I’m really glad I found your UA-cam channel. I’ve been trying to find where I fit in my creative skills. I’ve been in theatre for 12 years, but also illustration and video editing. The past 3 years I’ve been working in Film and TV pretty much by happenstance as a Set Dresser and Locations Manager. Working with Netflix, HBO, and Meow Wolf, I’m finding I like the projects that are the most immersive. Maybe this themed design world is for me. Didn’t realize it was a thing until I was browsing SCAD’s masters programs trying to figure out my next steps in my career. Thanks for your videos!
Hi, I just saw your comment and I really resonated with it. I am only 20 yo so I am just only graduating a bachelor degree in communication and marketing ( In France ) But I have always been passionate about the movie industry as well as themed park design obviously ! I have actually been wanting to create roller coasters themes decors since I was 8 years old. Anyway I just meant to say that I was thinking of getting into space design and interior design for movies because in France since there is no theme park design degree here. But looking into it, it seems like it’s even a harder job than theme parks design… What do you think? Could you tell me more abt your experience ? 🙏 ( also I saw the scad masters as well and the Ringling’s BFA ) 😂
This is awesome!!! I am transitioning from stunts (performring and coordinating) to more building the scenes and I've been trying to break into the orlando scene but on that side of the industry for years! I've worked as a scenic artist, props, tech director, etc but I get the feeling that maybe I'm just looked at as an aging out performer lol. Thanks fpr these videos
I would love to see a series where you actually design a themed area instead of just talking about what skills are required. That way people like me could get a more accurate understanding of the profession.
You’re right, that would be one of the best ways to demonstrate all of these principles in practical application. The real problem would be no company would want to share the specifics of their development process with the world... That is their IP and is proprietary. Creating a fictitious project to demonstrate all of the steps would take enormous effort (and investment) since there are so many disciplines, phases and details to show... For now, you’ll have to settle for books, courses and explainer videos!
@@TheronSkees Thanks for your reply! Creating a fictitious project would have been what I had in mind. Now that I think about it, large teams are involved in designing themed areas so showing the complete process does not seem doable. Just out of curiosity: are there specific teams designated to assessing crowd control, as well as safety standards such as evacuation plans in the design phase? I personally do not see myself as a themed area designer in the future, but rather in the business management side of the theme park industry. Still I’m interested in every aspect of theme parks and really enjoy your content :D
Thank you for the insight, Theron. As you've figured I'm working to pivot from my current role and industrial and transition into the themed entertainment industry and this video affirms everything I'm doing to get there and to close any gaps I might not yet have considered.
That’s great Chaz! I knew you were looking to transition your career- big move but definitely possible. Learning as much as you can about the industry and networking to build relationships will definitely help. I’ve coached quite a few professionals who are doing the same thing!
Thank you for sharing these videos. It's helpful to see behind the curtain a bit more. I'd love to see a deeper dive into your specific skill sets and experiences in the industry and your journey from position to position. I believe that would help give even more insight into what the industry looks like right now.
Mitchell- so glad these videos are resonating! There are a few ways to make that deeper dive, as you’ve said into my skills sets. You can take a look at the other videos I have on this channel (my webinar is really about my career). You could also keep your eyes open for the next webinar I host so you could join. Subscribing to my website would insure you get all of the latest news for events and discounts I offer. Thanks again!
This wakes me up! I am so thrilled. I also worked for Disney. Now I am a freelancer working for Themed Entertainment, and your videos inspire me to dream big!
You might know a friend of mine, a Landscape architect project manager at Epcot, Joe P. I’m still on the fence on going to graduate school because of the economy and just trying to get my foot in the door after I graduate.
Jacob- sorry, I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a Joe P. before... I do know quite a few folks who have decided to return to school for additional degrees not only to increase their knowledge but to avoid the potentially “anemic” job market. A hard decision for sure, especially if you’re just adding to student loan debt- there’s no guarantee that the higher degree will actually secure you a job in the industry... Some may argue to just get started in whatever design firm you can that does work in Themed Entertainment so you can start gaining valuable experience- something you’ll still need even after your graduate degree...
@@TheronSkees Thank you for the reply! I've had an internship at a Lasndscape Architecture firm in Orlando, EDSA who's worked on a couple of Disney projects. But still trying to reach for more in my career. The more I look into it, I'm thinking set design might be my thing. Is there any resources you might recommend on this? Thanks!
@@jacobboudreaux1117 I would recommend you follow Don Carson. He’s a very seasoned themed experience designer who teaches show set design. In addition, anything you can find on theatrical design (scenery) would also help.
Thanks Maria, I'm so glad you enjoyed the content! You can also check out my other content platforms for more information on Themed Entertainment Design you might find useful! All the best...
Thanks, so glad you’re enjoying them. Check out the link to my website and other social channels as I share other things related to the themed experience design world in these various channels as well. For example, my blog: “The Create Escape” offers many insights on the industry... Enjoy!
Hello! I am an aspiring show set designer(short term)creative director(long term) in themed entertainment here. I am recently going to school for computer animation to further improve my skillset. However I am stuck on how to tailor my portfolio to grasp the attention of themed entertainment companies. Any suggestions and tips?
Great video, with lots of good advice! But no mention of music and sound design. Is there a reason for that? I'm a veteran freelance film composer and sound designer with experience creating sound design and music for multichannel audio fly rides, some dark rides, and immersive sound installations, but I'd like to do much more. Any advice for me? Is that a subject you could cover with your coaching service?
Dan, sound design and sound effects are very important to experience design! Many “specialty disciplines” are required like lighting design, special effects or illusioneering, set decorators, props, costume design, animatronics, pyro… There are so many disciplines it’s always difficult to mention them all.
Hi Sir. please advice me I am maintenance person in this industry(Amusement park). I want to become a certified or professional person in Maintenance field.So, there any online courses related my experience in your company website.
Hello! I would love to get into Themed Experience design, but I’m currently getting my Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Media. If I would like to get an MFA in Themed Experience design, do I have to have prior experience with architecture, engineering, etc to get into a good Master’s program? I am currently a Junior in college and plan to do an internship this summer related to themed experience design. Would that help me get into a good Master’s program since I have no undergrad study experience?
Hi Lauryn, no, you don't need a degree in theme park design in order to work in the Themed Entertainment Industry... believe it or not, almost every professional job you can imagine is found working in the industry. Now, more than ever, media design, film, animation, etc is HUGE in this industry. There are so many companies you could work for that do great work in the industry... that would give you lots of experience! I'm wishing you all the best in your career journey!
I’m really glad I found your UA-cam channel. I’ve been trying to find where I fit in my creative skills. I’ve been in theatre for 12 years, but also illustration and video editing. The past 3 years I’ve been working in Film and TV pretty much by happenstance as a Set Dresser and Locations Manager. Working with Netflix, HBO, and Meow Wolf, I’m finding I like the projects that are the most immersive. Maybe this themed design world is for me. Didn’t realize it was a thing until I was browsing SCAD’s masters programs trying to figure out my next steps in my career. Thanks for your videos!
Hi, I just saw your comment and I really resonated with it. I am only 20 yo so I am just only graduating a bachelor degree in communication and marketing ( In France )
But I have always been passionate about the movie industry as well as themed park design obviously ! I have actually been wanting to create roller coasters themes decors since I was 8 years old.
Anyway I just meant to say that I was thinking of getting into space design and interior design for movies because in France since there is no theme park design degree here. But looking into it, it seems like it’s even a harder job than theme parks design… What do you think? Could you tell me more abt your experience ? 🙏 ( also I saw the scad masters as well and the Ringling’s BFA ) 😂
Love this! So grateful for Themed Entertainment and the joy it brings to the world!
Me too! Thanks Samantha...
This is awesome!!! I am transitioning from stunts (performring and coordinating) to more building the scenes and I've been trying to break into the orlando scene but on that side of the industry for years! I've worked as a scenic artist, props, tech director, etc but I get the feeling that maybe I'm just looked at as an aging out performer lol. Thanks fpr these videos
I would love to see a series where you actually design a themed area instead of just talking about what skills are required. That way people like me could get a more accurate understanding of the profession.
You’re right, that would be one of the best ways to demonstrate all of these principles in practical application. The real problem would be no company would want to share the specifics of their development process with the world... That is their IP and is proprietary.
Creating a fictitious project to demonstrate all of the steps would take enormous effort (and investment) since there are so many disciplines, phases and details to show...
For now, you’ll have to settle for books, courses and explainer videos!
@@TheronSkees Thanks for your reply! Creating a fictitious project would have been what I had in mind. Now that I think about it, large teams are involved in designing themed areas so showing the complete process does not seem doable.
Just out of curiosity: are there specific teams designated to assessing crowd control, as well as safety standards such as evacuation plans in the design phase?
I personally do not see myself as a themed area designer in the future, but rather in the business management side of the theme park industry. Still I’m interested in every aspect of theme parks and really enjoy your content :D
@@mariuscannaka8940 Yes, the operations team has experts in all of those areas that participate on project teams.
Thank you for the insight, Theron. As you've figured I'm working to pivot from my current role and industrial and transition into the themed entertainment industry and this video affirms everything I'm doing to get there and to close any gaps I might not yet have considered.
That’s great Chaz! I knew you were looking to transition your career- big move but definitely possible. Learning as much as you can about the industry and networking to build relationships will definitely help. I’ve coached quite a few professionals who are doing the same thing!
Thank you for sharing these videos. It's helpful to see behind the curtain a bit more.
I'd love to see a deeper dive into your specific skill sets and experiences in the industry and your journey from position to position. I believe that would help give even more insight into what the industry looks like right now.
Mitchell- so glad these videos are resonating! There are a few ways to make that deeper dive, as you’ve said into my skills sets. You can take a look at the other videos I have on this channel (my webinar is really about my career). You could also keep your eyes open for the next webinar I host so you could join. Subscribing to my website would insure you get all of the latest news for events and discounts I offer.
Thanks again!
This wakes me up! I am so thrilled. I also worked for Disney. Now I am a freelancer working for Themed Entertainment, and your videos inspire me to dream big!
I’m so glad the video was inspiring to you- that’s always my goal: education, inspiration and guidance!
Stay curious...
What do you do as a freelancer?
You might know a friend of mine, a Landscape architect project manager at Epcot, Joe P.
I’m still on the fence on going to graduate school because of the economy and just trying to get my foot in the door after I graduate.
Jacob- sorry, I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a Joe P. before...
I do know quite a few folks who have decided to return to school for additional degrees not only to increase their knowledge but to avoid the potentially “anemic” job market. A hard decision for sure, especially if you’re just adding to student loan debt- there’s no guarantee that the higher degree will actually secure you a job in the industry... Some may argue to just get started in whatever design firm you can that does work in Themed Entertainment so you can start gaining valuable experience- something you’ll still need even after your graduate degree...
@@TheronSkees Thank you for the reply! I've had an internship at a Lasndscape Architecture firm in Orlando, EDSA who's worked on a couple of Disney projects. But still trying to reach for more in my career. The more I look into it, I'm thinking set design might be my thing. Is there any resources you might recommend on this? Thanks!
@@jacobboudreaux1117 I would recommend you follow Don Carson. He’s a very seasoned themed experience designer who teaches show set design.
In addition, anything you can find on theatrical design (scenery) would also help.
This is one of the best videos on this subject that I've seen
Thanks so much!! Glad you enjoyed it.
Absolutely love this!
Thanks Maria, I'm so glad you enjoyed the content! You can also check out my other content platforms for more information on Themed Entertainment Design you might find useful! All the best...
Can i make a disney resort if i study landscape architecture?
Absolutely Melon!
@@TheronSkees cool thanks i hv an idea for resort it is avatar based life of tree resort😀
Lots of reassurance in this video! Thanks! :)
Thank you, Anthony!
These videos are very helpful! As themed entertainment is a rather niche topic.
Thanks, so glad you’re enjoying them. Check out the link to my website and other social channels as I share other things related to the themed experience design world in these various channels as well. For example, my blog: “The Create Escape” offers many insights on the industry...
Enjoy!
Thank you!
Great video Theron!! Well done 👍
Thanks Chris! Glad you enjoyed it...
Very useful .
Thank you
Hello! I am an aspiring show set designer(short term)creative director(long term) in themed entertainment here. I am recently going to school for computer animation to further improve my skillset. However I am stuck on how to tailor my portfolio to grasp the attention of themed entertainment companies. Any suggestions and tips?
Thank u so much for sharing 💗
Glad you enjoyed it! I hope my other videos and website give you even more information on the world of themed entertainment!
Great video, with lots of good advice! But no mention of music and sound design. Is there a reason for that? I'm a veteran freelance film composer and sound designer with experience creating sound design and music for multichannel audio fly rides, some dark rides, and immersive sound installations, but I'd like to do much more. Any advice for me? Is that a subject you could cover with your coaching service?
Dan, sound design and sound effects are very important to experience design! Many “specialty disciplines” are required like lighting design, special effects or illusioneering, set decorators, props, costume design, animatronics, pyro… There are so many disciplines it’s always difficult to mention them all.
Hi Sir. please advice me I am maintenance person in this industry(Amusement park). I want to become a certified or professional person in Maintenance field.So, there any online courses related my experience in your company website.
Hello! I would love to get into Themed Experience design, but I’m currently getting my Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Media. If I would like to get an MFA in Themed Experience design, do I have to have prior experience with architecture, engineering, etc to get into a good Master’s program? I am currently a Junior in college and plan to do an internship this summer related to themed experience design. Would that help me get into a good Master’s program since I have no undergrad study experience?
Hi Lauryn, no, you don't need a degree in theme park design in order to work in the Themed Entertainment Industry... believe it or not, almost every professional job you can imagine is found working in the industry. Now, more than ever, media design, film, animation, etc is HUGE in this industry. There are so many companies you could work for that do great work in the industry... that would give you lots of experience!
I'm wishing you all the best in your career journey!
So I ‘m somebody who wants to work in themed entertainment design and I wanted to work for Disney do you think that’s a good idea