Design of creative narrative and technical systems for an immersive multimedia nighttime spectacular show

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to explore the design process for the creative and technical components of a nighttime spectacular show. As spectacular shows are a unique art form with unusual narrative structures and conventions and complex technical systems involved in their implementation, they present an intriguing case study for the design process. There exists almost no academic literature on the process used to effectively design and construct large scale entertainment experiences as virtually all of those projects are carried out in the private sector and any innovations required to complete the projects are documented in patents as opposed to academic publications. With a specific narrative goal in mind and distinct derivative works, a twelve minute show narrative was written and designed. Furthermore, the various production elements (set, lighting, audio, music, and control systems) were also designed and constructed to serve as an explicit implementation of the creative narrative. The show consists of three main 'acts', with individual beats and scenes, each of which fulfills a certain set of creative and technical design requirements. The practical producing of this show is exempt from this thesis as the focus is on the creative narrative and technical systems design processes.