Pacific Visions

Aquarium of the Pacific

Agency

Cortina Productions

Project Type

Video Wall, Multi-Sensory Immersive Film, Interactive

My Role

Project Lead, Senior Producer, Scriptwriter

In 2019, the Aquarium of the Pacific opened Pacific Visions. I was excited to be part of the media production for this new wing focused on climate change and building a resilient future. The 3-part storytelling journey begins with an introductory pre-show, then immerses visitors in a multi-sensory theater, and ends in an interactive culmination gallery.

I was the lead producer and project manager on the project, wrote and directed the pre-show and “Designing Our Future” immersive theater film, and guided the interactive development.

Pre-show

The pre-show area features a large video wall. The first eight minutes includes stunning imagery of the natural world and humans' relationship with it, accompanied by thought-provoking quotes and music. It ends by setting up the theater experience with narration telling the story of Earth and humans’ evolution up to today’s climate challenge.

In the gallery is also an interactive waterfall projection where kids can play and interact with virtual fish.

Theater

The Honda Pacific Visions Theater consists of a three-story curved screen with circular floor projection and uses four 4K projectors. The multi-sensory experience includes fog, wind, scents, and vibrating “buttkicker” seats. The premiere film, “Designing Our Future”, takes the audience on a journey of how the ocean and technology can help build a resilient future.

High-resolution underwater filming, simulated water, and 3D animation were all used to create this 8-minute film.

Culmination Gallery

Finally, the audience exits the theater and moves into the interactive culmination gallery. The highlight of this gallery is a 48’ curved interactive wall that features beautiful composites of underwater footage. An accompanying soundtrack creates a calming atmosphere with whale songs and ocean sounds. Three radarTOUCH sensors allow visitors to create ripples and open “bubbles” to learn about the ocean.

The gallery also includes three interactive tables and kiosks where visitors can fly through a city of the future.