TEA has named the current International Board Vice President, Matt Barton, as its President-Elect. Barton, who is already a member of the TEA Executive Committee, will assume his new officer title effective immediately.

This decision came after a unanimous vote of the International Board at their September Special Board Meeting.

“We are thrilled to see Matt step into the role of President-Elect on the International Board,” said TEA’s Executive Director, Lindsey K. Nelson, CAE. “Having served both as President of the Europe & Middle East Division and, most recently, on the International Board, Matt understands TEA both internally and externally. This will serve him very well as he steps in to lead the global organization in the coming years. Not to mention, it is exciting to see a future TEA President hail once again from our Europe & Middle East Division.”

Over the next 15-months, Matt will continue to work alongside and in partnership with current President, Melissa (Ruminot) Oviedo, until he assumes the President role on 1 January 2025.

“I have had the privilege of actively engaging with TEA's objectives and witnessing the organization’s impact first-hand,” said Barton. “The past few years have seen great challenges and significant change at TEA. Being in a leadership role during these times has been both testing and rewarding, and I’m excited to continue working with our dedicated team in this new position.”

Barton is Chairperson at 7thSense, a privately-owned creative software and technology company with offices in Sussex and London in the UK, and Orlando and Burbank in North America. Established in 2004, they are technology innovators who specialize in media serving, pixel processing, and show control by providing a toolkit of advanced products that enable storytellers worldwide to fulfill their vision.

“Matt is well-versed in the issues and opportunities that face the themed entertainment industry worldwide due to the day-to-day work he’s involved in with his global organization,” said Oviedo. “He continuously demonstrates great leadership in his various roles and has a wealth of knowledge that will serve TEA well. I value his perspective on the industry and his passion for our members, and I look forward to closely working with him over the next 15-months.”

Barton is enthusiastic about serving as TEA President-Elect and said, “Throughout my tenure in TEA leadership, I have witnessed the dedication and passion of our members, and I am inspired by their unwavering commitment to excellence. I stand ready to serve in the position of President-Elect and look forward to serving in the future as President.”

Barton is attending IAAPA Expo Europe this week and looks forward to connecting with TEA members in Vienna.

The Family Entertainment Center (FEC) sector has bounced back post-pandemic, with late-2022 research pointing to a CAGR of 10.9%, propelling its value to a projected US$69.5 billion by 2030.

The driving forces behind this revival are favorable youth demographics, the surging popularity of Augmented Reality (AR), and the ascent of interactivity. At the same time, themed retail and experiential dining venues have transitioned into destinations in their own right. In fact, the demand for anchor attractions is so strong that some mall developers in Asia are launching their own branded FEC chains, strategically enhancing the allure of newly established shopping centers.

Strategies for Sustained Novelty
However, experts stress that continued investment is necessary for securing profitability. FECs are heavily reliant on local repeat patronage, making them more susceptible to attendance declines than their theme park counterparts unless they refresh their offerings. To extend the appeal and save resources, investing in media-based attractions that facilitate content updates without hardware upgrades is a smart move. Let’s take a closer look at how trending technology can give FECs a new lease on life.

Sports and Game Simulators
Sports simulators offer an “easy to play, difficult to master” avenue that pulls guests back in. These versatile simulation systems incorporate IR emitters, cameras, projectors, and play booths adaptable to diverse configurations. As digitally driven attractions, they allow for the inclusion of varied game updates without hardware overhauls, saving time, money, and resources. Notably, sports and game simulators are transitioning towards competitive online play, as seen in the emergence of eSport events.

Get in the Swing: Golf Simulation
Virtual golf has undergone a renaissance, with Australia’s Big Swing Golf franchise reporting a five-fold upswing in commercial inquiries during the pandemic. Enhanced realism has engendered an immersive yet social atmosphere, endearing the pastime to both dedicated players and casual visitors. The advent of 240 Hz motion-tracking technology from Panasonic Connect heralds new prospects for these kinds of interactive AR games. This innovative tech projects content seamlessly onto rapidly moving objects and avoids the need for headgear or glasses. Players can immerse themselves without the steep learning curve, fostering sociable, shareable, and repeatable encounters. This technology is within reach of small enterprises with select 1-Chip DLP™ projectors supporting 240 Hz frame rates via our Real-Time Tracking Projection-Mapping SDK.

Half-Dome Simulators
Half-domes are a great way to amplify immersion, particularly for point-and-shoot games. These setups deliver consistently and efficiently, demanding just a single projector per dome. Recently, Panasonic Connect’s XR Lab has been experimenting with booths that envelop guests in a 360° sensory experience, but with built-in screen correction, you can project onto virtually any curved or complex surface.

Bowling-Centric Family Entertainment
In the US alone, 60 million people partake in bowling at least once annually. A preference for informal play among younger people is at the root of this resurgence. The ambiance, diversity, and shareability offered by these venues are just as important as the game itself. The infusion of projections onto walls, lanes, and scoreboards amplifies engagement, fostering a heightened sense of excitement. Similarly, ice-skating rinks, roller-skating, and kart racing courses can be transformed by projections. As evidenced in Beijing 2022, 4K projectors breathe life into old formats. Mapping can extend to kart-racing tracks, indoor skate parks, escape rooms, and laser-tag mazes, transforming spaces into interactive canvases that enhance immersion.

Scaling New Heights: Indoor Sports Climbing
Indoor sports facilities, gyms, arcades, and soft-play centers have capitalized on the interest in sports climbing by incorporating climbing walls. AR projection is a perfect fit, with wall surfaces morphing into dynamic screens for hybrid gameplay using sensors. Projection-guided routes relax the learning curve, guiding novices toward the next handhold. LCD projectors are optimal here, offering a lot of lumens per dollar and stable, low-maintenance operation. Given that visitors often pause for breaks, the sociable facet of the experience shouldn’t be underestimated. The integration of F&B services and supplementary entertainment all contribute to extending the visit duration.

Shopping as Entertainment
While FECs adeptly adapt to heightened expectations, parallel industries, including retail and dining spaces, are also forging connections with patrons through media. Beyond tactile engagement—the ability to touch and assess products—shoppers want entertainment. A 2022 report reveals that one in three consumers now go shopping as a means of escaping routine life. Notably, the yearning for entertainment surpasses practical considerations such as accessibility, according to the report. Here, images can narrate stories, start conversations, encourage interaction, deliver information, and curate the perfect atmosphere. Projection’s adaptability, augmented by lighting, sound, and even scent, offers a multisensory marketing approach. The good news is that implementing a dynamic backdrop doesn’t need a big budget. Portable Ultra Short Throw projectors, capable of projecting immersive widescreen visuals and interactive content from less than an inch away for eye-catching, shadow-free merch displays.

​Alfresco Dining
Many malls boast outdoor dining zones, play spaces, and grand entrances, providing prime canvases for media entertainment encounters. Through outdoor projection mapping, these areas can transform into local landmarks with a carnival-like ambiance. Collaborating with a technology partner such as Panasonic Connect to refine the spatial design before selecting hardware solutions promises more impactful results and can resolve unanticipated installation challenges.
 
Edutainment and Family Engagement
The US$1.5 billion edutainment sector resonates with parents seeking entertaining platforms that also facilitate their children’s development. Innovations like merging basketball with English lessons, as witnessed in China, illustrate how unconventional ideas can set businesses apart. Visuals are catalysts for experiences that build on children’s innate affinity for tactile engagement. Projections seamlessly adapt to diverse surfaces such as 3D shapes, floors, and ceilings, allowing for unencumbered creativity. Given the close viewing range of interactive visuals, image resolution becomes paramount, and so compact 4K projectors equipped with Ultra Short Throw lenses are really taking off.
 
Experiential Gastronomy
The food service industry’s volatile nature means restaurants, bars, and nightclubs must perpetually seek strategies for attracting clientele. Transformative ideas often attract widespread attention. Tabletop projection and mini-mapping serve as prime illustrations. Le Petite Chef by Dutch company Skullmapping underscores that impact doesn’t hinge on scale but rather on ingenuity. A whimsical animated chef materializing on diners’ plates to prepare their food garnered viral acclaim.

Projection’s Versatile and Expansive Potential
Projectors can elevate the ambiance even in smaller-scale events like birthdays, pop-up stores, or functions. Whether through enchanting table-mapping escapades, wall projections that unveil glimpses of the world, or dynamic signage that tells stories, projection remains an efficient way to capture attention. Through collaboration with tech partners and strategic spatial design, you can ascend to new heights in concept and execution while sustainably extending novelty. Discover how Panasonic Connect’s expertise can optimize your investment—explore further by mailing me at kunimoto.chad@jp.panasonic.com.
 
Chad Kunimoto is the Global Business Development Manager for Themed Entertainment and Immersive Experiences at Panasonic Connect

For those of us TEA members who have focused our careers on the theme park market, we may sometimes forget about some of the adjacent industries where talented entrepreneurs are excited to discover who we are and what we do. Among those talents is Traylor Woodall, the ever-enthusiastic Founder and CEO of Fivestone Studios, an immersive multimedia studio serving the marketing (and now themed entertainment) industries from its home base in Nashville, Tennessee. 

According to Traylor, the brand experience market is fertile ground for themed entertainment. “Our famous saying is that we live in that intersection between technology and storytelling, so joining the TEA made perfect sense for us.”

Traylor began his career as an on-air graphic designer for broadcast television, and later made the decision to hang his own shingle and start Fivestone Studios. “We have been pumping out great multimedia projects for over 15 years, and one day one of our Clients asked us to create an immersive guest experience to tell their brand story in their lobby. Suddenly, we were in the guest experience market!” Traylor explains that his foray into themed entertainment and immersive guest experience was a natural fit, and similar to so many entrepreneurs, began with inspiration from Uncle Walt. “Walt Disney was my role model. I have a little yellow notebook I carry around with that written in it from when I was sixteen years old. I have always felt that the way the themed entertainment industry treats the customer experience is phenomenal. Because I love to learn, and my team loves creativity, we feel that the themed entertainment market can help us grow in new and exciting ways to not only deliver projects in themed entertainment, but also learn new skills to serve our clients in the marketing industry as well!”

​After making the decision to join the TEA, Traylor immediately began to find ways to invest his time and his company’s marketing dollars for TEA sponsorship. He encourages others to do the same and experience the same success. “I would definitely recommend to anyone who is considering membership, DO IT, and get involved,” he says. “There are a lot of intimate events like TEA mixers and behind-the-scenes tours to peek behind the curtain and start to understand the ways various companies work and meet people — maybe even find a themed entertainment mentor! Be eager and jump in with both feet, because virtually all TEA members are willing to help guide you in this amazing association.”

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Written by Matt Kent

​Attraction design has always thrived on collaboration; different teams will join a project at different stages. However, the dynamics of when, what, and how each team contributes are changing rapidly.

Creators, tech partners, and integrators are now interdependent. The internet has made communication seamless, allowing complex tasks to be accomplished off-site. Stakeholders can now collaborate closely wherever they are, leveraging a diverse knowledge pool to find innovative solutions.

Recently, I discussed this trend with three experiential design-firm executives I’ve worked with as part of Panasonic Connect’s technology partnership, and it shed light on the evolving landscape of collaboration in the themed entertainment industry.

​“Our process is always one of collaboration with our own teams and external stakeholders,” he says. “Sometimes a company will ask us to turn their IP into a live experience. Sometimes, we come up with the genesis of an idea and approach a particular IP for a branded partnership. There is no set formula. Collaboration with new and exciting companies also allows us to push the boundaries of what people can expect from modern entertainment.”

While complete creative freedom is always nice, he says, the reality is that most projects are tightly controlled.

“Most of the time, the client has a high-level vision in mind. Visualization is always necessary to communicate the vision to ensure alignment, direction, and approval. The freedom to go through an ideation process will always deliver the best results. But we are aware of the invisible hand of running the business. Timeline and financials usually guide the team to the final idea.”

Involving problem-solvers is key
Not all creative individuals fit the mold of artists or designers. Welcoming professionals with diverse backgrounds fosters lateral thinking, leading to innovative solutions. For example, a product engineer with a clear understanding of the attraction designer’s vision can shape new products to meet a specific need, while designers learn how to shape a product’s design by showing the engineer exactly what they need it to do.

As a growing trend, design studios are actively engaging tech partners from the beginning of the ideation process to tackle challenges at an early stage.

Lionetti-Maguire observes, “It’s interesting for technology partners to see how companies will use their products, sometimes in ways they may never have imagined. What this does is create new problems to solve. Technology has to be reliable over long periods and many iterations. When faced with the public, technology has to be at its most robust. These challenges will always create new areas of interest and perhaps even new products for both sides.”

Newman also acknowledges the value of on-site cooperation in tackling challenges, stating, “Since Moongate Design Studio focuses on LBE projects, we face many challenges due to specific conditions of different locations. As a team, we always try to clarify the possible issues in early development with partners.”

Reconciling the “what” and the “how”
However, finding the right balance between visionary concepts and practical considerations can be tough.

Lionetti-Maguire agrees. “The first concept development meeting has to be totally free. We have a mantra of ‘there’s no such thing as a bad idea’ in these meetings. That allows people to be free in their thinking and means we can push the possibilities.

“It’s then in the second phase that we begin to consider the ‘how.’ This is when we introduce technologies and attempt to see if our earlier ideas were possible. We often have to rethink certain elements or make compromises, as is inevitable in any project. However, we have garnered such experience in live entertainment that we often think several steps ahead and will have a very good idea of delivering a certain element.”

The co-creation laboratory
To realize this balance, Panasonic Connect’s creative engineer initiative fosters deeper communication between tech partners and clients. Engineers gain a better understanding of on-site requirements to propose effective solutions.

It’s the impetus of our XR Lab concept. R&D teams are brought together with LBE designers and tasked with creating next-generation experiences. For creative studios, this strong emphasis on collaboration differentiates “technology partner” from “equipment supplier.”

“An equipment supplier will often do the bare minimum, dropping off an installing kit and walking away without any further care for the project, which is shortsighted,” says Lionetti-Maguire. “A great technology partner, like Panasonic Connect, will invest time and care into their partner’s project, knowing that this will be a mutually beneficial endeavor in the long run.”

A glimpse ahead
Looking ahead, emerging technologies promise a new kind of immersive experience. “The technology we are developing with Panasonic Connect for Chaos Karts has enormous possibilities in all those fields,” says Lionetti-Maguire. “The idea of fully digital 360-degree worlds in which customers can play in real-time without the use of VR, which is limiting and inherently anti-social in the real world, is one that I find extremely exciting.”

Song looks forward to more immersive experiences driven by advanced technologies. “More advanced technologies allowing us to share the experience virtually and worldwide will only create more hybrid types of new immersive genres where the traditional theme park and new digital age experience collide and coexist.

“What excites us is not so much about the upcoming technologies; it’s about how we can forge all the tools to create a stronger and more immersive guest experience.”

If you’re interested in learning how a technology partner can enrich and sustain your next attraction, please drop me a line at kunimoto.chad@jp.panasonic.com.

Chad Kunimoto is the Global Business Development Manager for Themed Entertainment and Immersive Experiences at Panasonic Connect.

Immersive tourist attractions have received much attention in recent years and are fast becoming a popular, futuristic mainstream entertainment trend. Special effects films play an integral part in crafting such extraordinary experiences by cultivating a highly immersive environment and creating a strong sense of audience participation.

Fantawild Holdings Inc. operates upwards of 10 distinct Fantawild theme park brands, amounting to over 30 parks in total with hundreds of exciting themed attractions, both in China and overseas. A leading player in the domestic theme park industry and ranking fifth in global theme park attendance figures for four consecutive years, Fantawild has been honored with many awards including TEA’s Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement, the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards, and the Lotus Award. These outstanding market achievements and industry recognitions are testaments to the efforts of Fantawild Film Inc. and its focus on providing one-stop solutions for theme park attractions, from content design and production, to visual effect guidance, to filming, post-production and media production.

Fantawild Film Inc., a subsidiary of Fantawild Holdings, has contributed to the film industry for over 20 years. Currently, it operates the largest special effects film research institute in China. With strong technological prowess, Fantawild boasts a complete and integrated industrial chain for special effects film production. This covers content planning, design, production, recording, equipment debugging and installation. The organization is proud to be leading the trend of special effects films by independently developing upwards of 10 distinct types of special effects film encompassing all previously established special effects film categories. 

Thanks to advanced technology and production capabilities, Fantawild has produced more than 100 world-class special effects film programs. The company presents the charm of special films from a new perspective, providing tourists with the ultimate feast for the senses and providing commercial customers with personalized special effects film programs. Fantawild’s special effects film production system has not only been utilized for its own theme parks but has also been introduced to global markets. Fantawild has successfully sold over 70 sets of special effects film systems to more than 40 countries and territories, including the United States, Canada, Italy, etc. This enables tourists at home and abroad to enjoy a spectacular viewing experience.

Special effects films with distinctive features
Fantawild Film Inc. has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and continuously innovates to apply such technology to its special effects films. The company has developed over 10 kinds of special effects films. These includes dynamic track rides, suspended spherical screen movies, 360° circular-screen movies, giant screen movies, water screen movies, and holographic AR movies. 

Fantawild is highly capable at each stage of the special effects film production process with experience in designing customized programs to suit different themes and storylines. Seeking to create an immersive sensory experience and present a splendid artistic effects, Fantawild utilizes various screen types and technologies such as visual tracking, image splicing and restoration. Perfect synchronization between specialized equipment, including dynamic vehicles, boats, and stages, combines with intricately designed programs to ultimately achieve these goals.

To best present exciting, action-packed scenes, which are favored by youngsters, Fantawild Film Inc. has designed and developed numerous 4D dark rides, such as The Wizard Academy and The Legend of Nüwa. 

Dino-Rampage, a large-scale 4D dark ride program at Fantawild Dino Kingdom in Zigong, features Mesozoic era and scientific elements. This attraction allows visitors to take on the role of a superhero who saves a city rampant with dinosaurs. The theater adopts hyper-realistic technology as well as dynamic image tracking technology. The delicate integration of stereo virtual images and real props is accomplished by synchronizing various screen types, dynamic track vehicles with multiple degrees of freedom, simulation settings, and lighting special effects with other special effects such as raging dinosaurs, collapsing buildings, storms, avalanches, and fire. Together, these elements present the chaos brought by the unruly dinosaurs. The attraction also includes sections of film in which the police swear to defend the city even if it’s the last thing they do. Visitors can partake in a fantastic sensory experience in this highly immersive and adventurous program which is simply great fun. 

In order to present dreamlike and aesthetic stories, Fantawild has innovatively developed the world’s first 360-degree holographic AR theater. Holographic AR film Eternal Love integrates augmented reality technology with live performance. The 360-degree imagery provides audience members with a fantastic view from any location within the theater, creating a visual masterpiece from every angle. Various special effects are employed throughout this production, including the mysterious disappearance and sudden reappearance of performers, props and scenes; the rapid growth of the vines on the wall; and the cracking, collapse, then vanishing of structures. Simultaneously, simulated weather changes such as wind, snow, thunder, and lightning offer audiences an enhanced viewing experience. At the end of the performance, the story’s protagonists dance together and fly into flowers after becoming butterflies. The whole performance is ethereal and picturesque. 

Qu Yuan, another holographic AR film, centers on the tumultuous life of China’s first poet. The film innovatively adopts an ink painting style, utilizing dynamic special effects animation. Perfect cooperation between a high-tech stage and live performance using holographic AR technology and stereo wall projections creates visually poetic scenes. This attraction won Fantawild TEA’s Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement in 2019.

Fantawild excels in presenting themes and artistic effects required for each attraction through a variety of stylized film content such as cartoons, hyperrealism, traditional origami, ink painting, scroll painting, and digital restoration. The organization has developed hundreds of colorful special effects programs with distinctive cultural significances and technological traits. Among them are Bridge to Love, shown in a panoramic dome theater; Battle of Red Cliffs, a Three Kingdom-themed traditional origami experience; Marvels of Chinese Culture, a giant screen film; and Chinese Opera Express which is a trackless ride. Fantawild’s work is therefore recognized as a model for integrating technology with modern tourism. Special effects films are the core of all these attractions. Synchronizing specialized equipment and special effects combine the virtual and real worlds to present diverse themes and content in an innovative way.

Dive into the culture and explore the art of inheritance and innovation
A strong theme and cultural representation are the heart of Fantawild’s productions. Fantawild often takes inspiration from traditional stories then combines this with creativity and technology to provide tailored recreational attractions. Each production is carefully crafted and requires a lot of work. This includes research, sourcing material, brainstorming, discussing, and evaluating relevant technology. With a focus on innovative development and conversion of cultural content, as well as developing new technology and producing special effects films, Fantawild strives to achieve authentic artistic restoration through special effects. This grants cultural elements a new lease of life, and provides tourists with unique experiences.

Fantawild was the first organization in China to build a park featuring with cultures of the 10 ASEAN member states: Fantawild Asian Legend. Over 50 members of the Fantawild film creation and production team spent several months traveling Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos and so on studying the cultures and customs of these territories while collecting relevant material and resources. 

Fantawild successfully showcases the individuality of each nation, featuring the most symbolic cultural elements. Each represented territory features characteristics such as folklore, legends, and natural landscapes vividly presented on huge screens, 360-degree circular screens, or spherical screens. 4D dark ride technology, holographic imagery technology, and water-screen film technology are employed to complete the special effects production as required by Fantawild Asian Legend park. 

For these parks, Fantawild has developed over 10 special effects films, including Dancing Islands, Manila Manila, and Finding Merlion. These attractions vividly represent the colorful and diverse nature and history, as well as the perhaps unfamiliar cultures of these ASEAN nations. Nanning Fantawild Asian Legend provides visitors with a fantastic opportunity to learn more about other places and cultures without having to travel. The park has also hosted important political figures from these ASEAN nations and has received positive feedback.

The production of the giant screen film Amazing Angkor is visually impressive. To authentically recreate architectural characteristics, social customs, and the geographic landscape of Angkor Wat and its history of more than 1,000 years, Fantawild engineers visited the site in person to collect material and carry out extensive research. They then developed Amazing Angkor, a unique huge-screen film which utilizes hyper-realistic digital assets software and methods of normal mapping. Hundreds of photographs taken from a multitude of angles guarantee detailed accuracy in Fantawild’s digital models. 3D digital remastering technology was used to perfectly recreate the splendid stone structures and wall paintings of Angkor Wat.

Let’s Fly is a popular themed attraction at Nanning Fantawild Asian Legend. In this suspended dome theater, visitors can take in some of the most recognizable and distinctive scenery from several different countries. This flight simulation utilizes a spherical screen with a unique elevation angle and suspended seats which mimic on-screen movements. Various technologies were used during the film’s production, including super-realistic CG production, image drawing, and texture mapping. Fantawild collected huge amounts of research material and studied it in detail, aiming to present authentic replications using texture mapping. 

This immersive attraction is truly a feast for the eyes. Visitors can fully appreciate the magnificent scenery and landmarks of ASEAN nations, such as Mount Popa, Borobudur Temple, the splendid Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, and the famous Shwedagon Pagoda.

This attraction represents tradition while making innovative use of technology. Fantawild enables people to see the infinite potential of combining traditional culture with modern technology. Participants will appreciate the beauty of these creative arts in this immersive attraction.

Strong technical prowess ensures quality
Rapid technical advancements encourage continuous modifications to recreational activities and a constant need for innovation to fulfill such demands. The realization of great ideas is indispensable from the advancement of technology.

Fantawild has always upheld the value of self-innovation and self-owned intellectual property rights. To date, the organization has obtained over 500 patents worldwide. Fantawild actively explores contemporary ways to integrate and apply cutting-edge technology, culture, film and other forms of media with the tourism industry. The company is experienced in and capable of all stages of the film production process, including concept design, visual effect creation, special-effects and television production, on-site visual effect guidance and shooting, audio and video post-production, motion capture, high-precision asset production, commercial advertising, 3D animation production, and virtual digital person in the field of digital content. It is undoubtedly an exemplary company within the special effects film sector.

Fantawild Film Inc. boasts strong creative and R&D capabilities, having self-developed a series of professional facilities, including a hyper-realistic 360-degree photogrammetry system and various intelligent shooting systems. Additionally, the organization has fully grasped a whole set of film and television production capabilities, such as simulation technology, extra sensory experience, and the post-production special effects of film and television productions. Thanks to all of this, much of Fantawild’s technology is considered to be some of the best in the world. 

Fantawild was the first organization in China to develop a giant screen stereo projection system with 8K resolution and 48 frames per second (fps) as well as a spherical screen projection system with 4K resolution and 60 fps. Paying close attention to 3D digital remastering technology, hyper-realistic asset technology, the integration of live shots with 3D graphics, and stylized picture effects research were all indispensable when crafting super authentic replicas of actual scenes to ultimately creating a realistic virtual world. 

​Fantawild never stops modernizing performance styles and updating the content of themed attraction. They are able do so by independently developing virtual interactive entertainment equipment and intelligent control systems such as special tracks, vehicles, boats, stages, simulation robots, and special effects devices. This has facilitated upgraded presentation formats, including suspended dome theaters, 4D dark rides, holographic AR theaters, dynamic dome theaters and so on.

It is noteworthy that Fantawild Film Inc. was also the first creative team in the world to impressively bring ancient paintings to life using digital 3D remastering technology. By independently developing techniques to create a 3D reconstruction of an ancient painting, Fantawild successfully developed Flying with Cranes, a spherical screen flight simulation which showcases this classic artwork in a way unlike any before. 

It takes a lot of time and effort to digitally remaster a painting on a giant spherical screen with 4K resolution at 48 fps. Fantawild engineers have constructed 3D model of this piece of art by employing the outlining and techniques of traditional Chinese painting and 3D digital technology. Close attention was paid to also preserve the carving strokes and intricate details of the original painting. The coloring process and manner in which the colors overlap were studied in order to make a perfect replica of the original piece. 

Creatively taking inspiration from the mineral jade, Fantawild vividly represents the texture and gloss of water seen in the original painting. Fantawild also developed away for guests to appreciate the painting while inflight as visitors sit in suspended chairs enveloped by a huge spherical screen to give the impression of flying in line with cranes. Guest have close contact with the ancient painting from the Northern Song dynasty and can fully appreciate the beauty and magnificence conveyed in this landscape painting.

​Fantawild has crafted magical spaces where visitors can travel through time and experience various magnificent and exciting adventures. A combination of culture, technology, and imagination has created wonderful lands of innovation, offering visitors wonderfully immersive and dreamlike experiences.

Chad Kunimoto explains how laser projection can transform your business into a sustainable powerhouse with these 10 strategies.
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Blog post by Chad Kunimoto for TEA
LinkedIn Email

​The attractions industry is moving to address the environmental impact of creating magical experiences. PortAventura World in Spain recently became the world’s first carbon-neutral resort. Disney is progressing towards its 100% carbon neutrality goal by 2030. Universal Studios Orlando switched to LED lighting, saving about 2.4 million kilowatt hours of energy annually. Others are investing in water recycling, food waste programs, and renewable energy sources.

With so many companies relying on media-powered attractions, investing in laser projection can go a long way to minimizing your environmental impact while promoting sustainable business. Here are 10 ways that laser projectors—the heart of media-based experiences—can make your operation more sustainable.

1. Reduce waste and enhance reliability
It used to be necessary to keep an inventory of spare lamps and filters and maintain projectors regularly, which led to waste, cost, and downtime. Today, the best DLP laser projectors feature sealed optical blocks that prevent dust ingress without the need for filters, while the light source lasts for the life of the product, reducing downtime, waste, cost, and effort for operators.

2. Transition to energy-efficient equipment
Laser projectors offer excellent Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) benefits. One study found that if all European cinemas switched from lamp to laser projectors, the energy savings could amount to 150 GWh of energy annually, equivalent to the monthly production of a small nuclear power plant. Some 20,000-lumen-class projectors such as this use about 33% less energy than equivalent lamp projectors. Laser projectors maintain consistent brightness for long periods, reducing the need for calibration.

3. Reduce transport emissions
Laser projectors are much smaller and lighter than lamp projectors, with some models 40% smaller than their predecessors, for more efficient transport. Rental companies can fit more units on one truck at a time, directly reducing carbon emissions. The smaller form factor saves time, energy, and costs associated with installation, opening new possibilities for projection in areas with limited space.

4. Use fewer projectors
Some laser projectors offer a high level of brightness relative to their size, allowing you to achieve impressive image quality using fewer projectors. Lamp projectors often required stacking to achieve sufficient brightness, but now a single laser projector can accomplish the same task. Additionally, evolved fisheye lenses can provide full-dome coverage from a single projector, boosting operating efficiency.

5. Refresh the experience, not the hardware
To ensure long-term sustainability, selecting a flexible projector that can adapt to different applications is important. Laser light sources last for 20,000 hours, so you can keep using the same projectors through multiple iterations of an attraction. Compatibility with optional lenses and function boards adapt to changing needs.

6. Save time during setup
The best projectors provide a user experience that will save time, money, and resources for improved sustainability. For example, automated edge-blending and remote monitoring capabilities can streamline setup and operation and reduce resource consumption. Additionally, the use of NFC (Near Field Communication) can save time by enabling device interactions even in the absence of AC power on-site.

7. Extend projector service life
Laser projectors include Eco modes that extend service life beyond 20,000 hours. Furthermore, sensors can detect changes in the images and make adjustments to maintain color and brightness uniformity, reducing callouts. Some lenses can detect changes in content brightness or temperature and correct focus drift automatically.

8. Simulate real environments
Laser projection allows you to simulate the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems, allowing guests to experience the wonder without causing harm. From exotic flora and fauna to marine or forest ecologies, projection offers a sustainable way to share it.

9. Avoid toxic materials
Choose a projector that does not contain specified toxic substances such as mercury, lead, or halogenic flame retardants. Unlike conventional projectors that require special disposal of expired lamps due to their mercury content, laser projectors offer a more hassle-free and environmentally conscious choice.

10. Secure a technology partner
When selecting a technology partner, prioritize those with a strong environmental track record, a trusted reputation, and a forward-thinking vision for sustainability. Your values and vision should align so that you can work together to ensure that your investments contribute to environmental sustainability.

Since projectors work continuously for long periods, seeking expert advice is vital for maximizing their sustainability. When it comes time to create or renew your next attraction, engage a technology partner who understands your site and can guide you through every aspect of spatial design, from the blue-sky phase to opening day. If you’re interested in learning how you can make your media-based attraction more sustainable, drop me a line 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!

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​We have all experienced moments when a certain image, scent, taste, sound, or texture triggered powerful memories and emotions. These memories are so deeply ingrained because our senses are directly connected to the limbic system—the primitive brain region responsible for associating sensory memory with emotion.​

Research indicates that using sensory technology to heighten the visual realism of media-based attractions can significantly enhance the guests’ ability to feel and remember the experience. This notion is widely supported by industry leaders, with a recent London & Partners survey revealing that 78 percent of event planners believe that multi-sensory events deliver more memorable and creative experiences.

Marketers have long been aware of the power of the senses in converting sales by leveraging scent, sound, lighting, and touch to influence our feelings and behaviors. These same techniques can be effectively harnessed in the experience economy to make media-based attractions more authentic and create lasting sensory memories.

Stimulating the senses for memorable experiences
The possibilities for stimulating different senses and elevating the overall experience are virtually limitless. For example, the New York Met has successfully bridged the gap between visual and tactile experiences by incorporating replica sculptures embedded with fragrances and interactive sounds. Another intriguing concept involves using acoustic levitation to suspend food particles in the air, creating a taste delivery system.

Research has demonstrated the remarkable effectiveness of scent in captivating viewers and immersing them more deeply in the visual content. Additionally, spatial audio can enhance the realism of projected images by providing directional sounds that envelop the audience. To further enhance the realism of projections, attraction designers have been experimenting with novel screen surfaces like glass, water, ribbon screens, and even organic objects.

Mist, for instance, is an established technique that adds dimensionality and atmosphere to images while refreshing the mind and body. Silky Fine Mist, when combined with high-brightness 4K laser projection, has been utilized with great success in recent projects such as the collaboration between media artist Refik Anadol and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, as well as the award-winning Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Striking the right balance
Implementing sensory technology presents its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to achieving harmony between form and function. Defining a specific objective is crucial; understanding what you want your audience to feel and remember is the key to striking the right balance among the various sensory elements.

However, it is not uncommon for clients seeking assistance in creating a multisensory attraction to lack a clear vision of the desired outcome. In such cases, it becomes essential for the technology partner to help them visualize the end result by showing how the physical environments and digital images can be fused seamlessly together with sensory enhancement. Finding the optimal equilibrium between image quality and cost-effectiveness while ensuring ease of operation and sustainability is just as vital as the final outcome itself.

Co-creation helps to realize your vision
In addition to having access to creative engineers who can help conceptualize and execute your vision, it is beneficial to collaborate with a technology partner such as Panasonic Connect, a global company that’s capable of providing a diverse range of technologies, consultancy services, and on-site support, all under one roof.

Maintaining open communication between the technology partner and the creator, from the initial conception to the final execution, is crucial. This ensures that integrating the emotional “extra dimension” binds your guests to the experience, increasing their likelihood of remembering, sharing, and revisiting your attraction.

The technology is readily available, and your audience is eagerly waiting. All you need is a clear vision. If you require assistance in piecing together the multisensory puzzle for your museum, location-based attraction, concert, immersive experience, artainment show, sporting event, exhibition, trade show, or any other endeavor, please reach out to me with your questions or ideas at kunimoto.chad@jp.panasonic.com.

Chad Kunimoto is the Global Business Development Manager for Themed Entertainment and Immersive Experiences at Panasonic Connect.

Global entertainment leader, TEA Premier Partner and 2023 & 2024 Thea Awards producer RWS Entertainment Group announced today it is relaunching as RWS Global, comprised of its subsidiaries RWS, ted, JRA and ARC. Celebrating 120 years of combined experience, this unifying brand reflects the breadth of the company’s capacity to deliver best-of-the-best talent, visionary creative and decades of know-how as the go-to partner for making every live experience exceptional. The collective creativity and in-house expertise will drive elevated client and guest experiences around the world for parks and resorts, cruise lines, destinations and global brands.
 
“We are beyond excited to marry the superior talents and capabilities of RWS, ted, JRA and ARC under the umbrella of RWS Global,” said Ryan Stana, Founder & CEO of RWS Global. “This new creative synergy and talent pool will shatter expectations of what live experiences could and should be, reinvigorating in-person moments for both guests and brands. Four companies have become one team with endless possibilities that reach over 50 countries in six continents, creating millions of smiles each day.”
 
As the ‘one stop — and then some — shop,’ RWS Global delivers unmatched capabilities from ideation to operation, resulting in enhanced client experiences, improved visitor satisfaction and more unique surprise-and-delight moments for guests. The RWS Global team, consisting of the Creative, Administration, Talent Casting & Recruitment and Marketing & Business Development departments, will support all four subsidiaries, creating structural efficiencies and ensuring a consistent level of excellence across the brands.
 
Capabilities include:
 
RWS: Headquartered in New York City, RWS is the go-to partner for some of the largest parks, resorts, cruise lines, destinations and brands in the world. RWS offers everything needed to develop ideas, bring them to life and run them flawlessly. Services include concept and design, show production, seasonal experiences, talent recruitment, costume design and build, leased experiences and guest acts.
 
ted: London-based ted is the European leader in live moments, delivering 360-degree experience design and implementation for iconic parks and resorts, cruise lines, destinations and brands. ted’s capabilities include AV and technical, custom character development, music and media, fitness and wellbeing and retail and merchandising. With operations in 50 countries, decades of collective expertise and a top-tier team of creators, ted delivers exceptional experiences around the world.
 
JRA: As creators of extraordinary destinations, JRA, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, develops attractions that transport guests out of their daily lives. An immersive exhibit, a thrilling adventure, a storytelling world—anything one can dream up, JRA team members can design and build. Services include master planning, writing and content development, experience planning and design, executive media production, graphic design, art direction and project management and fabrication.
 
ARC: Connecting directors and producers to a deep, diverse talent pool for theatrical and commercial projects, ARC is casting for the 21st century. ARC goes beyond known names to discover fresh talent with a commitment to fostering an inclusive casting environment. ARC repeatedly delivers on the biggest ambitions with its unrelenting enthusiasm and exacting artistic standards. Services include casting for national, international, touring and Broadway theatrical productions, as well as television, film and commercials.
 
“Each company under the RWS Global umbrella will turn big and small moments into powerful memories by leveraging their individual expertise,” said Craig Laurie, Chief Creative Officer of RWS Global. “We are committed to raising the bar by elevating experiences from concept to completion as one powerhouse team.”
 
Building off its successful production of the 2023 Thea Awards Gala, RWS Global looks forward to leveraging the capabilities of its powerhouse team to create “endless possibilities” for the 2024 celebration at its new location at Loews Hollywood. “We were honored to produce the 2023 Gala, and it was a pleasure working with TEA Executive Director Lindsey Nelson, as well as the organization’s staff, board, volunteers and contractors, to raise the experience of the events’ distinguished award recipients and guests,” said Rebecca Holmes, Director of Technical Operations for RWS and the show’s Producer/Director. “We can’t wait to start planning TEA’s 30th Thea Awards Gala in its brand-new space and with the knowledge we gained from 2023.”
 
The 30th Thea Awards Gala will take place Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Loews Hollywood. For more information, including how to submit a project, click here.  For more information on RWS Global, visit rwsglobal.com. 

Written by Chad Kunimoto, Global Business Development Manager for Themed Entertainment & Immersive Experience at Panasonic Connect
 
Discover how location-based entertainment trends shape projector design as we explore the importance of customer-centricity and co-creative partnerships in developing user-refined products.

Most of us have experienced disappointment when a much-anticipated product fails to live up to the hype. Often, this happens when users are forced to adapt to devices that prioritize a single benefit over their real-world needs and preferences.
 
Consider the case of touchscreen controls in cars. Though drivers prefer physical buttons, many car-makers continue to equip their vehicles with touchscreens. A similar scenario unfolds in the battle between vinyl records and CDs—while digital audio is often hailed as superior, the resurgence of vinyl sales challenges that notion. Even the concept of the Metaverse, with its exciting possibilities, faces criticism from those who claim that in a business context, at least, it’s a solution in search of a problem.
 
In these cases, there is a gap between what the product designer thinks the users want from an experience and what they actually need. So, how can we avoid this situation?
 
A user-centric approach to product design
When it comes to designing projectors to support immersive media-based experiences, the key is for manufacturers to cultivate a co-creative and collaborative relationship with stakeholders in order to gain a better understanding of the problems they face. This allows them to design products that solve them and enhance the profitability of our customer’s business.
 
In the realm of location-based entertainment attraction design, it can be difficult to discern which trends are worth investing in and which will be short-lived novelties, so it is important to understand the customer’s ultimate ambition with regard to the kind of entertainment experience they want to provide.
 
By joining forces with our clients at their site or our XR Lab, we create a diverse knowledge pool that enriches each project phase, leading to better-designed products. An illustration of this approach is our REQ12 Series 1-Chip DLP projector. Let’s look at how this model was developed and how it aligns with the evolving trends in LBE.
 
Meeting demand for immersive experiences
The demand for immersive experiences continues to surge, with guests expecting ever-higher levels of visual realism in media-based attractions. Particularly in immersive 360° spaces where images completely envelop the viewers, maintaining the illusion poses significant challenges for engineers. To address this, our engineers work alongside customers to identify challenges and develop solutions that enhance image realism and create a captivating experience.
 
When guests venture close to the screen to scrutinize fine details like brushstrokes, it’s not only high image resolution that is important. It’s also crucial to ensure focus uniformity. When introducing new lenses for the REQ12 Series, we incorporated powered periphery focus adjustment. This means achieving uniform focus from the image center to the edges is easily accomplished via remote control, resulting in a realistic viewing experience even up close.
 
Furthermore, we’ve made strides in enhancing contrast. Our customers wanted to avoid the issue of dimming during high-contrast scenes, prompting us to develop new scene analysis circuitry that enables better detection of the nuances between dark and light shades in each video frame and ensures optimal contrast throughout.
 
Increasing fidelity with the source content
A projector’s ability to accurately reproduce red is paramount, particularly for artwork. Until recently, accurate red has been the domain of 3-Chip DLP products. To replicate their high performance in a smaller platform, we developed Rich Color Enhancer. This technology expands the red-channel output to deliver more accurate red tones.
 
Additionally, we noticed that customers struggled to fix color banding issues, which often surface only when content is projected. Gradation Smoother, introduced for the first time on a 1-Chip DLP projector, addresses this issue. It smooths away color banding in gradients at the touch of a button, ensuring a seamless visual experience.
 
Edge blends are another important aspect, especially when projecting at 4K on curved screens. Imperfections in blending become more noticeable in such scenarios. To counter this, we evolved our black-level adjustment technology to include point-based adjustment. This allows the black borders to match screen curvature and black levels to be set inside the blends with a high degree of precision. The result? Flawless and imperceptible edge blends that merge images seamlessly.
 
Responding to the latest trends
The growing trend of gamification also influenced the REQ12 Series design. We recognize the strong demand for interactive and personalized experiences that enable guests to connect with the story and each other.
 
To achieve this, it’s important that projectors integrate with peripheral equipment to enhance the quality of AR/XR applications, making them repeatable and shareable. With the ability to display 2K/240 Hz video without motion blur or image artifacts, the REQ12 Series can smoothly reproduce the fast-paced action of XR gameplay or eSport tournament events. Moreover, its 2K/240 Hz capability syncs with our Real-Time Tracking Projection-Mapping SDK, allowing for the limitless fusion of digital and analog elements within XR attractions. This system enables the creation of immersive and social gameplay experiences without the need for VR headgear.
 
Inspiring confidence in the long term
Reliability is a paramount consideration. Business operators shouldn’t have to worry about potential failures impacting the guest experience or the headaches associated with filter changes, lamp replacements, and regular image calibration. To ensure a sustainable experience, REQ12 Series includes an optical compliant with IP5X Dust Protected standard, ensuring optimal performance even in dusty environments.
 
Additionally, it features an Intel SDM slot that adapts to system infrastructure with various connections and AVoIP standards available through optional function boards, thereby allowing the attraction to run on a common protocol. This integration enhances system reliability and efficiency, streamlining automation processes.
 
Look beyond the product’s design
Projectors play a vital role in creating compelling media-based attractions. However, a collaboration between the technology partner and the customer will ultimately bring your vision to life. When evaluating different projector brands, we encourage you to look beyond the device’s design and consider the comprehensive range of services and expertise that support it.
 
Chad Kunimoto is the Global Business Development Manager for Themed Entertainment and Immersive Experiences at Panasonic Connect. If you’re interested in learning more about the services and technologies that underpin a partnership with Panasonic Connect, please get in touch at kunimoto.chad@jp.panasonic.com.
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