In many ways the convergence and culmination of all human art forms, location-based experiences like theme parks, museums, zoos, aquaria, cruise ports, and RDEs always present fascinating storytelling opportunities. Here are a few I’ve been fortunate enough to support. NOTE: Project overviews are written respective of ongoing NDAs.
Momentous: Party in the Night Sky! – Hong Kong Disneyland
Role: Show Writer
Client: Disney Live Entertainment
Project Concept: Cue the confetti! Mickey Mouse and his pals are lighting up the night in a 20th anniversary edition of Hong Kong Disneyland’s signature nighttime spectacular. This dazzling display blends drones, projections, and laser lights to bring beloved Disney, Pixar, and Marvel characters together for the “most magical party of all” (with a little help from the Fairy Godmother).
Responsibilities:
- Wrote show treatments and script
- Worked with show director to conceive new show scenes
- Scripted dialogue for legacy characters
- Advised music selections
- Ideated and provided input on visual elements (i.e., projections, drones, and lighting effects)
Read more about this project HERE.
Zoogether Day Gathering Spot– Walt Disney World
Role: Show Writer
Client: Disney Live Entertainment, Walt Disney Imagineering, & Walt Disney Animation Studios
Project Concept: Of all the traditions in the mammal metropolis of Zootopia, none are more cherished than Zoogether Day—a celebration of harmony between all species! This year, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde have hit the road to share their excitement with Discovery Island, where the members of the animal kingdom are honored every day. Party animals are invited to join the sleuthing twosome for Zoogether Day greetings at The Gathering Spot beneath the umbrage of the Tree of Life. (Source: Walt Disney World)
Responsibilities:
- Created backstory and conceptual treatment
- Scripted an hour-long radio-themed audio loop
- Co-directed a 10-person voice cast featuring celebrity talent
- Character voice acting
- Advised music selections
- Ideated new scenic elements to tie into new theatrical release
- Wrote attraction descriptions for website and mobile applications
Read more about this project HERE.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After – Walt Disney World
Role: Script Consultant & Show Writer
Client: Disney Live Entertainment
Project Concept: For endless eons, the most infamous villains of the Disney canon have called upon the Magic Mirror to answer who has been treated most unfairly of all. Ever-bedeviled by this question, the vexed Mirror summons Guests to a tenebrous theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to hear the pleas of these misunderstood malfeasants. Fiendishly delightful chaos ensues as three villains burst through the looking glass to make their cases in dazzling musical numbers. The Audience acts as the ultimate arbiter as they are asked to “reflect” on which evildoer has suffered the unfairest ever after.
Responsibilities:
- Co-wrote and workshopped early script drafts
- Assisted in defining attraction nomenclature
- Prepared pitch and presentation materials
Read more about this project HERE.
Disney Fan Family Fun- Walt Disney World
Role: Show Writer
Client: Disney Live Entertainment
Project Concept: Here they come! A FUNatical family of Disney Fans is rolling through the lobbies of select Walt Disney World resorts during Cool Kid Summer. Back on their “bazillionth” trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth, this comically corny crew is eager to share their fandom with other Disney diehards. Vacation hijinks ensue as a member of the fan family unpacks a seemingly spontaneous game show from an overladen luggage cart. Guests get in on their act as they go toe-to-toe in trivia, lyrics challenges, charades, and more!
Responsibilities:
- Wrote show treatments, script, and trivia questions
- Developed original set of characters
- Created SQS and show contingency documentation
- Assisted in executive pitches
- Collaborated with show director to ideate and define games
- Participated in blue sky development
- Provided input on scenic design
Read more about this project HERE.
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.
The Great Florida Road Trip – Orlando, FL
Role: Creative Director and Lead Show Writer
Client: ICON Park
Project Concept: Meet the Flamingoes – Freddy, his wife Faye, and their two charming chicklets Francine and Felix. Join this feathered family as they pile into the old station wagon for a rollicking road trip to Florida’s classic attractions. Rolling along aboard The Wheel at ICON Park, guests will help these long-legged motorists make memories by capturing pictures of stops along the way for their scrapbook with their very own Photomatic Camera. The nostalgic kitsch of Old Florida comes to life in cartoonish post card-style depictions of beloved destinations like The Everglades, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, and more! In this whimsical gamified travelogue through midcentury Florida, whoever snaps the most photos will receive an exciting prize to make their own vacation extra special.
Responsibilities:
- Directed the creative team for the first gamified themed experience aboard an observation wheel.
- Led development of story and character IP for the attraction
- Wrote final production scripts for ride and pre-show media
- Oversaw on-site installation of all show set elements, graphics, and ride media
- Collaborated with gaming vendors to integrate ride story with an experimental technology
- Developed themed copy for queue graphics
- Created initial concept treatments for the experience
- Wrote themed employee spiels and operating guidelines
- Worked with executive team to develop media rollout strategy
- Advised the development of new themed employee costumes
- Assisted producer in the selection and coordination of fabrication vendors
- Conducted in-depth research into Florida’s tourism industry
- Successfully coordinated Test & Adjust and handoff
- Facilitated early blue sky efforts to define a vision for the project
- Participated in press unveiling event
Read more about this project HERE.
Jungle Island – Miami, FL
Role: Lead Show Writer, Director of Story Development, & Assistant Producer
Client: ESJ Capital Partners
Project Concept: Since 1936, Jungle Island has entertained Miami locals and tourists with their famed flocks of colorful birds and charming landscaped environments. Now, nearly 90 years later, the NEW Jungle Island promises guests high adventure, close encounters with nature, a chance to let go and play, and exciting ways to learn about amazing creatures. As “Miami’s Adventure Oasis,” the park will deliver the new brand through revamped animal experiences, all-new water attractions, and a robust live entertainment portfolio. The NEW Jungle Island will be a must-see destination for local families and tourists alike.
Responsibilities:
- Developed concepts and early scripts for a new animal adventure stage show and animal-based atmospheric entertainment
- Wrote new park backstory to guide park-wide architectural treatment and art direction
- Collaborated with animal care providers to write design narratives for new animal enclosures
- Created character IP to leverage in park entertainment and merchandise.
- Scripted parkwide signage and atmospheric audio
- Worked with client leadership to develop new revenue-generating VIP experiences
- Adapted creative concepts through feasibility studies and value engineering during schematic design and design development
- Worked with client marketing team to write new brand architecture for Jungle Island
- Developed new brand story and nomenclature for Joia Beach, an exclusive private beach club
- Participated in early site surveys and walkthroughs to refine initial experience concepts
- Assisted in leading client team through early blue sky session to define new creative conceit and experience offerings
Read more about this project HERE.
Evergrande Fairytale World – Kaifeng, China
Role: Show Writer
Client: Zeitgeist Design & Production
Project Concept: Welcome to Evegrande Fairtytale World, an enchanting fantasy theme park where tales old and new come alive before your eyes. In this timeless realm, you might rewrite history and join familiar legends of yore on their fabled journeys. Or, you might step into your own thrilling story, facing unknown perils in pursuit of fame, fortune, and fun! With adventures ranging from the whimsical to the harrowing, Evergrande Fairytale World welcomes everyone to become the hero of their own exciting story.
Responsibilities:
- Wrote high-level concept narratives and initial scripts for a 4D motion simulator and story coaster
- Developed storytelling and interactive gags for queue
- Created set of characters to leverage in ride experiences and merchandise
- Researched Chinese folklore and narrative tradition
- Drafted high level show scene layout for ride & show buildings
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.
jared d. wells 