Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro was at SXSW last week, talking about the intersection between technology and storytelling in a session titled: “Creating Happiness: The Art & Science of Disney Parks Storytelling”.Â
D’Amaro showcased the results of innovative new technology developed by Disney, and called on stage the Disney Imagineers working on the projects.
Lightsabers
Guests at Disney’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel have already been able to wield a lightsaber as they take on miniature droids in combat training.
In an upgrade, D’Amaro created what he called a “true wow moment”, firing up the new lightsaber.
Character technology
“The more real that we can make our characters feel to you then the deeper the connection the connections become and the happier you all are,” said D’Amaro.
He then unveiled a talking Tinker Bell who can have a conversation with guests in real time from within her small bell jar.
The Hulk exoskeleton who has previously been seen at Disney California Adventure Park in 2022, was also showcased. This innovation allows performers to operate large characters.
Disney robots
Disney has been innovating with robots for quite a while, notably with the stuntronic robot now swinging across the skies as Spider-Man at the Avengers Campus.
D’Amaro’s star turn at SXSW was a new robot that can make dynamic maneuvers, such as including falling down and getting back up, as well as performing a somersault.
Motion-capture data has been used to create movements that evoke emotion, giving Disney Imagineers a new way to bring out a characters’ personality.
Watch highlights of the presentation below:
Innovation at Disney
David Lightbody, senior VP of Disney Live Entertainment and Shelby Jiggetts-Tivony,VP of creative & advanced development at Disney Live Entertainment, recently spoke to blooloop about what innovation at Disney means to them. They also discuss where Disney Parks, Experiences and Products may take storytelling in the future.
Images: Disney
