230. Eric Baker on Designing Props for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Eric Baker managed the design of the props and dressings for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

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We’ve entered a new world of immersive theme park lands that just keep getting more detailed every time. It’s easy to forget that expansions on this scale basically started with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Opening in 2010 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Hogsmeade set the standard. Eric Baker was closely involved in the development and execution of that land as a Prop Manager. He is my guest on this episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast to talk about his career and incredible work.

Eric describes what interested him about working in the film industry and the importance of the original Star Wars in 1977. That blockbuster inspired him to work as a Prop Fabricator at Nickelodeon Studios and on many other TV and film projects. We talk about his choice to make the transition to the world of themed entertainment at Universal. He worked on the model for Hogwarts Castle for several years and then was in charge of props and dressing for Hogsmeade and then Diagon Alley.

When Disney called about their plans for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Eric couldn’t resist because of his lifelong fandom. He worked as a Creative Director for both lands and was able to visit the film sets for inspiration. During this episode, we talk about Eric’s work adding props to the massive lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. He describes some of his favorite pieces and what he’d like to see added as a Star Wars fan. I loved talking with Eric about his role in shaping these immersive lands.