Park News
parkworld-online.com
DISNEY BUYS STAR WARS
The Walt Disney Company has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm, owner of the Star Wars franchise, for over $4 billion. Chairman and founder George Lucas, who owns 100% of the company, has billed the deal with Disney as, “my retirement plan.” "For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next," he says. "It's now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of film-makers. I've always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me. Disney's reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment and consumer products."
"This transaction combines a world-class portfolio of content including Star Wars, one of the greatest family entertainment franchises of all time, with Disney's unique and unparalleled creativity across multiple platforms, businesses and markets to generate sustained growth and drive significant long-term value," says Walt Disney chairman and CEO, Bob Iger. The present intent is for Lucasfilm employees to remain in their current locations. Kathleen Kennedy, currently the company’s co-chair, will step up to become Lucasfilm president, whilst
adding the role of Star Wars brand manager (what a title!) to her portfolio. George Lucas will stay on as a creative consultant. A new film, Star Wars Episode 7 is targeted for release in 2015. The $4.05bn sale price is based on the closing price of Disney stock on October 26, with Disney paying approximately half of the consideration in cash and issuing approximately 40 million shares. The final agreement will be subject to customary post-closing balance sheet adjustments. The acquisition strengthens the long-standing relationship
between Disney and Lucasfilm, which has already resulted in Star Wars
content, including the attraction Star Tours, being integrated into Disney theme parks in California, Orlando, Paris and Tokyo.
Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger with George Lucas at the recent relaunch of Star Tours
Simworx enjoys ‘fantastic year’
“We’ve had a fantastic year,” reflects Simworx managing director Terry Monkton. “We’ve made a diverse series of deliveries and been able to take on six new staff due to the level of work.” New 4D cinemas were supplied during 2012 to venues including Woburn Safari Park and the RAF (Royal Air Force) Museum Cosford in the UK and family entertainment centres in Cyprus and Azerbaijan. The Woburn installation features as part of the safari park’s refurbished Sea Lion Cove and comprises 320 seats together with a high definition 3D projection system and surround sound. Audiences can enjoy the live action film Safari Park Adventure 3D, featuring Woburn’s own animals and keepers, and originally shot for The Discovery Channel. The RAF Cosford theatre, built inside a hangar, is currently screening the films Fly Me To The Moon and Dog Fight. ”We’ve completed a wide range of projects over the years,” notes Monkton, ”many of which have required us to provide something slightly out of the ordinary. Woburn is a great case in point with the requirement for a retracting screen. We are delighted with the way it has turned out and the contribution it makes to the overall experience.”
Simworx also made Stargazer motion theatre installations this year at the Ba Na Hills mountain
NOVEMBER 2012
resort in Vietnam and Danfoss Universe science centre in Denmark.
Meanwhile the company has set up a new offshoot called E-Motion Ventures for customers wanting to cut the initial cost of investment by entering into a revenue share agreement. Two UK attractions, Needles Park on the Isle of Wight and the National Railway Museum in York, have already signed up for a 4D theatre on such a basis in 2013.
Simworx is now developing a number of exciting new motion platform and dark ride systems, further details of which will emerge in due course.
simworx.co.uk
Wooburn Safari Park
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76