Holovis, a leading experience designer, was one of the companies that brought the SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi project to life, having worked on the AV supply and installation throughout the park as well as the design, production and installation of the S·E·A Guardian Games, one of the world’s most ambitious interactive experiences in a theme park.
As a result, the firm was named in the credits for the new theme park’s prestigious TEA Thea Award win, alongside partners Miral, United Parks & Resorts and many more collaborators who made this one-of-a-kind park a reality. The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), a non-profit representing compelling places and experiences worldwide, held a spectacular gala to celebrate the 30th annual Thea Awards winners on 16 March.
Powering an immersive experience
The massive LED screen that encircles “One Ocean,” the park’s central hub, was designed, produced, and installed by Holovis. This 360-degree cylinder screen is one of the biggest and most striking single screens in the world, measuring 15 metres high by 218 metres in circumference. The 5.4-meter-diameter LED Globe at One Ocean Hub accompanies this LED screen, providing a multifaceted visual experience for the immersive material that is shown continuously throughout the day.
Holovis supplied a wide array of impressive additional LED screens for this project, such as the large “Armillary” projection dome. It also supplied park-wide audio and an AV control system.
In addition to the audiovisual system, Holovis worked with the Miral and United Parks & Resorts teams to create, produce, and install the “S·E·A Guardian Games,” a turnkey, narrative-based park game experience that is seamlessly integrated into the park.
After enrolling in the S·E·A (Science. Exploration. Adventure) programme, visitors set off on an adventure that takes them through each of the park’s eight realms. Along with engaging in more than 15 interactive minigames, locating more than 100 touchpoints, and activating several exclusive media moments available to game players, they also go on a variety of interactive quests, scavenger hunts, and side missions.
“This Thea Award is the culmination of years of hard work for every single person at Holovis – this has been one of the biggest and most exciting projects we’ve ever been a part of, utilising the full capabilities of Holovis across AV, software and art and design,” says CEO Stuart Hetherington.
“We would like to extend our thanks to Miral, United Parks & Resorts and every other collaborator we’ve worked with on this amazing park.”
See also: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi: a next-generation marine life theme park
