Join us on Thursday 16 January 2025 at 5 pm GMT for a Festival of Innovation session exploring innovation in nighttime spectaculars.
In this free online session, Jason McManus, principal, executive creative at TAIT and Michael Aiello, senior director – entertainment creative development at Universal Destinations and Experiences, will speak about the process behind the new Universal nighttime spectacular show, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular.
They will also shed light on the trends in nighttime shows and explore the operational and creative considerations of putting on such events.
The session will be available to watch on demand for 30 days after the event.
Meet the speakers
Michael Aiello is the senior director of entertainment and creative development at Universal Orlando Resort. With more than 28 years of experience, Aiello has been a driving force in Universal’s entertainment division. His portfolio includes leading the creative development for all live shows and nighttime spectacles within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the new projection show Hogwarts Always, and numerous nighttime lagoon spectaculars.
The latest lagoon show, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, incorporates classic scores and scenes from blockbuster films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, current, and upcoming attractions. The next-level lagoon display will include fountains, 4K projection mapping, an original composition with a score precisely tailored to each scene, and over 600 drones.
Since 2003, Aiello has been a major contributor to the creation of numerous haunted houses, scare zones, and live performances for Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Orlando’s yearly event. Additionally, he lent his expertise to Universal’s newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, and worked with Universal Creative for almost two years to create ground-breaking entertainment concepts.
Jason McManus has been a pioneer and leader in themed entertainment and experiences for over 20 years. With a focus on innovation and creativity, he has pioneered new guest experiences in theme parks, cruise ships, branded events, and hospitality. As principal and executive creative at TAIT, McManus is at the forefront of a global movement that combines technology, design, and storytelling in innovative ways.
McManus began his career as a designer at Walt Disney Imagineering and developed an appreciation for the audience and focus on the elements that connect people to stories. More than two decades in the industry later, he has built a successful and award-winning track record. In 2024, he led the launches of WWE Experience KSA in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at Universal Studios Florida. He also appeared on the History Channel’s How Disney Built America.
Along with other new projects within TAIT and for clients worldwide, McManus is now spearheading the concept for some of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious giga-projects. Additionally, he still teaches Experience Design at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), his alma mater.
The Innovation Awards
The blooloop Innovation Awards, presented with AREA15, celebrate the incredible vivacity, imagination and creativity that drive the attractions sector.
The winners of the 2024 Spectacular category will be announced at this session. Attendees can browse all the entries during the event, and vote for their favourite to win our Public Choice Award.
To register for this free online event, please click here.
