PROFILE
training and developing the already excel-
lent staff to ensure they’re on par with
the international standard of tourism and
service. Communication is a key factor in
this and in getting the town stakeholders
and private stakeholders to “be around the
same table and pull in the same way”.
Charity work
Part of the role is to work for the gar-
den’s charity trust, which has community
programmes for families, elderly people,
young people and teenagers to experience
nature. This is an extremely important ele-
ment of the role for Perdrier. “We’re born
on the good side of the road and not every-
one has that luck,” he says. “It’s important
to think about those people and think ‘why
them, why me?’ It could be the reverse.” Alnwick Garden’s tree house restaurant is the size of two Olympic swimming pools
The Duchess of Northumberland, who
resides in the castle, initially had the idea
of creating a garden that would bring peo- Alnwick to be like a movie theatre,” he says. The castle has been the setting for many
ple pleasure and lift their aspirations in “The movie has to be changed regularly to fi lms. Perdrier has plans to take advantage
2001. Her dream was to develop a beauti- make sure people keep coming back, but of this link by making Alnwick the Cannes
ful setting that people could enjoy. Rather here people will be centre stage of the of the UK and hosting the fi rst worldwide
than being told to keep off the grass, theme – it will surround them.” Themes will festival of special effects fi lms each year.
they’re actively encouraged to walk on it include a blossom festival in April, music in “Cannes is a very small town, no one
and to touch the fl owers. August, food in September and Christmas. knows where it is, but everyone’s heard
The garden’s being developed in three To ensure Alnwick appeals to all ages of it because of the fi lm festival. Alnwick
phases. The fi rst opened in 2001 and as a destination, focus groups have been could become like Cannes, but be the
included one of the world’s largest tree set up to understand what different people festival for fi lms with special effects, such
house restaurants covering 2,000sq ft want and how much they’re willing to pay. as Harry Potter. It’s the perfect location,
(185sq m) and the second phase was com- Perdrier’s 12 years at Disney has proved as this is where those fi lms were made.”
pleted in 2006. Fund raising is in process invaluable in this area. “Thirty years ago Perdrier is again drawing on his previous
for the fi nal stage, which will include a tree there were three generations, now there experience and is liaising with contacts
house play area and more gardens. are four or fi ve. When delivering a service at fi lm maker George Lucas’s company,
The Duchess is involved with all creativity, or product, be it to children, teenagers, which does a large percentage of the spe-
quality, service and delivery and Perdrier adults or elderly people, ask them what cial effects used in fi lms worldwide, about
meets up with her twice a week to discuss they want,” he explains. “When we know the festival. “I can’t snap my fi ngers and
developments. A new theme and storyline what interests them, we can provide it.” make it happen, but hopefully in three to
each month is among Perdrier’s plans Something that’s of interest to most, four years we’ll have something,” he says.
to encourage repeat visits. “I consider regardless of age, is Alnwick’s fi lm history.
Changing roles
Perdrier’s roles at Disneyland Resort
ABOUT CHRISTIAN PERDRIER
Paris, at Tatweer and now Alnwick have all
been very different and he embraces that
Hobbies How would you describe yourself?
change. “I like to take on new challenges
Sports, wine and meeting people. People, people, people-centric.
in every job I do,” he says. “None of these
Favourite food How would others describe you?
roles have been more or less important.
Chinese, Indian, French. Not British for Motivating and charismatic.
It’s like when you have several children,
sure – I didn’t come here for that! What’s the best piece of advice
you can’t say you prefer one to the other,
Favourite fi lm you’ve ever received?
they’re all great. I had a fantastic time in
Out of Africa. Every time I watch it, I cry. Be yourself and not what you think you
Paris and Dubai and I’m sure I’m going to
It’s a fantastic love story and to make should be.
have a fantastic time in Alnwick.”
people cry when it’s just a movie, that’s What’s been your high point?
He’s also enthusiastic about each loca-
something quite amazing. Joining Disney, the number one in the
tions. “I really enjoyed myself in Paris. I was
What drives you? world in terms of creating a story and
working with the number one in the world
The thrill of seeing the sparkle in delivering it to the public, was fantastic.
in theme parks on storytelling and quality
someone’s eyes when they suddenly And the low point?
of service. Spending my nights with Minnie
understand what I’m saying and realise When Minnie told me she’d only be with
and doing the Goofy all day was great,”
that they can actually do it. Mickey. That was very hard for me.
he laughs. And Dubai? “Ah Dubai, Dubai,
Dubai – the craziness of Dubai,” he smiles.
20 Read Attractions Management online
attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 1 2010
©
cybertrek 2009
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