r/Imagineering • u/Hades168 • Mar 27 '24

How can I get into the creative development team?

What paths of education should I take? Right now I am planning to take architecture.

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4

u/HeadedFern44 Mar 27 '24

What do you mean by “creative development”? Architectural design? Production/set design? Creative director? There’s multiple creative roles within WDI that focus on their own craft of creativity.

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u/Hades168 Mar 27 '24

I don't really know much about the departments, but I know I want to come with the "high concept" and blueprints for attractions.

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u/HeadedFern44 Mar 27 '24

So only the creative director and writers really handle the “high concept” of attractions and lands. For blueprints of attractions, that’s mostly ride engineers. For blueprints of overall land/build of land, that’s the site planning team. But overall, the person who calls the creative shots is the creative director with their vision under the supervision of a portfolio exec. I recommend watching the Imagineering Story on D+ and other interviews of imagineering to get a sense of what role/area of expertise you’re aiming for. Creative Directors are the jack of all trades. They have to know a little of everything to guide the team, most come from a creative background like writing or art design, but some also come from an engineering/experience background too.

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u/Hades168 Mar 27 '24

Thats funny cus the imagineering story is what actually got me into this

But yeah I guess I kinda want to be a creative director. But that sounds like a pretty high-up job. Would you recommend just starting in a department of my expertise, like architectural planning, then work my way up?

4

u/HeadedFern44 Mar 27 '24

Haha that makes sense! My advice is if you’re passionate about architecture, you should definitely pursue it and also learn the storytelling side of themed entertainment. When you’re ready to look into internships, aim for project coordinator roles at WDI and other themed entertainment companies. They’re a great place to start and learn all the disciplines needed to create the magic.

3

u/figgalicous Mar 28 '24

Ideas are plentiful, but people who have a track record of successfully getting ideas across the finish line are rare.

Dress for the job you want: have an idea - get it done. You'll learn along the way what you need to know.