Christopher Stapleton Email & Phone Number

United States

Developing next generation Embodied Stories and Phydgital InterSpaces through immersive, interactive media and multi-sensory, perceptual, spatial computing driven by conversational AI, across entertainment, education and enterprise applications.

Los Angeles, Us

• Spearheaded innovation roadmapping for immersive media and experiential entertainment markets, driving advancements in Experience Architecture for location-based experiences.• Consulted on interdisciplinary team integration and partnership collaborations to enhance project success and public service delivery.

Strategic Planning and Design for launching an organization recruiting and supporting networks of pioneers, professionals and students to create Virtual Worlds to advance the social good. Developed a plan for community engagement of a global network of creative and technology leaders to drive the next generation of VR.

Savannah, Ga, Us

Christopher Stapleton has joined the faculty of Savannah College of Art and Design as a full professor to transition the Themed Entertainment program into the School of Creative Technologies. He will help to expand the application of themed entertainment design across all applications and sectors of the Metaverse. This will significantly expand the opportunities of the program's graduates as well as increase their earning potential. After all, "all the world is a theme park" --Will Shakespeare (paraphrasing).

Creatively leading premiere, cross-disciplinary teams for global simulation technology brands to create never-before-done experiences. Integrating all forms of media, markets and cultures to appeal to mainstream audiences for award-winning attractions.

Creative development of a Mixed Reality (MR) virtual story creation platform for entertainment, tourism, education, training, wellness, deep space pre-habilitation and experiential marketing. Future planning for innovations in social participation assessment for community enhancement. Pioneering Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality, Expanded Reality (XR) and Immersive Media. Responsibilities include content development, guest experience evaluation, Intellectual Property management, innovation brokering, experiential brand development and assessment. Author & Speaker for cross industry applications of simulation technologies and human performance.

Orlando, Florida, Us

Directed creative teams in developing novel solutions for global corporations to innovate their brand experience to increase new product offerings and consumer satisfaction. Projects included story-driven experience architecture, content creation, product development, interface design, innovation brokering, experience prototyping and play-testing. Projects include:Space FloridaPrincipal Investigator for Story Therapy in addressing isolation for marginalized populations from Aphasia Patients to Astronauts in deep space exploration.Canon Inc: Project Direction of Canon Inc advanced innovation partnership program to define and engage emerging vertical markets and producers for diverse Mixed Reality enterprise solutions.EnvelopVR:Creating new paradigms in creative collaborations in Virtual Worlds leveraging Mixed Reality.Aphasia House & RICHES Digital Humanities ArchivesDeveloped therapy activities based on conversational storytellingMeraas Liesure & Entertainment, Dubai:Consulted on transition of Creative Department from Dubai Parks to Premiere Location Base Entertainment of arcades, dining, family entertainment, retail, events and recreation.Wanda Group, Beijing;Creative Director for interactive ride films based upon traditional Chinese culture, art and legends.Universal Studios: Creative development for attraction concepts for tourist destinations, including ride-films, shows, retail, hospitality, food and beverage venues. Disney Imagineering: Consultant for story-driven conversion of digital game brands into physical tourist destinations for transmedia marketing.NASA: Experience Architect for experiential learning landscapes with novel VR & Augmented Reality User Interfaces (UI).National Science Foundation: Project Research Director to innovate computer human interface technology and learning strategies.US Department of Education & Haberman Educational Foundation,SBIR

As Creative Director for the Planning team of IVRI, we are exploring the next generation VR experience and production arts applied across all industries. The IVRI is designed to be the world’s premier virtual reality research institute based in Shenzhen, China with satellite offices in Seattle and other locations (to be determined). The Institute will be funded by the Chinese government, HTC Corporation and sponsor grants and focus on advancing immersive computing technologies including virtual, mixed and augmented reality technologies and other advanced media technologies and techniques and their applications. The goal is to make these solutions globally pervasive and mainstream, with a focus on advancing China’s global innovation impact. As a non-profit entity, the Institute will be a center of excellence where interdisciplinary researchers, engineers, and creative technologists can learn, collaborate and investigate solutions to pervasive challenges and to fulfill the future potential of virtual reality. The institute will also build relationships with local and international academic and civic institutions to facilitate a research exchange that will enrich the value of human capital in concert with the next generation of immersive computing education and field applications. The Institute will also serve as an economic engine and stimulus for China to build long-term growth of this industry.

Dubai, Ae

I defined internal capabilities and external requirements for several attractions for premiere Leisure & Entertainment. development. Responsible for theme park/water park/themed entertainment/FEC//live shows/character appearance licenses globally. Includes development & implementation of strategies for intellectual properties, characters and brands in Themed Entertainment. Reviews and recommends suppliers, F&B, marketing, contracts, and creative. Writes new contracts scopes of work. Development of new concepts/business opportunities including proposals, negotiations, and contracts.

Toronto, Ontario, Ca

Client rep for Creative Direction with Forrec International. The project included ride-films based upon traditional Chinese myths and cultural history. Multiple attractions with interactive, multi-screen, multisensory experiences.

Washington, Dc, Us

Experience Architect for experiential learning landscapes with novel VR & Augmented Reality User Interfaces (UI) to teach innovation skills to families and reignite the American dream of space exploration.

Orlando, Fl, Us

Media Research Director, Media Convergence Laboratory, UCF Institute for Simulation and Training#• Assessed real world challenges in experience design of entertainment, education, training andtherapy and develop innovative research solutions that are internationally recognized and adopted.#• Directed media production studio and research testing of experience design prototypes.#• Raised and managed research and operating budgets and salaries with international collaborators.#• Developed and supervised training programs and production pipelines for real world demonstrations.

Orlando, Fl, Us

Founded a University wide laboratory of interdisciplinary research of the art and science of Experiential Media and immersive cinematic language. Pioneered applications of Mixed Reality for Canon Inc, real-time production techniques for Nickelodeon Studios, Experiential marketing innovations for MGM Studios, Innovations in Medical Imaging with the Technical University of Munich, Training for the Department of Education and department of Defense. Hosted international professors and professionals to collaborate on cutting edge application of immersive media.

Orlando, Fl, Us

Designed and taught inaugural curriculum for the Digital Media Program including Game Design, Transmedia Storytelling, Media Convergence for the Internet, Production I, Production II. Supervised interns and externs for graduate and undergraduate research and advised PhD Dissertation.

Munich, Bavaria, De

Designed real world laboratory for the Computer Aided Medical Procedure (CAMP) lab. Taught game design for computer science for medical training.

US Department of Education (DoEd), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Award for the Haberman Star Simulator for training teachers for urban classroom.

Orlando, Florida, Us

Guardian of the vision for the Guests' experience. Directed the design, development, construction and quality control of $150 million themed entertainment complex with rides, shows, food and merchandise attractions for 100 brand characters. Supervised innovations in ride design and engineering through computer modeling and prototypes.Responsible for theme park/water park/themed entertainment/FEC//live shows/character appearance licenses globally. Includes development & implementation for intellectual properties, characters and brands in Themed Entertainment. Reviews and recommends suppliers, F&B, marketing, contracts, and creative. Writes new contracts scopes of work. Development of new concepts/business opportunities including proposals, negotiations, and contracts. Value-engineered budget and schedule strategies leveraging limitation as the root of creativity.

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

Supervised the Art Direction of Nickelodeon Recreation's first permanent theme park attraction at multiple Paramount Park Locations including Kings Island, Kings Dominion, Great America.

Orlando, Florida, Us

Responsible for new attraction development for Florida Studio Park. Worked together on a internal production team with outside vendors to deliver attractions large and small for park experience upgrades. Led design from concept to opening working closely with performers, fabricators, architects, scenic shops, landscaping, marketing, engineering, operations and maintenance.

Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Us

Concept design future entertainment attractions and events.

Cincinnati, Ohio, Us

Directed the design development of new projects for theme parks, experiential marketing, conference and conventions for global clients.

Us

Supervised the completion of the Fairyland Attraction for Landmark Entertainment, a special effects stunt show and treehouse restaurant.

Orlando, Florida, Us

Designed and developed original Ride, Show and Special Event attractions from concept to opening. Supervised a team of creative engineers, designers, directors, writers, operational specialists and contractors to realize state-of-the-art experiential entertainment.

Conceived and designed original scenic installations for musicals, comedies, dramas and concerts for major theater companies in New York theater. Assisted Broadway Designers on projections such as Anything Goes, Biloxi Blues, Harigan and Hart, Linda Ronstadt Concert.

Designed productions for Feature Films, Commercials, Music Videos and television programming for major networks and independent films. Projects include Nickelodeon Studios, Coca-Cola, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, HBO, PBS, NYU.

Assisted Broadway, Film and Television designers fill the responsibilities of scenic designer, art director or research concept design.

Mfa, Design For Film And Theater

Nyu Abroad, Art & Theater