SHOW SET DESIGN

Case Study

The project

Genting Skyworlds, formerly known as Fox Malaysia, is a mountaintop theme park nestled in Genting Highlands, Malaysia, approximately 2,000 meters above sea level. This expansive park features over 20 rides and attractions that immerse guests in the worlds of popular films like Epic, Robots, Rio, and Ice Age, among others. Spanning nine distinct themed worlds, it delivers a diverse range of entertainment and thrilling experiences.

Attractions: Night at the Museum, Independence Day Resurgence

Client

Skyworlds Genting Highlands, Malaysia

Date

2017

Rides

ETF Interactive dark ride, Dynamic Attractions flying theatre

My role

As a Show Set Designer, I shaped the visual identity for key attractions: the interactive dark ride “Night at the Museum” and the flying theatre experience “Independence Day Defiance.” A core part of my role involved value engineering the designs to align with budgetary constraints without compromising the creative vision.

My approach to concept and inspiration centred on the source material – the movies themselves. My primary focus was to visually communicate the project’s narrative and creative intent, ensuring strict adherence to intellectual property guidelines. I took the lead in refining the vision, resolving design challenges, and optimizing the theming to stay within budget. My responsibilities spanned creating schematic and detailed designs for all show elements and architectural features, developing the Bill of Quantities (BOQ), supporting the finalization of shop drawings, and overseeing the vendors’ execution.

Schematic design

Starting with the fold-out elevations, I developed coloured, rendered elevations to illustrate the materials and finishes for each scene in both the queue lines and the ride, precisely positioning all the show set elements.

On the left, an example of textured elevations for the pre-show of Independence Day, Resurgence queue area, accompanied by a brief synopsis of the scene.

Design development

During design development, I meticulously studied the films to understand each element. Given that all characters were computer-generated imagery (CGI) and evolved across the film series and its sequels, certain characters required interpretation and extrapolation. A prime example is Dum Dum, the Easter Island character. I created detailed vector drawings from multiple perspectives, which the fabricator then used to produce a physical polystyrene maquette. This maquette served as a crucial approval stage before commencing full-scale fabrication.

For organic shapes, such as the sconce, my process began with a hand-sketched study based on the film to grasp the nuances of its 1920s design. I then collaborated with the vendor’s 3D artist to develop the digital model. Following the 3D print, I made further refinements to the sculpt using clay. Finally, I oversaw the fabrication process by the vendor in China, which included a factory visit to ensure the quality and accuracy of the final product.

detail design of sconces — Detailed Design

To ensure Rexy, the dinosaur, fitted perfectly within the lobby space, I adjusted its posture, tail length, and curvature. I then identified a Hong Kong-based company with established connections in mainland China and collaborated with them on the sculpt and paint finishes, managing the process both remotely and through factory visits.

Design and tech integration

The alien character, a CGI creation that evolved across the movie franchise and has limited visibility in “Independence Day: Defiance” (IDD 2), plays a key role in our attraction’s narrative. Set in the pre-show, the alien is contained within a tank. To support this storyline, I designed futuristic restraining accessories and life-support tubes.

The Maya artist masterfully brought my concept to life in the rendering shown below.

Graphic Design and Props list

Given the museum setting of the attraction, a significant amount of graphic design was required, encompassing stencils, posters, banners, information plaques, directional signage, and more. I took responsibility for designing, creating the final artwork for all graphics featured in the attraction. Outside posters and queue line posters were already laid out by the client art director, Michael Rizzo.

Furthermore, I compiled a comprehensive props list for the vitrines and various scenes throughout the attraction. This included designing the frames and accompanying signage for each prop display.

I create all show graphics for Independence Day attraction as well.