USA: New Virtual Underwater World for NYC
October 2017 will see the opening of “National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey” in Times Square in NYC, for which Orlando-based Falcon’s Creative Group will deliver the show design. On an area of some 5,574 square meters (60,000 square feet), visitors will discover a digital underwater world. By implementing video mapping, 8K photo-real animation, mega projection screens, immersive sound and interactive “real-time” audience tracking, which allows guests to interact with sea lions, play with rays and dolphins, visitors can immerse deeply into the ocean. The attraction is produced, developed and managed by SPE Partners (a NYC-based entertainment developer), under license from National Geographic. Its opening is scheduled for October 2017.
Also, Falcon’s Creative Group announced that industry veteran Mike Wallace has been named new Creative Director to lead the company’s creative team. Previously, Wallace has spent nearly ten years at Universal Creative: As Facilities’ Design Manager, he was involved in large-scale projects such as “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley” and Orlando’s new waterpark Volcano Bay, which opened in May this year (c.f. EAP news from January 27th, 2017). “Mike’s architectural background and field experience make him an ideal choice to lead a group of artists and designers who are imagining concepts that will translate to real-world creations. The relationship between the creative team and the architects and engineers who transform creative ideas into reality is crucial for a project’s success so having someone with Mike’s expertise on both sides of the development process is extremely valuable to our team. We are thrilled to have him,” said Cecil D. Magpuri, President & Chief Creative Officer at Falcon’s Creative Group. (eap)
