Thinkwell

01/22/2020

Need a reference? We've got you. Library shelfie day at Thinkwell means we can pull from over 400 books, films, and comics to reference on our projects.

01/17/2020

15 top theme park attractions of the decade | UK & Ireland | Blooloop

More 'best of the decade' rankings are in! The last 10 years saw some amazing projects in the UK and Ireland, and we're excited to share that our partners at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London topped the list of the 15 best theme park attractions in the UK and Ireland over the past decade. Read more below! https://bit.ly/2FYXZQf

We take a look at the 15 top theme park attractions in the UK and Ireland of the 2010s. Great coasters, top brands and world-class theme parks

01/16/2020

52 Places to Go in 2020

Congratulations to our partners Sensorio for making it into the top 10 of The New York Times list of 52 Places to Go in 2020. Check out the full list below! https://nyti.ms/2R1nmG3

We picked destinations to inspire you, delight you and motivate you to explore the world.

01/14/2020

Thinkwell's Travel Tips & Recommendations - Thinkwell

Since it's National Shop for Travel Day, we asked a few of our Thinkwellians what their top 'must pack' items are for business trips. See what they recommended and let us know what you think! #shopfortravelday

Traveling can be a hassle. From long lines at security to not finding a decent spot to charge your phone while waiting to board, it’s a process that can be far from easy to handle for even the most seasoned…

01/13/2020

Ranking the world's best theme parks

We're proud to see Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi as one of the top 5 theme parks in the world on Theme Park Insider's latest Best Theme Park List! Check out where they ranked here: https://bit.ly/381jls4

January 8, 2020, 6:25 PM · Today we wrap up the 2020 Theme Park Insider Awards with the announcement of our readers' collective choice for Best Theme Park last year. Our winner returns to the top spot after a bit of an absence and is followed on our top 10 parks list by four other former winners of...

01/08/2020

Paso Robles: Bruce Munro's massive 'Field of Light' art exhibit extended through June

We're excited that our partners at Sensorio have extended Bruce Munro's Field of Light in Paso Robles through the end of June! If you haven't visited this amazing installation, we suggest taking time to travel to the central coast of California before the lights go out later this year.

Bruce Munro's "Field of Light," whicht lights up a rolling Paso Robles landscape, features 58,800 stemmed lights.

01/03/2020

Syd Mead, 'Blade Runner' and 'Tron' visual futurist designer, dies at 86

This week we are remembering the life and work of Syd Mead, a creative visionary and a legend within the entertainment industry. Syd was an inspiration to many and a friend to Thinkwell, and he will be deeply missed.

https://lat.ms/2SN4EVe

Syd Mead, the visionary conceptual artist who worked on science-fiction movies such as "Blade Runner" and "Tron," died in Pasadena on Monday.

12/31/2019

We're grateful for the productive year had here at Thinkwell Group. From our teams around the world, we wish you a Happy New Year as we head into 2020!

12/30/2019

Influential dark rides | top 11 of the decade | blooloop

Over the last decade, the themed entertainment industry has seen immense advancements in dark ride attractions. We're proud to have been a part of that change with our partners at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi with one of the top dark rides of the decade, Batman: Knight Flight. Read here for the full list: https://bit.ly/2Qxsv8r

As the 2010s draw to a close, Lance Hart from Scremscape takes a look at the Top 11 most impressive and influential dark rides from the past decade.

12/30/2019

Let's close the year out with four shining styles of lights from projects we've recently completed. Lighting is a key component to creating various environments for our clients. From a illuminated nighttime forest outdoors to an aquatic cinematic celebration, each project has its own unique take of varied luminescence approaches.
CC: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Universal Orlando Resort, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

12/25/2019

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Thinkwellians around the world! We hope you enjoy this festive card made by our very own Nicole Harada & Irene Suh, with a message drafted by Chris Durmick.

12/22/2019

It's the time to shine bright. Let's celebrate the end of this year with a look at four unique lighting examples from our projects!

12/20/2019

Who wore it best? #NationalUglyChristmasSweaterDay at the office was a huge success!

12/19/2019

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi wins Guinness World Record

It's time to set the record: Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is OFFICIALLY the world's largest indoor theme park! Congratulations to our partners on their new Guinness World Records!

The Yas Island attraction is officially the world's largest indoor theme park

12/13/2019

Ruh-Roh, it's #FridayThe13th! We're hopping in the Mystery Machine to find out what sort of spooky experiences we can find at Scooby-Doo: The Musuem of Mysteries at @wbworldad.

12/13/2019

Ellen DeGeneres and Jennifer Aniston give away trip to 'exotic' Abu Dhabi

Ellen DeGeneres did it again! This year's 12 Days of Giveaways just gifted her guests a trip to Abu Dhabi with a visit to the parks on Yas Island, and we couldn't be more excited for them to check out Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. Check out the video here: https://bit.ly/2PjQclz

It sounds like the former 'Friends' star is coming to the capital too

12/10/2019

Warner Bros. Announces Premiere Of Its First Hotel

Congratulations to our friends and partners Warner Bros. Entertainment and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on the announcement of the WB Abu Dhabi hotel, the newest addition to Yas Island! Read more in Forbes : https://bit.ly/2qJjX5I

Warner Bros. has announced that it will open its first-ever hotel in 2021 next to the world's biggest indoor theme park.

12/03/2019

Insights: What the Medical World Can Learn from Disney, Google and the San Diego Zoo

Listen in to Thinkwellian Cynthia Sharpe discussing what experience design in theme parks and museums can do to enhance consumers' experience in healthcare, recorded from the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) conference last month.

https://bit.ly/32NjX1B

In this episode, we’re joined by Cynthia Sharpe, Principal of Cultural Attractions and Research for the Thinkwell Group. Cynthia brings guest behavior, museum and education perspectives to her many pr

11/28/2019

Happy Thanksgiving from Thinkwell’s LA Studio! We hope you have a wonderful day celebrating with your family and F•R•I•E•N•D•S. Photo from Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

11/26/2019

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) returns to IAAPA Expo with expanded vision

SEVEN is expanding entertainment in the KSA market, partnering with Thinkwell, Gensler, and others. Read more below about some of the upcoming work on the horizon, as announced last week at #IAAPA2019. https://bit.ly/2KS6sHN

The company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, (PIF), is charged with developing a world-class entertainment ecosystem in Saudi Arabia

11/22/2019

Illumination Presents Dr. Seuss's THE GRINCH/ Universal Home Entertainment - ANY WHO CAN DO

Congratulations to our Thinkwell Media team on winning a Clio Entertainment Bronze Award for their work on the home entertainment release of the feature film, Dr. Seuss’s ‘The Grinch’! Check it out this holiday season if you haven’t already!

Clio Advertising Awards

11/21/2019

Google Redwood City Nods to Its Surroundings With Delightful Details

A new Architectural Digest feature takes a look inside Google's The Grove Experience Center at Pacific Shores, the largest, latest space to host customers and partners in Redwood City. Read more below!
https://bit.ly/37t7OlW

Valerio Dewalt Train turned an existing office building into a playful but productive workspace for Google at Pacific Shores

11/19/2019

It’s time to celebrate! A big congratulations to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and all involved for receiving the Themed Entertainment Association THEA Award for Outstanding Achievement in a theme park! #TEAtheas

11/18/2019

This afternoon at 3:30p.m. EST, catch Thinkwellian Cynthia Sharpe discussing 2019 Emerging Trends with other industry leaders at #IAAPA2019 in room S330CD. See you there!

11/18/2019

#IAAPA2019 attendees, head over to room S310EFG bright and early (8:30a.m. EST) to hear Thinkwellian Jason McManus' panel on 'Applying Theme Park Magic to Attractions at Any Level!

11/17/2019

IAAPA Expo 2019 | Pre-show report, know before you go | blooloop

It's time to know before you go to #IAAPA2019! Thinkwellians Jason McManus and Cynthia Sharpe both present in two can't-miss sessions on Monday (tomorrow)! Details on the sessions and other IAAPA 2019 happenings in the link below.

https://bit.ly/2CPLx3D

As the best and brightest in the attractions industry are gearing up for IAAPA Expo 2019 in Orlando, we take a look at what to expect from this year's event

11/16/2019

If you're attending HUB Montréal on Monday, you won't want to miss Lou Murray, President of Thinkwell's Los Angeles Studio, in the conference's opening keynote! The session is scheduled for 11:30a.m. EST at 7 Fingers Studio One. See you there! cc: Réalisations Montréal

C'est dans quelques jours que s'amorce l'édition 2019 de HUB. La journée de lundi commence en force avec la conférence Investir au Québec.
Une discussion modérée par Michel Leblanc de la Chambre de commerce du Montréal métropolitain.
Avec:
▶️ Émilie Dussault, Technicolor
▶️ Dominique Lebel, Behaviour
▶️ Louise Murray, Thinkwell
▶️ Stéphanie Murphy, Investissement Québec
▶️ Teodora Toteva, Montréal International

Présentée par Les Affaires

Avez-vous votre badge? https://hubmontreal.com/billetterie/

11/13/2019

Last Thursday, Thinkwell Studio Montréal hosted Xn Québec, where over 60 people came together to network over the idea of "reinventing collective experiences in public spaces." We're always excited to network and learn from great minds to explore new creative solutions! PC: Xn Québec

11/07/2019

Blooloop 50 Theme Park Influencer List 2019 Blooloop

Two of this year's Blooloop​ Top 50 Theme Park Influencers are Thinkwellians! Congratulations to Kelly Ryner for being in the Power 10, and Dave Cobb for making his second appearance in the Blooloop Top 50. Check out the full list here: https://bit.ly/2WUfXe0

The Blooloop 50 Theme Park Influencer List 2019 celebrates innovation and creativity in the global theme park industry. We recognize 50 key individuals who are helping shape the future of the visitor experience in this huge, multi-billion dollar industry.

10/31/2019

Congratulations to our winners! In third place, we have Barbie Twins, second place goes to Hitchcock's 'The Birds', and Pennywise takes IT for first place!

10/31/2019

Happy Thinkwell-O-Ween! Our annual Halloween costume contest brought the best of the best out this year! Which is your favorite? Stay tuned this afternoon as we announce the winner!

10/30/2019

Award Winners at II Minsk International Fulldome Festival 2019 | MIFF

'Áróra', a film from Thinkwell Studio Montréal that was created for the Perlan Museum in Iceland, has been awarded best documentary fulldome film at the Fulldome Festival in Minsk! Congrats to the team in Montréal and all that contributed to this amazing project. cc: Réalisations Montréal

https://bit.ly/31YKFnr

Award Winners at II Minsk International Fulldome Festival 2019 October 20, 2019 the II Minsk International Fulldome Festival completed its work. During three bright and rich festival days were shown more than 40 best films from 22 countries of the world. All works of competition programme were evalu...

10/24/2019

Dapper Day isn't just for the theme parks. #TBT to last month when we held our 5th Thinkwellian Dapper Day at our studios and offices around the world!

10/23/2019

THE RECITAL

For our local LA friends: catch a limited run immersive theater experience directed by Thinkwellian Eric Hoff with lighting design by Thinkwellian Nick Davidson! 'The Recital' explores the idea of talent, and what we do with it - all through immersive theater involving you, the guest!

Wine, beer & snacks are included with admission. Happening now through this Sunday, 10/27, in Koreatown. Tickets can be purchased here:

An immersive play from the creators of AMOS: A PLAY WITH MUSIC

10/18/2019

Cynthia Sharpe reflects on the 2019 SATE conference - Thinkwell

Last month, Thinkwell's Cynthia Sharpe closed out the Themed Entertainment Association's SATE 2019 with an impactful and resonating presentation that continued the conference's focus on Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion in our industry.

Today, we are sharing the materials and resources from that presentation along with some reflections from Cynthia on our blog. Please read and share!

https://bit.ly/2VWgNa0

Cynthia Sharpe reflects on Diversity, Equity, Access, Inclusion, and Social Justice with themed entertainment leadership at this year's SATE conference.

09/30/2019

Winners | The Park World Excellence Awards

Congratulations are in order for the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi team and our partners! Out of six Park World Excellence award nominations, they took home TWO wins for “Media-Based Attraction of the Year” and “Themed Attraction of the Year” for Batman: Knight Flight.

Huge thank you and congrats again to all involved team members and partners, cc: Dynamic Attractions, Blur Studio, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Farah Experiences #parkworldexcellence

https://bit.ly/2mOKxI3

09/26/2019

Are you SATE-bound for Day Two tomorrow? Thinkwell’s Cynthia Sharpe will be closing out the week with her session, “Go Beyond Being an Ally. Be an Accomplice.” Happening tomorrow at #TEAsate in Seattle. Attendees should submit questions for the session via the TEA app!

cc: Themed Entertainment Association

Some of the morning sessions, Day One, #TEAsate - Seattle 2019. #ExperienceDesign #Diversity Ian Klein Seattle Aquarium Color Reflections, Las Vegas WhiteWater West Industries Ltd. Jennifer Nevin Photos for TEA by Martin Palicki

09/23/2019

Reminder to catch Cynthia Sharpe TODAY leading the session “Choosing the Moon: Transforming Science Toward Equity & Justice” if you’re at #ASTC2019! Details in the link, session starts at 4:15PM EST!
https://bit.ly/2m20URh

09/20/2019

Heading to the 2019 ASTC Annual Conference in Toronto this weekend? Be sure to catch Thinkwell’s Cynthia Sharpe not once, but TWICE in the education session schedule throughout the weekend. Details below! #Moonshots #ASTC2019

Saturday, September 21 @ 2:15PM EST - Evolution: The Conversation Continues
https://bit.ly/2kX9Gjf

Monday, September 23 @ 4:15PM EST - Choosing the Moon: Transforming Science Towards Equity & Justice
https://bit.ly/2m20URh

09/16/2019

A Light Safari in Wine Country

Exciting to see more coverage of Sensorio and Bruce Munro's spectacular Field of Light installation in The New York Times this weekend! We’re thrilled to be a part of the evolution of this Central California destination.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/15/arts/design/field-of-light-sensorio.html

Public light spectacles by artists like Bruce Munro herald a movement that infuses culture in valleys of viticulture (and blazes new trails in cities, too).

09/10/2019

Thinkwell Appoints Hugues Sweeney to President of Thinkwell Studio Montréal - Thinkwell

Thinkwell hires Montreal-based creative executive Hugues Sweeney to lead Thinkwell Studio Montreal as President.

“Bringing Hugues into the organization will allow us to strategically implement our long-term vision in Montréal," says Francois Bergeron, COO/CFO of Thinkwell Group.

Read more in the announcement below!

https://thinkwellgroup.com/2019/09/10/thinkwell-appoints-hugues-sweeney-to-president-of-thinkwell-studio-montreal/

09/10/2019

Thinkwell's cover photo

08/19/2019

Halloween Horror Nights: Universal to debut new show

Congrats to our partners at Universal Orlando Resort on the announcement of the new Halloween Horror Nights lagoon show, “Halloween Marathon of Mayhem,” that will debut next month!

Click below for more details:

Universal Orlando Resort reveals its new show headed to this year's Halloween Horror Nights.

08/15/2019

#TBT Congratulations to our Thinkwell teams on the opening of Lionsgate Entertainment World! Thank you to everyone involved and congrats again on reaching this amazing accomplishment.

08/06/2019

Thought Leader of the Week: Louise Murray, President, Los Angeles Studio, Thinkwell Group

In a recent interview with Live Design Magazine, Louise "Lou" Murray, President of our Los Angeles Studio, discusses her move to Thinkwell and gives advice to those entering the industry. Check it out below!

Louise “Lou” Murray, president of the Thinkwell Group Los Angeles Studio, outlines her plans for the future and current projects on Thinkwell’s radar.