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I’ve enjoyed reading excellent memoirs from Disney Imagineers like Bob Weis, Kevin Rafferty, and many others during recent years. Those books told the stories of how these talented artists evolved during their careers at Disney and beyond. Bob Rogers takes a different approach with his new book Deep Story: A Complete Guide to Creating Transformational Visitor Attractions. In each chapter, he provides a guide to develop themed entertainment that does more than just entertain us. It’s a fascinating work from an expert who has created story-driven attractions for more than 40 years.
I’m thrilled to welcome Rogers as my guest on this episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast. It’s my first interview show in 20 months, and the reason I’m back today is because of my awesome guest. We dive into Deep Story and what inspired him to create a tool for delivering transformational attractions. Rogers started his career working in the Magic Shop at Disneyland. He also wrote and co-produced Impressions de France, which remains one of my favorite Disney attractions.
During the episode, Rogers and I talk about projects for Disney like the Bird and the Robot at EPCOT Center and the Magic of Disney Animation with Robin Williams and Walter Cronkite at the Disney/MGM Studios. Both are examples of key storytelling concepts from his book. Rogers was actually fired three times by Disney and told that he would never work for them again, and that’s a fun story in this interview.
Rogers is the Founder and Chairman of the design and production company BRC Imagination Arts. They have created so many amazing projects including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. I loved my visit to this surprising attraction in Springfield, Illinois back in late 2021. It includes two shows that would sit comfortably in a Disney theme park. During this interview, Rogers and I discuss the challenges from historians when this destination opened in 2005. We also cover why the two shows work so well, especially Ghosts in the Library.
I really enjoyed the chance to talk with Rogers about his new book and extensive career. We also discussed projects for NASA at the Kennedy Space Center and how to connect with disinterested guests. There is so much to cover from the stellar work by BRC around the world. I’d highly recommend Deep Story if you’re interested in storytelling and themed entertainment.
Show Notes: Bob Rogers
Learn more about BRC at their official website and Deep Story at bobrogers.com.
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I’d love to hear what you think of this episode with Bob Rogers! Leave a comment or e-mail me at dan@tomorrowsociety.com.
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