robbalvey Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 (edited) Hey everyone! I wanted to make you aware of a VERY COOL event that is taking place on Friday, March 8th in Orlando. It's called the "Entertainment Designer Forum" where you will hear presentations from some of the top designers in the entertainment industry. The event will also include a Q&A at each session, and all the proceeds for the event will go to the American Cancer Society. There are many names I'm sure you'll recognize from Universal Creative, SeaWorld, and Walt Disney Imagineering. This is one of those events where if you're into "theme park design" at all, you NEED to attend this event! There is also an auction for Theme Park memorabilia, original artwork, and HHN collectables! Below are the posters from the event, and here is the official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Entertainment-Designer-Forum/284729474919596?ref=ts&fref=ts And here are the prices for the event: http://www.thehistorycenter.org/4thDesignersForum I wouldn't miss this! If you want to get tickets to this call 407-836-7010 Edited March 4, 2013 by robbalvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoCo Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 I'm sitting here, dying a little inside. What I would give to be able to attend this... Awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vacoaster09 Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 I need to attend this... But another road trip is not in plan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted March 4, 2013 Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 (edited) They have posted some new artwork for the items that will be at auction. Remember, if you want to get tickets to this call 407-836-7010 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Entertainment-Designer-Forum/284729474919596 The event is THIS FRIDAY! Edited March 4, 2013 by robbalvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A.J. Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 I want to hop on a plane right now and go to this. Why can't I live closer to Orlando?!? I'm still hoping that SATE 2013 is going to be there this year though, that is something that I definitely will book a stay for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCalCoasters Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 ^I know they announced SATE 2013 as being in North America, but I don't think any details aside from that have been released yet, since right now most of the TEA's focus is on the upcoming THEA Summit and Gala in April. We'll probably see more details emerge afterwards. It looks like all the FL based Designers will be coming out for the event, and even if someone is not interested in the creative design industry itself, any theme park fan should check this out, as it is an amazing opportunity to hear from the people who put together some of the industry's most incredible attractions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
live2tell75 Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 Thanks Robb for the heads up! Looks like a great lecture. Kevin and I got our tickets for the 9pm session, should be fun. Hope to see some familiar faces there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted March 7, 2013 Author Share Posted March 7, 2013 ^ Look for Jack! He'll be there representing TPR! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
live2tell75 Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 ^Cool, I will! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcrouse Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 Hi Everyone! I attended the 4th annual Entertainment Designers Forum in Orlando Friday night. The event was created to raise funds for Cancer Research in honor of Stephanie Girard, a Universal designer who sadly lost her batter to cancer in 2010. So, first things first – if you have the opportunity, please do what you can to support the American Cancer Society. The event was a complete sell out. Add in the money raised from some really unique items in the silent auction and they shattered their previous fund raising numbers. The event was split up into 2 panels of Theme Park creatives mainly from Universal, Disney and Sea World Parks. Each session was an informal question and answer presentation and each one lasted about an hour and a half. There were a lot of interesting stories – about brightest accomplishments as well as biggest disappointments, and plenty of references to the never ending battle with the execs that hold the purse strings. One common question among the 2 panels was “How can I get your job?”. To that the panels offered these pieces of advise: First, and foremost: Follow Your Bliss And second: You have to put yourself in the position to be successful. Sometimes talent and passion is not enough - you have to be in those circles, hanging out with the people that do what you want to do to get noticed. Expect that there will be some rejections and other obstacles – but you’ll need to maintain your passion and energy. And if all else fails – stalking works. Throughout the evening, the panelists enjoyed taking friendly and subtle jabs at each other. Gregg Dean from Ripley Entertainment had to endure at lest a half dozen “three-eyed goat” jokes. Patrick Braillard, Universal Show Director, and Alan Gilmore, a UK filmmaker who was key creative in bringing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to life (and for some mysterious reason he’s back here in Orlando working on something or other) – both gentlemen were pressed about what was replacing “Jaws” – and both replied (almost on cue) “Parking Garage” Some of the funnier comments during the event – Michael Roddy talked about the Xmen Stunt Show he wrote a few years back (before the Disney purchase) for Movie World in Germany. The Director never got what was up with Wolverine - why is he so mad and what’s up with his claws? And why does Cyclops wear a mask? Lon Smart was discussing storytelling & attraction theming and commented “we’re not going to throw a Batman logo on a coaster and call it a story.” Hmmmm, wonder what he was referencing? Thank you very much to Kim Gromoll for making this all happen. The evening was fantastic – entertaining and inspiring. I’m already looking forward to next year’s forum. If anyone is into Theme Parks and themed entertainment – as a potential career choice or even as an enthusiast, this is really an event you should not miss. And if any of the panelists should read this, thank you for sharing your stories and your talent. This industry is incredibly unique and touches so many people thanks in no small part to your efforts and dedication. One final note: The Orange County Regional History Center (which hosted the event at no cost) is now showcasing a unique “Backstage Universal Studios” exhibit for the next year. The exhibit will rotate content every 3 months and is currently featuring Universal’s Mardi Gras. Future content will include Universal’s Superstar Parade, Cinematic Spectacular, HHN and Grinchmas. The exhibit has lots of interesting signs, photos, renderings and video pieces – definitely worth checking out. Orange County Regional History Center - the line is already out the door for tonight's forum. This is what we're here for. The evening started with a silent auction for some pretty cool theme park one of kind treasures - like this Gwazi train model. A bottle of Simpsons wine. An autographed Penn and Teller Margarita prop cup from HHN Cute and cuddly bloody bunny plushes from the Silent Hill house at HHN A really cool paper Haunted Mansion model An exclusive event print created by Lon Smart The First Panel (left to right) Mike Aiello (Uni), Summer Aiello (Uni), Cecil Magpuri (Falcon's Treehouse), Rick Spencer (Uni), Rich West (Uni), Matt Usi (WDI), Kim Gromoll (Uni) at podium The Second Panel (left to right) Patrick Braillard (Uni), Lon Smart (WDW), Brian Morrow (Sea World), Michael Roddy (WDW), Kim Gromoll (Uni), Alan Gilmore (Uni), Gregg Dean (Ripley) Mike Aiello, Universal Writer/Show Director (HHN) Backstage Universal Exhibit Mardi Gras Anyone remember "Universal Studios Fright Nights"? In 1992 it became Halloween Horror Nights! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
live2tell75 Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 Thanks Jack for the report and it was great to see you. This was/is really great for anyone remotely interested in the theme park industry. Thoroughly enjoyed this event. Hoping I can attend next year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcrouse Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 ^ It was great seeing you too, Eric. Thanks for hanging out with me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcrouse Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 One more photo from the event. Me and designer/illustrator/animator guru, Lon Smart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 Looks like a very cool event! Will definitely have to plan a trip to Orlando around this event next year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 Sounds like an outstanding event, and I'm really looking forward to Universal's new "parking garage." I had no idea that Michael Roddy was with WDW now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCFreak Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 Looks like a very cool event! Will definitely have to plan a trip to Orlando around this event next year! SAME! It looked like it was a fun evening for a GREAT cause and a great opportunity to rub elbows with some high profile creative people from across the Orlando attractions. Definitely something I would love to attend in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meteornotes Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 Thanks for the report. Would have loved to attend this. And I also did not know that Roddy was now working at Disney. dt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopper39 Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 I had no idea that Michael Roddy was with WDW now. And I also did not know that Roddy was now working at Disney. dt Add me to the list, I hope this means there is a Bill and Teds Not So Scary Halloween Adventure in the works for the Mickey's Halloween party! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcrouse Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 Michael joked around a bit about changing jobs - "Where am I working this week?" he asked as he was introduced. Not sure exactly how long he's been with Disney - but he said he was very happy to be there. And he did mention that he had worked on New Fantasyland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted March 12, 2013 Author Share Posted March 12, 2013 Michael joked around a bit about changing jobs - "Where am I working this week?" he asked as he was introduced. Not sure exactly how long he's been with Disney - but he said he was very happy to be there. And he did mention that he had worked on New Fantasyland. I'm pretty sure it's been at least as long as the last years Star Wars weekends as I remember him tweeting about working on some of the shows for that event. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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