Animatronics
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Right: Dinosaurs remain a popular commission – a Hofmann design
of both Warner Bros. and DC comics was daunting, but we are very proud of the results!” “Animatronics breathe life into an attraction,” believes Christian Hofmann, of German manufacturer of animatronics Hofmann-Figuren, explaining that the movement of the fi gures attracts visitors and makes for a unique and unforgettable showplace. “They can make even queue lines for rides entertaining, helping to jolly visitors along. Animatronics can create a fascinating illusion the whole family can identify with.” Integrating special effects is a key part of the Hofmann portfolio. The company’s
extraordinary projects have included dragons and volcanoes jetting real fi re and dinosaurs spouting water in a pool area, as well as fog and light effects. One of Hofmann’s most exciting projects, Christian tells Park World, was building a 20m tall fi gure for a showman. “Building a fi gure of this size makes great and unusual demands on everyone involved.” All the Symbolica characters combine audio and visual effects with animatronics technology to great effect. Pardoes the magic jester for example, has a special magic wand supported by laser technology, which he uses to cast magic in the different rooms of the Symbolica palace. “Despite the amount of technology needed for Pardoes’ wand, for logistical reasons it could not weigh more than one kilogram. It took our team nearly the length of time it took to build the entire ride to fi nd a solution to the issue,” says Bertens. Further challenges arose when designing the elaborate costumes for the characters. “We wanted the characters to wear the typical and detailed costumes from the world of Symbolica. Those of Pardoes, Grandmaster Almar, kitchen help Polle, princess Pardijn and Protocal secretary to the king Punctuel represented a challenge.”
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34 36
MARCH 2018
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