It's a movie. It's a performance. It's a secret to discover.
Patrons are encouraged to explore and interact with characters, sets and props within a real world space that is inspired by the film. Once they are fully immersed in the atmosphere, patrons enjoy a full length feature film that includes an special effects, multi-media, and live actors to bring the movie to life and bring them into the movie.
FAQs
Because this idea is brand new to Texas, no one has asked us any questions yet. We made up these questions to answer the curious looks we get every time we try to give our elevator explanation of an intermersive movie experience. As people are actually able to replace their curious looks with actual questions, we will add them.
What is an intermersive movie?
“Intermersive” movies are both interactive and immersive. But, they are more than that. Imagine if you could do more than just watch a great movie. Instead of going to a movie, you go into a movie.
I go into movie theaters all the time. How is that different than going "into a movie?”
From the moment you buy your tickets, you start becoming part of the movie. In the days leading up to the scheduled event, you will start receiving interaction from characters in the movie. When you arrive at the event, you will walk into a recreated set from parts of the movie and be greeted by actors portraying characters from the movie or characters related to scenes or events in the movie.
So there are sets and actors, what do I do?
You can interact with the scenes, props, characters and other participants as much or as little as you want. Ask questions, lots of questions and see where they take you. You can enjoy the bar, order food and watch. Or you can join in as much as you like. Some people you encounter will be actors playing obvious characters from the movie. Other people will be not so obvious actors and then there are other participants trying to figure things out with you.
You said, “ask lots of questions.” Why do I need to ask questions?
Well, you don’t have to ask any questions, if you don’t want. But, there are hidden characters, props and scenes that are unlocked by doing, saying or visiting places. Some are easily unlocked, others are more difficult. As you explore the set and characters, you will unlock most, or maybe all, of the locks. Whether you want to explore and unlock hidden things or visit one aspect of the sets or just watch from the bar, it is all up to you and what you want your experience to be.
I heard something about “costumes.” Do I need to dress up?
Dressing up is up to you. We think you will have more fun the more you immerse yourself into the movie. On the lead up to the movie, you will get more details about the set and the kind of costumes you might want to wear. Many people really like to dress in costume – others, not so much. Like all of the intermersive experience, it's up to you how much you want to interact / immerse yourself in the movie.
You keep saying “movie,” but this sounds more like a play or theater. Which is it?
This is not dinner theater or a play. This is a movie on steroids. After you’ve had time to explore, interact and unlock the pre-movie sets, and after you’ve had a chance to eat and check out the bar, you will move to the movie theater to watch the full length feature movie that you’ve been living in for the last hour and a half. Depending on the movie, you probably have figured out the name of the movie either during the lead up to the show or while exploring the pre-show sets and interaction. All of the movies are licensed from major Hollywood studios and range from cult classics to major Hollywood blockbusters. But, there is much more…
What do you mean “there is much more… ?”
The interaction and immersion don’t end once the movie starts. The movie is augmented with special effects, props and characters to continue to bring you “into the movie.” Depending on the movie, these may be subtle or over the top crazy.
This sounds a lot like The Rocky Horror Picture Show that my parents and grandparents used to go to. Are you going to throw toast at me? Am I going to get wet? Do I have to dress in drag?
No. No. Only if that’s who you are or what you like to do – no judging. Rocky Horror was a crazy movie that played in theaters in the late 1970s and 80s. This experience shares some of the same audience interaction but is wildly different.
I am still not sure I get what you mean. Can you give me an example?
Sure. Say we were screening the movie “Stripes.” You might start by receiving a recruitment letter from the local army recruiter. You would be instructed to show up for boot camp and provided costume suggestions - such as, army fatigues, an army MP or an army officer.
When you arrive (hopefully in costume), the venue will be decorated like Fort Arnold with elements of the movie throughout. You might run into an actor portraying Bill Murray’s character, John Winger, and another playing Sargent Hulka. An obstacle course, a mess tent, and parade ground might fill out the set.
You could unlock other elements, the kitchen from the general’s house, secret information about the urban assault vehicle or the location of the mud wrestling bar (featuring live mud wrestling).
During the movie, actors might play out parts key scenes, think “boom chugga lugga…” or mortar fire. Maybe even a EM-50, if the budget allows.
Pop-Ups! I keep hearing people talk about pop-ups. What are they?
In the weeks leading up to the show, we put on several pop-up experiences related to the show. The experiences are only for customers that have bought tickets. So, buy your tickets early in order to get the full pre-event experience. The pop-ups and pre-event experiences are purely voluntary and meant to expand and extend your experience. The pop-ups also give clues to the movie and may unlock additional experiences the night of the show. You can't find an easter egg if you don't go easter egg hunting.
Sounds fun, where do I get tickets?
Great. Our next show is featured here.