Deploying Panasonic projectors, Flipbook Studio, a creative production company based in Manchester, has created the immersive and experiential entertainment BEASTS for Chester Zoo’s Super-Natural Halloween event, in Chester, England.
Following the success of their content at the Printworks in Manchester, which houses the largest digital ceiling in Europe, Flipbook Studio was tasked with designing and producing an original multi-screen immersive experience entitled BEASTS. Using immersive floor projections and 360-degree visual displays, the 8-minute animated adventure takes the viewer on an epic journey through a world inhabited by fantastical creatures. It runs until November 3.
The zoo already had an existing projection set-up, using Panasonic FRZ50’s for the wall projections and Panasonic PT-RZ790’s for the floor projections. For the content, Flipbook Studio deployed Unreal Engine’s 3D tool, as well as Autodesk Maya and Houdini software.
Scripted by zoologist, children’s TV presenter, and acclaimed author Dr Jess French, the BEASTS experience takes guests through unexplored lands, to discover mythical creatures in a prequel to Dr French’s fantasy novel Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain. Flipbook Studio conceived and brought to life three distinct ecosystems, each featuring mythical creatures uniquely adapted to their environment.
Andrew Lord, director and co-founder, Flipbook, said: “Our goal was to design a fully immersive experience that would captivate and engage visitors of all ages. We’ve produced a number of unique experiential projects, and this one marks a significant milestone in our ambition to create innovative, location-based digital experiences that seamlessly blend storytelling, animation, and cutting-edge technology.”
This immersive experience is not only designed to entertain, but also support Chester Zoo’s mission to foster a deeper connection to nature and conservation through powerful storytelling.
Helen Dean, dead of marketing & brand at Chester Zoo commented: “Halloween gives us the chance to engage families with fun experiences, and throw a spotlight on amazing species which can sometimes be misunderstood, but are incredibly important to our ecosystems. As well as mythical creatures, BEASTS also incorporates important species like snakes, frogs, bugs, slugs and moths. And crucially, whenever anyone comes to the zoo to experience BEASTS, they’ll be supporting our charitable conservation efforts to protect many of the world’s most at-risk species.”
Dr Jess French added: “I’m over the moon that they have selected the world of Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain as the setting for this first-of-its-kind digital experience. It’s every fantasy writer’s dream to see their world and creations brought to life in this way and I cannot wait to step into the virtual Beastlands.”
Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain is an epic fantasy adventure for 9-12 year olds, set in an untamed wilderness, where three brave children must face their fears and confront the land’s extraordinary and sometimes terrifying beasts in order to find the things they so desperately seek. It is published by Piccadilly Press, an imprint of Bonnier Books.
In addition to Beasts, the Super-Natural exhibition features interactive Halloween-themed trails, giant pumpkin sculptures, and family-friendly activities, running until November 3, 2024.
Click here for Beasts Experience Reel.
And here for ‘Super-Natural Advert’ (with Beasts).
