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tel Transylvania attraction opens Dream Island Park, Moscow
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ion of the upcoming release ansylvania: Transformania, hapter of the $1.3 billion film
n an IAAPA Expo press conference at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, RWS Entertainment Group (RWS) founder and chief executive officer Ryan Stana, along with JRA Chief Executive Officer Keith James, announced the acquisition of JRA by RWS. This acquisition expands RWS’ capabilities and creates the world’s exclusive, full- service provider of visitor attractions and experiences.
m Sony Pictures Animation, , an indoor theme park located as officially opened its new otel Transylvania.” tour Dracula’s lavish resort unusual guests, starting by s a bridge over a foggy moat to l’s lobby. There, they will meet will guide them through more ions. tion will be a worthy addition to work on the Hotel Transylvania
ook more than three years, to build a unique space for ning the latest technical and ons to create a comedic horror itable for the whole family,” oll, technical director of Dream
For decades, both leaders have pioneered the attractions industry’s approach to entertaining and educating guests. Today, with headquarters in New York City, London, and now Cincinnati, this powerful combined RWS team of dreamers, designers, creators, and
operators is set to provide endless experiences for theme parks, attractions, cruise ships, zoos, aquariums, museums, theater venues, casinos, hotels and resorts, botanical gardens, visitor centers, port of call destinations, retail and real estate, municipalities, airports and corporations around the world. The acquisition is said to have come at a time when both firms are busy preparing for record growth in all sectors, and RWS embarks on a holiday season filled with lights, décor, performances and openings on two continents. “JRA is launching into one of the most prolific years in its history,” said Keith James. “Over a dozen JRA-designed attractions will open in 2022, with still more in development through 2025. Whether it’s children’s museums, science centers, indoor theme parks, outdoor theme parks, or branded attractions, JRA designs will bring smiles to visitors across the globe.”
“RWS Entertainment Group has also experienced unprecedented growth this year,” added Ryan Stana. “We’ve tripled our cruise ship activations, added a new Leased Experiences Division, new RWS Décor Products line and launched the RWS Fun Crew: Staffing Reimagined. Adding the design, project management and media production experience of the JRA team to the RWS portfolio allows our clients to dream even bigger and achieve even more in terms of guest satisfaction
Island Theme Park. “We partnered with Sony Pictures in order to achieve an authentic experience that will be the first attraction of this level in Russia, in one of the world’s leading theme parks.” “In line with our growing Location Based Entertainment strategy, Dream Island Theme Park has done a fantastic job bringing this beloved brand to life and giving audiences the unique opportunity to transport themselves into the thrilling world of Hotel Transylvania,” said Jeffrey Godsick, EVP of Global Partnerships and Brand Management and Head of Location Based Entertainment at Sony Pictures Entertainment. In addition to the Hotel Transylvania ride,
Ryan Stana Keith James
guests will also find a “Tavern of Fear” snack bar, a “Vampire’s Bite” burger cafe and “Transylvania Treasures,” a gift store filled with Hotel Transylvania themed souvenirs and memorabilia.
and return on investment.”
Since opening in 2003, RWS Entertainment Group has grown to include live performances and experiences at theme parks and resorts, on cruise ships and at major events. With the 2016 acquisition of Binder Casting, RWS expanded to include casting for television, commercials and Broadway. The company’s new Leased Experiences Division provides interactive exhibits, delivering well-known brand activations to even the smallest museums and gardens. RWS operates attractions, too. Launched in 2020 out of a need to fill seasonal staffing positions left vacant by COVID-19, the RWS Fun Crew: Staffing Reimagined provides hospitality-minded, front-of-house personnel with the charisma and training to truly engage guests and raise their experience with moments of surprise and delight.
Tornado Springs opens
Hollywood-based entertainment design firm Legacy Entertainment, currently celebrating its 20th Anniversary Year, has been announced as the Entertainment Consultant for Indonesia’s PIK 2, one of the world’s largest development projects. In its capacity, Legacy will oversee the design and creation of three signature, large-scale Retail, Dining, and Entertainment complexes, as well as unique rides, shows, and attractions that will populate these flagship destinations. Roughly the size of San Francisco, PIK 2 is an all-new city currently under- construction just minutes from Jakarta’s Soekarno Hatta International Airport. Set on over 5,100 acres and along 4 kilometers of white sand beaches, the development aims to be a model for urban planning in the 21st Century. World class entertainment is just the latest component to be announced for PIK 2, with many other elements including hotels, residential, arenas, stadiums, hospitals, and schools already in advanced stages of construction or design.
“PIK 2 truly exemplifies the ‘City of Tomorrow,’ so it’s only appropriate that it would also be home to the entertainment of tomorrow, as well,” says Marcus King, Legacy Entertainment’s Chief Projects Officer, and one of the firm’s owners. “All around the world, retail developers are trying to figure out what’s next. We believe that
14 Legacy Entertainment announces involvement in development the size of San Francisco
and experiences, all with a heavy Midwestern US theme. The majority of the themed elements were produced and delivered by MK Themed Attractions. Guests will be immersed in the new area completed with themed signs, props, objects, and coasters, all telling the unique story of Tornado Springs.
our collaborations with the executives behind the PIK 2 project will establish a very compelling model for the future of malls and retail as entertainment.” Specific details of PIK 2’s entertainment components will be released over the coming months. Legacy executives state that the style, look and feel of the new PIK 2 project will embody the signature creative stamp the firm is globally known for.
to say that it has been a pleasure working with Paultons Park. From the very beginning the visions and ambitions Paultons Park had sounded exciting, and a project we at MK Themed Attractions have loved being a part of. We look forward to seeing the impression the new area Operations director at Paultons
are so pleased to finally open the park and welcome guests to explore Tornado Springs, our largest single investment here at Paultons Park. We wanted to introduce a spectacular and immersive themed area
Danish theming firm MK Themed Attractions assisted UK family park Paultons Park in getting its brand-new themed area, Tornado Springs, ready for 12 April by producing and delivering customised props for the entire area.
Over the past two decades, RWS has opened a unique career path for performers and technicians, giving them the opportunity to follow their dreams, discover a new passion and even make it to Broadway, TV or film. Filling roles for more than 4,500 performers and technicians per year provides a memorable summer job, journey to success or the opportunity of a lifetime. With the acquisition of JRA, the opportunities have become endless. The RWS Entertainment Group companies can truly take an idea from dream to design and realisation to operation, covering every touchpoint in attraction development for both guests and the creative professionals that bring ideas to life. “Selling JRA to RWS Entertainment Group is a natural evolution for the company, staff, and clients I love so much,” said Keith James who will remain as President of JRA. “With Ryan’s support, enthusiasm and energy, I can continue to do the work that excites me, lead our amazing team in Cincinnati, and stay engaged with the University of Cincinnati’s School of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (UC DAAP). I could not be more thrilled that Ryan has invited our team to join with his as we embark on a shared, expanded vision for themed entertainment.” “I have admired Keith James for as long as I can remember,” said Ryan Stana. “To have the opportunity to work side-by-side with him, expanding his team’s creative vision to theatre and cruise ships, and bringing live entertainment to even more venues throughout the world, is truly the realization of a dream. Thanks to the hard work, discipline and drive of both our teams, we are enjoying a record 2021 with even bigger projects and plans on deck for 2022 and beyond.” Following the press conference, James and Stana celebrated a toast to James’ 50th anniversary in the entertainment industry along with a few hundred of Keith’s friends, colleagues, clients and vendors who were at the Orange County Convention Center for the annual IAAPA Expo.
www.parkworld-online.com RWS Entertainment Group acquires JRA
WINTER PART 1 2022
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