Originating in London in 1851, World Expos have transcended their initial purpose of unveiling novel inventions, ranging from TVs and telephones to ketchup and ice-cream cones. Today, this quinquennial event strives to mirror and forecast the societal aspirations of its time. Offering a distinctive platform for attraction designers, World Expos become a lens through which experiential entertainment trends come to life. Pavilions thrive on compelling storytelling, often relying on video projection to impart information about a country in the context of the Expo theme in an engaging way. However, the challenge arises: how can one exhibition distinguish itself when many offer a similar visual experience? To find the answer to this, let’s trace the evolution of visual design at World Expos and explore how a technology partner such as Panasonic Connect can help adapt and scale the best ideas for your upcoming attraction. The Journey from Shanghai to Dubai Expo 2010 Shanghai marked a shift in attraction design with the advent of large-scale projection mapping. With a record-breaking 73 million attendees and a site larger than 1,000 football fields, the scale was immense—check out the video of the 1,600 m2 amphitheater projection below. By today’s standards, the projectors had limited brightness and resolution, and blending techniques for curved-screen projection were still in their infancy. Reflecting on the past, it’s remarkable to witness the strides projection mapping has taken in the last decade. Changing the Game with Laser Projection Five years later, Expo 2015 Milano emerged as a turning point with simultaneous breakthroughs in projection technology: the introduction of the first single-chip DLP laser projectors, ultra-short-throw lenses for DLP projectors that opened the door to accessible interactive projections, and flexible edge-blending software to facilitate a transition from flat to curved screens. Designers embraced these capabilities, giving rise to seamlessly mapped projections, holography, and projection onto mirrored surfaces to heighten immersion. With its innovative combination of spatial design and holograms creating a 4D attraction, the UAE Pavilion was ahead of its time. The Japan Pavilion, with its otherworldly allure foreshadowing a trend towards multisensory experiences, still stands as a testament to these advancements today. The Ascendance of Gamified Attractions The paradigm shifted once more at Expo 2017 Astana. Less than five years after the technology’s commercial debut, laser projection shattered the 30,000-lumen barrier. To combat the increasing weight and size of these high-brightness systems, Panasonic introduced the world’s lightest 12,000-lumen laser projector, while its 10,000-lumen 1-Chip DLP offering cemented its credentials as the benchmark for 360° panoramas mapped to the screen, thanks to advancing geometric correction technology. Designers were also embracing 4K content, blurring the lines between the real and virtual worlds. The Germany Pavilion, with its SeedBoard concept, was among the first pavilions to issue guests with a special device to enable interactivity throughout their journey, an idea since taken up by some of the biggest names in the theme park industry. Expo 2020 Dubai Illuminates the Path Forward Expo 2020 Dubai built on these trends, seamlessly integrating projection as a second skin conforming to the space. Multisensory elements like programmed lighting, spatial audio, water features, and mist were more prevalent and contributed to guests engaging and forming sensory memories of the experience. In theaters, zero-offset ultra-short-throw zoom lenses eliminated gaps around images and allowed viewers to touch the projection surface without casting a shadow. In terms of projection, there was a growing emphasis on color accuracy, resolution, and contrast performance to maintain visual impact when broadcasting images. A shift towards experience personalization using data from preference-tracking apps became evident. Gamified and interactive attractions were commonplace, with many spaces geared specifically towards social media shareability. Staged during the pandemic, designers strove to bridge the gap between real and virtual worlds, enabling online audiences to participate via IP cameras and live streaming. Guests could also a virtual 3D tour of most pavilions from the official event website. The award-winning Japan Pavilion embodied these innovations, utilizing curtain screens, Silky Fine Mist, mirrors, glass, and floor projections to craft an otherworldly atmosphere. Guests enjoyed a personalized show finale based on their expressed interests during the tour.
Towards Expo 2025 Osaka As a technologically advanced society, Japan is an ideal choice considering the theme of Expo 2025 Osaka: “Future Society for Our Lives.” What lies ahead for visual attraction design? Shareability and interactivity reign as the most sought-after elements in today’s attractions. The evolution of 5G, IT/IP infrastructure, and IoT devices promises to make Expo 2025 Osaka the most engaging and immersive experience for both on-site attendees and online viewers. As the birthplace of anime, one of Japan’s many cultural exports, corporate pavilions are expected to elevate gamification to exciting new heights. We can also look forward to seeing how designers embrace high-speed tracking-mapping technologies and what new ideas result from the increased flexibility afforded by new ultra-compact 4K DLP projectors, which promise to bring a level of realism to mapping we could only dream of in 2010. Using cameras to assist with mapping over complex surfaces will almost certainly see further integration of interactive digital elements into spatial designs. Stay tuned for what unfolds! If you want to explore how the concepts discussed in this article can be applied to your museum, location-based attraction, concert, immersive attraction, artainment show, sporting event, exhibition, trade show, or anything in between, please reach out to Chad Kunimoto at kunimoto.chad@jp.panasonic.com. Chad Kunimoto is the Global Business Development Manager for Themed Entertainment and Immersive Experiences at Panasonic Connect.
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TEA was saddened to learn of the passing of Dean Sharits on 17 December 2023.
Dean was born on 6 February 1944 to Loran and June (Timmerman) Sharits in Mankato, Minnesota. Growing up he lived in Fairmont, North Mankato and Mankato, MN. Later he resided in San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Miami Beach, Panama and Tega Cay, South Carolina, eventually retiring in Saint Augustine, Florida. Dean attended Mankato High School and then enlisted in the Navy, where he attained the rank of Petty Officer second class. He was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany, homeported in San Diego and deployed twice during the Vietnam era. Honorably discharged in 1965, he returned to Mankato and was employed by Continental Can Company. After recovering from a serious motorcycle accident, Dean moved to Los Angeles and again worked for Continental where he became a journeyman machinist. Dean entered the entertainment industry as a planning engineer for Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. While there he attended night classes and earned an AA degree in Engineering. He then pursued his education full time, earning a BS in Business Administration from California State University and an MBA from Minnesota State University, Mankato. For the next 25 years he had a lucrative career in both the themed entertainment industry and the movie business. He held executive positions at Disney, Universal Studios, Apogee Productions, Landmark Entertainment Group, and Paramount Parks. He eventually formed his own company, SHAZAM Company LLC, and for the final 10 years before he retired in 2010 he was a consultant and executive producer for a myriad of clients in the entertainment business. Thea Awards Six projects produced under Dean's leadership received Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement and Excellence in themed entertainment, including:
A Firm Supporter of TEA and its Mission Monty Lunde, Founder/CEO, Technifex shares some thoughts on his peer and friend, and Dean's involvement in the creation of TEA. "I have known Dean Sharits since I was an employee at WED (Walt Disney) in the early 1980’s. By the end of the 1980’s Dean was a very close personal and professional friend. "In 1991, Dean was actively supportive of my notion to form an association that represented the companies working in our part of the entertainment industry. "On 10 October 1991, I hosted a meeting at the Burbank Hilton for anyone interested in supporting the formation of an association. There were 28 people in attendance, representing the leadership of 19 different companies. Dean was an Executive VP at Landmark Entertainment and very much in support of forming what would become the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). As the business person he was, Dean clearly understood the advantages we would have if an association was created to represent our small community of Themed Entertainment professionals. "On 16 November 1991, I held the organizational meeting to formally vote to start the TEA and select our first board of directors. This was done in a conference room at an IAAPA show with over 40 industry leaders in attendance. At this seminal meeting, Dean was a vocal proponent of formalizing the organization. "Throughout the course of Dean's career, as both an independent contractor and as an executive at Apogee Productions, Landmark Entertainment, Universal Studios, Paramount Parks and Wannado City, Dean was a firm supporter of the TEA and its mission. I will always be grateful for Dean’s enthusiasm, mentorship and steadfast support." Celebration of Life A Celebration of Life will take place on 9 April 2024 at 2:00pm EST at Reverb Church (395 S Legacy Trail) in St. Augustine, FL. All are welcome. If you would like to attend please RSVP by 18 March to dely2mil@yahoo.com or call +1.980.406.7722.
In Part 1 of this series on creating hybrid experiences with Glass-to-Glass (G2G) solutions, I delved into the technology’s potential to enhance audience reach, return on investment, profitability, efficiency, and marketing impact. Beyond these benefits, G2G solutions also allow businesses to embrace IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access), extending participation globally. G2G has prompted a wave of personalized attractions, opening avenues for novel revenue streams such as pay-per-view, subscriptions, advertising, and sponsorships. The current surge in demand calls for a unified IP-based system, integrating cameras, switchers, and projectors from a common manufacturer. This holistic approach, facilitated by a single tech partner, aims to refine workflows, curbing labor, installation, and operating expenses. However, due to the pace of technological evolution and the novelty of the technology, operators are often left to grapple with a myriad of choices, platforms, and functionalities. In Part 2, I’ll highlight the system’s components—from cameras and switchers to projection endpoints—that pave the way to greater accessibility. I will also touch on the new applications that G2G technology makes possible. PTZ Cameras PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras, exemplified by the AW-UE160, have become integral to capturing high-quality footage from diverse angles. With applications ranging from sports events to concerts, eSports, dark rides, and beyond, these cameras offer flexibility and high-resolution capabilities. As seen in the swimming events of Tokyo 2020, PTZ cameras provide footage from previously impossible angles to immerse audiences in the action. They can be set up to capture a fixed area, track motion via a remote operator, or be used with sensors to track subjects automatically. They’re ideal for live events since they are unobtrusive, with no need for a human operator behind the lens. Products like the AW-UE160 are among the first to support SMPTE ST 2110 via a licensed software option. IT/IP Platform KAIROS KAIROS, an all-on-one software-based IT/IP platform, emerges as a game-changer by consolidating the functionalities of switchers, processors, and encoders into a single device. KAIROS simplifies and even automates live production, reducing complexity, labor, and costs. Its real-time editing, processing, mixing, and distribution capabilities and remote operation contribute to an efficient workflow. Laser Projection For delivering stunning visuals at scale, laser projection is the go-to option. The RQ25K, among the world's smallest 20,000 lm 3-Chip DLP projectors, offers 4K resolution and compatibility with the Intel SDM standard, ensuring adaptable and scalable connectivity to suit the most sophisticated production systems. Meanwhile, the REQ15 4K projector provides a lighter, smaller, yet powerful 1-Chip DLP solution. These projectors ensure sustainable efficiency without compromising image quality, addressing the challenges associated with lamp-based projectors. Current Trends in G2G In the realm of G2G, the game industry surpasses the combined revenue of film and music annually. The popularity of eSports events is evident, drawing millions of fans to both in-person and online tournaments. These events boast high production values, with giant screens and video walls showcasing high-resolution action simulcasts. Emerging from the streaming era, these events inspire the industry with their fast-paced editing, dynamic camera angles, and depth of immersion. PTZ cameras also work with graphics engines for live XR shooting without a tracker, reducing system complexity and potentially lowering production costs. The G2G revolution is finding expression in a myriad of real-world applications, shaping diverse experiences across various sectors. Let’s fly over some examples in use around the world today. eSports tournaments: Swedish company Best Broadcast Hire broadcasts some of the biggest eSports events around the world, including FIFA eSuperliga, the StarLadder MAJOR tournament, and the BLAST Pro Series. Image quality and flexibility are prerequisites for sharing events on-site and online, with the AK-UC4000 camera designed to limit unwanted moiré screen patterns on the LED screens. Digital museums: Frameless, the UK’s largest digital immersive art experience, leverages G2G solutions with over 50 projectors to elevate traditional art encounters. The RQ35K projector, selected for its image quality when captured with a camera, contributes to a visually stunning display. Live concerts: PTZ cameras capture and stream live footage of concerts, exemplified by their use in Ed Sheeran's Global Mathematics world tour. The remote-controlled cameras offer versatility in capturing dynamic performances, expanding the reach of concerts through streaming platforms. Fashion shows: The recent Lanvin Collection show incorporated Panasonic G2G to create captivating backdrops for online runway shows. The fusion of technology enhances the virtual fashion experience, making it accessible to anyone, anywhere. Digital festivals: MUTEK’s electronic music and digital art festival embraces G2G production, featuring PTZ cameras and projection to showcase the event’s immersive content. PTZ cameras, used alongside the Panasonic RQ22K 4K projector, contribute to a seamless G2G solution that brings the festival’s electronic vibes to a global audience. Projection mapping: MINUTE_MAPP TOKYO 2021, an international mapping event, showcased the versatility of G2G solutions. Streaming online due to limited in-person attendance during the pandemic, the event projected 60-second creations from artists worldwide onto a mannequin. Captured by PTZ cameras, this high-fidelity presentation ensured that the intricate details of each piece were faithfully reproduced, underscoring the potential of G2G in elevating virtual events. Conferences: TEDxCambridge, one of the longest-running TED events globally, celebrated its 10th anniversary in grandeur. Staged at the Citizens Bank Opera House in Boston, the event was marked by a 4K experience facilitated by Panasonic Connect’s G2G solution. The presentation achieved a visually rich spectacle by relying on RQ22K projectors, VariCam 4K camcorders, and AW-UE150 PTZ cameras. The synchronized color-matching of cameras contributed to a cohesive look and feel, showcasing the potential of G2G in the realm of conferences and high-profile presentations. Sports: The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 marked a historic milestone as the first to be simulcast in 4K. G2G solutions, including cameras, projectors, and video switchers from Panasonic Connect, played a vital production support role. Panasonic Connect demonstrated the robustness of its professional cameras and the IT/IP platform KAIROS in the context of large-scale sporting events. Charting a Course
As technology continues its rapid evolution, with XR, AI, the metaverse, and 5G networks taking center stage, the future holds the promise of virtual streamed experiences coexisting with their real-life counterparts. G2G-enabled rides, games, and attractions stand as an open frontier for designers, offering significant potential for personalized experiences where digital avatars navigate interactive worlds created by advanced projectors. Panasonic Connect emphasizes its role beyond equipment suppliers. Dedicated to the success of its partners, the company invites leaders to explore the array of services offered, from ideation to ongoing operations and maintenance. For those intrigued by the G2G solutions discussed in this article or any other offerings, please reach out to me at kunimoto.chad@jp.panasonic.com. Chad Kunimoto is the Global Business Development Manager for Themed Entertainment and Immersive Experiences at Panasonic Connect. The TEA Masters of Their Craft program recognizes the achievements of individuals — the artists, writers, producers, engineers and craftspeople with distinguished careers who’ve made significant and enduring contributions to the industry through their expertise, innovation, leadership, and mentorship. The TEA Masters program recognizes a small number of individuals each year, whose skills epitomize the highest standards within their disciplines and who have used those skills to advance their field and the themed entertainment industry. Each TEA Master has built a body of work over decades that demonstrates consistent quality and execution. Often unknown except among their peers and collaborators, TEA Masters help create visceral stories, rides, attractions, events, and places that thrill, delight, and educate guests worldwide. Although the TEA Masters, by definition, are well along in their careers and some have even retired, many Masters are actively creating new marvels around the world. Others are pursuing personal creative and education projects. And all of the Masters remain passionate about sharing their well-honed skills and career lessons with those interested in entering the industry or wanting to learn more about its various aspects. We want to tell those stories. This column contains news of the ongoing activities, achievements and adventures of the TEA Masters around the world. These are the stories of real people who, like all of us, have personal stories to tell: an honor outside of their specialty, an art gallery or technology showcase, enjoying new places and experiences with family and friends or taking a well-deserved retirement trip. This is Keeping up with the Masters! KEEPING UP WITH TEA MASTER LANNY SMOOTThe National Inventors Hall of Fame recently announced their Class of 2024 inductees, and among this group was Lanny Smoot. Lanny is the first Disney Imagineer to receive this national honor, and only the second person at The Walt Disney Company – Walt Disney himself posthumously received this honor in 2000 for the invention of the multi-plane camera.
At the announcement ceremony held at Walt Disney Imagineering’s Glendale campus, Lanny took the opportunity to show off one of his newest inventions – the HoloTile™. The HoloTile floor is the world’s first, and only multi-person, omni-directional, modular, expandable, treadmill floor, where any number of people can have a shared virtual reality experience, walk an unlimited distance in any direction, but never collide or walk off its surface. Besides the immediate VR and gaming applications and potential theme park uses, the HoloTile floor can be an insert in a theatrical stage, allowing performers to move and dance in new ways, or stage props and structures could move around or appear to set themselves up. It’s going to be hard keeping up with TEA Master Lanny Smoot. To find out more, here’s a story on CNN. KEEPING UP WITH TEA MASTER FRANK WEIGAND
KEEPING UP WITH TEA MASTER
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Chad Kunimoto illustrates the transformative impact of Glass-to-Glass (G2G) production on hybrid experiences with expanded audience reach, improved accessibility, and enhanced Return on Investment (ROI). Blog post by Chad Kunimoto for TEA |