Eagle AR

The Wild Center

Contributions:

  1. Ideation

  2. Concepting

  3. Production Management

  4. Lens Studio Development

  5. Case Study Direction/Scriptwriting

Inspiration

Challange

The Wild Center, USA Today's #1 Ranked Science Museum in the US, aimed to enhance visitor engagement and deepen their connection with nature. Their goal was to create an interactive experience that was memorable, cost-effective, and inspired a passion for the natural world. The museum faced several hurdles: the need for cost-effective interactivity, the avoidance of long-term hardware expenses, and the enhancement of the existing infrastructure without extensive modifications. They needed a solution that would provide high interactivity and engagement without incurring significant ongoing costs.

After an initial visit to align with the team and scout the site, I sought to find a creative direction that met the client's needs. One exhibit that stood out was the Eagle Nest on the Wild Walk. While there was a giant spider on the spider’s web play area, there wasn’t an eagle to be found. What if we could leverage the devices visitors bring to the museum to create an engaging and shareable experience? So, while there, I scanned the nest using Snapchat to use it as the base for an experience. After researching eagle conservation in the US and the Adirondack region, I pitched the idea to the Wild Center to add an augmented reality eagle to the Wild Walk using Snapchat, meeting budget, creativity, and memorability.

Case Study

The goal of the case study was to showcase Optic Sky's production capabilities through the creation of the Eagle AR experience. I helped script and direct a 1:16-minute piece that highlighted who the Wild Center is, the project's needs, and its results. Alongside a videographer, I traveled to the Wild Center where I provided initial direction and selected shots for the piece. Afterward, the videographer edited the spot, and I offered feedback to refine the final product. The case study effectively demonstrated our ability to blend creativity and technology to deliver impactful educational experiences. Check out the final piece at the top of the page!

Production and Results

I directed and produced a 21-second animation with a freelance animator using a realistic eagle rig. I then worked within Lens Studio to create an animation system that would randomly play back five different eagle behaviors, bringing Doris, our virtual eagle named after conservationist Doris Mager, to life. All animations were aligned with the real eagle’s nest, giving the impression that she flies and perches on the Wild Walk exhibit.

The experience was deployed to resounding success. The Wild Center implemented signage with a Snapcode promoting visitors to engage with Doris. During production, I ensured we focused on creating an experience that would spark discussions. From her name to the behaviors she exhibits, Doris is more than just an experience—she serves as a moment of reflection and inspiration for a new generation of conservationists.

  1. Visitor Engagement: The Eagle AR experience achieved over 128,000 long plays in camera and 1,800 triggers on-site in the first two months.

  2. Educational Impact: The interactive AR experience sparks conversations about eagle conservation, aligning perfectly with the Wild Center’s mission and belief that to know is to love.

  3. Memorable Experience: The seamless integration of the virtual eagle into the Wild Walk created a memorable and immersive experience for visitors, encouraging them to capture and share.

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