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“Beyond All Boundaries” Honored with Thea Award by the Themed Entertainment Association

“Beyond All Boundaries,” the new multi-sensory cinematic experience at The National World War II Museum in New Orleans, was selected to receive a prestigious Thea Award by the Themed Entertainment Association. Tom Hanks served as executive producer and narrator for the 4-D presentation, which was commissioned by The National WWII Museum. Concept, design and production were led by The Hettema Group and their creative design team in conjunction with Museum staff and top historians.
“We are honored to share this award with the museum, and especially Nick Mueller, president and CEO of The National World War II Museum, whose bold vision first launched “Beyond All Boundaries” in our imaginations,” said Phil Hettema, President and Creative Executive, The Hettema Group. “We’re proud to have played a role in bringing that vision to life.”
The challenge was to tell the story of World War II in a dramatic new way that would resonate with audiences of all ages.
“In order to capture the imagination of the younger generation, we used state-of-the-art technology and special theatrical effects to create an immersive, emotional experience,” said Hettema. “For older Americans, we absolutely made sure we got it right,” he added, “by working with leading historians, doing extensive research, utilizing archival photographs and footage, and ultimately paying homage by telling the story in the very words of those who were there.”
The five-year project incorporates state-of-the-art special effects immersing the audience in a unique cinematic experience. With life-sized props, animation, and atmospherics, as well as archival footage and sound effects, audiences feel the tank treads rumbling across North Africa’s deserts, brush snow from their cheeks during the wintry Battle of the Bulge, and flinch at anti-aircraft fire as it tries to bring down a B-17 on a bombing run over Nazi Germany.
Since 1994, the Thea Awards have become internationally recognized as a symbol of excellence and achievement within the themed entertainment industry. Significantly, the Thea Awards honor the vision and dedication of project owners while also recognizing the vital work of talented designers, technicians, vendors and suppliers who realize the vision.
The Thea Awards will be presented on March 12, 2011, at the 17th Annual Thea Awards Gala, at the Globe Theatre, Universal Studios, Hollywood. The event is open to the public – tickets may be purchased online at the TEA website.
The Hettema Group, located in Pasadena, California, specializes in creative design, production and architecture for the world of experiential entertainment including museums, visitor centers, theme parks, and resort destinations.
The National World War II Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world – why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National World War II Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front.
· View the “Beyond All Boundaries” trailer here.
· Complete credit list.

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Judith Rubin
Judith Rubin
Judith Rubin ([email protected]) is a leading journalist, content marketing specialist and connector in the international attractions industry. She reports on design and technical design, production and project management, industry trends and company culture. From 2005-2020 she ran communications and publications for the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). In 2013, she was honored with the TEA Service Award. She was development director of IMERSA and publicist for the Large Format Cinema Association, and has contributed to the publications of PLASA, IAAPA and the International Planetarium Society. Judith joined World’s Fair magazine in 1987, which introduced her to the attractions industry. She joined InPark in 2010. Judith earned a BFA from Pratt Institute. She has lived in Detroit, New York, Oakland, and now Saint Louis, where she is active in the local arts community.

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