Christopher Els Email & Phone Number

Santa Fe, NM, US

Technical Director, specializing in Interactives and Show Systems. In addition to working on upcoming exhibitions, I also take on other projects, like leading the technical systems upgrades for existing exhibitions.

Co Producer of Spooky Hollows with John Cassella. Featured at ScareLA 2015 and Midsummer Scream 2016 and 2018

Audio, Video, Show Control, and other speciality systems designer. Unless specified, all projects and customers are confidential.

Orlando, Florida, US

• Establish and maintains quantitative requirements and specifications based on interpreting creative intent for audiovisual, projection, and lighting systems.
• Prepare clear and concise scopes of work for show systems and ancillary equipment and manage their progress from design through installation and commissioning.
• Evaluate, select, and monitor qualified vendors to produce complex show systems and associated equipment. Lead production and design reviews including all vendor documentation ensuring compliance with contractual.
• Oversee installation, test and adjust of show systems to ensure compliance with contract specifications.
• Oversee contractors mock up efforts when required to ensure the results accurately reflect the expected final installed system.
• Organize, lead, and participate in multi-disciplined meetings, interfacing with Show Producers, Art Directors, Scenic Managers, ride systems, technical services, operations, and entertainment departments as well as.

Applied Minds (DeSanti) November 2017 - April 2018, Full-Time

Associate Technical Director helping setup company design process.+Provide Technical Direction for a full theme park.+Audio Systems Designer+Video Systems Designer+Show Control Designer+Lighting Designer+Use of NoLimits 2 for roller coaster concept design and AutoCAD to further the design.+Limited use of Unreal Engine, Iris VR, and HTC Vive for design.

Lititz, Pennsylvania, US

• Worked as both a Technical Manager and as a Audio/Video/Show Control/Interactive (AVCI) Systems Designer. Projects vary across the spectrum of Themed Entertainment.Responsibilities include:
• Supplemental design, programming, and installation support for AVCI
• Emergency and on call support to ensure satisfactory completion of AVCI scope of work.
• Design of integrated technical systems across multiple disciplines.
• Management of vendor contract compliance for design, procurement, fabrication, and installation of technical systems.
• On‐going integration of the technical systems with other design elements.

Burbank, California, US

Serving as both a Technical Designer for early project phases (specializing in Audio, Video, and Control Systems) as well as a Show Systems Manager covering all disciplines required to turn a concept into a successful reality (Audio/Video/Show Control/Lighting).

• I serve functions for theme park development projects such as, Project Coordinator, Technical Designer, and Audio / Video & Operations Consultant. My clients include: Resorts World Sentosa (Universal Studios.
• Technical Design
• Show Systems Technical Management
• Assistance with technical direction
• Assistance with project management
• Audio/Visual systems design

• Technical Designer for Business Development (Genting SkyWorlds early development).
• Assist with specialty video projection mock ups for multiple attractions.
• Assist with special effects design.
• Assist with project-wide design standards, performance specification development, and equipment standardization.
• Technical Coordinator for 5 attractions.
• SolidWorks Modeler Using SolidWorks Premium 2013.

Universal City, CA, US

• Assist with ride commissioning process as the first operations crew in the building.
• Assist with ride testing including: encroachment testing, ride component/ ride vehicle cycling, and troubleshooting downtime.
• Prepare building for operations by suggesting adjustments to Ride Control System and Ride Show Supervisor Human Machine Interface panels, designing overflow queues, creating compliance documentation, and train leads.

Universal City, CA, US

• As the Operations representative in partnership with Entertainment Production and Universal Creative, I have been responsible for:
• Drafting and designing all maze queue lines for Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights as well as all seasonal queue systems.
• Participate in permitting process for queue lines.

Universal City, CA, US

• Training new hires
• Training Leads
• Conducting refresher training and testing
• Maintaining state ride operation safety training.

Universal City, CA, US

• Ride Operation and Supervision of 60+ crew daily
• Ride Downtime Troubleshooting
• Tracking Labor Expenses
• Basic Maintenance
• Employee of the Month:........April 2006........December 2008........October 2010

Universal City, CA, US

Responsible for procedural writing for all inspection and training material across the crafts of the technical services department and for all venues at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Universal City, CA, US

• Tracking Labor Usage
• Cast Supervision of 80 people
• Quality Control

Universal City, CA, US

• Support the operation of theatrical shows, including Water World: A Live Seawar Spectacular®, Fear Factor Live©.
• Set props and set dressings before shows.
• Load pyrotechnic special effects.
• Enable manual and computerized show effects during shows, while ensuring guest and performer safety.
• Maintain the cleanliness of audience area, stage, and backstage areas.

Los Angeles, CA, US

• Produce Project Requests For Information
• Compilation of subcontractor documentation for deliverables........Use of Adobe Acrobat Pro to assemble the drawing PDFs........Use of Adobe InDesign to compile documentation books........Use of AutoCAD for the drawing.
• Assist with vendor communication and coordination
• Create Project Requests For Quotation
• Support Project Meetings:........Record Meeting Minutes........Schedule Project Meetings
• Technical review of subcontractor submittals........Check for Completion........Check for integration conflicts........Audit equipment choices to ensure a high quality product.

Glendale, CA, US

• Create and compile project deliverable packages.
• Provide Operations expertise.
• Assist with developing design standards.
• Develop documentation standards.
• Assist Project Manager in day-to-day activities.
• Documentation control.

Orlando, Florida, US

While not part of the project team. I have been able to observe the problem solving process and see how it affects construction of the venue. As questions arise. I have been able to ask the Senior Project Manager how he is ensuring project budget scope. and schedule.

Pasadena, California, US

Park-wide Audio / Video / Show Control Technical Designer for the early schematic phase of the Hello Kitty Park, which was done on a very tight schedule.

Part of a group conceptualizing the future of entertainment.

• Part of the design team of one America's top 25 haunted attractions.
• Design, Install, and Maintenance of AV, show control, and lighting systems.
• Part of the construction team.
• Set decoration, set painting, and special fx tech.

Pre-Engineering (For Mechanical Engineering)

High School Diploma, General Studies