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www.parkworld-online.com A dazzling-built world
Park World speaks to Eric J. O’Rourke, senior director of theme parks for experience design firm FORREC about its position in the marketplace and its involvement in the recent high-profile expansion of the Lionsgate Zone at Motiongate Dubai.
F
ORREC is renowned for creating compelling guest experiences rooted in imagination and immersive storytelling. From theme
parks to visitor attractions, water parks to branded experiences, mixed use entertainment facilities to landscape architecture and urban design and resorts, no project is too big or too small for a company that counts major names such as Universal, LEGOLAND and Dubai Parks & Resorts among its clientele, together with smaller, more regional parks and attractions with customised IP’s. “With our collaborative teams, every project
is a seamless, unique creation,” says Eric. “We offer everything from strategic visioning, concept design, programme development, master planning, experience planning and design through to on-field design intent direction, ensuring it flows together as one integrated process to achieve the client’s strategic vision.” Established over 30 years ago, the name FORREC
stands ‘for recreation’ and was crafted on the back of a napkin at a bar for a specific project. FORREC, says Eric has always been about the people, which is why it was never named after an individual. “I think that's why we've been successful and one of the longest standing companies in this industry, because it really is about the collection of great minds and great people and the diversity that brings with it.”
Creative visionaries Fast forward to 21 January this year and FORREC was “thrilled” to see the opening of the expanded Lionsgate Zone at MOTIONGATE Dubai and its two new roller coaster attractions, John Wick: Open Contract and Now You See Me: High Roller. Inspired
Niagara Parks Power Station
by Lionsgate’s film franchises of the same name, the rides opened to guests on Friday 21 January at the Middle East’s largest integrated theme park, Dubai Parks and Resorts, part of Dubai Holding. Under the mandate of Dubai Holding
Entertainment and in collaboration with Lionsgate, FORREC developed the creative vision, direction, storyline, and planning for the Lionsgate Zone at MOTIONGATE Dubai. It occupies a land area of 16,200 sq m (1.6 ha). The expanded Lionsgate Zone offers branded
retail and new F&B on the New York Street, along with iconic moments inspired by the films. Out-of- the-box creativity and innovative technology ensure the ultimate experience for all visitors, including large 2D forced perspective murals and a multimedia LED canopy. Eric and the team watched the John Wick franchise
several times to make sure that their creative vision would do the IP justice. “Our job was to stay true to the IP which meant that while we got to interpret the franchise, we also needed to make sure it reflected accurately. When working with IP’s there is latitude but there are also limitations - you don't want to deviate from what the public and the fans know about these movies but we also want to deliver a new experience because walking through something is different to watching a movie. It’s an emotional connection that we want to create with the guest, we want them to feel like they are there living in the movie. Eric explains that the team, “painted a pretty
compelling picture of what it should look like and the teams in Dubai did a fantastic job of interpreting our vision and following through and executing on it, so
there were a lot of people responsible for bringing it to life,” he says.
Mission accomplished Speaking at the launch, Cale Heit, president and CEO, FORREC said: “We are proud to have played a vital role in the creation, design, and development of these new experiences at MOTIONGATE Dubai. We are fortunate to have great partners at Dubai Holding Entertainment and Lionsgate; Dubai Holding Entertainment is incredibly well-seasoned in working with popular IPs and always have the guest experience top of mind, while Lionsgate spares no effort in bringing their IPs to life in the most impactful way possible. Working with both partners on John Wick: Open Contract and Now You See Me: High Roller was an exciting process filled with diverse perspectives.” “Dubai continues to be a leader in the travel
and tourism sector, with a reputation for delivering pioneering projects and landmarks,” said Fernando Eiroa, chief executive officer, Dubai Holding Entertainment. “The opening of the world’s first John Wick rollercoaster and the world’s fastest spinning rollercoaster are an example of the breadth and diversity of entertainment experiences in Dubai. We are confident that these new offerings will contribute to further enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness as one of the leading international tourism destinations in the world.” Speaking at the launch, Jerry Sabatini, vice
president, creative of Global Live and Location Based Entertainment, Lionsgate said: “We are immensely proud of the exceptional, authentic experiences we were able to craft for Lionsgate’s
Image Courtesy of FORREC 30
Image ®™©2022 Lionsgate Entertainment Inc. and related companies. All Rights Reserved.
Image ®™©2022 Lionsgate Entertainment Inc. and related companies. All Rights Reserved.
SPRING PART 2 2022
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