Production Team Overview

When it opens November 6, the National World War II Museum’s immersive production, Beyond All Boundaries, will be a 4-D cinematic experience unlike anything else. Created and crafted with 21st-century technology, it plunges viewers into the tale of the Greatest Generation’s journey from Pearl Harbor into the heat of epic battles to America’s final victory in the War That Changed the World. How Beyond All Boundaries came to be made by Executive Producer Tom Hanks and Phil Hettema, former Senior Vice President, Attraction Development of Universal is as fascinating as the experience itself.

Concept, Design, and Production: The Hettema Group

Under the guidance of 30-year industry veteran Phil Hettema, The Hettema Group’s team consists of experienced designers, illustrators, master planners, architects, engineers, project managers, and producers. The Hettema Group provides full design services including program development, project analysis and feasibility, concept development, detailed design, and on-site design supervision.

The Hettema Group specializes in uniquely creative design in the world of experiential entertainment for museums, visitor centers, theme parks, and resort developments, as well as breakthrough, out-of-the box solutions –combined with top quality design for museum and exhibit design, destination resorts and parks, retail, dining and entertainment lifestyle destinations and shows, entertainment and attractions.

Their range of experience includes work for such the Royal Hashemite Court of Jordan, Harrah's Casinos, Universal Studios (Hollywood and Orlando), Paramount Studios, the Russian Jewish Museum (Moscow, Russia), Gallagher and Associates, (Bethesda, Maryland), the Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago, Illinois), ResortsWorld (Sentosa, Singapore), Samsung’s Everland (Korea) MGM Location Based Entertainment, Busch Entertainment Corporation, and Dreamworks SKG.

Media Design and Production: Mousetrappe

Pasadena, Ca.-based Mousetrappe is an experiential media design company with the technical, creative and production capabilities to design, develop, and produce world-class media experiences in shows, exhibits, facilities and attractions for theme parks, resorts, and museums. They apply an extensive grasp of current visual media creative and technical trends to find ways to break new ground with every project.  Mousetrappe partners with show producers and integrators to produce best in class design, creative, and production of visual media elements integrating the complete visual media content package into the installation, event or show. Mousetrappe’s team produces and installs projects internationally.

Lighting Design: Visual Terrain

Visual Terrain, Inc. is an international design firm serving the architectural, entertainment and television markets. Their vision is to enrich the human experience and quality of life using the visual environment to evoke emotional response. Their mission is to lead in design excellence; explore, encourage, and expand technology through the thoughtful application of design principles and our environmental consciousness. Visual Terrain’s projects include lighting designs for casinos, resorts, restaurants, theme parks, museums, retail, concerts, television, live shows and special events as well as more traditional architectural spaces such as libraries and educational facilities. Other specialties include theatre consulting, developing park-wide lighting and dimming standards and specifications for major theme parks and performance system design.

Audio Visual Design and Control: Electrosonic

Electrosonic is a worldwide audio-visual company that operates in three ways: as a systems integrator, as a product manufacturer, and as a service provider for AV facilities. Founded in 1964, Electrosonic has always been among the first to apply new technology to create tailored, state-of-the-art solutions that meet the challenges of the professional AV market.  Electrosonic’s system integration business has a strong reputation for working on complex projects, both large and small, and has through its 40 year history developed lasting partnerships with customers and suppliers. Electrosonic brings a unique breadth of experience to each project, backed by solid engineering skills, project management and quality production facilities. Many of their projects have been recognized with key industry and sector awards. Today Electrosonic operates on a worldwide basis with a staff of more than 400 people and principal offices in the USA, the UK, Finland, Sweden, China and the United Arab Emirates. The operational headquarters is located in Burbank, California.

Show Action Equipment Design and Fabrication: LA ProPoint

LA ProPoint was started in 2002 by Mark Riddlesperger to offer a wide range of technical skills and fabrication services with a primary focus on safety, quality and service. Mark started his career in 1980 in a variety of entertainment industries. He holds an MFA degree in technical theatre and has working experience in scenery construction, welding and fabrication, lighting systems design and installation, as well as show systems and show control for theatres, theme parks, trade shows, film and television. LA ProPoint is affiliated or members of the following organizations: Better Business Bureau, TEA, IAPPA, Ironworkers Local 433, California Chamber of Commerce and the California State Contractors Board.

Special Effects: Rando Productions

Joe Rando has more than 18 years of production, design, and fabrication experience in the entertainment industry, including full automation of many major mechanical pieces; movie and advertisement special effects, theme park projects for Disney, MCA, and Universal, attraction rehabs and mock-ups. Rando Productions has designed and crafted many state-of-the-art electro-fluid power systems including show action equipment for many US as well as international theme parks and events.

Lighting Integration: Bandit Lites

The only lighting company to have won Lighting Company of the Year in both America and Europe in the same year, Bandit Lites is a global leader in the entertainment lighting marketplace. From touring productions to fixed installations, Bandit Lites has a full staff of highly trained professionals to deal with all types of lighting needs.

Technical Direction and Coordination: It’s Alive Co.

Established in 1995, It’s Alive Co. is a consulting firm providing design expertise to the entertainment destination and entertainment real estate development industries. It’s Alive clients include theme parks, museums, RD&E (retail, dining & entertainment districts, such as Universal CityWalk), casinos and corporate visitor centers. It’s Alive consulting services include project management, technical direction and production management. The company is an active member of the Urban Land Institute, the International Association of Amusement parks and Attractions, the Themed Entertainment Association, the International Council of Shopping Centers, and the World Gaming Congress.

BEYOND ALL BOUNDARIES
Production Credits

Concept, Design, and Production: The Hettema Group
Executive Producer: Tom Hanks
Creative Executive: Phil Hettema
Writer and Co-Director: Chris Ellis
Director: David Briggs
Senior Project Manager: Anthony Pruett
Media Producer: Doug Yellin
Media Designer: Daren Ulmer
Theater Design and Planning: John Kasperowicz AIA
Scene Design: Daniel Ionazzi
Technical Direction: Bob Chambers
Project Coordinator: Judd Nissen
Lighting Design: Visual Terrain
Audio Visual Design, Control, and Integration: Electrosonic
Lighting Integration: Bandit Lites
Show Action Equipment Design: LA ProPoint
Special Effects: Rando Productions
Media Production: Mousetrappe
Technical Coordination: It’s Alive Co.

The National World War II Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world – why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today.  Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National World War II Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org. Follow us on Twitter at WWIImuseum or visit our Facebook fan page.