florida
  • Tickets now on sale for St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, opening Christmas Day
  • Home
  • Latest News
  • Online Issues
    • 2019
      • #80 – IAAPA 2019
      • #79.5 – IAAPA Expo 2019 Preview
      • #79 Europe and Waterparks
      • #78 – Asia/Tech
      • #77 – The Best in Themed Entertainment
    • 2018
      • #76 – Year End/Trade Show Round-up
      • #75 – IAAPA 2018
      • #74 – EME/Waterparks
      • #73 – Asia and Technology
      • #72 – Dubai/Museums
      • #71 – MENA/Entertainment
    • 2017
      • #70 – IAAPA 2017
      • #69 – Game Changers
      • #68 Going Global: Technology on the International Stage
      • #67 – Experience Design: Many Faces Many Places
      • #66 Theatrical Influence and Convergence
    • 2016
      • #65 IAAPA 2016
      • #64 Waterpark, Zoo & Aquarium 2016
      • #63 Technology 2016
      • #62 International
      • #61 Museums and Expanding Markets
    • 2015
      • #60 – IAAPA 2015
      • #59 – Zoos/Aquaria and Waterparks 2015
      • #58 – Technology 2015
      • #57 – International 2015
      • #56 – Museums 2015
    • 2014
      • #55 – IAAPA 2014 / Tenth Anniversary
      • #54 – Waterparks, Zoos and Aquariums 2014
      • #53 – Technology 2014
      • #52 – International 2014
      • #51 – Museums 2014
    • 2013
      • #46 – Museums 2013
      • #47 – International 2013
      • #48 – Technology 2013
      • #49 – Waterparks 2013
      • #50 – IAAPA 2013
      • 2013 Wrap-Up
    • 2012
      • #45 – IAAPA & WWA Wrap-Up
      • #44 – IAAPA
      • #43 – Waterparks
      • #42 – Technology
      • #41 – International
      • #40 – Museums
  • World markets
    • Asia
    • Europe & Middle East
    • Latin America & Mexico
    • North America
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
  • About
    • About InPark
    • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linked
    • Youtube

Legacies: Marty Sklar, Ivan Dryer, Ira West, George Casey

Aug 02, 2017 Joe Kleiman Asia, Attractions, Business, Europe & Middle East, Features, Headlines, Latin America & Mexico, Museums, News, North America, People, Technology & Media, Theme Parks, Water Parks, World Expos, World markets Comments Off on Legacies: Marty Sklar, Ivan Dryer, Ira West, George Casey


Legacies: Marty Sklar, Ivan Dryer, Ira West, George Casey

 

Four industry trailblazers passed away in recent months: Marty Sklar (pictured above), Ivan Dryer, Ira West and George Casey.  The legacy of their creative innovations will endure within the themed entertainment industry. They touched lives, careers and industries. On behalf of InPark Magazine, we express condolences to those they left behind while celebrating their accomplishments and contributions.

Ira West

Astroworld in Houston, Texas circa 1968, designed by R. Duell and Associates. Courtesy Houston Public Library.

In May 2017, California’s Great America introduced its Red, White and Brews Festival in Hometown Square, one of the park’s original areas designed in the 1970’s by R. Duell & Associates. Photo by Joe Kleiman for InPark Magazine.

Click here to listen to Doug Barnes, Brent Young, Robert Coker, and Mel McGowan’s 2016 interview with Ira West on The Season Pass podcast: 

Theme park designer Ira West passed away May 21, 2017 at the age of 78. As President and CEO of R. Duell & Associates, his many projects ranged from park design for the first three Six Flags branded parks, the two Great America Parks, Hersheypark, Worlds of Fun, Carowinds, and Parc Asterix – to theming and layout of groundbreaking rides such as Great America’s Demon roller coasters and Magic Mountain’s Revolution roller coaster and Raging Rapids water ride.

West’s legacy is that he helped raise the bar for regional parks. His designs delivered a unique hybrid of traditional amusement/ride park and thematic elements, enabling the parks to approach the kind of quality more generally associated with big destination properties.

George Casey

Executive Producer Mike Day (on left) with George Casey on location during filming of giant screen documentary “Ring of Fire.”

Casey (at microphone) accepts award for Best Feature at the 2004 LFCA conference for his film “Forces of Nature.” With him are Paul Novros and Sean Casey. Photo by James Hyder, © 2004 by Cinergetics, LLC.

Still of wildebeast migration from George Casey’s giant screen documentary “Africa: The Serengeti.” ©Serengeti Film Partnership.

Documentary filmmaker George Casey passed away June 3, 2017, at age 84. Casey studied film at UCLA and USC, eventually joining with Les Novros at Graphic Films and quickly moving into specialty formats. Ammiel Najar, a producer with Graphic Films, shared with InPark: “George was passionate about the dome. When people were shooting, he framed his films to play on a dome first. He felt the dome had an experiential point to it – it was almost like 3D, very immersive to him.”

Casey would go on to direct almost a dozen documentaries for giant-screen presentation (most often associated with the 15/70 format created by IMAX Corp.) two of which garnered him Oscar nominations – “Alaska: Spirit of the Wild” and “The Eruption of Mount St. Helens,” the first 15/70 film to receive an Oscar nomination). His film style would influence documentaries appearing for decades in theaters and on the small screen, and even Disney’s “The Lion King.” His work provided inspiration to a new generation of documentary filmmakers, among them, his son Sean, who would go on to film the inside of a tornado with an IMAX camera.

Ivan Dryer

InPark editor Judith Rubin is shown here with Ivan at the 2013 IMERSA Summit in Denver. Judy helped organize the Summit. She was instrumental in founding the IMERSA Lifetime Achievement Award and suggested Ivan Dryer be its first recipient. Ivan’s speech at the Summit was received with great applause and emotion and two standing ovations – one before and one after he spoke.

Ivan Dryer receives lifetime achievement award from Dan Neafus during 2013 IMERSA Summit in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James Hyder, © 2013 by Cinergetics, LLC.

Laserium founder Ivan Dryer passed away July 27, 2017 at age 78. The first Laserium show took place in 1973 at the Griffith Observatory and soon after, the concept of combining laser animations on a dome screen with music became an international sensation. Eventually, Dryer’s Laserium shows would be seen in 46 cities worldwide. In 2013, Dryer received a lifetime achievement award from IMERSA for his impact on the industry.

Dryer created something unprecedented and unique when he combined laser projection, music, and a dome screen. In addition to this pioneering creative and technical achievement, he also did something unprecedented for planetariums and science centers: Laserium showed that these facilities could be used as entertainment venues, increasing attendance and generating revenue. From rock concerts to nighttime spectacles at theme parks and world’s fairs, and on to the new realm of projection mapping, Dryer’s influence carries on with presentations where light becomes an actor.

Martin A. “Marty” Sklar

Marty Sklar and Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine at the TEA Thea Awards. Courtesy TEA.

L to R: BRC Imagination Arts founder Bob Rogers, InPark publisher Martin Palicki, and Marty Sklar during a 2013 fundraiser for Ryman Arts hosted by Marty and Leah Sklar at their home.

Disney Legend Marty Sklar was an enormous influence on the theme park industry and a beloved, familiar presence with colleagues and fans alike. He passed away July 27, 2017 at 83. A senior statesman of Walt Disney Imagineering, Sklar started his career at Disney by editing “The Disneyland News,” which would lead to a stint as Walt Disney’s speech writer and the screenwriter of the EPCOT film presented to the Florida Legislature, pivotal in the establishment of Walt Disney World. Sklar worked in one capacity or another, often overseeing creative elements, on every single Disney park to date. His touches are prevalent within parks as diverse as Epcot and Disneyland Paris.

Sklar loved creativity, telling InPark in a 2013 interview that one of his favorite pasttimes was to meet to with friends and colleagues for informal charrettes, creating innovative solutions to unique problems. He was heavily involved in the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and the TEA Thea Awards, and believed strongly in the concept of mentoring – one generation sharing its knowledge and expertise with the next.

Sklar saw the potential in youth and the importance of creativity in young people. One of his favorite projects was the redesign of the lobby at Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, completely accomplished through the volunteer efforts of those in the themed entertainment community. He was a co-founder of Ryman Arts, the arts education foundation named after his late friend and colleague Herb Ryman. As Diane Brigham, Ryman Arts Executive Director, pointed out: “…we at Ryman Arts experienced another side of this amazing man:  his commitment to educating young people and his fierce insistence that all students, especially the most vulnerable, deserve the highest quality education…he always put students first and understood the power of art to change lives.”

Disney Imagineering Legend Marty Sklar on The Five Spot

Share this:

  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Print
  • Pinterest

  • George Casey, giant screen theaters, Graphic Films, great america, imersa, In Memorium, Ira West, Ivan Dryer, laserium, Los Angeles Children's Hospital, marty sklar, obituaries, planetariums, R. Duell & Associates, ryman arts, six flags, TEA, Themed Entertainment Awards, walt disney imagineering, WDI
  • tweet
Related articles
  • Six Flags Discovery Kingdom lights up with solar power for Holiday in the Park
    Six Flags Discovery Kingdom lights up...

    Comments Off on Six Flags Discovery Kingdom lights up with solar power for Holiday in the Park

  • Timeless experiences and fantastic worlds: 26th annual TEA Thea Awards announced
    Timeless experiences and fantastic...

    Comments Off on Timeless experiences and fantastic worlds: 26th annual TEA Thea Awards announced

  • TEA 2020
    TEA 2020

    Comments Off on TEA 2020

  • Technifex: FauxFire® and real people
    Technifex: FauxFire® and real people

    Comments Off on Technifex: FauxFire® and real people

More in this category
  • Garner Holt Productions establishes non-profit foundation
    Garner Holt Productions establishes...

    Dec 09, 2019 Comments Off on Garner Holt Productions establishes non-profit foundation

  • Blackpool Pleasure Beach directer Nick Thompson to open InterFun Expo 2020
    Blackpool Pleasure Beach directer Nick...

    Dec 09, 2019 Comments Off on Blackpool Pleasure Beach directer Nick Thompson to open InterFun Expo 2020

  • Space Center Houston marks record attendance and introduction of Galaxy Lights
    Space Center Houston marks record...

    Dec 09, 2019 Comments Off on Space Center Houston marks record attendance and introduction of Galaxy Lights

  • Triotech creating Vietnam’s first media-based interactive dark ride for Vinpearl Phú Quốc
    Triotech creating Vietnam’s first...

    Dec 08, 2019 Comments Off on Triotech creating Vietnam’s first media-based interactive dark ride for Vinpearl Phú Quốc






Current Issue

  • #80 – IAAPA 2019
    #80 – IAAPA 2019

    Nov 16, 2019 Comments Off on #80 – IAAPA 2019

  • EDITORIAL: Looking back from 2019: 15 years of InPark
    EDITORIAL: Looking back from 2019: 15 years of InPark

    Nov 16, 2019 Comments Off on EDITORIAL: Looking back from 2019: 15 years of InPark

  • Editorial: Cross platforming and cross pollination
    Editorial: Cross platforming and cross pollination

    Nov 16, 2019 Comments Off on Editorial: Cross platforming and cross pollination

  • Christie: Museum makeovers
    Christie: Museum makeovers

    Nov 16, 2019 Comments Off on Christie: Museum makeovers

  • Movers and shakers
    Movers and shakers

    Nov 16, 2019 Comments Off on Movers and shakers

  • Meet Amanda Thompson
    Meet Amanda Thompson

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on Meet Amanda Thompson

  • Grupo Xcaret: Xavage Gardens
    Grupo Xcaret: Xavage Gardens

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on Grupo Xcaret: Xavage Gardens

  • IAAPA Expo Europe 2019
    IAAPA Expo Europe 2019

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on IAAPA Expo Europe 2019

  • The Hettema Group: Elevator Pitch
    The Hettema Group: Elevator Pitch

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on The Hettema Group: Elevator Pitch

  • Garner Holt Productions: Growing the legend
    Garner Holt Productions: Growing the legend

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on Garner Holt Productions: Growing the legend

  • JRA: “The One with the Pop-Up”
    JRA: “The One with the Pop-Up”

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on JRA: “The One with the Pop-Up”

  • Raven Sun Creative: Unwrapping the new Hersheypark
    Raven Sun Creative: Unwrapping the new Hersheypark

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on Raven Sun Creative: Unwrapping the new Hersheypark

  • TEA 2020
    TEA 2020

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on TEA 2020

  • ECA2: Showtime in Lanzhou
    ECA2: Showtime in Lanzhou

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on ECA2: Showtime in Lanzhou

  • Lesson plan
    Lesson plan

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on Lesson plan

  • Technifex: FauxFire® and real people
    Technifex: FauxFire® and real people

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on Technifex: FauxFire® and real people

  • Super 78: Geppetto Grows
    Super 78: Geppetto Grows

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on Super 78: Geppetto Grows

  • Smart Monkeys: Visualization vectors
    Smart Monkeys: Visualization vectors

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on Smart Monkeys: Visualization vectors

IPM Interviews

  • #80 – IAAPA 2019
    #80 – IAAPA 2019

    Nov 16, 2019 Comments Off on #80 – IAAPA 2019

    Table of contents
  • Meet Amanda Thompson
    Meet Amanda Thompson

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on Meet Amanda Thompson

    IAAPA’s incoming chair has deep roots in the attractions...
  • TEA 2020
    TEA 2020

    Nov 15, 2019 Comments Off on TEA 2020

    A chat with Michael Blau - incoming TEA International Board...
  • IAAPA 2019 Chair David Rosenberg: The aqua-man
    IAAPA 2019 Chair David Rosenberg: The aqua-man

    Nov 14, 2019 Comments Off on IAAPA 2019 Chair David Rosenberg: The aqua-man

    Rosenberg serves as the 2019 Chair of the IAAPA Board of...
  • CircusTrix CEO Fernando Eiroa: Leaps and bounds
    CircusTrix CEO Fernando Eiroa: Leaps and bounds

    Nov 14, 2019 Comments Off on CircusTrix CEO Fernando Eiroa: Leaps and bounds

    InPark spoke with Eiroa about the unique business of...
  • InPark exclusive:  Interviews with Jeremy Railton  and Scott Ault on the launch of their new company, Railton Entertainment Design (RED)
    InPark exclusive: Interviews with Jeremy Railton and...

    Nov 09, 2019 Comments Off on InPark exclusive: Interviews with Jeremy Railton and Scott Ault on the launch of their new company, Railton Entertainment Design (RED)

    Themed entertainment design veterans Jeremy Railton and...
  • ISE 2020
    ISE 2020

    Oct 22, 2019 Comments Off on ISE 2020

    The annual Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) trade show for...
  • IAAPA: “Wear comfortable shoes!”
    IAAPA: “Wear comfortable shoes!”

    Oct 21, 2019 Comments Off on IAAPA: “Wear comfortable shoes!”

    "If this is your first Expo, attend the First Time...
  • Netflix and thrill: Greg Lombardo joins the content streaming powerhouse as Head of Experiences
    Netflix and thrill: Greg Lombardo joins the content...

    Sep 11, 2019 Comments Off on Netflix and thrill: Greg Lombardo joins the content streaming powerhouse as Head of Experiences

    Lombardo brings with him more than a decade experience in...
  • Transitions: Leaps and bounds
    Transitions: Leaps and bounds

    Sep 10, 2019 Comments Off on Transitions: Leaps and bounds

    Industry professionals are making moves and creating waves
  • Exploring IAAPA Europe
    Exploring IAAPA Europe

    Sep 09, 2019 Comments Off on Exploring IAAPA Europe

    Meet recent additions to IAAPA’s European team
  • IPM Interview: Jennifer Lee Hackett, Sinking Ship Entertainment
    IPM Interview: Jennifer Lee Hackett, Sinking Ship...

    Aug 08, 2019 Comments Off on IPM Interview: Jennifer Lee Hackett, Sinking Ship Entertainment

    Giant screen veteran Jennifer Lee Hackett has joined...
  • John Miceli and the new DE-ŹYN Studios
    John Miceli and the new DE-ŹYN Studios

    Jun 28, 2019 Comments Off on John Miceli and the new DE-ŹYN Studios

    Throughout his career, John Miceli has worked in feature...
  • Meet Lionsgate Entertainment World’s new general manager: Selena Magill
    Meet Lionsgate Entertainment World’s new general...

    Jun 26, 2019 Comments Off on Meet Lionsgate Entertainment World’s new general manager: Selena Magill

    Meet the new GM of Lionsgate Entertainment World, scheduled...
  • ECA2: All eyes on Lanzhou
    ECA2: All eyes on Lanzhou

    May 08, 2019 Comments Off on ECA2: All eyes on Lanzhou

    ECA2's latest spectacle, a permanent installation in a...
  • IAAPA Expo Asia
    IAAPA Expo Asia

    May 06, 2019 Comments Off on IAAPA Expo Asia

    "Establishing a presence in both Hong Kong and Shanghai...
  • Vekoma: Coasting around Asia
    Vekoma: Coasting around Asia

    Apr 29, 2019 Comments Off on Vekoma: Coasting around Asia

    InPark spoke to Jason Pan, Vekoma’s regional director of...
  • Lisa Passamonte Green
    Lisa Passamonte Green

    Mar 21, 2019 Comments Off on Lisa Passamonte Green

    The Thea Awards Nominating Committee annually reviews and...
  • Infinite Kingdoms: Planet playology
    Infinite Kingdoms: Planet playology

    Mar 21, 2019 Comments Off on Infinite Kingdoms: Planet playology

    We recently connected with founder Denise Chapman Weston...
  • The French connection: Meet Michel Linet-Frion
    The French connection: Meet Michel Linet-Frion

    Mar 21, 2019 Comments Off on The French connection: Meet Michel Linet-Frion

    "Since I typically rely on contracted expertise and talent...
  • Andrew O’Rourke: Google THIS
    Andrew O’Rourke: Google THIS

    Mar 21, 2019 Comments Off on Andrew O’Rourke: Google THIS

    In late 2018, Andrew became an employee of Adecco working...
  • Mad Systems: The future is now
    Mad Systems: The future is now

    Dec 18, 2018 Comments Off on Mad Systems: The future is now

    InPark reported on the launch and revisited with Ensing for...
  • Time for a change
    Time for a change

    Dec 18, 2018 Comments Off on Time for a change

    InPark checks in with industry leaders who are heading back...
  • Michael Mercadante: Giving back
    Michael Mercadante: Giving back

    Nov 05, 2018 Comments Off on Michael Mercadante: Giving back

    Michael Mercadante, President of Main Street Design, Inc....
  • JCO: Theming beyond the theme park
    JCO: Theming beyond the theme park

    Nov 05, 2018 Comments Off on JCO: Theming beyond the theme park

    JCO, based in St. Louis, MO, specializes in master planning...
PLN5165_IAAPA_ORLANDO_BANNERS_INPARK_160X600

Categories

  • IPM Interviews
  • Theme Parks
  • Museums
  • Water Parks
  • Attractions
    • Haunts
    • Zoos & Aquariums
  • World markets
    • Asia
    • Europe & Middle East
    • Latin America & Mexico
    • North America
  • Technology & Media
  • Business
    • Events
    • People
  • World Expos

InPark Magazine

2349 E Ohio Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207 USA
262.412.7107
mpalicki@inparkmagazine.com

View our Privacy Policy

Copyright 2018 InPark Magazine / All rights reserved