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

04.22.2024 by Dan Heaton // Leave a Comment

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.

Hogwarts Castle remains one of the most impressive sights at a theme park.
Photo by Dan Heaton

Show Notes: Eric Baker

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the props of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Eric Baker on the MuggleNet YouTube channel.

Listen to Eric Baker and learn about designing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on the Blast Points podcast.

Support the Tomorrow Society Podcast and buy me a Dole Whip!

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Categories // Tomorrow Society Podcast Tags // Disneyland, Galaxy's Edge, Interviews, Podcasts, Star Wars, Walt Disney World, Wizarding World of Harry Potter

About Dan Heaton

Dan’s first theme-park memory was a vacation at the Polynesian Resort in 1980 as a four-year-old. He’s a lifelong fan who has written and podcasted regularly about the industry. Dan loves both massive Disney and Universal theme parks plus regional attractions near his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. His favorite all-time attraction is Horizons at EPCOT Center.

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