Bringing Stories to Life – The Power of
Video in Attractions

Overview:

In the latest episode of Live with Sondra, Gatemaster Technology CEO Sondra Shannon sat  down with Joshua Leppert, Executive Producer at Sunshine Media, to discuss the transformative role of video in the attractions industry.

5 Insights from This Live

• Video is a Storytelling Catalyst
  It serves as a bridge between imagination and reality, enriching guests’ emotional connections to an attraction.
• Creative Blocks Are Inevitable – and Overcomeable
  Stepping away from a project, shifting perspectives, and engaging in physical activities like swimming can help reignite creativity.
• Measuring Success Goes Beyond Analytics
  Genuine guest reactions, such as smiles and excitement, are just as important as software-generated metrics.
• Video is a Versatile Tool for Attractions of All Sizes
  Whether it’s a high-budget theme park ride or a small-scale family attraction, video enhances storytelling and engagement.
• Intellectual Property (IP) is Not Always Necessary for Impact
  While many successful attractions leverage existing IPs, original stories told through video can be just as compelling.

5 Notable Quotes:

• “Story is inherently everywhere, so even when one hasn’t been written on a page yet or put into an SOP, it’s still there.”
  – Joshua Leppert
• “Just seeing happy people experiencing your work out in the parks is one of the most informative metrics. It’s not software—you know—it’s real, genuine, smiling faces.”
  – Joshua Leppert
• “Keep your eyes open, keep your mind open, maybe look from a couple of different perspectives, and you’ll have a story in no time.”
  – Joshua Leppert
• “If I want to refresh my attraction, one of the best places to start is video.”
  – Sondra Shannon
• “Video is one of the most versatile elements that you could use to enhance a project, and any single person from the small all the way up to the C-suite can utilize video in an effective way.”
  – Joshua Leppert

Sunshine Media’s Approach

As a leader in themed entertainment video production, Sunshine Media focuses on crafting immersive narratives through high-quality visuals. Joshua Leppert highlighted how their projects, including work on Epcot’s Space 220, leverage video not just for storytelling but also to create memorable and repeatable experiences for guests. From queue line entertainment to backup show elements, video is a powerful asset in their toolkit.

Joshua Leppert’s Preferences and Technology

Joshua shared his passion for original storytelling and creative problem-solving, favoring immersive video experiences that go beyond the reliance on popular IPs. He emphasized the role of emerging technologies, such as advanced projection mapping and interactive screens, in evolving attractions. He also provided insight into his personal creative process, including how physical activity like swimming helps him maintain a fresh perspective.

Sondra’s Perspective

As CEO of Gatemaster Technology, Sondra Shannon champions the use of video not just within attractions but also for marketing and operational training. She highlighted how video content helps communicate vital information to guests, ensuring smoother operations while enhancing their overall experience. She also reinforced that technology should serve to create a seamless, guest-centric culture within the attractions industry.

Improving Guest Experience

One of the biggest takeaways from this session was how video plays a crucial role in improving guest experiences. Whether it’s setting the stage for an attraction, providing entertainment in queues, or adding an extra layer of immersion, video enhances engagement and makes experiences more memorable.

Creating Memories and a Guest-Centric Culture

Both Sondra and Joshua agreed that successful attractions prioritize guest experience. By using video as a storytelling tool, attractions can evoke emotions, enhance engagement, and leave lasting impressions. Whether through in-attraction visuals or promotional content, video remains a key driver in creating meaningful memories.

Gatemaster’s Guests’ Appreciation and Value

At Gatemaster Technology, we understand the power of storytelling and engagement. This episode reinforced our mission to provide innovative solutions that help attractions thrive. By leveraging video, our clients can enhance guest interactions, improve operational efficiency, and drive repeat visits.

Connecting with the Speakers

Want to continue the conversation? Connect with Sondra and Joshua on LinkedIn!