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Thinkwell Group, a multi-disciplinary creative firm specializing in the strategy, design, production and development of one-of-a-kind immersive guest experiences for some of the world’s largest entertainment companies,  announced the launch of Studio Thinkwell. The in-house design and production studio is a natural, in-demand extension of Thinkwell’s approach to experiential design in both physical and digital environments.
Representing clients such as Cirque du Soleil, Disney, DreamWorks, Dubai Properties, Paramount, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Entertainment and many others, Thinkwell is charged with the task of conceiving, developing and producing attractions, events, exhibits and live shows. In addition to multimedia design and production, which includes animation, visual effects and aural environments, many of Thinkwell’s assignments have had complementary digital components, which led to the formal creation of Studio Thinkwell.
Most recently, Thinkwell was enlisted to create the new flagship children’s exhibit for the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, Georgia. The exhibit is an interactive simulation of the ecological and environmental zones within Georgia, combining detailed scenery, projected and interactive media and theatrical effects. Not only is Studio Thinkwell producing the interactive media in-house but also developing a microsite for the exhibit, which opens in March 2011.
Thinkwell has also been collaborating with Sesame Workshop since 2005 producing Sesame Street Presents: The Body, a traveling exhibit designed to encourage healthy habits, scientific thinking, and learning through exploratory play. In addition to design, production and operations, Thinkwell has created all of the custom media for the exhibition.
“What we’ve found over the years is that the complexity of individual projects demands a holistic approach and an intimate synergy among every element, from strategy and planning to the environmental aesthetics and the technology that personalizes the guest experience, ” said Francois Bergeron, chief strategy officer and CFO, Thinkwell Group. “In many ways, the formation of Studio Thinkwell completes the whole and we are able to offer clients a one-stop shop for their every creative need.”
Bergeron, also one of Thinkwell Group’s four founders, has been an integral member of Cirque du Soleil’s team for more than 20 years, serving as sound designer for numerous productions, including O, La Nouba and the upcoming IRIS at the Kodak Theater in 2011.
Recently appointed Director of Digital Media, Austin Hice, is taking the lead for Studio Thinkwell’s Internet and mobile integration, producing compelling digital experiences with a portfolio of services that include digital strategy and experience integration, information architecture and interactive/user interface (UI) design.
“As technology becomes more integrated into people’s daily lives, we’re seeing a convergence of on- and off-line worlds that is transforming our business, ” said Hice. “For nearly a decade, Thinkwell has been bringing imaginations to life on behalf of our clients and their guests; now the digital arm of Thinkwell allows us to go even further and redefine the ways in which people engage with an experience – anytime, anywhere and on any platform.”
In addition to multimedia, online and mobile integration, Studio Thinkwell may be enlisted to design and develop digital experiences such as Alternate Reality Games (ARG), interactive microsites, RFID tracking and other services that marry well with a project and enhance the user experience.
“As incredibly unique as each one of our assignments is, the single common thread is the Thinkwell process, ” added Bergeron. “Studio Thinkwell embodies the same meticulous crafting, nurturing and execution of a grand idea and will play an integral role in how we are able to deliver personalized and long-lasting experiences to a global audience.”
Studio Thinkwell’s strategic digital services include campaign planning, competitive analysis, concept development, web business and revenue modeling, search engine optimization (SEO) and focus group testing. In addition to digital integration and synergy with Thinkwell’s location-based attractions, brand experiences and environments, Studio Thinkwell also specializes in the standalone design and production of websites, mobile applications and games, as well as Content Management Systems (CMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and E-Commerce Implementation.
About Thinkwell Group
Founded in 2001, Thinkwell is a full-service experiential design and development firm that collaborates with its clients to envision, strategize and create immersive, one-of-a-kind guest experiences. Thinkwell develops and produces attractions, master plans, brand experiences, exhibits, live shows, environments, multimedia and digital integration. The company has become a leader in experiential design by bringing a unique holistic approach to every creative engagement, delivering extraordinary results to notable clients over the years, including Fortune 500 companies, studios, museums, theme parks and destination resorts. The multi- disciplinary company is comprised of the following core areas of expertise: Thinkwell Design and Production, Thinkwell Development, Thinkwell Project Management and Studio Thinkwell.
Thinkwell’s range of work includes master planning for Warner Bros., Universal, MGM and Paramount as well as attractions such as Sesame Street Presents: The Body, Universal 360 – A Cinespace Spectacular, the Show at the Pier Shops at Caesar’s Atlantic City and the Snow Play Zone at Ski Dubai. Thinkwell is based in Burbank, CA, with offices in Dubai, UAE.
