Scott Trowbridge

Last updated

Scott Trowbridge
Scott Trowbridge at IAAPA (38390289786) (cropped).jpg
Trowbridge after the "Legends: Adapting IPs for Parks and Attractions. What Works, What Does Not" panel at IAAPA IAE 2017
Born1966 (age 57–58) [1] [2]
NationalityAmerican
Education USC School of Cinematic Arts, 1988 [2]
OccupationTheme park designer
Employer Walt Disney Imagineering

Scott Trowbridge is an American entertainment creator currently serving as Portfolio Creative Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, the design and production division for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products; a division of the Walt Disney Company. [1] [3] [4] Before Disney, Trowbridge was active in film and theatre production, and held leadership roles within Universal Creative, the design and development arm of Universal Parks and Resorts. [2] [5] In 2007, Trowbridge left Universal to join Walt Disney Imagineering to lead Disney's Research & Development division and Blue Sky Creative Studio. [6] In 2015, he started a new studio at Imagineering dedicated to developing Lucasfilm and Star Wars projects. [7]

Contents

Early life

Trowbridge grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri where he attended Lindbergh High School. [8] During high school, Trowbridge played percussion in Lindbergh High School's marching band and symphonic band, and sang in the school's show choir. He also appeared in school theater productions, as well as local community theater productions, specifically Kirkwood, Missouri's Stages. In 2016, Lindbergh awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award to Trowbridge. [8] After Lindbergh, Trowbridge attended USC's top-rated School of Cinematic Arts. [2]

Career

Live theatre

Before developing theme parks and location based entertainment, Trowbridge produced live theatre productions. His first Disney connection may have come while producing "Tiger Lady," a period drama that starred Beauty and the Beast star Paige O'Hara with set designs by Joe Cashman, with whom he would later reunite at Disney's Imagineering. [5] [9]

Trowbridge also worked with Los Angeles' famous Groundlings improvisational comedy troupe and school. [2]

Universal Studios

In the early '90s, Trowbridge joined Universal Creative and has often been associated with technically challenging and innovative projects and new technologies. [1] [10] [11] When describing The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man to Wired Magazine before it opened in 1999, Trowbridge said about the blend of art and technology, "If it works, it'll be like a good magic trick." [2] Often cited as one of the best theme park rides in the world, [12] [13] Trowbridge led the Spider-Man creative team and the attraction has since won many awards including winning Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for Best Dark Ride for twelve consecutive years from 1999 to 2010. (In 2011, the top spot went to another Trowbridge project, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey .)

Trowbridge continued to lead project teams on new attractions like Universal's Revenge of the Mummy which innovated the combination of traditional dark ride techniques with roller-coaster thrills. At a news conference in New York in February 2004, Trowbridge told the New York Times, "Traditionally, theme park attractions have had to make a choice: roller coaster thrill ride or an immersive dark ride," continuing "We have been striving to find a way to put together the best of both worlds in one experience." [14] Trowbridge added, ''That takes advances in technology we've been working on for a long time.'' [14]

In May 2007, Universal Studios and Warner Brothers confirmed the rumors Universal was working on a Harry Potter-based theme park project. [15] [16] Characterized as "a theme park within a theme park," The Wizarding World of Harry Potter became one of the most anticipated theme park additions ever. [17] Trowbridge made the announcement in a live webcast from Dumbledore's office set at Leavesden Studios alongside Stuart Craig, the Production Designer of the Potter films. [18] [19] Trowbridge introduced Craig's involvement in the project and reassured Potter fans that "We're really going to the people who know this world best to ensure that level of authenticity." [20] The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and its ground-breaking attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, opened at Universal Orlando Resort on June 18, 2010; [21] at Universal Studios Japan on July 15, 2014; [22] and at Universal Studios Hollywood on April 7, 2016. [23]

Walt Disney Imagineering

In October 2007, the Orlando Sentinel newspaper reported that Trowbridge was leaving Universal to join Disney. Industry experts speculated that with the Wizarding World creative planning already complete, Disney might be able to offer more challenging projects as the vice president for creative research and development. [6] Trowbridge is not known to have commented on the reasons behind the change.

Trowbridge joined Walt Disney Imagineering overseeing its technology R&D division, and, its Blue Sky Creative Studio. [4] Trowbridge has often advocated for new forms of immersive experience combining artificial characters, more personal experiences and more interactive experiences. [10] [24] [25] In 2015, Trowbridge told The Verge about Disney's elaborate ARG (Alternate Reality Game) that pulled participants into the backstory of the film Tomorrowland . [26] Trowbridge told The Verge, "What we're spending a lot of time making sure we get awesome at are deeply immersive, participatory experiences," and, "More and more, technology is allowing us to do this. I think culture is kind of inviting us to do this, and frankly, I kind of believe there's a changing form of narrative." [27] Trowbridge is also active in developing technologies related to aviation and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. [28] Trowbridge invented many patents around the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or drones [1] [29] In 2012, Disney unveiled a physical flying fire-breathing dragon, which Trowbridge worked on, as part of the opening of New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. [30] [31]

With Disney's 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm, speculation about Star Wars -themed attractions grew. [32] [33] And in 2014, Disney started a new Studio at Imagineering dedicated to developing Lucasfilm and Star Wars projects with Trowbridge leading the group. [7] [34] While speculation about new Disney theme parks and attractions continued, on August 15, 2015, Disney CEO, Bob Iger announced what had been long anticipated, that Disney would build two Star Wars themed lands, at both Disneyland and at Disney Hollywood Studios. [35] [36] [37] In July 2017, Disney announced that these new lands would be called, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. [38]

During the 2018 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade television special, Iger introduced a video teaser showing the most finished work to date. Showcasing footage from inside the actual attractions, Trowbridge, along with Carrie Beck, a Lucasfilm story executive, described the attractions and the overall land which opened to the public in 2019. [39] [40]

Personal life

Scott Trowbridge lives in Los Angeles, California with his wife and two children. He volunteers as a Mission Command Pilot for Angel Flight West, a nonprofit volunteer organization that provides private air transportation for children and adults with serious medical conditions. [41] In 2019, Trowbridge was named by the Orange County Register newspaper as one of Orange County, California's "100 Most Influential People." [42]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amusement park</span> Park with rides and attractions

An amusement park is a park that features various attractions, such as rides and games, as well as other events for entertainment purposes. A theme park is a type of amusement park that bases its structures and attractions around a central theme, often featuring multiple areas with different themes. Unlike temporary and mobile funfairs and carnivals, amusement parks are stationary and built for long-lasting operation. They are more elaborate than city parks and playgrounds, usually providing attractions that cater to a variety of age groups. While amusement parks often contain themed areas, theme parks place a heavier focus with more intricately-designed themes that revolve around a particular subject or group of subjects.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Disney's Hollywood Studios</span> Theme park at Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando. It is owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company through its Experiences division. Based on a concept by Marty Sklar, Randy Bright, and Michael Eisner, the park opened on May 1, 1989, as the Disney–MGM Studios Theme Park, and was the third of four theme parks built at Walt Disney World. Spanning 135 acres (55 ha), the park is themed to an idealized version of Hollywood, California, and is dedicated to the imagined worlds from film, television, music, and theatre, drawing inspiration from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Universal Orlando</span> Resort in Orlando, Florida

Universal Orlando Resort, often shortened to Universal Orlando, is a 1,291-acre (522 ha) theme park and entertainment resort complex located in Orlando, Florida. Following the opening of Universal Studios Florida in 1990, MCA moved forward with plans to expand from a single park into a large resort hoping to compete with Walt Disney World. In 1999, a second theme park called Universal Islands of Adventure opened in addition to Universal CityWalk, a shopping promenade and nightlife district that incorporates a variety of themed hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. A third park, 30-acre (12 ha) water park Universal Volcano Bay, was added in 2017, and a fourth theme park, Universal Epic Universe, is scheduled to open in 2025.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walt Disney Imagineering</span> Research and development unit of The Walt Disney Company

Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, Inc., commonly referred to as Imagineering, is the research and development arm of The Walt Disney Company, responsible for the creation, design, and construction of Disney theme parks and attractions worldwide. The company also operates Disney Live Entertainment and The Muppets Studio and manages Disney's properties, from Walt Disney Studios in Burbank to New Amsterdam Theatre and Times Square Studios Ltd. in New York City. Founded by Walt Disney to oversee the production of Disneyland, it was originally known as Walt Disney, Inc., then WED Enterprises, from the initials meaning "Walter Elias Disney", the company co-founder's full name. Headquartered in Glendale, California, Imagineering is composed of "Imagineers", who are illustrators, architects, engineers, lighting designers, show writers and graphic designers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Universal Islands of Adventure</span> Theme park in the United States

Universal Islands of Adventure, originally called Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and later Universal's Islands of Adventure, is a theme park located in Orlando, Florida. It opened on May 28, 1999, along with CityWalk, as part of an expansion that converted Universal Studios Florida into the Universal Orlando Resort. The resort's slogan Vacation Like You Mean It was introduced in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Universal Studios Florida</span> Theme park in the United States

Universal Studios Florida is a theme park located in Orlando, Florida, that opened on June 7, 1990. Owned and operated by NBCUniversal, it features numerous rides, attractions, and live shows that are primarily themed to movies, television, and other aspects of the entertainment industry. Universal Studios Florida was the first of three theme parks to open at Universal Orlando Resort, joined later by Universal Islands of Adventure in 1999, and Universal Volcano Bay in 2017. In 2019, it ranked eleventh in the world – sixth in North America – for overall attendance among amusement parks with approximately 10.9 million visitors. A fourth park, Universal Epic Universe, is expected in 2025.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Expedition Everest</span> Steel roller coaster built by Vekoma

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, also known as Expedition Everest, is a steel roller coaster built by Vekoma at Disney's Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The ride is themed around the Yeti protecting the Forbidden Mountain next to Mount Everest. It is the only roller coaster at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and the tallest roller coaster at any Disney theme park.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Themed Entertainment Association</span> Theme park industry association

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is an international non-profit association that represents creators, developers, designers and producers of themed entertainment. It is also noted for its THEA Awards, which were founded in 1995 and are distributed annually in a range of themed entertainment categories.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man</span> Motion-based 3D dark ride at Universal Parks

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, also known as The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – The Ride is a 3D motion simulator and dark ride located at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. Based on the Marvel Comics superhero Spider-Man, it was originally built for Islands of Adventure's grand opening in 1999. A second version of the attraction also existed at Universal Studios Japan from 2004 to 2024. The attraction has a hybrid configuration that combines motion vehicles with 3D projection and elaborate physical sets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Universal Creative</span> Engineering, architecture and design division of Universal Parks & Resorts

Universal Creative is the division of Universal Destinations & Experiences responsible for designing, developing, engineering, and producing themed attractions, rides, and, resorts. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, the company operates at Universal Parks & Resorts locations around the world in the United States, Singapore, Japan, and China.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Orlando Resort)</span> Area in Universal Orlando theme parks

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a themed area spanning three theme parks—Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida and the upcoming Universal Epic Universe—at the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. The area is themed to the Harry Potter media franchise, adapting elements from the film series and novels by J. K. Rowling, in partnership with Warner Bros. Entertainment under an exclusive license agreement. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was well received and significantly boosted attendance at the resort.

This article details the appearance of Harry Potter theming in amusement parks. In the late 1990s, Universal Destinations & Experiences began discussing the possibility of purchasing the license for Harry Potter to create and theme amusement park rides. As Time Warner owns the license, a small walkthrough attraction was constructed at Warner Bros. Movie World called the Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience in 2001. This attraction was removed two years later. In 2010, Universal Islands of Adventure park opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Similar attractions have also opened in Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Beijing.

Pandora – The World of <i>Avatar</i> Themed area of Avatar, located in Disney Animal Kingdom

Pandora – The World of Avatar is a themed area inspired by James Cameron's Avatar located within Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando. Set generations into the future after the events of the Avatar films, the area is based upon the fictional habitable exomoon, Pandora, and features Pandora's floating mountains, alien wildlife, and bioluminescent plants. Spanning 12 acres (4.9 ha), Pandora – The World of Avatar includes two major attractions, Avatar Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey, as well as retail and dining outlets.

<i>The Wizarding World of Harry Potter</i> Harry Potter-themed land at Universal theme parks

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a chain of themed areas at Universal Destinations & Experiences based on the Harry Potter media franchise, adapting elements from the Warner Bros.' film series and original novels by J. K. Rowling. The areas were designed by Universal Creative from an exclusive license with Warner Bros. Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts</span> Ride at Universal Studios Florida

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is an indoor steel roller coaster designed by Universal Creative and built by Intamin at Universal Studios Florida, a theme park located within the Universal Orlando Resort. Similar to dark rides, the roller coaster utilizes special effects in a controlled-lighting environment and also employs motion-based 3-D projection of both animation and live-action sequences to enhance the experience. The ride is themed to Gringotts Wizarding Bank, as depicted in the Harry Potter films, and became the flagship attraction for the expanded Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley when it opened on July 8, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thierry Coup</span> French creative director

Thierry Jean-Andre Coup is the Chief Experiential Futurist at JOCOUP Creative. Coup began his career working in the film industry, performing set design and visual effects. He moved into theme park design in the early 1990s when Walt Disney Parks and Resorts offered him a position with Walt Disney Imagineering. In 1995, he transferred over to Universal Creative and led projects such as The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Transformers: The Ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley and Super Nintendo World.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hogwarts Express (Universal Orlando Resort)</span> Railway, people mover and attraction

The Hogwarts Express is an 1,800 mm broad gauge cable railway, people mover, and attraction within the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida, United States. The route runs 676 meters (2,218 ft) between Hogsmeade station in the Islands of Adventure theme park and King's Cross station in the London area of the Universal Studios Florida theme park. It provides a connection between the Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade areas which, together, form The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, based on the Harry Potter film series.

<i>Star Wars</i>: Galaxys Edge Themed area at Disney parks

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is a themed area inspired by the Star Wars franchise in Disneyland at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, and Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. It encompasses 14 acres (5.7 ha) at each park, and is set in the village of Black Spire Outpost, on the remote frontier planet of Batuu, featuring attractions, shops, restaurants and entertainment.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Martin, Hugo (February 14, 2016). "He's the creative force bringing 'Star Wars' to Disney's theme parks". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Wieners, Brad (May 1, 1999). "Scream Machine". Wired. ISSN   1059-1028 . Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  3. ↑ "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Panel and Other Details Revealed for Galactic Nights on May 27". Disney Parks Blog. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  4. 1 2 "2015 Most Fascinating Disney People - Page 2 of 3". LaughingPlace.com. December 29, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  5. 1 2 Everett, Todd (July 6, 1992). "Tiger Lady". Variety. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  6. 1 2 Powers, Scott (October 23, 2007). "Universal creative exec leaves for Disney". tribunedigital-orlandosentinel. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  7. 1 2 "Walt Disney Imagineering move Scott Trowbridge to a new dedicated Star Wars Studio at WDI". www.wdwmagic.com. April 25, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  8. 1 2 "Alumni Celebrate at Annual Awards Banquet". go.lindberghschools.ws. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  9. ↑ Bishop, Bryan (May 29, 2017). "Disney's most advanced animatronic ever is the highlight of the Avatar river ride". The Verge. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  10. 1 2 "A World of Pure Imagineering". Think with Google. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  11. ↑ "How James Cameron's Film Tech Company Helped Disney Bring Avatar to Life in Florida". Free Enterprise. May 17, 2017. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  12. ↑ MacDonald, Brady (April 23, 2012). "Review: Transformers ride at Universal Studios Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  13. ↑ MacDonald, Brady (October 19, 2015). "25 best theme park dark rides in the world". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  14. 1 2 Stellin, Susan (February 9, 2004). "TECHNOLOGY; High-Tech Mummy Ride Aims to Combine the Fright Factor With Roller Coaster Thrills". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  15. ↑ Finke, Nikki (April 14, 2007). "EXCLUSIVE: First Ever Harry Potter Theme Park Planned At Universal Studios Florida". Deadline. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  16. ↑ Finke, Nikki (May 31, 2007). "TOLDJA SO! Harry Potter 'Theme Park Within A Theme Park' Announced by Warner & Universal (See First Peek)". Deadline. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  17. ↑ Weinberg, Scott (June 1, 2007). "Get Ready for "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter"". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  18. ↑ Scott, David Meerman (February 23, 2009). World Wide Rave: Creating Triggers that Get Millions of People to Spread Your Ideas and Share Your Stories. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN   9780470430453.
  19. ↑ TRS, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Announcement", YouTube, retrieved January 7, 2019
  20. ↑ Ellis, Jim (May 31, 2007). "Harry Potter Theme Park Opening in Fla". Washington Post. Associated Press.
  21. ↑ Bevil, Dewayne (June 19, 2010). "Fans stream into Harry Potter theme park for grand opening". OrlandoSentinel.com. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  22. ↑ Bevil, Dewayne (April 18, 2014). "Universal Studios Japan: Wizarding World of Harry Potter to open July 15". OrlandoSentinel.com. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  23. ↑ Alexander, Bryan (December 8, 2015). "Exclusive: Hollywood's 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' sets its opening date". USA TODAY. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  24. ↑ "Future of StoryTelling-Scott Trowbridge". Future of StoryTelling. January 12, 2019.
  25. ↑ "Suspending disbelief, Disney-style". The Black Tail. July 2, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  26. ↑ Andersen, Michael (July 23, 2013). ""The Optimist" Draws Fans Into Fictionalized Disney History". Wired. ISSN   1059-1028 . Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  27. ↑ Bishop, Bryan (May 23, 2015). "How Disney Imagineering revealed the secrets of Tomorrowland two years ago". The Verge. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  28. ↑ Desmond, Kevin (June 30, 2018). Electric Airplanes and Drones: A History. McFarland. ISBN   9781476669618.
  29. ↑ "Disney Invents Crazy Drone Technology!". Patent Yogi. January 12, 2019.
  30. ↑ Woerner, Meredith (December 12, 2012). "Disney World builds a giant, fire-breathing dragon that can FLY". io9. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  31. ↑ "Walt Disney World's new Dragon debuts above the Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland". Theme Park Insider. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  32. ↑ Krantz, Matt; Snider, Mike; Della Cava, Marco; Alexander, Bryan (October 30, 2012). "Disney buys Lucasfilm for $4 billion". USA TODAY. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  33. ↑ "Disney acquires LucasFilm - are its theme parks set for a "Star Wars" bonanza?". Theme Park Tourist. October 31, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  34. ↑ Sundt, Hal (February 20, 2020). "The Amusement Park Revolution Has Come to Disney World". The Ringer.
  35. ↑ Zumberge, Laura Prudom, Marianne; Prudom, Laura; Zumberge, Marianne (August 15, 2015). "'Star Wars' Themed Lands Coming to Disney Parks; Harrison Ford Visits D23 Expo". Variety. Retrieved January 13, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  36. ↑ Glusac, Elaine (September 29, 2015). "'Star Wars': Coming to a Theme Park Near You". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  37. ↑ Lowe, Kinsey (August 15, 2015). "Star Wars Land Coming To Disney Parks, 4 'Star Wars' Attractions Detailed, And More – D23". Deadline. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  38. ↑ Bishop, Bryan (July 15, 2017). "Disney's Star Wars-themed land will be called Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge". The Verge. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  39. ↑ Levine, Arthur (December 13, 2018). "Disney World 2019 preview: Star Wars and much more". USA TODAY. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  40. ↑ Wisel, Carlye (January 7, 2019). "Disneyland's New 'Star Wars' Ride Is Opening in June — and Your Score Will Haunt You for the Rest of Your Visit". Travel + Leisure. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  41. ↑ storycentral (May 13, 2018). "StoryWorld 3.0 : Topics, Talks & Titles — Asa Kalama & Scott Trowbridge, Walt Disney Imagineering". Medium. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  42. ↑ "Most Influential 2019: Scott Trowbridge, who led the creation of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, turns movie blockbusters into theme park fantasies". Orange County Register. December 23, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.