Gary Goddard, Founder, Gary Goddard Entertainment
Gary Goddard is the acknowledged leader in bringing unique visions to life for theme parks, themed resorts and destination attractions throughout the world. Whether master planning entire destination resorts, creating entire theme parks, or producing fantastic attractions, Goddard is considered the top creator in the field of attractions today. With creations that include TERMINATOR 2/3D, JURASSIC PARK: THE RIDE, THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF SPIDER-MAN and STAR TREK: THE EXPERIENCE to his credit, Goddard has redefined the world of themed attractions for the MTV, GEN-X and GEN-Y audiences of today.
Always an innovator his successes stretch beyond attractions into resorts, casinos and shopping centers extending from THE FORUM SHOPS AT CAESARS in Las Vegas, to THE SANRIO GINZA GALLERY in Tokyo, to THE STAR CITY CASINO in Sydney; Goddard’s understanding of immersive entertainment is at the core of his creations. Goddard’s background in motion pictures, theatre and television provided the combined experience needed to break the rules and create these new forms of immersive “experience-driven” entertainment.
Goddard was a pioneer in the use of digital animation creating “Journey into the 4th Dimension” in 1990, a 3-D digital animated journey that became the key foundation for “In the Mind’s Eye” Video and DVD release. His groundbreaking television show CAPTAIN POWER & THE SOLDIERS OF THE FUTURE was the first television show to bring digital animated creatures to life in a weekly series. More recently Goddard created HERSHEY’S REALLY BIG 3D SHOW for Fortune 200 Company Hershey Foods and is following it up with a digitally produced 3D Animated attraction for the new $250,000,000 Georgia Aquarium, opening in November of 2005.
In the world of motion pictures, Goddard directed the epic sci-fi fantasy MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE starring Frank Langella, Dolph Lundgren, and in her motion picture debut, Courtney Cox. Goddard wrote the screenplays for TARZAN THE APE MAN for MGM Studios, AGAINST THE GODS for Frank Yablans and Paramount Pictures, and SPACE COMMANDOS for Ned Tannen and Universal Pictures. He created the pioneering sci-fi series CAPTAIN POWER for MTS Entertainment, and followed up with SKELETON WARRIORS for CBS. Currently Goddard is co-producing the Warner Brothers production of LOGAN’S RUN, to be directed by Bryan Singer and Producer by Joel Silver.
On Broadway he co-produced TRU, THE BIG LOVE, SHERLOCK’S LAST CASE, and most recently JEKYLL & HYDE. On the west coast he directed the only live stage production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR to feature the original motion picture stars, Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson and Yvonne Eliman on stage together. He also directed the Western United States and Canadian tour of GODSPELL. For Walt Disney World in Florida, he co-created and directed the acclaimed PIONEER HALL SHOW, a wild-west dinner experience that continues to be the #1 rated dinner show at Walt Disney World. Currently he is producing and directing the United States Arena Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in partnership with AEG and The Really Useful Group.
As the original founder of Landmark Entertainment Group, Goddard led that company to its international success, selling 50% of the company to Prince Alwaleed in 1997. In 2002, Goddard left Landmark to form GGE. Today Goddard directs the creative efforts of the GGE team and works closely with his key partners as they create and develop new projects around the world. Current projects include designing The Grammy Museum for AEG (in conjunction with NARAS), serving as Entertainment Design Consultant for The Georgia Aquarium, designing and producing several new attractions for The Hershey Foods Group, creating spectacular live entertainment productions, and co-producing several motion pictures now in pre-production.
Additional information on Gary Goddard and his company can be found at garygoddard.com