SimEx-Iwerks is the industry leader for the creation of cinematic attractions and provides a diverse portfolio of immersive films.
The company works with a wide range of family destinations around the world, including theme parks, zoos, aquariums and attractions to captivate guests and maximise revenues.
Over the past 30 years, the company has worked on more than 300 projects around the world, engaging more than 300 million guests.
The creative vision and operational expertise ensures that every SimEx-Iwerk attraction is not only creating a great experience for guest, but is also practical and profitable for the attraction.
The company’s team comes from a diverse background, including from the zoos, aquariums and theme park industries. The company understands the unique challenges these attractions face and their creative approach can transform pricing models and drive revenue growth.
Immersive cinematic experiences
The team can bring an attraction’s vision to life, whether it’s a custom-designed concept or one of their signature products.
Immersion theater
SimEx-Iwerk’s next generation 4D theater transports guests to new worlds. The patented seat and special effects, immerse guests into the on-screen action.
Fully customisable, the attraction creates a seamless journey from entrance to exit, whilst being easy to maintain and operate. This anchor attraction is cost-effective, with yearlong promotions and allows for strong ticket packaging.
Flying theater
FlyRide allows guests to take flight in this unique flying theatre experience. This custom attraction is an electric system, designed for low maintenance and maximum uptime. Guests enjoy a quick reveal show which places them right into the action.
FlyRide can add value to your overall ticket price or be priced separately to generate revenue and fun from guests. It can demand a higher ticket price than a 4D theater.
Accessible theater
In 2023, SimEx-Iwerks designed the first fully accessible theatre with Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first and only theme park designed for people of all abilities. The company created a 4D theater that any location can ad to offer an inclusive cinematic attraction, designed for everyone with visuals and special effects.
Custom attractions
SimEx-Iwerks specialises in creating tailor-made experiences, using cutting edge technologies and storytelling. The team of architects, engineers and designers can create your unique attraction to turn vision to reality.
The company has the proprietary equipment, motion simulators, patented technologies and designs, to develop custom film content, and design unforgettable attractions
Films
The company’s large library of films offers compelling content to engage guests, boost revenue, and ensure repeat visitors, keeping attractions fresh.
SimEx-Iwerk’s film portfolio is diverse, from educational features, to branded entertainment. Attractions can engage audiences and align with the venue’s mission.
The company’s latest release, Astro Kids 4D is launching spring 2025. This new film follows Willy, the son of two space explorers who has grown up among the stars. After his entry home goes wrong, Willy must rely on his wits and trusty robot companion Buck to navigate the strange planet, alien creatures and secrets beyond his imagination.
The company’s films are supported with marketing assets to help attractions share the film with their audiences, including signage, graphics, video and digital assets. The package is designed for easy promotion for the film in both your space and on social media.
Operational Excellence
The company offers a turnkey approach – from concept to execution. This ensures a smooth integration of new attractions, minimizing operational challenges while maximizing impact and profitability.
- End-to-end project management
- Staff training and support
- Ongoing performance optimization
- Marketing support
Once upon a time, the history of SimEx Iwerks
Toronto based SimEx started in 1985 by Michael Needham and Shiori Sudo, creating a series of attraction products using motion systems including the world’s first flight simulator ride – Tour of the Universe at the CN Tower.
Meanwhile in Los Angeles, Iwerks Entertainment was founded by Don Iwerks and Stan Kinsey, former Disney Executives. Iwerks is the leading developer of special films, venues and virtual reality theaters around the world.
In 2002, SimEx purchased Iwerks Entertainment, creating SimEx-Iwerks. For the next 23 years, the company focused on innovative attraction design and developed a vast film portfolio.
In 2024, the company reincorporated with a new structure of management ownership. This
significantly improved structure for growth to pave the way for another 30+ successful years
ahead.
