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“The next big change is how we achieve performances for these figures — how we create an experience that feels organic, as if it's happening in real time.” Bill Butler is a brilliant mind in the field of creating and programming hyper-realistic mechatronic puppets (animatronics) controlled by multiple machines to move fluidly. Join podcast host Christina Rees, one of the Emotioneers from MACK Magic, in this deep-dive conversation about a top-secret project for the U.S. Department of Defense, where they built an immersive training space for the Marines (a highly detailed Afghan village), and how innovations are changing the way...

"With immersive media, if it’s done well, we can recreate a kind of reality — and this is pretty cool because it brings that reality into your home," says Dr. Thomas Wagner, one of Germany’s leading figures in the field of virtual reality games, VR, and AR. As the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Managing Director at Munich-based K5 Factory, he and his team are currently developing the only officially licensed Oktoberfest game. Join podcast host Marcus Ernst, one of the Emotioneers from MACK One, for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the biggest misconceptions about VR, tackling the challenges of creating large-scale...

„I was eight or nine years old when I finally made the decision about what I was going to do with the rest of my life: I wanted to be a roller coaster designer." - Jeff Pike is a prominent figure in the amusement industry for his contributions to the development of modern theme park attractions, where he combines creative design with technical expertise. As a designer and co-founder of Skyline Attractions, an American amusement ride and roller coaster design and manufacturing company founded in 2014, he has played a key role in the creation of rides like the 'Skywarp'...

"With game engines, AI, and 5G, you can make the park much more programmable, allowing you to change and tailor the experience for your guests. Based on your guests' data, you can alter the story, and the adventure can take a different turn.“ - Thierry Coup has profoundly shaped the way theme parks are experienced and continues to set new standards in the entertainment industry: He has been behind some of the biggest developments and implementations of innovative attractions for Universal Creative and Walt Disney Imagineering. A few notable examples include "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter“, "Transformers: The Ride-3D"...

„I am quite confident that the generation after us will also find solutions in regular play and regular toys“ - Christopher Becker is an internationally sought-after professional in the fields of licensing and franchising, as well as an expert in children’s toys, consumer goods and much more. He was the Senior Licensing Manager for Lucasfilm, Disney and Marvel for all three German-speaking countries, the Head of Licensing for The Walt Disney Company in Switzerland, the European Franchise Director for Sesame Workshop and he is currently the Director of Licensing and Partnerships at tonies. Join podcast host Christina Rees, one of...

"In the next several years, we will have an augmented personal assistant in a wearable device, but not necessarily in our pocket“ - Emily Olman is one of the leading figures in creating relevant use cases for VR and AR. As CEO and Chief Media Officer at her very own company, Hopscotch Interactive, she has a deep understanding of emerging technologies. Join podcast host Marcus Ernst, one of the Emotioneers from MACK One, in this thrilling conversation about the influence existing and upcoming technologies will have on our everyday life. What are the biggest misapprehensions about VR, AR and AI?...

„I think that we are going to really look at how we can all find solutions for problems within the world. Everything is changing and sustainability is terribly important to everyone“ - Amanda Thompson is an inspiring figure in the amusement park industry with an impressive family tradition and a remarkable commitment to creativity and shows. Join podcast host Lukas Metzger, Head of Operations at Europa Park, as he talks with Amanda Thompson about the challenges and opportunities running a family owned theme park in England, the learnings from the Covid pandemic and future tasks for the amusement industry: „Our...

„Technology is going to make it easier for guests to be guests and easier for us as operator to treat them as guests“ - in this special episode, podcast host Lukas Metzger, Head of Operations at Europa Park, meets exciting personalities from the entertainment industry at the Hot Ice Show 2024 premiere in Blackpool. This legendary ice skating show is running since 1936 and is a real benchmark for storytelling and shows. As part of the Pleasure Beach Resort, a family owned theme park in England, the season start of this extraordinary event attracts leading figures from all over the...

Every week, Michael Mack and his team from MACK One welcomes the leading experts, courageous entrepreneurs, professors and future-shaping inventors from various areas of expertise as guest in this podcast. Take an exclusive peek into the future and tune in to some true highlights of 50 Episodes:

1 - Mate Rimac, Founder and CEO of "Rimac Automobili", named "The European Elon Musk"

2 - Sir Richard Taylor, 5-time Academy Award Winner and Founder "Weta Workshop"

3 - Daniel Lamarre, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board, former CEO of "Cirque du Soleil"

4 - Dr. Auma Obama, Sociologist, Keynote Speaker, Founder and...

“Be friendly to AI! Say always `thank you´ when you get an answer from a bot. When it takes over the world - you’re on the right side“ - Joel Allenspach is a prominent figure in the field of immersive 3D experiences and extended reality (XR) technologies. His swiss based company Jamaze AG is known for its innovative solutions in enhancing customer experiences through advanced technology. Join podcast host Marcus Ernst, one of the Emotioneers from MACK One, in this deep-dive conversation about the impact AI integration can have on immersive experiences and the biggest challenges in this field. „With...