Video by Lynnette Cantos
A welcoming new enhancement to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex entrance plaza is ready for takeoff.
As guests approach the turnstiles, they will be greeted by the Kennedy Entry Experience, a six-minute film displayed on a 3,000-square-foot LED screen sponsored by IAAPA member SNA Displays. The high-tech screen conjures eye-popping 3D images of rocket parts, experiences within the attraction, and iconic space travel milestones.
The film’s narrative is guided by John F. Kennedy’s “We choose to go to the Moon” speech, taking viewers on a journey through 60 years of U.S. space program accomplishments.
The Kennedy Space Center team developed the Kennedy Entry Experience to build anticipation and generate wonder as guests prepare to enter the attraction. The screen can also display content valuable to visitors, such as wayfinding, event advertising, live-input video, and emergency weather alerts.
“The goal was to create an immersive experience and get people excited about what they’re about to see,” explains Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “And then, going back to President Kennedy and his speeches, you can listen to them over and over again, and they’re so relevant to today. To make that come alive and then to show the actual space industry progression from past, present, and future was our motivation and inspiration.”
However, delivering the experience took more than conceptual ideation. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hired 3D animation company Blunt Action to bring the story to life. CEO of Blunt Action, Colby Hampton, shared that Blunt was responsible for orchestrating the entire visual tapestry of the experience—from storyboarding to animatics that were carefully timed to story beats.
For project development to advance smoothly, it was crucial for Blunt Action and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to communicate effectively. Both teams offered support and knowledge to one another throughout the process, enriching the impact of the experience.
“We would meet weekly, always constantly checking in, providing progress updates. They would give us some great information, great notes, and great resources to implement into our concept,” shares Hampton. “And it would be a back-and-forth process, making sure everyone’s happy throughout the whole process and that everything’s just looking great.”
While collaboration made the project possible, Protze also noted the initial difficulty of relinquishing control.
“I got kicked out of the room many times because I was peeking,” he joked. “And that’s what worked out best, because the final rendition was actually perfect.”
Through collaboration and trust, SNA Displays, Blunt Action, and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex have delivered a technologically innovative, profound story that will resonate with all space enthusiasts and curious visitors to come.
