Entertainment Design
Capabilities for Themed Entertainment projects.
Samples of design work where Matt contributed to the development of immersive and highly-themed entertainment experiences.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN
From story development and writing, to storyboarding and visualization, Matt writes and illustrate original backstories for new concepts and support existing projects.
PREP
Preparation is key. Through thorough research, reference and planning, FESTHAUS make your design as authentic, intentional, and meaningful as possible.
ILLUSTRATION & FINE ARTS
Educated in and proponents of classical studio methods – e.g. illustration, painting, sculpture.
SET DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
For smaller projects: from designing and building sets, to murals, prop design and scene layout.
MOTION & INTERACTION DESIGN
Well-versed in original, animated, turnkey video development for any platform or usage.
Interactive Media
CASE STUDY
AMCD Disease Vector Education Center (St. Augustine, FL)
Matt developed a substantial amount of engaging, educational content for this new science museum. Original design and animation of digital media, reflecting the branding and environments seen throughout the visitor experience.
The platforms included interactive touch screens, projections, and other screen-based content.
Video Games
CASE STUDY
Cedar Fair Parks (International)
Matt developed a massive library of animated video games for Cedar Fair amusement parks worldwide. To date, there are 11 visual themes, each with numerous outcomes – and each of those videos branded for each specific park.
These videos play intermittently on TV screens within ride queues to engage guests while waiting in line for attractions.
He partnered with the in-house creative team to determine specs, then Matt did the rest – concept development & design, storyboards, 2D & 3D design, animation, editing, music, sound effects, and rendering.
Story Development & Concept Art
EXAMPLE
Ripley’s Odditorium (Orlando, FL)
Matt pitched a redesign concept for Ripley’s BION facade redesign. This entailed developing a buildable solution to spec, via research, writing, and self-initiated concept art (hand drawn via traditional materials) detailing the overall look.
Show Videos
CASE STUDY
Gatlin’s Escape Games (Gatlinburg, TN)
Matt developed a fully illustrated and animated pre-show video for one of the best escape rooms in the industry.
This video is projected onto a “pirate ship sail” at the start of the game, which introduces the participants to the game’s backstory.
He was supplied an audio script, VO, and background music, then we took it from there – visual concept development, storyboards, illustration, design, animation, editing, sound effects, and rendering to spec.
Event Videos & Projection Mapping
EXAMPLE
Columbus Zoo (Columbus, OH)
Matt created a fully animated welcome video for Columbus Zoo’s annual holiday event, “Wildlights”.
Partnering with the zoo’s event production agency, and using supplied design equity (logos / branding, commercial content, characters, and still imagery), he created 4 unique animated shorts (+ transitions) based on their commercial characters. We scripted, boarded, and designed original concepts, then animated characters from static illustrations and placed them in newly created environments to interact with newly designed 2D & 3D elements.
This looping video was projected onto the zoo’s Vanishing Giants building facade, which welcomed guests to the event as they entered.
Graphic Design & Print Collateral
EXAMPLE
Kersey Valley (Archdale, NC)
Original print collateral created from scratch – including concept, design, layout, illustration, and copywriting – such as with this catalog, which was translated digitally as well, becoming an interactive flipbook (with music) for use as an online marketing tool.
Click on images to scroll through the catalog, or go to their site to:
Architectural Illustration
EXAMPLE
Kings Island / Cedar Fair (Cincinnati, OH)
In an effort to update the front gate entrance, Matt pitched several concept overlays reflecting historical styles and the Cedar Fair brand.
These facade redesign concepts were drawn by hand with traditional materials.
Identity & Placemaking
EXAMPLE
Falcon Theater (Newport, KY)
Matt pitched a fully themed redesign concept for a local theater. This entailed developing a completely original background story around cost-conscious buildable solutions for exterior and interior renovations, via digital and analog art methods.
Full project page coming soon.
Process illustration samples
