My work in exhibit-based experiences began with an adolescent stint at a hometown history museum run by a Holocaust survivor. Since then, I have been privileged to bring my signature style of research-driven storytelling to museums, science centers, aquariums, and pop-ups. As a voracious learner, few things delight me more than immersing guests in a new topic with exhibtry that delivers key learnings through truthful, visceral connection to universal emotions. NOTE: Project overviews are written respective of ongoing NDAs.
MORPH’D – Tampa, FL
Role: Associate Creative Director, Principal Designer, and Lead Show Writer
Client: The Florida Aquarium
Project Concept: Life is an unlikely phenomenon. That from a fiery primordial world could emerge creatures of growth and potential is nothing short of a miracle – one known as adaptation. MORPH’D is an immersive gallery at The Florida Aquarium that explores the universal process of adaptation and its many physical and behavioral forms across the animal kingdom. Over two dozen unique interactive exhibits help put the adaptive traits of 20 different featured species from around the globe in the hands of guests, allowing them to viscerally experience how adaptation shapes an animal’s experience of the natural environment.
Responsibilities:
- Wrote and co-directed over two dozen interactive exhibits including a virtual reality periscope, touchscreen projection globe, water pistol-based arcade game, and web-based mini games
- Led development of overall gallery story arc and layout
- Oversaw on-site installation of all interactive exhibits
- Assisted in the direction of an integrated project team of animators, interactive producers, and fabricators
- Scripted over a dozen interpretive videos
- Created initial conceptual plan document for the experience
- Developed interpretive and instructional signage copy
- Advised the art direction of exhibit graphics
- Participated in test and adjust efforts during guest previews
- Consulted on press rollout of exhibit
Read more about this project HERE.
Once Upon a Stage: 30 Years of Disney On Broadway – Walt Disney World
Role: Show Writer
Client: Disney Theatrical Group
Project Concept: To celebrate 30 magical years of Disney On Broadway, Disney Theatrical Group partnered with Disney Live Entertainment to create special exhibit for EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts. This walkthrough experience guided guests on a show’s journey from script to stage with informational vignettes recreating the costume shop, prop warehouse, and other significant backstage spaces. Conversational copy helped weave a selection of stage-used props and photo ops into a narrative that engendered the excitement of mounting a Disney On Broadway production.
Responsibilities:
- Writing & editing informational copy.
- Advising the narrative flow of the exhibit.
- Ideating exhibit nomenclature.
- Developing copy for promotional media.
Read more about this project HERE.
Flight Works Alabama -Mobile, AL
Role: Show Writer
Client: Airbus Mobile
Project Concept: Flight Works Alabama is an immersive education center located on the property of Airbus’ Final Assembly Line in Mobile, AL. This immersive interactive experience welcomes school-aged children to experience the excitement and mechanical marvel of airplane design and manufacturing. Hands-on exhibits give budding engineers the chance to test aerodynamic aircraft designs, race against time to rivet a plane together, and even test fly an Airbus A320 in a training simulator. High school students and young adults can come here to earn mechanical certifications that will help them secure high-paying jobs with Airbus.
Responsibilities:
- Scripted interactive tablet-based media for exhibit floor
- Wrote themed educational copy for museum signage
- Mocked-up animatics for exhibit video
- Researched Airbus’ history and manufacturing process
Read more about this project HERE.
The Hess Pinnacle
Role: Show Writer, Content Manager, & Assistant Producer
Client: Hess Corporation
Project Overview: To make known Hess’ strong local presence at 23rd World Petroleum Congress in Houston, the company demanded an innovative show floor booth starkly different from its competitors. Rather than boasting about its cutting edge technologies or international reach, Hess desired to tell the stories of how its employees are imagining the future of energy. The final experience was anchored by an interactive video spire that broadcast crowdsourced questions. Hess staff then circulated around the booth to engage guests on their queries.
Responsibilities:
- Wrote and pitched concept narratives for overall booth experiences
- Worked with client to adapt the final experience through pandemic-induced delays and budget cuts
- Co-wrote interactive video content and web-based copy for booth media
- Created protocol and scripts for booth employee interaction
- Assisted in directing the installation and operation of the booth
- Managed interactive video spire content through the course of the event
- Defined important story points and wrote new Hess brand story to inform the creative direction of show floor booth
- Collaborated with artists to advise multiple iterations of conceptual and schematic design of booth
- Conducted research of Hess’ corporate history and values to inform overall design narrative
- Assisted in leading Hess executives through early blue sky exercises to define creative conceit
jared d. wells 