DreamWorks Theatre 4D Theatre Show THG, working directly with the Universal Creative team, developed the redesign of the former location of the Shrek 4D attraction into the DreamWorks Theatre: Kung Fu Panda Adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood. THG provided creative direction and show set design to guide the narrative and the projection-mapped animation integration with the theater. As part of the process, THG created extensive mockups and sightline studies to ensure the successful execution of the tech-heavy attraction. A major design goal was to seamlessly integrate the look of the theater with the classic Spanish Revival style of the Universal Studios Hollywood main street. That architectural style was then extended to the interiors of the theater lobby and the main attraction space. In a significant upgrade from the Shrek 4D show, the Kung Fu Panda Adventure doesn’t limit the media to a screen – it uses the entire theater as a projection surface! As the show progresses, the venue transforms from classic Hollywood cinema to a 360-degree projection-mapped depiction of the “spiritual realm” from the Kung Fu Panda universe. This crowd-pleasing transformation elicits spontaneous applause and cheering from the audience – a sure sign that THG’s mission of telling amazing stories with invisibly integrated technology was accomplished. Location Hollywood, California, USA Industry Theme Parks More Projects
Ezra Perez
Sydney Holt2024-01-02T18:16:10+00:00William Alton Director of Project Management Thoughtful, versatile, and dynamic project director with 15+ years’ experience working with and guiding creative project teams from concept to delivery. Accustomed to managing multi-disciplinary teams to deliver world class one of a kind attractions on accelerated time tables in logistically challenged environments as the Owners representative. Projects completed total $1.1B over a 15 year period. NOTABLE PROJECTS Fast and Furious: Supercharged, Universal Studios Hollywood, California The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Hollywood, California and Orlando, Florida Velocicoaster, Universal Studios Orlando, Florida Back to team
Paramount London
The Hettema Group2022-07-13T17:51:32+00:00Paramount London Entertainment Resort London Paramount is a £4 billion theme park resort concept in Kent, England that will feature brands from Paramount’s iconic portfolio of I.P which includes the Star Trek and Mission Impossible brands. The park will also showcase characters and stories from The BBC and Aardman Animations as well as paying tribute to the UK’s legendary entertainment brands, delivering ‘best of class’ experiences. Themespace team members provided early-stage consultation to assess the opportunity, aid develop investor propositions and deliver inputs on top-line viability. Alongside helping develop the underlying vision and concept for the resort and its operational strategy. Our team were overall Creative Directors, delivering the resort master plan and all concept artwork. We also delivered concepts and detailed programming for rides, attractions, shows, retail, dining and entertainment experiences. Our Business Executive was also responsible for delivering comprehensive strategic analysis work, operational programming and business modeling on all of the resorts proposed indoor ‘Midway/Box’ concepts, theatres and live events. Themespace senior producers and cultural specialists were also responsible for overseeing the integration of the ‘Best Of British’ brands and for developing the overarching story of the park. Location London, England Industry Theme Parks More Projects
Nichole Garza
Sydney Holt2024-01-03T18:55:47+00:00William Alton Director of Project Development As the Director of Project Development, Nichole collaborates with clients in the earliest stages of development, understanding their goals and needs, and these into phases of design that lay the foundation for creatively and commercially successful experiences. Nichole brings over 15 years of experience in themed entertainment, live theatrical productions, and world-renowned events from both Production and Business Development perspectives. She brings the blend of these experiences to her work collaborating closely with clients and project teams, guiding the design process to create unique and memorable experiences that are aligned with clients’ vision and goals. Nichole spent many years touring with Ringing Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus, eventually serving as the Director of Production. In this role, she was responsible for guiding the creative development of new shows, bridging the expertise of artists from the live entertainment community with the unique and particular needs of a real life three ring circus. This experience has given Nichole a broad perspective, experience working with exceptionally diverse teams and bridging the worlds of technicians, artists and acrobats, uniting them around a common vision and leading the path forward. Nichole has worked with a diverse array of clients throughout the themed entertainment and live entertainment communities including Dragone, Prince’s Paisley Park, Universal Studios, City Football Group, and The National WWII Museum. Back to team
Dan Freedman
Sydney Holt2024-06-26T22:36:03+00:00William Alton Director of Facility Design Dan has played an influential role in the inception and conceptualization of thematic and facility design projects around the world for 20+ years. His abilities to understand the client needs, collaborate in the development of the program and spatially plan projects has been the focus of his experiences. Project contributions for notable projects and clients include a range of Master Planning, Facility Design, Spatial Programming, Queue Analysis, Partner Integration, and Blue-sky development of innovative new ride systems. Dan is also a noted inventor with multiple patents for ride systems, restraint systems and operational components. Dan has a vast tribal knowledge of theme park components and a strong understanding of operational considerations in the early design phases of projects. Dan’s 12+ years at Universal Creative allowed him to contribute to a vast number of projects with some notable IP’s including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Nintendo, Illumination, DreamWorks, Hasbro and many others. Prior to Universal Creative, Dan conducted facility designs within the traditional architecture world with a range of projects including Hospitality, Commercial, Mixed Use, Residential, Institutional and Religious. NOTABLE PROJECTS & CLIENTS Universal Studios Florida – Opened and Non-disclosed Projects Islands Of Adventure – Opened and Non-disclosed Projects Universal Studios Hollywood – Non-disclosed Projects Universal Studios Japan – Opened and Non-disclosed Projects Universal Studios Singapore – Non-disclosed Projects Universal Epic Universe Non-disclosed thematic projects for Universal Creative and New Business Ventures Back to team
Dubai Parks
The Hettema Group2022-07-13T17:56:51+00:00Dubai Parks Theme Parks Erik Neergaard, Themespace’s CEO, was brought on to act as Sr. Creative Consultant working with the Senior Leadership of Meraas on the Development of Dubai Parks. He would go on to oversee the BRC team in Dubai and be the direct point of contact between the CEO of Meraas as well as the direct point of contact to the studios: Dreamworks and Sony as the representative of Meraas. The purview went across the entire development of Riverland, Motiongate, Lapita, Legoland, Bollywood as well as reviewing Hub Zero, Citywalk, and other Meraas ventures at that time. Location Dubai, United Arab Emirates Industry Theme Parks More Projects
Jared Peter
Sydney Holt2022-07-22T17:33:46+00:00William Alton Senior Producer Prior to joining THG, Jared was Production Manager at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood where he worked on the integration of complex productions including the Oscars, AFI Fest, AFI Honors, and a wide range of live events, major movie premieres, and theatrical productions. Prior to that he worked as Producer on the schematic and detail design phases of Bollywood Park in Dubai. In the eight years before the Dolby, he worked exclusively with Cirque du Soleil on the production and creation of three major productions: The Beatles LOVE in Las Vegas; ZAiA in Macau, China; and IRIS in Los Angeles. NOTABLE PROJECTS Cirque du Soleil, The Beatles LOVE, Las Vegas 87th & 88th Academy Awards Bollywood Park, Dubai Back to team
Dragons Wild Shooting
Sydney Holt2022-07-13T17:58:45+00:00Dragons Wild Shooting Interactive Dark Ride Lotte World contracted THG to design, produce, and build an interactive dark ride that combines the excitement of a shooting gallery with the fantasy of a story-based dark ride. Smoldering ruins, a castle’s towers glowing with dancing firelight, dragons, and jesters are all part of the excitement. The setting of this one-of-a-kind dark ride includes practical targets, media-based targets, and highly themed sets and props. Dragons Wild Shooting was the first interactive ride utilizing media and practical targets. One of the most exciting aspects of the project was that Lotte World challenged THG to produce a completely original IP. THG gladly accepted that challenge (a rarity in the attractions business generally) and set to work designing a raft of whimsical dragon characters of all shapes and sizes. THG also produced all other aspects of the ride, including graphic design, themed architecture and sets, charming animated media, and an exciting musical score. CLIENT Lotte World Location Seoul, South Korea Industry Theme Parks More Projects
USA Pavilion Expo 2012
Sydney Holt2022-07-13T17:59:30+00:00USA Pavilion Expo 2012 World Expo Pavilion In May 2012, THG completed the design, production, installation, and opening of the USA Pavilion at Expo 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea. The theme of the expo was “Our Living Oceans and Coastlines,” and THG worked with Philippe Cousteau and his non-profit Earth Echo International to craft the message and call to action. The Pavilion was designed to welcome and engage guests even before they walked through the door. Spread throughout the queue, guests found a series of QR tags they could scan with their smart phones, unlocking an interactive game to play while waiting. In addition to a giant water screen in the pre-show, a 70-foot-wide film screen in the main theater displayed impressive, inspiring visuals, from smaller image collages to vast panoramas. Based on research and collaboration with Earth Echo International, the theater showcased a visually and emotionally powerful exploration of America’s relationship to the ocean, the challenges we face, and the power of the human spirit to achieve great things. The USA Pavilion was awarded Honorable Mention by the Expo 2012 award committee. Client United States Department of State Location Yeosu, South Korea Industry Cultural More Projects
Annie Cantele
Sydney Holt2024-01-02T18:26:23+00:00William Alton Project Manager Annie started her career in theme park project management where she developed a reputation for strong partnership and a diverse skill set. Known as the swiss army knife of her previous teams, Annie dives headfirst into every challenge thrown in her direction as she focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of project management workflows. Career highlights include delivery of VelociCoaster wearing many hats: construction management, project controls, graphic design, fabrication, and install management. Annie is now pivoting her focus to design project management, bringing her interdisciplinary background and passion for process improvement to deliver client projects on-time and on-budget. EDUCATION Dual B.S. Design, Innovation, & Society/Industrial & Management Engineering; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NOTABLE PROJECTS Pandora: The World of Avatar, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Raptor Encounter, Universal’s Islands of Adventure VelociCoaster, Universal's Islands of Adventure Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, Universal Studios Florida Back to team