Visitor attraction specialist Sarner International and Moonraker VFX, a creative studio specialising in visual effects content for immersive experiences, have been jointly awarded the contract for creative design, media production, lighting, and special effects Installation for the new Wetterextreme
Immersive Experience at the Klimahaus in Bremerhaven, Germany.
This collaboration brings together Moonraker and Sarner’s expertise in crafting edutainment experiences and their ability to deliver technically complex projects.
The two companies have collaborated on several occasions before, including the Thea Award-winning Fram Museum in Oslo, the Bodmin Jail Attraction, and are currently working together on a Flying Theatre attraction at Mercury Towers in Malta.
The new Wetterextreme project underscores the partnership's expertise in merging the substance and authenticity of cultural attractions with the immersive power of themed entertainment and motion rides to create next-generation edutainment experiences that meet the demanding expectations of modern audiences.
Klimahaus Bremerhaven offers visitors an immersive journey into the fascinating realms of weather, climate, and climate change. A central element of the experience is a ride platform that takes visitors on a journey through various extreme weather scenarios across three floors of the museum building. Each step of the journey promises a multi-sensory adventure, through seamless integration of special effects, including rain, wind, hail, mist and fog, combined with film production, lighting, mechanical and kinetic effects.
Visitors will be thrilled, marvel at the visuals, and perhaps even shed a tear as they explore the complex dynamics of our planet's climate. It is an experience that transcends boundaries, inviting visitors of all ages to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.
A pivotal aspect of the project is the show direction by Sarner's executive creative director, Mike Bennett, drawing on his 45 years of experience, to orchestrate the intricate synchronisation of all the show elements with the ride’s dynamic movement. By blending stage design, film, movement, sound, and special effects, the ride experience immerses visitors in diverse weather extremes, engaging all their senses.
“The unique technical challenge of the Wetterextreme project lies in its demand for a high level of synchronicity between the immersive media and the physical experience of the attraction. This meant that we had to ensure that the special effects, lighting, and mechanical effects all worked in tandem. Our collaboration with Moonraker VFX is central in this regard, combining our expertise to engineer a seamless and captivating experience that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in immersive storytelling,” said Ross Magri, MD at Sarner International.
The Wetterextreme Immersive Experience is set to open at the Klimahaus Bremerhaven in Q3 2024, further solidifying the museum's position as a global leader in interactive climate education.