Next Big Video Poll
Added 2024-08-19 20:10:24 +0000 UTCHey everyone. As many of you know, I am currently trying to lock down a topic for this year's end of year video that will release late November/early December. Unfortunately, it seems that Deal or No Deal will have to be delayed to next year, because I don't want to rush it. I have narrowed my selection to two ideas at the moment, and I want to hear which you like better. I cannot guarantee that the top choice or either of these will be the next video, but there is a good chance that if one wins in a landslide that will be the one that I move forward with. Here are the descriptions:
Disney Fireworks: An Explosive History
In 1957, Disneyland sought approval from the Anaheim city council to hold a nightly fireworks show during the summer months. Over the next 70 years, Disney Fireworks evolved from a humble summer attraction to a full 25-minute multi-media spectacle, which has changed both the literal foundation of the parks as well as the way that guests interact with them.
Disney's Living Characters: A Messy History
Beginning in the early 2000s, Disney began play-testing several meet and greets referred to as the Living Character Initiative. Over the next 20 years, the company would develop this philosophy, leading to attractions such as Turtle Talk with Crush and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and culminating in guests getting to talk one-on-one with Mickey Mouse. The logistics of pulling off these complicated illusions are fascinating. However, this initiative has faltered over the past five years, and the uncertain future of the projects begs a difficult question: What is the next step in themed entertainment?
Thank you and feel free to comment on your reasoning! Have a great week! -Kevin
Comments
Voted on the characters one, but would gladly also watch the fireworks story!
Zara Veasey
2024-08-26 10:47:10 +0000 UTCAny chance for another debate with RobPlays + DisneyDan + Jack regarding the announcements at D23?
Wario
2024-08-25 15:55:20 +0000 UTCBoth sound great, but I chose the characters video because I had to choose one. Whatever you do will be great!
Jessica Burke
2024-08-23 17:23:55 +0000 UTCThe Living Characters is one I have never heard anyone talk about before. All information would be new to me, and I think that's super exciting.
Ash
2024-08-20 16:31:55 +0000 UTCI just saw a TikTok of a a Mickey live character on a screen at D23. It was very strange. The Mickey on screen talked to the guest, but didnβt really look or sound at all like the Mickey I know, it felt more like Dora the explorer. Iβm not up on my Mickey characterizations, but it seemed like such a brand-safe non-interaction, I was genuinely confused what the adult guest interacting with it got out of it.
Joseph Sadoski
2024-08-20 16:02:22 +0000 UTCI think both topics sound *very* interesting, but the reason I chose fireworks is solely because I got to work on a few of the shows in a fun and interesting way.
Davon Dorsey
2024-08-20 08:58:39 +0000 UTCliving characters is something i havenβt seen much in-depth coverage on. it would be really cool to see a deep dive into its history and the tech behind it, especially with disney continuing to introduce more meet and greets with them.
DJ Razzmatazz
2024-08-19 22:25:04 +0000 UTCI voted living characters hoping for an interview with this guy. https://wdwnt.com/2024/06/former-turtle-talk-with-crush-voice-actor-twitch/
Mark Schumaker
2024-08-19 22:09:06 +0000 UTCI have a funny video of Harmonious when it performed in bad weather if you'd like.
Mediachi
2024-08-19 21:13:27 +0000 UTCBoth concepts seem very captivating, but chose the characters because I believe it will provide more avenues for the video to go down. At least for the first⦠fan of both!
Brian Johnson
2024-08-19 21:06:47 +0000 UTCKevin, if you do the fireworks, I have an (unposted, unedited) picture of Epcot's Harmonious show (from the 'peak viewing spot' of Japan) that is the epitome of not matching the picture on the tin. Just laughably disappointing. It's just mist and some faint colors in a tiny area, far away, in the center of the lagoon. π I would be happy to share my pic with the world if you need it. (And no, it wasn't in B mode, it was just breezy and the viewing angles were *terrible*.) I'm still frustrated about it 2 and a half years later haha!
Laura Elizabeth
2024-08-19 20:59:22 +0000 UTCThe Living Character video would also be very relevant, as Disney had both an interactive animated Mickey and an interactive animated Rocket Raccoon at this yearβs D23.
Matt Cartelli
2024-08-19 20:54:08 +0000 UTCI really wanna see the Fireworks video become a reality. Hoping if it doesnβt win we see it later π»
Toni
2024-08-19 20:48:36 +0000 UTCI voted but definitely both eventually!
Ross
2024-08-19 20:47:22 +0000 UTCHad to pick one, but felt the need to say here that I really want both to exist. Please consider doing whichever you don't do now in the future :)
Oliver Dunk
2024-08-19 20:36:42 +0000 UTCWould love to see both at some point!!
Marisa
2024-08-19 20:28:40 +0000 UTCThis is like Sophieβs Choice Iβm struggling so hard to decide
Marisa
2024-08-19 20:25:28 +0000 UTCHey Kevin!! Really hoping for the character video :) I worked character costuming at WDW and worked specifically on the Baymax meet and greet! If you need any information, happy to help!
Ashley Wise
2024-08-19 20:24:13 +0000 UTCMy reasoning for voting for Living Characters is though Fireworks has its own important history, I think the Living Characters' evolution is more interesting, providing an opportunity to explore Disney's reasons as to why they might explore this tech (both benevolent and nefarious), guests' experiences and feelings about talking to a screen rather than an actor, and the possible outcomes and impacts this initiative has.
Noah Key
2024-08-19 20:21:23 +0000 UTCKevin, you made a 90 minute documentary about a five second TV channel jingle that had me sobbing for half an hour, both for the subject of the film and for you. And you made a magical musical experience I watched compulsively for a week. About Epcot. I do not have a *clue* what you should make next.
aabsurdity
2024-08-19 20:20:25 +0000 UTCEither is a win! The characters concept in particular seems extra intriguing as Iβve always wondered about this but never thought deeply
Tim Larew
2024-08-19 20:19:32 +0000 UTCI love both, but the characters brings on way more crazy fun
StormSirenSith
2024-08-19 20:19:15 +0000 UTCIs both an option?
Connor Mangan
2024-08-19 20:18:27 +0000 UTCI have a friend who was in the Living Characters role. He has many exciting stories.
Tugs Puppybear
2024-08-19 20:17:48 +0000 UTCI know the fireworks video has been on the docket for a long time but the living meet and greets topic sounds so fascinating, had to give it my vote
Noel Harper
2024-08-19 20:16:57 +0000 UTCBoth seem good for a video, I voted fireworks because my friends/family/coworkers who are frequent Disney-goers hype up the fireworks show and the one time I went to see them I didn't get the hype, so a Defunctland-produced video might get me to better understand their hype.
Stahlhart
2024-08-19 20:16:04 +0000 UTCVery tough choice and would be stoked if either of these end up being what you decide to work on, but I agree with the sentiments that the messy nature of the LCI are more intriguing and could lead to some very niche stuff
Carson K.
2024-08-19 20:15:08 +0000 UTCI think the living characters story would be more interesting because it is less well-known. We also loved the addition of names and hometowns to digital signage at rides like Small World, Haunted Mansion, Expedition Everest and more and have been sad to see that all paused or pulled back in recent years.
AJ Thomas
2024-08-19 20:14:30 +0000 UTCI feel like the character meet and greet idea has a lot of opportunity to pull out some VERY niche stuff. Looking forward to whichever ends up getting the pick!
Sophia Stutte
2024-08-19 20:13:16 +0000 UTC
