The banners and signs are all down and the street blockades are no longer there but there is still a lot of positive buzz about the first ever World Science Festival that was held at New York University from May 28 through June 1st, 2008. One of the highlights of the Festival, especially in the Disney community, was the presentation: "The Science of Disney Imagineering." With the festival over I was able to ask Imagineer Scott Trowbridge, who hosted the presentation, a few questions about his experience at the Festival. Scott Trowbridge is the Vice President of Creative Research for Walt Disney Imagineering.

Q: How did Disney become involved in the World Science Festival?


A: Although it might not be immediately intuitive, Disney actually has a strong foundation in Science and Technology (a main theme of Disney's program at the festival) and many Imagineers are active in organizations and familiar with the Festivals co-founders, Brian Greene and Tracy Day. In the early days of the festival's formation, and when the idea of a Children's and Family Program was introduced, Disney agreed to begin development of a program for that audience.



Q: What were some of the goals you wanted to achieve with the presentation?



A: We wanted to show that Science can be cool and that anyone can do really cool things with an understanding of basic science. The ultimate goal was to inform, engage and inspire an emerging generation of potential scientists (and Imagineers).



Q: What was your favorite part or portion of the presentation?



A: Having the Imagineers meet the audience at the end of each presentation was the best part. Kids and parents alike got to meet real Imagineers who use Science and Technology every day to make amazing things happen. The kids were able to ask all kinds of questions about how the Imagineers got their start, how they could become Imagineers as well as some detailed curiosity about the technology and Science showcased in the presentation. In addition, the parents were able to express their feelings and ask questions about how best to feed their kid's curiosity and passions.

Q: What was one thing that you wish you could have done or shown that you did not get the chance or the opportunity to show to the audience?



A: I'm happy with the topics we discussed. We wanted to include a wide range from Basic Physics and Chemistry, to Computer and Life Sciences. We could have filled a week-long presentation with the stuff we didn't show.


Q: For those who were unable to attend the Festival is this presentation scheduled to be done at any other time in the near future?



A: The response was overwhelmingly positive and we are working right now to figure out the best way to bring this kind of presentation to a wider audience.



Q: Are there any plans for Disney to be involved if there is a second World Science Festival?



A: Those plans are in the very early stages of discussion so there is no concrete plan set.



Q: What is the best piece of solid advice you can give someone who wants to be an Imagineer?



A: Figure out what you are passionate about and get really good at it. Imagineers encompass hundreds of disciplines including everything from artists, writers, engineers, programmers, architects, legal and financial experts, construction experts, graphic designers, fabricators and many many more. Imagineering tries to find the best talent from every field and bring it together to create teams capable of making amazing things possible. Today there are even many colleges and universities that offer curriculum in Entertainment Design or Experiential Entertainment and the best of those take a multi-disciplinary approach towards building a strong foundation. 




Q: What's the one thing you have done as an Imagineer that you are the most proud of?



A: Again, its all about the audience and creating those shared moments and memories that can last a lifetime. When you see a young girl or boy leaving a park, or a show or attraction with that smile on their face or a look of amazement and wonder, we know that we have done our job. 



   I personally like the idea of living in a world where "magic" can exist. And if we can create a place where anything can happen and give generations of people opportunities to dream that anything is possible, then anything will be. And that sounds like the kind of world that I'd like to live in.

Many thanks to Scott Trowbridge for taking the time to answer the questions for this interview.