Project: Universal Citywalk “Sight and Sound”
Owner: Universal Studios Hollywood
Client: Universal Creative
Design Architect: The Jerde Partnership
Facility Architect: DMJM, Los Angeles
Project Phases: Concept Design through Installation

Project Background:
The most successful entertainment retail center in the country, Universal Citywalk Hollywood, was completing the second phase of development. To add to the vibe of CityWalk, a cultural entertainment overlay experience was to be created to truly separate the site from all others in the market. The free show would WOW guests every hour with a spectacular light, video, and sound display covering the entire development.

Challenge:
When the word came down from Universal’s senior management that a new guest appearance was to be added to Citywalk, timing was critical. Most of the internal resources were tied up on new theme park projects in Florida and Japan. The concept of the show was in very early development and needed guidance to completion.

Solution:
It’s Alive Co. was contracted for two phases of the project. In the Concept Phase, IAC became the owner’s representatives, driving the concept to closure via several “blue sky” meetings and coordinating the buy-off with multiple internal departments. A vendor strategy was implemented and laid the groundwork for the remainder of fabrication. In the Production and Installation phases, IAC provided expert coordination of the job site to clear general contractor roadblocks for the programmers of the massive audio, video, show control and theatrical lighting systems.