The Magic of Themed Entertainment & Immersive Storytelling with Chris Grap

This week, we chat with Chris Grap, the Vice President of Experiential Entertainment at the Mall of America. Chris shares his journey from working on film sets in LA to creating immersive experiences at the largest mall in the United States. Discover how he collaborates with Nickelodeon Universe to expand the on-site theme park and his plans for an upcoming waterpark. Chris also discusses his passion for themed entertainment, his move back to Minneapolis, and his annual Toys for Tots fundraiser featuring a screening of the Star Wars Holiday Special.
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Key Highlights:
• Innovating Themed Entertainment: Chris discusses his role at the Mall of America and how he pushes the boundaries of themed entertainment in a retail space.
• Upcoming Waterpark: Chris shares exciting plans for a new waterpark at the Mall of America.
• Film Industry Background: Stories from Chris’s time working on film sets in LA and his transition to Minneapolis.
• Annual Toys for Tots Fundraiser: Chris talks about organizing his yearly fundraiser, featuring a screening of the Star Wars Holiday Special.
• Leaving LA: Chris’s decision to move back to Minneapolis and his experiences since returning.
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:09 - VP of Experience at the Mall of America
18:15 - Waterpark Creation
26:38 - Celebrities at the Mall
28:52 - Working in LA
34:37 - Moving to Minneapolis
39:46 - The Star Wars Holiday Special Toys for Tots Fundraiser
46:45 - Exotic Beverage Concoctor
51:01 - Chris's Advice for Success
59:24 - Industry Hot Take
1:02:02 - Recently Watched TV & Film
1:06:26 - Chris Meeting Tarantino