Thinkwell Group, the global experience design and production company, has announced that Jason McManus will move from his existing position at the company into a strategic leadership role, taking on additional responsibilities.
McManus has been with Thinkwell for over five years, in the role of Senior Creative and Art Director. He has worked in the themed entertainment industry for almost 20 years and brings a wealth of experience to this new position, having contributed to some of the world’s leading entertainment projects.
Before his time at Thinkwell, he worked in creative leadership roles at Walt Disney Imagineering and other experiential design firms. McManus also teaches themed entertainment design at the California Institute of the Arts.
A valued company leader
As Principal, McManus will be a key part of Thinkwell’s leadership team, working to guide creative and production leadership, strengthen company culture, and build strategic relationships around the world. Thinkwell’s Principals are leaders in the field, having contributed greatly to both the company and the industry, showing leadership, expertise and the ability to build rapport with clients.
“Jason’s creative drive, proactive client focus, and collaborative innovation is apparent in his work and his industry expertise is recognized by peers and clients alike,” says Craig Hanna, Chief Creative Officer.
In 2020, McManus was named in the blooloop 50 Theme Park Influencers list. In recent years he has led the development of several notable projects, such as the Cinematic Celebration nighttime spectacular at Universal Orlando and the Marathon of Mayhem show extensions at Universal Studios Florida. He also worked on the Manchester City Stadium Tour, as well as on SEVEN Entertainment Developments in Saudi Arabia.
“Jason’s dedication to Thinkwell’s projects and internal team development has only grown
during the pandemic, and his commitment to Thinkwell’s values and goals has made him a valued company leader” says Tyler Rinehart, VP of Production for Thinkwell.
“The passion he shares within his project teams and his strategic approach to finding and nurturing new business partnerships has helped push us forward. We are excited to have Jason in this new role as his influence in future projects and collaboration with our clients continues to evolve.”
Last year, Thinkwell designed and produced a new immersive nighttime show inside the historic Niagara Parks Power Station, called Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed.
