Experience Imagination: A Themed Entertainment Podcast

Explore animation in themed entertainment with members of the Falcon's Digital Media team. The final episode of this two-part series features an internal discussion analyzing the process of creating animated experiences for uncommon formats. ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that work...

This episode explores the art of animation and its role in storytelling and modern entertainment. We are joined by veteran animator, designer, and director Aaron Blaise and our very own VP of Digital Media Jason Ambler . With more than 20 years of experience at the Walt Disney Feature Animation Company, Aaron provides a unique look at the field of animation! Learn more about Aaron Blaise here: cre...

As experience designers and creative professionals, we all come from different backgrounds, and we all take inspiration from many different sources. So, we decided to reach out to all-star panel of colleagues and friends, including Frank Weigand, Cole NeSmith, Ron Hines, and members of the Falcon's team, to find out what has inspired them throughout their careers. Enjoy! ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Exper...

In this episode, we had the chance to sit down with the team pioneering the University of Florida's new Themed Experience graduate program.   The UCF Advisory Council is made up of entertainment industry leaders and veterans, including Falcon's Own, Cecil Magpuri. They have come together with UCF and their students to help shape what this new track in Themed Experience education will look like. Af...

Walk down memory lane with Falcon's in this "20th Anniversary Special" episode featuring several honorable guests, including Fantasy Of Flight owner and aviator Kermit Weeks. In this episode, the Falcon team and guests discuss Falcon's humble beginnings, the projects that helped spark growth, and the path to the next 20 years.   ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainmen...

In the first episode of Season 3, we discuss intellectual property, and it's growing role in storytelling in the themed entertainment industry. We are honored to be joined by Alan Parente, VP of Creative at National Geographic Society to discuss intellectual property, how the Nat Geo brand has evolved, and the venture into offering Nat Geo brick-n-mortar experiences. This episode was inspired by t...

The term "retailtainment" has gained some pretty significant popularity in and around the themed entertainment industry in recent years. Falcon's Creative Director Mike Wallace joins us on our latest podcast episode to discuss retailtainment, what it means, and what the future holds in the space. Learn more about retailtainment by visiting our blog here: https://falconscreativegroup.com/retailtain...

In this episode, we sit down with Katmandu founders Scott and Julia Demerau, as well as Katmandu's Senior VP of Development Jay Pecotte, to discuss the overall partnership with Falcon's. Also, we reveal more information on the Katmandu theme park and attractions being built in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. To learn more about the partnership between Katmandu and Falcon's, please visit: https://f...

In this episode, we sit down with Creative Director Mike Wallace and Associate Creative Director Stephen Ricker to discuss the art of  master planning . It is a fascinating episode that details how we start the design process when creating vast spaces.  This episode's discussion was inspired by Stephen's blog post here:  How Open Space Drives Design   ABOUT THE SHOW: "Experience Imagination" is a...

Featuring 343 Industries, Herschend Live, and the voice of Outpost A.I. Gabriela, actor Melisa Pereyra. This second-part of our Halo series covers the implementation of the Halo-themed traveling guest experience. Listen to learn about the creative process behind bringing the Halo lore to life in a physical space.    Special Credits Thanks go to our studio guests Tyler and Jeremy from 343 Industrie...

Falcon's Creative Group had the honor of working with composer Penka Kouneva in the production of the video "The Women Astronauts", which was featured along with a live orchestra performance composed by Penka at the "America In Space" event held at the Hollywood Bowl.  Learn how the production of the "Women Astronauts" video came to be and listen to a moving interview with Penka Kouneva, which det...

Take a behind the scenes look at Halo: Outpost Discovery in the first episode of our two-part series featuring the one-of-a-kind touring fan experience. Falcon's team members discuss our role of working closely with Herschend Live and 343 Industries to create media content and story development for the immersive event. We are also joined by special guests to take a closer look at The Ring Experien...

Sound design plays an important role in creating immersive attractions. Falcon's Director of Sound Rick Morris had the opportunity to share how powerful sound can be when creating emotion, anticipation, and even authenticity during his presentation at this year's InfoComm trade show.    Special Credits A huge thank you goes to Blooloop and Avixa for inviting us to be a part of the attractions tech...

In this episode of Experience Imagination we take a look into Falcon's Licensing. As one of the three companies that make up Falcon's Creative Group, Falcon's Licensing, provides access to unparalleled attraction systems, media content, and intellectual property. This inaugural episode kicks off a Licensing series that will discuss the stories and journeys behind some of the innovative products cr...

Each member of the Falcon's team has a unique story of how they started their career in themed entertainment. This episode takes a closer look at some of those journeys through a collection of brief interviews that give insight on professional influences, turning points in careers, advice for breaking into the industry, and more. ABOUT THE SHOW: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment P...

In this segment, Falcon's Creative Group is honored to host our friend and client Kermit Weeks, the visionary founder and owner of Fantasy of Flight. We are joined by legendary industry veteran Bob Ward and Falcon's President & CCO Cecil Magpuri as we explore the creative journey and developmental challenges of a revolutionary new concept--taking an exclusive inside look at the genesis of a curren...

In the second part of this case study, we explore what it took to execute the ambitious vision behind Dragon's Treasure™, a 360-degree multi-sensory media experience at the renowned City of Dreams Casino in Macau. This groundbreaking show combines 360-degree 3D CG media and audio, theatrical lighting, state of the art show action elements, and special effects to create a fantastical guest experien...

A look into the inspiration behind Dragon's Treasure™, a 360-degree multi-sensory media experience at the renowned City of Dreams Casino in Macau. This groundbreaking show combines 360-degree 3D CG media and audio, theatrical lighting, state of the art show action elements, and special effects to create a fantastical guest experience. Find out more about Dragon's Treasure™ here: https://www.falcon...

Each member of the Falcon's team has a unique story of how they started their career in themed entertainment. This episode takes a closer look at some of those journeys through a collection of brief interviews that give insight on professional influences, turning points in careers, advice for breaking into the industry, and more. ABOUT THE SHOW: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment P...

Welcome to Season 2 of Experience Imagination ! The world of hospitality is transforming every single day with new developments requiring ways to engage guests in more unique and engaging ways. In 2018, our President and Chief Creative Officer attended the Fast Forward Conference, an exclusive conference held in Nashville which brought together some of the industry drivers in the world of hospital...

Explore the research process behind creating themed experiences that are true to their origins. Whether it's a fictional or historical storytelling experience, extensive cultural and factual references are used to expand the experience's universe and ensure the authenticity of every detail.   ABOUT THE SHOW: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative...

Members of the Falcon's team discuss how their engineering expertise is used to translate imagination into real-life themed experiences during the design process.   ABOUT THE SHOW: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at www.fa...

A look at how interactive technology such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) is used in the storytelling and design of themed experiences and how it could shape the future of immersive experiences.   ABOUT THE SHOW: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to crea...

IMMERSE 2018 is a 2-day event in Downtown Orlando featuring more than 1,000 artists and hundreds of creative experiences for an estimated 40,000 guests to enjoy. Members of the Falcon's team were selected to design two immersive exhibits: "Art of Athleticism", a digital media experience that uses real-time motion tracking technology to allow people to become the paintbrush and use their bodies to...

Falcon's Director of Technology Saham Ali sat down with Greg Leuenberger of pixelfondue to break down some of the exciting announcements made at Siggraph and what the introduction of this new technology could mean for the future of themed entertainment. The interview also takes a look at the technology processes currently being used by Falcon's to create immersive experiences.   Special Credits A...