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Next Big Video Poll
🕑 Added 2024-08-19 20:10:24 +0000 UTCHey everyone. As many of you know, I am currently trying to lock down a topic for this year's end of year video that will release late November/early December. Unfortunately, it seems that Deal or No Deal will have to be delayed to next year, because I don't want to rush it. I have narrowed my selection to two ideas at the moment, and I want to hear which you like better. I cannot guarantee that the top choice or either of these will be the next video, but there is a good chance that if one wins in a landslide that will be the one that I move forward with. Here are the descriptions:
Disney Fireworks: An Explosive History
In 1957, Disneyland sought approval from the Anaheim city council to hold a nightly fireworks show during the summer months. Over the next 70 years, Disney Fireworks evolved from a humble summer attraction to a full 25-minute multi-media spectacle, which has changed both the literal foundation of the parks as well as the way that guests interact with them.
Disney's Living Characters: A Messy History
Beginning in the early 2000s, Disney began play-testing several meet and greets referred to as the Living Character Initiative. Over the next 20 years, the company would develop this philosophy, leading to attractions such as Turtle Talk with Crush and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and culminating in guests getting to talk one-on-one with Mickey Mouse. The logistics of pulling off these complicated illusions are fascinating. However, this initiative has faltered over the past five years, and the uncertain future of the projects begs a difficult question: What is the next step in themed entertainment?
Thank you and feel free to comment on your reasoning! Have a great week! -Kevin
Comments
Zara Veasey
Voted on the characters one, but would gladly also watch the fireworks story!
Wario
Any chance for another debate with RobPlays + DisneyDan + Jack regarding the announcements at D23?
Jessica Burke
Both sound great, but I chose the characters video because I had to choose one. Whatever you do will be great!
Ash
The Living Characters is one I have never heard anyone talk about before. All information would be new to me, and I think that's super exciting.
Joseph Sadoski
I just saw a TikTok of a a Mickey live character on a screen at D23. It was very strange. The Mickey on screen talked to the guest, but didn’t really look or sound at all like the Mickey I know, it felt more like Dora the explorer. I’m not up on my Mickey characterizations, but it seemed like such a brand-safe non-interaction, I was genuinely confused what the adult guest interacting with it got out of it.
Davon Dorsey
I think both topics sound *very* interesting, but the reason I chose fireworks is solely because I got to work on a few of the shows in a fun and interesting way.
DJ Razzmatazz
living characters is something i haven’t seen much in-depth coverage on. it would be really cool to see a deep dive into its history and the tech behind it, especially with disney continuing to introduce more meet and greets with them.
Mark Schumaker
I voted living characters hoping for an interview with this guy. https://wdwnt.com/2024/06/former-turtle-talk-with-crush-voice-actor-twitch/
Mediachi
I have a funny video of Harmonious when it performed in bad weather if you'd like.
Brian Johnson
Both concepts seem very captivating, but chose the characters because I believe it will provide more avenues for the video to go down. At least for the first… fan of both!
Laura Elizabeth
Kevin, if you do the fireworks, I have an (unposted, unedited) picture of Epcot's Harmonious show (from the 'peak viewing spot' of Japan) that is the epitome of not matching the picture on the tin. Just laughably disappointing. It's just mist and some faint colors in a tiny area, far away, in the center of the lagoon. 😂 I would be happy to share my pic with the world if you need it. (And no, it wasn't in B mode, it was just breezy and the viewing angles were *terrible*.) I'm still frustrated about it 2 and a half years later haha!
Matt Cartelli
The Living Character video would also be very relevant, as Disney had both an interactive animated Mickey and an interactive animated Rocket Raccoon at this year’s D23.
Toni
I really wanna see the Fireworks video become a reality. Hoping if it doesn’t win we see it later 👻
Ross
I voted but definitely both eventually!
Oliver Dunk
Had to pick one, but felt the need to say here that I really want both to exist. Please consider doing whichever you don't do now in the future :)
Marisa
Would love to see both at some point!!
Marisa
This is like Sophie’s Choice I’m struggling so hard to decide
Ashley Wise
Hey Kevin!! Really hoping for the character video :) I worked character costuming at WDW and worked specifically on the Baymax meet and greet! If you need any information, happy to help!
Noah Key
My reasoning for voting for Living Characters is though Fireworks has its own important history, I think the Living Characters' evolution is more interesting, providing an opportunity to explore Disney's reasons as to why they might explore this tech (both benevolent and nefarious), guests' experiences and feelings about talking to a screen rather than an actor, and the possible outcomes and impacts this initiative has.
aabsurdity
Kevin, you made a 90 minute documentary about a five second TV channel jingle that had me sobbing for half an hour, both for the subject of the film and for you. And you made a magical musical experience I watched compulsively for a week. About Epcot. I do not have a *clue* what you should make next.
Tim Larew
Either is a win! The characters concept in particular seems extra intriguing as I’ve always wondered about this but never thought deeply
StormSirenSith
I love both, but the characters brings on way more crazy fun
Connor Mangan
Is both an option?
Tugs Puppybear
I have a friend who was in the Living Characters role. He has many exciting stories.
Noel Harper
I know the fireworks video has been on the docket for a long time but the living meet and greets topic sounds so fascinating, had to give it my vote
Stahlhart
Both seem good for a video, I voted fireworks because my friends/family/coworkers who are frequent Disney-goers hype up the fireworks show and the one time I went to see them I didn't get the hype, so a Defunctland-produced video might get me to better understand their hype.
Carson K.
Very tough choice and would be stoked if either of these end up being what you decide to work on, but I agree with the sentiments that the messy nature of the LCI are more intriguing and could lead to some very niche stuff
AJ Thomas
I think the living characters story would be more interesting because it is less well-known. We also loved the addition of names and hometowns to digital signage at rides like Small World, Haunted Mansion, Expedition Everest and more and have been sad to see that all paused or pulled back in recent years.
Sophia Stutte
I feel like the character meet and greet idea has a lot of opportunity to pull out some VERY niche stuff. Looking forward to whichever ends up getting the pick!
