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TEA NextGen Brings its Members Face to Face with TEA Member Companies at GibGab Events

Joe Kleiman
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TEA NextGen Brings its Members Face to Face with TEA Member Companies at GibGab Events

Burbank, CA, USA (April 8, 2015) — The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) cultivates students and young talent through its NextGen initiative. Activities include TEA GibGab, a speed networking event bringing together TEA NextGen members, who are college students or recent grads – with TEA member companies looking for new hires. Professional development takes place through a series of tightly scheduled, brief interviews and a group question-and-answer session.

A TEA GibGab event enables up to 36 candidates to present themselves to as many as 18 different companies, in fields ranging from design and media to engineering and AV, from economics and project management to theme park operations, master planning and more.

“These young people are remarkable,” said TEA President Steve Birket (Birket Engineering) who participated in TEA GibGab East. “My own company has hired two TEA NextGen members in the past year. The large entertainment owner/operators tell me that TEA’s member companies are their lifeblood. The talent we cultivate is our industry’s future.”

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TEA GibGab East – April 2

At TEA GibGab East, April 2 in Orlando, Florida, sponsored by and hosted at the offices of VOA Associates, with additional sponsors FUNA International and Nickelodeon, TEA NextGen Committee Chair Clara Rice of JRA reported that several attendees traveled to Orlando specifically to attend the event, including from as far away as Colorado and Montana. “Now that’s dedication!” said Rice.

Some will likely find work as a result of GibGab, as has happened in previous years.  Rice said, “In speaking with participating companies afterwards, many think they found good matches.” In addition to VOA, FUNA and Nickelodeon, participating companies were Acomb Ostendorf & Associates, Adirondack Studios, AECOM, Alcorn McBride, Birket Engineering, Busch Gardens Tampa, Electrosonic, exp, Luce Group, nth Degree, Rethink Leisure & Entertainment, Themeworks and Universal Creative.

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TEA GibGab West – April 16

TEA GibGab West, scheduled for April 16 and hosted at the offices of Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, California is likewise filling up. Sponsoring companies are Rethink Leisure & Entertainment, Mad Systems, Technifex and The Producers Group. Additional companies confirmed include Arc Thematic, BRC Imagination Arts, Entertainment Design Corp., Fox Location Based Entertainment, Lexington Design + Fabrication, Lightning in a Bottle, RGH Entertainment, Technifex, Thinkwell Group, Universal Creative and Visual Terrain. Organizer Arielle Rassel said, “The response has been incredible. We’ve got NextGen members traveling in from multiple states for the event. We’re at a peak point in the industry right now, and companies are clamoring for solid young talent. It’s inspiring.”

The support of dedicated volunteers and sponsors is invaluable to TEA programs and events. In addition to those mentioned above, key TEA GibGab volunteers include Andrew Hansen, Anne Huang and Daryl Le Blanc (VOA), Tito Soto and Laurel Van Patten (Rethink), John Paul Guerts, Kirsten Cobb and Patrick Kling (Nickelodeon), Ken Kalish (FUNA), Jennifer Kinsella and Jovon Eberhart.

Future of the visitor attractions industry

Programs such as GibGab help perpetuate the unique culture of our industry,” said TEA COO Jennie Nevin.  “Especially in Asia, we are seeing dramatic growth in the leisure sector, and there is huge demand for what our members can provide. TEA is pleased to do its part to mentor new generations in the creation of compelling experiences and places.”

TEA activities of this nature are taking place around the world – in the Association’s Europe & Middle East Division and Asia Pacific Division, as well as its Eastern and Western North American Divisions. They include outreach to academics as colleges and universities develop themed entertainment curricula, and the formation of TEA@University clubs; mentoring programs, webinars and opportunities to volunteer at TEA conferences. TEA’s annual SATE conference (Storytelling + Architecture + Technology = Experience) in September is traditionally hosted on a college campus to make the most of the Association’s growing international dialog with students and the academic community.

Electrosonic Engages Nature at Biomuseo in Panama City

Joe Kleiman
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Electrosonic Engages Nature at Biomuseo in Panama City

Los Angeles, CA, USA (April 8, 2015) — Electrosonic has designed, fabricated and installed audio-visual systems in one of the most unique museums in the world, the Biomuseo in Panama City, Panama. Situated on the Amador Causeway, at the entrance to the Panama Canal in Latin America’s only Frank Gehry-designed building, the Biomuseo will offer eight permanent art and science galleries on the origin of the isthmus and its impact on the planet’s biodiversity.

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In the early design stages of the project, Electrosonic’s Design Consulting team worked with Kubik Inc, the project design/build and management group, on the development of each gallery, whose fabrication and installation ultimately changed little over time. “About 95 percent remained the same, so when Electrosonic executed the concept design, it all worked very smoothly,” reports Electrosonic project manager Steve Calver.

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The first five galleries, based on the original concept design provided by Bruce Mau Design, flow in a sequential manner reminiscent of a queue line. Visitors enter the Biomuseo at the Gallery of Biodiversity where an explosion of life immediately captures their attention. On the walls, a nine-panel Samsung LCD monitor system is stacked horizontally and vertically in custom frames. A looping montage of flora and fauna, with ambient surround sound, is synchronized by a Dataton WATCHOUT system so the monitors can display breathtaking individual content or portions of a sweeping single image. A Sunrise LED ticker reminds visitors how many people currently live on the planet.

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The gallery leads to the appropriately titled Panamarama Theatre, a three-story, cube-shaped projection space where ten screens, on all sides and above and below a glass ceiling and floor, immerse visitors in the natural wonders of the country’s ecosystems. They watch as stunning nature cinematography shows leaf cutter ants marching under the floor, a lush jungle trail, a down river sailing expedition, a beautiful Pacific Ocean beach and the underwater domain of whales.

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“None of the screens are parallel or perpendicular,” says Calver. “They are hung at different angles and in different directions, so we used Panasonic projectors and custom mirror bounce mechanisms from Elliott Metal Fabrication to display the images.” Kubik provided the screens. The image playback, along with warping, masking, positioning and audio playback, was accomplished with a custom 10-channel 7thSense HD server. The video presentation is driven from a custom, 10-channel 7thSense video server and QSC audio system. A Medialon touch panel manages visitor flow and show operation.

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The Panamarama Theatre exits into Building the Bridge, which explains how tectonic forces formed the isthmus. The gallery is dominated by three 34-foot high rock formations with interactives on geological topics by Richard Lewis Media Group.

The last gallery, Worlds Collide, examines the exchange of species between North and South America when a stampede of animals began almost 3 million years ago. Life-size white models of the creatures – from otters to mammoths – fill the space along with Richard Lewis Media Group interactives built into the architectural structure.

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Electrosonic furnished Extron fiber optic extenders, Cisco network switching, ATEN KVM units, APC power supplies, JuiceGoose power distribution and Middle Atlantic equipment racks for the Biomuseo. Audio gear includes Peavey NION DSP, Stewart Audio amps local to exhibits and a custom 24-channel Richmond Sound audio playback system, which offers maximum flexibility in audio distribution and playback across the entire museum.

The control room equipment racks are laid out in parallel rows of three racks. “A large breakout cabinet acts as a centralized location where everything that comes into the museum can terminate without all the racks having to be in place,” Calver explains. “Since the Biomuseo has been several years in the making, this has allowed us to manage the process of cabling and terminating, testing and verifying without worrying if the rack of equipment had arrived. We’re very happy with how this has worked out.”

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“We really enjoyed working on the Biomuseo,” says Calver. “It was nice to work at a less frantic pace, which allowed us to execute a very complex set of exhibits in a way that came off really well.”

Audio Foto PRO provided local installation services for the project.

d3 Media Servers Achieve Real Time Projection Mapping at Dubai Event

Joe Kleiman
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d3 Media Servers Achieve Real Time Projection Mapping at Dubai Event

London, UK (April 8, 2015) – Production Technology LLC (Protec), the largest live events production company in the Middle East, put d3 Technologies’ 4x4pro media servers to work on the Hamdan bin Mohammed Programme for Smart Government awards (HbMPSG) at the World Trade Centre Arena in Dubai.  Protec chose d3 media servers with CAST BlackTrax realtime motion tracking to deliver the complex projection mapping element of the event.

The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Award for Smart Government is the first and most prestigious award to recognise and reward public services in Dubai. The award was launched as part of an integrated programme that seeks to lay the foundation of the Smart Government in Dubai, through improving the work of the government machinery and applying the Smart Government initiative. The awards were presented by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

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At the event, the audience enjoyed 300-degree views around a 22-metre circular stage featuring a 5-metre cube and 2 large jigsaw puzzle-shaped set pieces.  The cube rotated, lifted and pivoted during the show while the two jigsaw pieces moved on hidden tracks around the edge of the stage.  The cube and puzzle pieces served as display surfaces for the projection mapped content – a mix of live camera feeds of the award winners, videos, and motion graphics.

Protec hired consulting company BAJT to help plan and execute the integration of d3 technology into the project. They used d3 media servers with BlackTrax and 32 Christie Digital HD20K J Series projectors. The team worked with d3 Technologies’ technical director Ash Nehru; Nehru has been working on d3 and BlackTrax integration as part of the upcoming release of r11.4, d3’s latest software.

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David Bajt of BAJT consultants explained that d3 media servers were chosen because “d3 is the only system that provides realtime simulation of video content, screen movements and audio playback and also has extremely powerful tools for mapping up the physical scenery quickly and accurately.  The pixel-perfect 3D simulation, which was key during the preproduction phase of the project, essentially enabled a perfect physical mapping onsite.  For a project like this, where sculptural video surfaces had to move to random positions while still being perfectly mapped, the only answer was working in a 3D realtime environment.”

The effectiveness of the d3 system for projection mapping was demonstrated early on. As soon as an initial 3D model was completed, virtual projectors were placed in the realtime 3D simulator to plan and test where to position projectors, how many to use, and what lenses were needed. Bajt noted that, “d3’s Footprint feature allowed us to truly simulate the quality of the projection and avoid mistakes, such as having too little coverage or using too extreme projection angles.” Combined with other technical components provided by Protec, the model helped the client envision how the whole show would look prior to being on site and approve content.

Projector accuracy was an essential component to the success of the show. A new d3 feature developed with BlackTrax facilitated projector calibration for the awards ceremony. “Usually we calibrate projectors by mapping them onto the actual surface – a building facade, a car, a theater set,” Bajt explained.  “We calibrated the projectors to the volume of the planned screen movements – imagine a ‘bounding box’ around the intended screen positions. Set pieces were not required for calibration, which helped us work within the tight build schedule. We simply walked around with a BlackTrax marker on stage and calibrated the projectors to the different marker positions instead of directly onto the set. We used approximately eight marker positions for every projector.”

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For the live projection mapping, BlackTrax streamed realtime positional information via high-speed protocol (RTTrPM) to the d3 media servers.  Bajt explained: “BlackTrax markers, tiny IR LED points, were mounted on the physical screens sending positional data to d3. So, for every screen that moved in reality, the corresponding virtual screen in d3 moved as well. As the screens moved d3’s mapping features automatically re-mapped the output, enabling constantly pixel perfect mapped screens.”

Bajt reported that, “the d3 system performed great and the support we got from d3 Technologies was fantastic.”

At Protec, the project was managed by James Lakin and Peter Jones operated d3 servers. Freelancer Rowan Pitts assisted as a d3 technician. The event design and content was developed by HQCreative.

Eleetus Racing Simulator Roars into Action in Ohio

Joe Kleiman
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Eleetus Racing Simulator Roars into Action in Ohio

Ashland, OH,USA (April 7, 2015) — Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Fun of Ashland, Ohio will unveil to Ohio consumers for the first time the Eleetus Racing Simulator. Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Fun, which has five AboutGolf indoor golf simulators, a pub style bar with full food service, and a myriad of free and pay to play game and entertainment systems, will introduce virtual racing to its customers starting May 1st.

Prior to the launch of the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Fun, Aaron Polburn sought out to fill a void that was prevalent in Ashland. “At the top of my business plan it says THERE IS NOTHING TO DO AROUND HERE and that became the battle cry to move the concept forward and prove it was viable in a small market,” said Aaron Polburn, who with his wife Beckie owns and operates Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Fun. Through the creation of Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Fun, Polburn aimed to give back to a city that has given him so many opportunities in return. “I always wanted to do something in Ashland because the area has been very good to me. We have become a destination spot with regular visitors from the Cleveland, Akron and Columbus along with area residents. It could not have worked out better.”  Polburn’s mission was to create a place where adults and children could withdraw themselves from their everyday life and have fun. “How cool is it to come to work and know you are going to make people happy,” Mr. Polburn continued.

Polburn realized that the Eleetus Simulator was something he would like to incorporate into the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Fun. “We are not in the golf business. We are in the fun business. The auto racing experience was a natural extension. It took all of about five minutes to figure out that this was a perfect addition to our model.” said Polburn. The incorporation of the Eleetus Simulator is the perfect fit of the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Fun. Eleetus offers the most realistic racing experiences, which coincides with the AboutGolf technology presently used at the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Fun of Ashland. The combination of golf and racing simulators offers customers over 40 courses from around the world plus 30 different race tracks. Where else can you play Pebble Beach, drive a Formula 1 car, sample over 25 craft beers and eat gourmet pizza?” It’s like heaven without all the entry requirements.

“Eleetus hand selected Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Fun of Ashland for our mid-western launch. Aaron and Beckie Polburn have the perfect combination of marketing skills, experience, and hands on approach to the business that is sure to succeed, “said Bill Bales, Co-Founder and CEO of Eleetus, and former Founder and CEO of AboutGolf. Through the creation of Eleetus, Bales has transpired his experience and knowledge to create something entirely new. “I decided to apply what I learned building North America’s number one premium indoor golf simulator to a product both able to reach a much wider audience, and to also provide our customers with superior return on investment and revenue per square foot. The Eleetus Simulator became the solution.”

Aaron Polburn is a legend in American motorsports, and former president of the International Hot Rod Association. Polburn has dedicated over 50 years of his life to the motor sport business. Toward the end of his motor sport career Polburn had faced an obligation that forced him to step down from his position as President of the International Hot Rod Association. Polburn mentioned “After 50 years in the motor sport business and the past ten as President of IHRA it was time for a change. About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson and that forced the issue.”

Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Fun of Ashland is a 7500 square foot entertainment center located in Ashland, Ohio.  It has a full pub style bar with full bar service and over two dozen craft beers.  For entertainment, the facility provides five AboutGolf simulators, cornhole, darts, a digital juke box, Golden Tee and other arcade games, an Ohio Lottery vending machine that accommodates Keno — which is the largest draw, two pool tables, and the Eleetus Racing Simulator.  Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Fun of Ashland is owned by Beckie and Aaron Polburn, and was launched in June, 2014.

The Eleetus Simulator uses an intelligently engineered, patented motion platform running in two degrees of freedom, but emulating an additional three degrees of freedom. Also, Eleetus has added very deep “Control” software which makes the system much more user friendly, and enables a wide range of add-on games and contests. Where competitive systems focus only on racing and/or flying, Eleetus is pursuing a content plan that also includes Hollywood-quality virtual 3D rides, fun educational content, and a wider range of games including proprietary games designed to optimize the simulator’s unique motion capabilities.

For more information on the launch of the Eleetus Gaming Simulator at the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Fun, Please Contact Aaron Polburn at caddyshackindoorgolf@gmail.com 

Walt Disney Birthplace Seeks Additional Funding for Phase Two of Restoration

Joe Kleiman
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Walt Disney Birthplace Seeks Additional Funding for Phase Two of Restoration

Los Angeles, CA, USA (April 7, 2015) — This past March, The Walt Disney Birthplace launched the “Let’s Make It Beautiful!” fundraising campaign to support Phase Two of the restoration.

To date, the campaign has already raised over $20,000. But to complete the next stages of the restoration, the total amount required is $40,000 and there are only 14 days left in the campaign.

This phase of the restoration process will focus on exterior beautification of the property. Todd Regan, the Executive Director of the Walt Disney Birthplace, said, “With the help of our supporters, we’ll transform the house into the beautiful icon we all want it to be. The Birthplace will be revitalized with a restored front porch, a white picket fence, rose gardens, trees, benches and recreations of the original doors and windows on the home. We will also complete the installation of engraved paver stones which so many people have generously donated.”

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The front doors are now being manufactured and are sponsored by Garner Holt Productions, creators of some of the world’s most beautiful and technologically advanced animatronic figures. (www.garnerholt.com)

For this Indiegogo campaign, the project has introduced some new “perks:” four new collectible pins, a new T-shirt design, a new embroidered polo shirt, and several new ways for contributors to put their name on the home, like a double-size paver stone, dedicated picket fence posts, sponsored rose bushes, trees, and benches.

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This campaign will be one of the last chances anyone will have to order a custom-inscribed piece to be added to the Birthplace.

Mr. Regan added, “If you can make a contribution to this campaign, please do so now by visiting: igg.me/at/WDB You can also support the campaign by spreading the word and the campaign link over Facebook, Twitter, and whatever social networks you prefer – Sharing is tremendously helpful!

“Together, we can make The Walt Disney Birthplace really bloom this Spring!”

The Center for Early Childhood Creativity and Innovation (CECCI) at the Walt Disney Birthplace is a California public benefit 501c3 pending federal status. Contributions are eligible for tax deductibility. The Walt Disney Birthplace and CECCI are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates.  Reference to Walt Disney and their trademarks is used purely for historical reference and informational purposes.

Intuitive Aerial Opens LA Office for Cinema Drone Sales and Service

Joe Kleiman
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Intuitive Aerial Opens LA Office for Cinema Drone Sales and Service

Los Angeles, CA, USA — Intuitive Aerial AB, the Swedish manufacturer of the professional cinema drone the Aerigon, has opened a new Los Angeles office. Intuitive Aerial Inc., the U.S. arm of the company, will be responsible for sales and service throughout the Americas. The new location provides aerial cinematographers, drone pilots, camera operators, directors, and major studios with local sales and support for the most versatile elite cinema drone on the market.

“Professional cinema drones are a powerful new tool for modern cinematography,” said Eric Bergez, VP at Intuitive Aerial Inc., the industry veteran who will head up the new L.A. office. “Renowned for its strength and image capture stability, the Aerigon is the Ferrari of unmanned aerial systems. Hollywood is already embracing the new technology. The Aerigon has seen action in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Into the Woods, and other A-list projects currently in production.”

The Aerigon is the world’s first serially manufactured, six-armed professional cinema drone built for use with Hollywood-standard cameras and lenses. With a manufacturer-approved payload capacity of 35 lbs., the Aerigon is able to carry over 20 lbs. of camera equipment, along with the gimbal, even in hot climates and at high altitudes. The aircraft features a dual coaxial design with 12 powerful counter-rotating brushless motors, each sporting twin blades. A carbon fiber exoskeleton conceals and protects cables from external stress, and detachable arms provide operators the choice between power or endurance, depending on the location or the type of shot required. The Aerigon Gimbal features a proprietary advanced stabilization system that works with heavy cameras, including professional zoom lenses and full FIZ (Focus, Iris, Zoom) controls. Sturdy, detachable legs ensure soft landings and form a protective cage around the camera and lens.

“When you’re carrying $100,000 worth of camera equipment, you need to ensure flight and landing are safe and gentle, every time,” Bergez explained. “Experienced pilots will love the power and control the Aerigon provides for challenging manoeuvres, while cinematographers and camera operators will appreciate the stability, precision, and accuracy of the Aerigon Gimbal.”

The new office is located in Woodland Hills, CA. Eric Bergez, vice president of Intuitive Aerial Inc., brings to the company more than 20 years experience in production, postproduction, and distribution.

The Aerigon can be viewed at NAB in Las Vegas, April 13-16 at the Canon booth (C4325) and at the RED Digital Cinema booth (SL1517). Live demonstrations will take place during the show. To book a demo or see the Aerigon in action during NAB, contact Eric Bergez at [email protected] or 818-800-7898.

Richard Pilbrow to Keynote PLASA Focus Kansas City

Joe Kleiman
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Richard Pilbrow to Keynote PLASA Focus Kansas City

New York, NY, USA — On May 20th at 9am, PLASA Focus: Kansas City’s Professional Development Program will kick-off with a keynote presentation sponsored by Group One’s Elektralite by renowned lighting designer and founder of Theatre Projects, Richard Pilbrow entitled “Light and Theatre – Epidaurus, the National Theatre to Kansas City.” Mr. Pilbrow will take the audience around the world from the National Theatre in London, currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City which opened in 2011.

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This talk is a personal viewpoint of life in the theatre over 50 years. It discusses the remarkable changes in stage lighting, theatre technology, and theatre architecture.

I’ve been incredibly lucky and have combined the life of lighting designer, entrepreneur—founding Theatre Projects in 1957—West End theatre, film and TV producer, theatre design consultant, and author.

Along the way from the National Theatre with Sir Laurence Olivier to leading Theatre Projects Consultants on over 180 projects in 70 countries around the world, stage lighting and the world of theatre has seen dramatic changes. “
—Richard Pilbrow

 

Once again, PLASA Focus: Kansas City’s Professional Development Program is completely free to attend (space permitting) and includes an engaging and must see line-up, including, to date, in addition to Mr. Pilbrow’s Keynote sponsored by Elektralite:
-Will It Fly? By Rocky Paulson
-Real-time 3D Mapping with Aviary and Hippotizer Video Tools and Media Servers by TMB
-Layers of Light by ETC
-LED Color: The Physiological Experience by Chauvet
-RDM for the Busy Tech
-Spectacular lasers: using them effectively, safely, and legally
-IATSE – What’s it all about?
-The Never Ending Pixel Party by Daunte Kenner
-Hitting the Lighting Technology Curve Ball by Stephen Ellison

Register today to secure your spot and to receive the latest scheduling and show updates, http://plasa.me/kcreg.

2015 Geekout at InfoComm Seeks Case Study Submissions

Joe Kleiman
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2015 Geekout at InfoComm Seeks Case Study Submissions

Orlando, FL, USA (April 6, 2015) — Infocomm is just two months away, and Jim Janninck and John Huntington are once again organizing the free and open-to-all Show Control Case Study geekout session at 6pm Thursday June 18th, 2015, followed afterwards at another location by drinking, food and/or miniature golf.   Here‘s a wrap up of last year’s event in Las Vegas.

The presentation will be free and open to all at the Orlando Public Library Melrose Center.

Details on the June 18th will be announced soon.  However, the organizers are currently seeking submissions.

Presentations should last a maximum of 20 minutes and be on a real show control project, meaning two or more entertainment disciplines connected together (lighting and sound, sound and video, pyro and a performer, etc).

Please email one paragraph by 10am NYC Time Monday May 11 2015 containing the following:

  • –The name of the project
  • –Presenter(s) name
  • –A brief description of the project.

Janninck and Huntington will evaluate the projects, and in the case that more good presentations are submitted than can fit, the earliest valid submission will get priority.

Thinkwell Group On Track with Hogwarts Express Expansion to London Harry Potter Tour

Joe Kleiman
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Thinkwell Group On Track with Hogwarts Express Expansion to London Harry Potter Tour

Burbank, CA, USA (Apr. 6, 2015) — Thinkwell Group, a worldwide experience design and production agency specializing in the creation of theme parks, major attractions, events, museums, exhibits, expos, and live shows around the world, today announced its involvement in designing and producing the expansion for the award-winning behind the scenes attraction at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden.

The new permanent expansion includes the original Hogwarts Express steam engine (antique British steam train No. 5972 “Olton Hall” built in 1937) and a recreation of Platform 9 ¾ set from the Harry Potter film series. Guests will have the opportunity to climb aboard the iconic train and pose with a luggage trolley as it disappears through the platform wall, along with other interactives.

“We are extremely honored to continue our collaboration with Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter,” said Craig Hanna, chief creative officer for Thinkwell Group. “Working with Warner Bros., production designer of the Harry Potter films Stuart Craig, and the team at Leavesden is an incredibly rewarding experience.”

Thinkwell collaborated with Warner Bros. on Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter, which opened in 2012, to create a one-of-a-kind attraction which explores the art and craftsmanship that went into the creation of the Harry Potter film series at the very studio where the movies were  filmed for over a decade. Featuring dozens of original sets, and hundreds of authentic costumes and props, this immersive experience showcases the exceptional creativity and craftsmanship that brought the films to life, and goes far beyond behind the scenes with an award-winning handheld Digital Guide, and over 100 minutes of original media featuring the cast and crew produced specifically for the attraction.

ECA2 Creates World’s First Waterfall Theatre Celebrating Natural Magic of Wuyishan

Joe Kleiman
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0
ECA2 Creates World’s First Waterfall Theatre Celebrating Natural Magic of Wuyishan
InPark will be covering the April 10 opening of Fountain of Dreams.   Look for our report in Issue 57 this May.

Saint Denis, France — In the town of Wuyishan, at the heart of north-west Fujian’s tranquil tea-growing mountains, something very special is happening.  Already identified as a world heritage site by UNESCO, the region is playing host to “The Fountain of Dreams”, a “spectacular and enchanting tribute” to Wuyishan’s privileged natural setting, using never-before seen techniques to create an unforgettable immersive experience.

At the core of “The Fountain of Dreams” is the simple beauty and power of nature: its generous waters which sculpted the region’s emblematic mountains, and the nine twists and turns of its famous river.  The Wuyishan government chose the French show production company ECA2 for its ability to deliver a complementary turnkey show, rich in exciting light & sound and ground-breaking effects.

Every aspect has been painstakingly developed by ECA2, from show concept and theatrical decor to design of the seating stands, to create a truly remarkable signature show for Wuyishan.  In particular, the waterfall-theatre feature is a world first, designed to bring the spectator inside the action. The monumental waterfall dramatically comes to life, changing form in unexpected ways. The waterfall closely mimics the neighbouring mountains. Terraces in the decor echo the region’s still active teagrowing terraces. Through 12 compelling scenes, the story unfolds of Wuyishan’s fabled waters.

Water curtains are all around, transforming into free-flowing rivers. Flashes, flames, 3D video mapping, LED, lasers, cascading waters, music and ghostly characters from China’s traditional past all interact.  The stage, seating, a pond and even the roof become one unified staging area. Many effects come from amongst the spectators, so the feeling of being “part of the show” or even “part of the scenery” is not just their imagination! 17 metre high showers fall into rivers between the seating.

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Much of the multimedia magic is thanks to special effects gadgetry concealed within the roof. And what a roof! With its contemporary cantilever design, it seems to float weightlessly. The video mapping posed particularly tricky problems. With images projected onto the irregular 3D shapes of the set, multiple scans had to be made to achieve seamless imagery. One of the biggest surprises comes when a mountain turns into a seated man, an essential character in the story. Other challenges included: 10,000 cubic metres per hour of water perfectly controlled to protect technical equipment; world’s biggest water screen ever, an incredible 30 metres; fireworks that launch from a water-drenched set.

 

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