DERBY AHLSTONE Ventura, 93001 Mobile: 805.256.4998 Fax/Voicemail: 805.435.1505 [email protected]

SUMMARY

Hands-on and creative, project manager with background in mechanical engineering and experience with international companies working on the development of large scale themed entertainment venues, events, and attractions. Possesses strong mechanical design skills from product development through manufacturing and operation. Proven project team leader and member skilled at working with all levels of management and staff within (and outside) an organization both within and outside the United States.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE dba:CREATIVE INNOVATIONS LLC, Ventura, CA 2004 - Present As a consultant provided project engineering management services on a variety of themed entertainment projects.

- Contracted by Hill International to oversee all aspects (e.g. concept, design, logistics, approvals, vendors/consultants, strategy) of the development use of all pyrotechnics and fireworks to be used in Parks & Resorts.

- Contracted by to provide pyrotechnic, firework, and flame effect liaison development services on their new park in Beijing.

- Contracted by The Nassal Company to provide Project Director services (with focus on ride/show management and integration) for an indoor theme park being developed in Doha, Qatar.

- Contracted by Granaroli Design & Entertainment to provide technical director services for 10 attractions during the design development phase of the Warner Brothers Park in Abu Dhabi.

- Contracted by International Resort Management Services based in Singapore to provide show element data sheets, and audio/video/control narratives for all attractions being developed for Genting’s new Fox Park in Malaysia.

- Contracted by The Hettema Group to provide technical director services during the development phase on various projects: lagoon show in Malaysia, One World Observatory at Trade Center in New York, and new internationally recognized branded theme park in China.

- Contracted by TWT Group to provide technical management services on several projects. • Provided Project Engineering services for the development of irrigation pipe assembly machines. • Providing Project Engineering & Management services for the development and production of new electrically powered trolleys that are going to be installed in Macau. • Performed Technical Director services for the Schematic Design Phase of the Wuhan Movie Theme Park developed by Forrec for the Wanda Group in China. • For Chimera Design (thru TWT Group and then as a direct employee), was the Technical Director for the entire Marvel Comic Dubai Themepark being responsible for all Show/Ride technical activities. Duties and responsibilities included interfacing directly with ride & show vendors, managing the technical development (including mock-ups) of the attractions, developing the Show/Ride vendor/RFP strategy including the development of the company’s Procurement Policy, directly managed outside Show/Ride subcontractors, and reported directly to the project director.

• Developed SOW, Technical Specifications, and supplier recommendations for a battery powered trolley. Upon contract award, acted as owner’s technical representative thru final acceptance of trolley by Caruso Affiliated at the Americana At Brand shopping experience. • Acting as project engineer, managed the development and integration of safety enhancements to popular Disney attraction from concept thru site acceptance testing. Also led the testing of seat belts on a major Disney attraction.

- Contracted by Rando Productions for various project engineering and management services. § Provide technical & cost proposals for most of the RFPs that are sent to Rando Productions. § As Project Engineer/Manager led the development of interactive exhibits for the Venetian Casino in Macau. § As Project Manager / Technical Director led the fabrication, installation, coordination, and operation of custom automation equipment, all custom staging & furnishings used for the Microsoft Windows 8 product launches in , Shanghai, and Dubai. § As Project Engineer/Manager, responsible for implementing the design, fabrication, installation, and operation of the following television show equipment: • Splitting staircase & band lift platform automation systems used in the 2011-2012-2013 seasons of Dancing With The Stars. • Multiple Splitting Video Walls for the 2011-1012-2013 seasons of the X-Factor • 4x moving video walls used in the 2009-2010-2011 seasons of the America’s Got Talent. • Retracting staircase used in the 2009-2010-2011 seasons of the American Idol. § As Project Engineer/Manager, led the production of structural steel & scenic elements that are used to mount audio & video equipment inside of 11 sets of 4 customized 40’ long shipping containers to be used a military training centers for the Department of Defense § Managed and performed many tasks for over 30 different large Disney parade floats from proposal development, engineering design, fabrication, thru operation for Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, and Hong Kong Disneyland. • Successfully led the integration of hydraulic, pneumatic, control, DC drive, special effect, lighting, and audio systems with primary & secondary structural steel and themed scenic elements (e.g. fiberglass, wood, paint). § Provided mechanical design and project management services for 10+ small parade float units to be used in two 6 Flags theme-park - Glow in the Park Parades designed by Gary Goddard Entertainment used in 2009 and the "same" designs were used in other parks in 2010. § Provided project engineering and management services for the finishing of 4-D theater effects (smoke, wind, snow, haze, vibrating seats) that were used in the Beyond All Boundaries museum theater show designed by The Hettema Group whom won the 2010 Gold MUSE Award. § Performed the design and engineering services on various specialty equipment systems such as 32’ diameter turn table, car rotisserie, video display mounts, large tilt mechanism, test fixtures, hydraulic lift systems, mock-ups for , Gary Goddard Entertainment, BRC, Thinkwell, RGH Entertainment, The Hettema Group, Universal Studios, and others.

- For Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa: • Directly contracted by Resorts World Sentosa Pte Ltd. to provide complete technical oversight over Southern California show vendors for all show elements (flame effects, special effects, show action equipment, animated figures, etc.) used in 2 major attractions (and a couple of others) for the Universal Studios Singapore theme-park which opened in the 1st quarter of 2010. Effort included show vendor technical management, design reviews, and weekly shop visits. • Via TWT Group, performed technical reviews, installation & site acceptance testing oversight for show systems (flame effects, special effects, show action equipment, animated figures, pyrotechnics, fireworks, etc.) used in 7 major attractions. Effort included show vendor technical management, design reviews, installation inspections, equipment troubleshooting, management of site acceptance testing, quality control inspections, interface with multiple departments/ subcontractors, and ensure compliance with applicable Universal Studios standards. • For RWS Entertainment, provided project management services for several different Lagoon Shows (all involving pyrotechnics & fireworks), and for outdoor stage Audio/Video/Lighting integration activities.

- Contracted by Parsons Brinkerhoff to provide project technical services to the Universal Studios project. • As co-producer, co-writer, and technical liaison developed Universal Dubailand’s Pyrotechnic & Fireworks Policy thru the development of Powerpoint and high definition video presentations. • Presented and acquired the pre-approval from both to Universal & Tatweer Executives and top United Arab Emirates government officials. • Developed Universal Dubailand’s Pyrotechnic & Fireworks development program & schedule to be followed the remainder of the project. • Developed formal Universal Flame Effect Equipment Powerpoint presentation

GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND SYSTEMS, Goleta, CA 2002 - 2004 A subsidiary of General Dynamics specializing in armored vehicle turrets, weapon systems, and electronics.

Integrated Logistic Support Program Manager Managed multi-discipline teams responsible for writing proposals, estimating labor costs, estimating spare parts requirements, providing field engineering support, writing technical manuals, and performing customer training on both domestic and foreign programs. Participated on multiple product development teams to identify and contribute the post-production engineering support activities to the proposal. Wrote and compiled over 15 proposals ranging in size from $200,000 to $7 million in labor and $10,000 to $100 million in materials. Managed multi-discipline teams with up to 15 members.

FLEETCO PRODUCTS, Ventura, CA 2001 - 2002 Automotive after-market manufacturer of air suspension systems for light to medium duty trucks focusing on the ambulance and shuttle-bus markets.

Manager of Engineering Responsible for leading a team comprised of one mechanical engineer and three senior designers to develop new air suspension systems. • Created the first air suspension systems used on the 2002 Ford E550 and the GM5500 cab-chassis trucks. Met with installers and customers, performed stress analysis, redefined manufacturing techniques, improved the initial design concept, and generated drawings resulting in an increase in quality and strength to weight ratio. Reduced manufacturing costs by 10 percent and installation time by 50 percent. • Conducted technical sales presentations, in partnership with marketing representative, to the top executives from General Motors Truck Division and their ship-thru sub-contractors resulting in an increase in sales.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN (USJ), Universal City, CA / Osaka, Japan 1996 - 2001 Japanese theme park that opened in April 2001 based on Universal's Hollywood and Orlando parks.

Show Engineering Manager / Senior Project Manager Managed $4.5 million flame effect, $1.5 million pyrotechnic effect, and $250,000 guns/ammo effect contracts including concept development, construction, on-site installation, and commissioning. • Designated the primary point of contact for all flame and pyrotechnic effects, guns and ammo equipment used in the theme park and special event activities requiring Japanese local and national government and corporate executive approvals. Composed and conducted formal presentations, demonstrations, and meetings through an interpreter when necessary. • Reporting directly to Director of Engineering, participated on a multi-discipline team to select and manage vendors including leading the writing of the scope of work and technical specification documents, and estimating the budgets and schedules, that were used to control over 150 different ride/show equipment contracts ranging in size from $150,000 to $15 million.

SPECTRA F/X, Moorpark, CA 1993 - 1996 Provided special effect equipment for the international theme-park industry including mechanical, structural, pneumatic, hydraulic, water, electrical, controls, and flammable gas systems.

Project Engineer • Led a team of engineers and designers that developed a 65-foot tall 3-tier waterfall, whirlpool, geyser, laminar flow, flame, and mechanical effects for a theme park in Japan within schedule. This project was noted as the most profitable project in the company and had a contract value of $2 million. • Designed and engineered a 110x 7-seat drop mechanisms currently used in the Universal Studios Terminator 2 attraction. Entire effort was completed below the $1M budget and on schedule.

OCEANEERING TECHNOLOGIES, Ventura, CA 1991 - 1993 Provided offshore engineering and diving services in addition to providing all aspects of the animated sharks operating in Universal Studios Florida.

Mechanical Engineer • Designed submersible water-free chamber that kept the hydraulic control valves dry when submerged. Approximately 50 penetrations were required for hydraulic lines and electrical cables. The valves controlled several legs and other mechanical elements of a large submersible sewage pipe laying system. • Assisted senior engineers on various hydraulic, mechanical, and structural systems utilized on the Jaws animated sharks used in Universal Studios Florida.

EDUCATION B.S., Mechanical Engineering - University of California at Santa Barbara

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Project Management by Corpedia, Bullet Proof Manager by Crestcom, Supplier Sub-Contract Management, Government Cost Accounting

Summary of Middle East Themed Entertainment Experience

DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS For Hill International, providing general management and coordination services for all aspects of the development and use of pyrotechnics and fireworks within its properties. Effort includes the development and implementation of overall related strategy from concept, design, testing, through operation (including setting up the right logistics process and partners to ensure compliance in all areas).

INDOOR THEME PARK IN DOHA, QATAR For the Nassal Company, providing Project Director services with emphasis on show/ride technical management including reviewing subcontractor facility interface documentation & ride/show concepts, developing vendor/RFP strategy & contract documentation, assisting in the development of the budget & schedule, and management of 14 ride contracts.

WARNER BROTHERS PARK IN ABU DHABI For Granaroli Design & Entertainment and during the Design Development Phase of the development of this theme park, Derby furthered the technical development of special effects, show action equipment, and animated props/figures in coordination with the ride systems. Effort included providing electro-mechanical concepts of each system, updating facility interface information and budgets, and general technical oversight of ~half the park.

MARVEL THEME PARK DUBAILAND For Chimera Design, Derby Ahlstone was the ride/show technical director of the entire park during the concept and pre-schematic design development phases. Duties included ride/show development, budgeting, feasibility studies, vendor strategy & procurement policy, developing technical & scope of work specifications, managed rigging mock-up of new ride system, managing technical staff, vendors, & consultants. The new park was a mix of next generation rides & shows utilizing both new and existing technologies.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS DUBAILAND Derby Ahlstone co-wrote/produced an informative video presentation detailing Universal’s policy in its use of pyrotechnics. In addition, he developed and presented a Powerpoint presentation (along with the video) that detailed the use of pyrotechnics and flame effects in its parks to top Universal & Dubailand executives, safety personnel,

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UAE government, military, air traffic, fire department, police department, defense, and safety officials. Presentation was very well received and gave Universal approval to move forward using those types of effects in its shows.

Microsoft Windows 8 Product Launch For Rando Productions, Derby managed subcontracts that provided the fabrication, installation, and strike of custom staging and furnishings used in Microsoft Windows 8 and Surface launch events that took place in North Hollywood, Shanghai, New York, and Dubai ( & Armani Ballroom).

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Summary of Other Themed Entertainment Experience

ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY EXPERIENCE IN NEW YORK For the Hettema Group, Derby Ahlstone provided technical director services from concept through completion of this project. Specific tasks included providing the electro-mechanical concepts for elevator and theater experiences, drafting SOW & technical specifications for such equipment, providing technical oversight and management over all show vendors for AV/Projection/Controls, Show Sets, and Show Action Equipment. https://oneworldobservatory.com/experience/

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE For Resorts World Sentosa, Derby Ahlstone provided technical review, oversight, approval, and reporting of show vendor subcontracts from design/engineering through operation. These particular vendors provided all show systems (e.g. show action equipment, special effects, animated props, animated figures) used in Journey To Madagascar, Special Effects Theater, , , Show, and the Lagoon Show attractions.

THE AMERICANA TROLLEY For Caruso Affiliated, developed SOW, technical specifications, and supplier recommendations, and performed technical management services on the battery powered trolley operating at the Americana development in Glendale. http://www.gomacotrolley.com/Resources/pages/grandopening_glendale.html

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN Derby Ahlstone, among many other core engineering group activities, successfully managed several show vendor subcontracts (e.g. flame effects, pyrotechnics, fireworks, and guns/ammo) from concept through operation for the following attractions: , Terminator 2, Jaws Ride, Waterworld, Wild West Stunt Show, Monster Show, and the Lagoon Show. All contracts came under budget, on schedule, and met Universal’s safety, creative, and technical requirements.

FOX PARK IN MALAYSIA – Parkwide Technical Director For Integrated Resorts Management Services and during the Concept-Schematic Design Phase of the development of this theme park, Derby provided show elements data sheets for all show action equipment, special effects, animated props, and animated figures (800+) to be integrated into the attractions. In addition, he also

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provided technical narratives for audio, video, and projection systems that are to be used in each of the attractions. In addition, Derby co-developed a series of technical performance specifications, scope of work template, and RFP outline that are to be used during the follow on phases of the development of the park

Interactive Exhibits for the Venetian Casino in Macau – Project Engineer/Manager For Rando Productions, lead the initial team of designers and engineers to develop a series of interactives (e.g. vortex tubes, bubble tubes, small train, kiosks) that allow children to interact with the equipment that produce audio, lighting, and other unique responses, prior to handing off to the project manager.

Major Studio Theme Park in China – Technical Director For the Hettema Group, provided technical director services during the initial concept phase of the project.

Lagoon Show in Malaysia – Technical Director For the Hettema Group, provided technical director services during the initial phases of development.

Galaxy Casino (in Macau) Electric Trolley – Project Engineer For Rando Productions, developed the technical specifications and oversaw the development of the creative design of the vintage-styled trolleys.

WUHAN MOVIE THEME PARK – Show Technical Director For Forrec (via The TWT Group) and during the Schematic Design Phase of the development of this theme park, Derby provided park wide show technical services. Activities included developing and maintain the ride/show facility interface matrix, assist in the development of the ride/show vendor strategy, review of show technical scope of work & contract documents, assist in the bid review & recommendation process, attend multiple meetings in China focusing on facility interface and vendor coordination efforts.

Automation Equipment for Top Television Shows – Project Engineering Manager For Rando Productions, managed the development and implementation of the following specialty equipment: • Splitting Staircase & Moving Band Lift Platform for 2011-2012-2013 Dancing With The Stars television shows o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbUIEz5g4ks • Moving video walls and retracting staircase for the 2009-2010-2011 American Idol television shows

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• 4x moving video walls for 2009-2010-2011-2012 America's Got Talent o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28j89zJjI6M • Splitting video wall for the 2011-2012-2013 X-Factor television shows

Disney Parade Floats - Project Engineering Manager For Rando Productions, managed the development and production of the following parade floats that comprised of significant development and integration of all sorts of show systems: • Disneyland Electric Light Parade - Slinky Float, Tinkerbell Tug & Trailer Floats, and Mac Tug & Trailer Floats (w/DJ) • Hong Kong Disneyland Electric Light Parade - Slinky Float, Tinkerbell Tug Float, and Mac Tug & Trailer Floats (w/DJ) o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s3DnJEEWao • Disneyland Soundsational Parade – Opening Mickey Float, Whirly Crab Float o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY6g0koTY8E o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf38_0EzdIk • Disneyland’s Christmas Parade – Rocking Horse Block Float, Buzz Lightyear Block Float, 4x Storybook Floats • Disney’s California Adventure Pixar Play Parade – Bug’s Life Swing tug and trailer floats, Ratatouille Float, Nemo Float o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEJ4XhIbfkg • Disneyland Parade of Dreams – Opening Tinkerbell Float, Mermaid Float, Ursula Float, Finale Castle tug & trailer floats o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xQZn595JeE • Disney’s California Adventure Block Party Parade – 3x Tweener Block Floats, Bug’s Life tug pulling 2x trailer floats o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGyuD4H9pp4

Walt Disney Imagineering - Project Engineering Manager For Rando Productions and The TWT Group, led technical design efforts of various Disney projects including numerous fixtures & mockups to aid the development of future Disney attractions and the design/integration of safety systems utilized in a popular Disney dark ride.

Esquire Magazine's Hollywood Hills Design House - Project Engineering Manager For Rando Productions, led the design, production, and installation of water features and scenic element.

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Glow in the Park Parades for 6 Flags Theme Park – Project Engineering Manager For Rando Productions, provided mechanical design and project management services for 10+ small parade float units to be used in two different parks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf0JdGB1Hco

Beyond All Boundries museum theater show – Project Engineering Manager For the Hettema Group (via Rando Productions) provided project engineering and management services for 4-D theater effects (smoke, wind, snow, haze, vibrating seats). http://www.nationalww2museum.org/visit/beyond-all-boundaries.html

Electronics Conference 2004 – Design Engineer For Rando Productions, designed & engineered a 32 foot diameter turntable that is programmable and rotates an audience of 65 people to desired locations in an “amphitheater”.

Universal Studios Japan (employee) – Show Systems Engineering Manager Park Wide - As a part of the core engineering group I help develop the ride/show vendor contracting strategy, equipment tracking database, budgets, schedules, and revisions to the technical specifications. Pyrotechnics - I was responsible for all aspects of pyrotechnics and fireworks for the park. This included contract negotiations and management, budget, schedule, city & national approvals, creative approvals, import coordination, demonstrations and tests, engineering/fabrication/installation review & supervision, supporting special events, interfacing the effects with the shows and the performers. The shows and quantity of charges are as follows: Monsterfest (~30), Wild West (~36), Waterworld (~75), Hollywood Magic (~300). These shows run between one and twelve times a day depending on which show every day of the year. Flame Effects - I was responsible for all aspects of flame effects for the park. This included contract negotiations and management, engineering/fabrication/installation review & supervision, budget, schedule, city & national approvals, creative approvals, demonstrations and tests, interfacing the effects with the shows and the performers. The shows, quantity of effects, and type of gases used are as follows: Backdraft (~30, natural gas/oxygen/air), Waterworld (~24, propane/air), Jaws (18, natural gas/propane gas/air). These shows run between once and sixty times an hour depending on which show every day of the year. Guns & Ammunition - I was responsible for all aspects of guns and ammunition for the park. This included contract negotiations and management, engineering/fabrication

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review & supervision, budget, schedule, city & national approvals, creative approvals, demonstrations and tests, interfacing the effects with the shows and the performers. The applicable shows are as follows: Waterworld, Wild West, T2.

The Lagoon Show for Universal Studios Spain – Design Engineer For Rando Productions, provided engineering calculations and design supervision for the flame effect equipment during the engineering phase of work.

Hirakata Lagoon Park – Project Engineer For Spectra F/X, provided project-engineering services which included concept development, facility interface, special effect design & engineering quality, guest safety, installation supervision, and client presentations. I was also responsible for managing the design team to maintain schedule and budget. The special effects for this attraction are wave machines, high-pressure water fog system, steam fog system, propane gas fire system, water geysers, “fumeroles”, water fountain streams of water, water spritzers, 65’ three-tiered waterfall, whirlpool, and water circulation system. http://www.vertexproductions.com/hirakata.php

Jurassic Park for Universal Studios Hollywood – Design Engineer For Spectra F/X, Derby was the lead mechanical design engineer for the following effects listed below: Car Drop Gag - I engineered the bogie and track assemblies of this large piece of show action equipment. The bogie was the main mounting structure for the rotation cylinders, track wheels, and end stops. It had to withstand all of the dynamic forces caused by the car movement and 6g deceleration as the car “falls” down the wall. Parting Waterfall - I was responsible for budget, schedule, engineering design, and full- scale demonstration of the 60’ waterfall effect which included the fog system, upper diverter trough assembly, catch basin tank, and plumbing system. Show Action Doors - I provided the engineering calculations and the safe open door mechanism concept for two sets of 20’x20’ large door assemblies. The open/close door mechanism was accomplished using a lever that is rotated by a pneumatic cylinder and a system of safety valves. Each door opens as a boat approaches and closes as it passes once every minute. Water Gushes - Specified equipment and directed a designer. Steam Blasts - I sized boilers, specified equipment, and directed a designer. Ground Fog and Fog Tunnel – Developed the fog system. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO31qha0gLQ

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Terminator 2 Show for Universal Studios Florida – Design Engineer For Spectra F/X… Seat Drop Effect - I was the lead mechanical design engineer. There were over 700 seats that the guests sit in that raise and drop one inch during the show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNSTaF0N8xY

EFX for the MGM Grand Hotel – Design Engineer For Spectra F/X, Derby was the lead mechanical design engineer for the following effects listed below: Merlin Dragon Fire - I designed a natural gas nozzle assembly that could throw 8’ diameter fireballs 30’ from the Merlin Dragon’s mouth. House Haze - I designed a low lying fog system that used atomized vegetable oil. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRIhZgbYvEQ

The Flume Ride for Porta Europa – Project Engineer For Spectra F/X, Derby was the lead mechanical design engineer and the lead installation supervisor for the following effects listed below: Show Action Doors - I designed three 20’ wide by 10’ tall doors that opened and closed vertically 8’ in about 1.5 second in each direction. The doors were made of steel frame with aluminum and fiberglass panels. The open/close door mechanism was accomplished using a block & tackle counterweight assembly powered by a pneumatic cylinder and a system of safety valves. Each door opens as a boat approaches and closes as it passes once every minute. Tilting Mirror - I designed a mirror assembly so that a beam of light (reflected off the assembly) could track a boat moving up a lift.

Viking Stunt Show for Porta Europa – Design Engineer For Spectra F/X Derby was the lead mechanical design engineer for the following effects listed below: Collapsing Balcony - I completely engineered a balcony/staircase assembly that “broke” apart when a stunt person was about to fall off. This effect included a pneumatic system, and rotating steel & wood assemblies. Falling Facade Shock Absorber - I provided the engineering and design to absorb the impact of the cornice portion of the falling wall. This included steel structure and rubber material absorber system. Pyro and Strobe Lights - I designed the safe mounting assemblies.

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Keg and Pyro Tray - I engineered the keg and pyro tray assembly that a stunt person sits on to activate the falling wall grand finale explosion sequence.

Jaws The Ride for Universal Studios Florida – Design Engineer For Oceaneering Entertainment Systems (as an employee)… Animated Sharks - I provided my mechanical engineering skills to the senior level engineers on various aspects of the animated shark assemblies. I followed the sharks from concept through fabrication and assisted in installation for a couple of weeks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QurplyEz_P4

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