Beverly Hills, CA, USA (April 8, 2013) — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that it has received a $25 million commitment from The David Geffen Foundation for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The gift was made as part of the Academy Museum’s $300 million capital campaign and is the largest commitment received to date. In recognition of this gift, the Academy will name the Museum’s premiere-sized theater The David Geffen Theater.
“David’s support of this project is transformative,” said Academy Museum Campaign Chair Bob Iger. “It takes a large and diverse group of supporters to build a project on the scale of the Academy Museum. David joins an esteemed group of individuals, companies, and foundations who are leading the charge.” The Academy launched the Museum’s capital campaign in 2012 and has already secured more than half of the campaign’s goal in commitments. The campaign is co-chaired by Annette Bening and Tom Hanks.
“I’m pleased to support the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures,” added David Geffen. “This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the creation of an iconic architectural space and cultural institution that will combine the best of the old and the new and provide a permanent public home for the Academy’s rich tradition of honoring the shining stars of the cinematic arts.”
Designed by architects Renzo Piano and Zoltan Pali, the Academy Museum will be located next to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the historic Wilshire May Company building. Slated to open in early 2017, the Academy Museum will contain nearly 300,000 square feet of state-of-the-art galleries, exhibition spaces, theaters, screening rooms, education centers, and special event spaces.
The design for the Academy Museum fully restores the Wilshire and Fairfax street-front facades of the original 1939 Streamline Moderne building. It also includes a spherical wing at the northern end of the original building that will replace an extension made to the structure in 1946. Designed to represent the marriage of art and technology, the wing will house The David Geffen Theater and will be a spectacular new piece of contemporary architecture that will perfectly complement the historic building.
“David’s enlightened philanthropy touches lives every day,” said Dawn Hudson, the Academy’s CEO. “His generosity and commitment to our museum are deeply inspiring to all of us working to make this long-held dream a reality.”
The David Geffen Theater will be in operation throughout the year. Programming will include: premieres of films from an international roster of established and emerging filmmakers, major retrospectives, in-depth symposia that will illuminate the crafts of moviemaking, and high-profile special events.
Who wore that beard better – Gary Goddard or George Wiktor?
Why is succotash never available on the vegetarian option?
For the answers to possibly these questions and more, don’t miss IPM’s liveblog of the 2013 Thea Awards, with IPM News Editor Joe Kleiman bringing you the best posts from twitter and facebook in real time along with live reports from the InPark editors in the midst of the festivities at the Disneyland Hotel.
TO BE INCLUDED IN THE LIVEBLOG, MAKE SURE TO USE #TEAtheas IN YOUR TWEETS OR TEXT WHAT YOU SEE TO THE IPM NEWS HOTLINE AT (818) 538-4476. THAT’S (818) 538-4IPM. MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME IN THE TEXT. NORMAL TEXTING RATES MAY APPLY.
“Another gathering and honoring of the amazing achievements in themed entertainment has come to an end with Death Eaters … and host Valin filling the role of Harry Potter. The Making of Harry Potter is a world brought to life, not just designed through the eyes of a child, but making visitors awe-inspired children and children at heart in an attraction for magicians and muggles alike.”
9:27
Mitch Rily:
“The magic of the movies and of JK Rowling’s hugely successful stories are combined in the final award of the night, Outstanding Achievement Studio Tour — Warner Bros Studio Tour London’s The Making of Harry Potter.”
9:25
Mitch Rily:
“IPM’s very own Judith Rubin receives this year’s well-earned Distinguished Service Award. Her steadfast commitment and insightful voice gives voice to the successes across the Themed Entertainment Association.”
“Optimus Prime and Bumblebee arrive at the Theas.”
Mitch Rily:
“They’re there to speak about Transformers the Ride, recipient of the Outstanding Achievent Attraction award. With 2 rides open and a third on the way, Transformers The Ride 3D is an optimal prime example of a themed ride.”
9:05
Mitch Rily:
“Aulani Resort & Spa proves that a Hawaiian Beach Resort does not need to be a copy of 1000’s of such hotels on beaches all over the world, but a truly authentic museum-quality experience. Most time themed resorts are merely an addition to a nearby attraction. Disney’s Aulani, the Outstanding Achievement Themed Hotel Resort recipient, really is its own destination, not just a replica of beauty, but a true beauty in and of itself.”
Martin Palicki:
“‘you’ve got to be kidding me… A Hawaiian beach front resort??’ – bob Rogers starting off his Aulani presentation speech”
9:00
Mitch Rily:
“The Thea Classic Award recognizes an attraction that truly stood the test and changes of time. This year’s successful recipient is Europa-Park in Rust, Germany, a classic on the world stage. Opened in 1975, Europa-Park remains an inspiration to parks and park lovers around the world for than three and a half decades. With 8 generations of business, from covered wagons to roller coasters, the Mack Family has built a legacy of serving guests.”
8:53
Mitch Rily:
“Phil Hettema gets a big laugh by simply mentioning ‘theme park food,’ an experience that, until recently, ranked up there with stadium food. Now, theme park food at Carthay Circle is not just amazing theme park food, but one of the best dining experiences in Southern California.”
PHOTO: Our Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement. We’re very honoured to receive this prestigious award. http://ow.ly/i/1Q2OQ
Martin Palicki:
“Micky Mouse takes the stage with some ‘newsies’ types to sing about Carthay Circle Restaurant.”
Mitch Rily:
“Disney California Adventure boasts one more award winner. Outstanding Achievement in Theme Park Restaurant winner Carthay Circle.”
8:45
Mitch Rily:
“Frank Stanek – Dream, Believe, Dare, Do. He brought his own scrolling credits to run on the screens behind him to list all the mentors and partners he’d never be able to thank in a mere 90 seconds.”
8:35
Mitch Rily:
“Buzz Price recommended the Anaheim location for Disneyland over 60 years ago, and that recommendation has proven quite impactful. Frank Stanek has been the catalyst to bring stories, movies, magic, and imagination to life in his astounding lifetime.”
8:30
Mitch Rily:
“The Buzz Price Award, recognizing a lifetime of distinguished achievements goes to Frank P. Stanek, a premiere global business development executive in the themed entertainment industry and the Disney parks.”
Martin Palicki:
“Joe Rohde, Marty Sklar, and Bob Ward on stage to present the Buzz Price award to Frank Stanek.”
8:25
Mitch Rily:
“The Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is a game-changing achievement in recognizing the world of sports, and the award recipient for Outstanding Achievement Museum award. With 11 themed galleries filled with 55 interactive and vibrant educational displays, the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame makes every visitor an athelete, even if only in their imagination.”
8:20
Martin Palicki:
“Cheerleading type kids have taken over the Theas.”
8:15
Mitch Rily:
“The TEA loves to give awards to amazing nighttime events. The Big-O Experience is an elaborate water, laser, fire, and video extravaganza, and the Outstanding Achievement Event Spectacular.”
8:05
Martin Palicki
“Mater just made an appearance and literally, along with his dancers, almost ran me over!”
Mitch Rily:
“Even Mater drover in to tow home the award. John Lassi-tire has a traffic cone placed on his ever creative head.”
8:00
Mitch Rily:
Bonnie Hunt, the voice of Sally from Cars, truly believes that Imagineers must have undergone a spiritual experience when designing Radiator Springs in Cars Land.”
7:58
Mitch Rily:
“John Lasseter is always the biggest kid in any room, and his vision of Cars, and the living art of Cars Land, is pure child-like imagination.”
7:55
Mitch Rily:
“Disney adds another ornament to their Ornament Valley with their Outstanding Achievement Attraction, Radiator Springs Racers.”
7:50
Mitch Rily:
“Bart de Boer from Efteling saw the fountain show at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and loved the audience applause…for the person who pushed the botton. de Boer knew that such a show would be a great fit for Efteling.”
7:45
Mitch Rily:
“Tait Pixel tablets, used at the 2012 London Olympics, transferred an age old card trick into a 21st century amazing piece of magic. The Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in Breakthrough Technology goes to Tait Towers.”
Martin Palicki:
“Tait pixels tablets award winner guy calls Jeremy Railton amazing ambassador for themed entertainment business. Up next…Aquanura. InPark loves Efteling and Bart de Boer.”
7:40
Martin Palicki:
“New logo has been revealed for TEA. Rumor is Judy Rubin was model for statue lady…”
7:35
Mitch Rily from the Awards:
“This year’s theme, Pure Imagination. And the recipients are all being seen through the eyes of, and the event is hosted by, a child. Host Valin Shinyei looks like he is no more than 11 years old, but already has performed better than many recent Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy hosts.”
7:30
Martin Palicki from the Awards:
“Dreams and imagination open the Thea’s with host Valin and a lovely singer. Christine Kerr has now taken the stage.”
7:15
InPark’s Martin Palicki tells us what’s on his plate:
THEAAWARDS | Headed out to THEAs –I’ve had picked the outfit–is it too themed?
4:00
It’s 30-minutes until the first themed entertainment celebrities stroll down the red carpet. If you can’t wait for the Thea’s to start, we recommend the excellent Thea Awards preview with ceremony producers Kathy Oliver and Patrick Roberge from our friends at The Season Pass Podcast.
Orlando, FL, USA (April 4, 2013) — Alcorn McBride equipment helped entertainment production company Full Spectrum enhance the spectacular natural beauty of Ruby Falls. The Digital Audio Machine and Digital Video Machine HD were selected for playback to create an exciting sound and light show deep below the surface of the earth.
Ruby Falls is a 145-foot high underground waterfall within Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee. Located in a large vertical shaft more than 1,000 feet below ground, Ruby Falls is fed by rainwater and natural springs which collect in a pool in the cave floor and then continue through the mountain until they join the Tennessee River at the base of Lookout Mountain.
“We use Alcorn McBride equipment in our systems for control, lighting and 4D theaters,” says Steve Carroll at Full Spectrum, which is headquartered in Stone Mountain, Georgia. “We do a lot of AV design and integration, 3D mapping and multimedia spectaculars, including a big laser show in Stone Mountain. We also do a significant amount of architectural and specialty lighting.”
Full Spectrum has been involved with Ruby Falls for a number of years. They designed the venue’s sound and light show, writing the scripts, overseeing the recording sessions, creating the audio tracks and designing the surround sound. The company also installed the audio stations and programmed the show.
“Ruby Falls originally lit the waterfall with tungsten lights with no control,” recalls Full Spectrum’s Chad W. Kuney. “We were able to show them that we could replace that lighting with LEDs, for energy savings, trouble-free operation and greater interactivity. Then we choreographed the LEDs to music using the Alcorn McBride AM4 Digital Audio Machine.”
Full Spectrum selected Alcorn McBride equipment for its reputation for ruggedness, reliability and solid-state technology. “Being half a mile underground it’s a very hostile environment, very humid. Equipment quickly goes bad there. But the first AM4 we installed is still going strong five years later,” Kuney reports.
Recently Full Spectrum added another AM4, which supplies audio information at various points during the visitors’ tour around the cave. Additionally, another AM4 drives the soundtrack visitors hear during their elevator descent from the surface to Ruby Falls.
They also upgraded the historical video presentation at the entrance to the cave with a DVM-8400 HD Digital Video Machine for solid-state playback.
“Alcorn McBride products are a really good fit for this attraction,” Carroll concludes. “The machines are easy to use and are easily updated, which is helpful when Ruby Falls switches to a Halloween theme in the fall, for example. We just swap out the Flash cards to make seasonal changes. Alcorn has always been very helpful with everything; their support is flawless.”
Carlsbad, CA, USA (April 4, 2013) — After years of anticipation, LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND California Resort is officially opening its doors to the public. On Friday, April 5, 2013, General Manager of LEGOLAND California Resort Peter Ronchetti and LEGOLAND Hotel General Manager Frank Idris join a cast of characters at a ceremony officially opening the Hotel. LEGOLAND Hotel is the largest expansion in Resort history and is designed to extend the LEGOLAND experience by bringing children’s imaginations to life.
The three-story, 250 room hotel immerses guests in a creative LEGO world and every room is themed after one of three popular LEGO toy lines in the Park: pirate, adventure or kingdom. Children have their own sleeping area in every room complete with bunk beds, a trundle bed and their own TV. The hotel’s entrance is guarded by a smoke-breathing LEGO dragon created out of 400,000 LEGO bricks. Each room has at least eight LEGO models and theming can be found on the walls, carpeting and bedding. There are more than 3,500 LEGO models throughout the Hotel using more than three million LEGO bricks. Interactive features include a Castle Play area, a talking and spraying dragon on the patio, LEGO play pits in the reception area and a treasure hunt inside the rooms where younger guests search for clues then open a locked safe to find LEGO treasure. Guests staying at LEGOLAND Hotel have exclusive early access to LEGOLAND California.
Yorkville, IL, USA (April 4, 2013) — Raging Waves, Illinois largest water park, is adding a new playful character this season – Lil’ Nicky, the crispy, crunchy, yummy onion mascot for Onion Crunch.
Onion Crunch is a brand new condiment that is the only kosher pareve, vegan, crispy, crunchy onion topping that delivers a delicious roasted onion flavor to enhance any amusement park meal whether it’s a hotdog, hamburger, pizza or salad.
Onion Crunch will launch at Raging Waves eaterieswith the new season.
Marty Sklar was hired by The Walt Disney Company after his junior year at UCLA, and began his Disney career at Disneyland in July 1955, the month before the park opened. He spent his first decade at Disney as “the kid,” the very youngest of the creative team Walt had assembled at WED Enterprises. But despite his youth, his talents propelled him forward into substantial responsibility: he became Walt’s speech writer, penned Walt’s and Roy’s messages in the company’s annual report, composed most of the publicity and marketing materials for Disneyland, conceived presentations for the U.S. government, devised initiatives to obtain sponsors to enable new Disneyland developments, and wrote a twenty-four-minute film expressing Walt’s philosophy for the Walt Disney World project and Epcot. He was Walt’s literary right-hand man.
Over the next forty years, Marty Sklar rose to become president and principal creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering, and he devoted his entire career to creating, enhancing, and expanding Walt’s magical empire. Dream It! Do It! (The People, The Places, The Projects): My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms is Marty’s own retelling of his epic Disney journey, a grand adventure that lasted over half a century.
The conversation continues on April 5th 2013 at the Disneyland Hotel with Case Studies. Frank Stanek the 2013 Buzz Price Thea Award recipient kicks off the day with a keynote. Then, ten of the 2013 Thea award teams will share issues and insights that take us through the challenges and the solutions of 2013’s honored projects.
8:45am Welcome: Roberta Perry and Pat MacKay, 2013 TEA Summit Co-Chairs.
9:00am Keynote: Frank Stanek, 2013 Buzz Price Thea Award recipient, in recognition of a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements.
9:40am Transformers: The Ride 3-D at Universal Studios Hollywood and Singapore. This immersive, next-generation thrill ride blurs the line between fiction and reality. Universal’s Chick Russell to lead the presentation of this case study.
10:20am The Big-O Show at Expo 2012 in Yeosu, Korea. This latest breathtaking multimedia installation fuses a breakthrough concept and cutting-edge technology with show creation. CEO/Architect Berni Jo and ECA2 CEO Jean-Christophe Canizares to present.
11:00am Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in Calgary, Canada. Executive Director Janice Smith, Timothy Mansfield of Cambridge Seven, and Jim Cortina of Cortina Productions to present this dynamic 40,000 square foot facility celebrating Canada’s sports heroes and legends.
11:40am Europa-Park Theme Park and Resort in Rust, Germany. This case study of the 2013 Thea Classic Award will follow the Mack family’s journey from ride vehicle fabricators to themed entertainment resort destination creators. Michael Mack to present.
12:10pm Lunch Buffet
1:30pm A Word from TEA President: Christine Kerr
2:00pm Aquanura at Efteling in Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands. CEO Bart de Boer to present this spectacular water and light extravaganza.
2:40pm Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter. Warner Bros. VP Sarah Roots and Thinkwell Chief Creative Officer Craig Hanna to present this immersive 3 1/2 hour self-guided tour of the authentic sets, costumes, props, creatures and effects at the studio where all eight blockbuster films were made over a decade.
3:20pm Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, Anaheim. Cars Land is indeed a startlingly accurate realization of the town of Radiator Springs and surrounding Ornament Valley from the Disney Pixar film Cars. Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) Executive Producer Kathy Mangum to discuss the creation of this 12-acre land and the development of Radiator Springs Racers, one of the largest attractions ever built for a Disney theme park.
4:40pm Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge at Disney California Adventure, Anaheim. This new fine-dining experience takes place in a recreation of the famous Carthay Circle Theatre Building where Walt Disney once premiered his first full-length animated feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. WDI Creative Director Ray Spencer to present.
5:20pm Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii. WDI’s Joe Rohde to present this spectacular destination resort project combining authentic Hawaiian storytelling and art with the magic of a Disney resort hotel.
5:50pm Wrap Up
6:00pm TEA Western Division Party, Hearthstone Lounge, Grand Californian Hotel
The 10th annual TEA Summit kicks off on April 4th, 2013 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA, USA with Master Classes: an exclusive, off-the record day of discussions with the Themed Entertainment Industry’s top executives, with keynote by Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet. Limited attendance guarantees an intimate and focused experience for all attendees. This is the day to ask the questions and get the answers from peers and colleagues as attendees focus on the business of doing business in the themed entertainment industry.
8:00am Continental Breakfast & Check In
9:00am Welcome: Pat MacKay and Roberta Perry, Summit 2013 Co-Chairs
9:30am Marty Sklar of Marty Sklar Creative introduces his friend and colleague, keynote speaker, Matt Ouimet
9:45am Keynote: Leading People and Innovation: Now and Next! Matt Ouimet, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company. 17 years with Disney, followed by stints at Starwood and then Corinthian College, Matt is now president and CEO at Cedar Fair. If there’s one thing this industry leader is passionate about its developing innovative leadership.
10:30am Q & A with Matt Ouimet
11:00am Break
11:20am Peer to Peer discussion lead by Marty Sklar of Marty Sklar Creative. Identifying and hiring “right” to innovate. How do you know who’s got the Right Stuff. Mentoring interns and entry level staff. Who does it how. Small companies to big.
12:15pm Lunch Buffet
1:30pm Market/Business Trends: New Business Hot Spots: Moscow, Dubai, China, and Singapore/Johor. Ray Braun, Matt Earnest and Ed Shaw of
Entertainment + Culture look at the market, market place, and business opportunities in 2013 and beyond:
• Hot global entertainment markets
• Spotlight on key markets
–Dubai: is it really 2007 all over again?
–Moscow: is this the new hot spot?
–China: understanding market hierarchy
–Singapore/Johor: strategies in creating a theme park hub
2:45pm Break
3:00pm Strategies: Working with Brands: Creativity inside the Brand Box. Collaborating with the brand’s creative & business strategists to bring established brands to life as locationbased attractions, exceed guest expectations and to be creative and fresh. A challenge that all TEA member face with growing frequency.
Kevin Kiniry, Vice President Creative Services/ DC Comics Susan Bonds, Pres & CEO/42 Entertainment John Paul Geurts, Vice President/Creative Director, Nickelodeon
Moderator: David Cobb, Senior Creative Director/Thinkwell Group
4:30pm Meet the Media! Getting the Word Out in the Digital Age. Negotiating the delicate balance of getting the word out, honoring your NDA, and dealing with 21st century communications. What’s legal, what’s not. How to capture and tell your story in the most effective ways for social
media.
Wendy Heimann-Nunes, Heimann/Galen LLP Eric Galen, Heimann/Galen LLP Judy Rubin, Judith Rubin Public Relations
Moderator: Patricia MacKay,Ones&Zeros Media
Beverly Hills, CA, USA (April 8, 2013) — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that it has received a $25 million commitment from The David Geffen Foundation for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The gift was made as part of the Academy Museum’s $300 million capital campaign and is the largest commitment received to date. In recognition of this gift, the Academy will name the Museum’s premiere-sized theater The David Geffen Theater.
