CAREER GOAL:
To achieve a position where I can utilize all of my experience
and talent in a creative environment of teamwork and passion.
My drive is to accomplish brilliance with my team, and "wow"
with our audience. To become involved with a corporate culture
that will challenge me and continue to be a creative "raging,
inexorable, thunder lizard evangelist' Tom Peters
EDUCATION:
BFA Theater Arts - University Of Minnesota, 1980
Accounting - Minneapolis School Of Business
Liberal Arts - Bethel College
QUALIFICATIONS:
"Blue Sky" Creative Thinker
Proven success in implementing goals and objectives within organizations
Proven negotiation skills, centered on win/win
Excellent training skills with experience in active listening
and effective communications
Proven motivator, organizer, trainer and delegates effectively.
Strong ability to care for people and the bottom line.
"The Godfather of Atmosphere Entertainment"**
No Ego - Whatever gifts I have are a gift of which I can take
little credit.
I understand International cultural sensitivities and work well
within them.
EXPERIENCE:
DISNEY/MGM STUDIOS - Sept 2006 - Present
I "Teacher Coach" performers, operate as lead management
and perform the character "Otto Von Bonn Bahn" for "Citizens
Of Hollywood" as well as writing and directing new shows
to enhance the program as an ongoing process.
Direct Supervisor - Rob Satterlee and Leo John
MOVIEPARK GERMANY March 2007
Show Writer/Director
Short-term assignment to creatively develop atmosphere shows for
a portion of their park based on their needs and budget, utilizing
interactive typical "Hollywood" scenarios and characters
Direct Supervisor - Ronnie Rodriguez
BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA October 2006
This was a short-term assignment to creatively develop, within
their guidelines, and write an interactive stage show for their
new area being constructed.
Direct Supervisor - Bettina Buckley - WOW Works
WALT DISNEY WORLD Lake Buena Vista, FL June 2005 - Sept
2006
Contract Show Director
Duties included, creatively conceiving shows, writing, directing
and artistically directing on an as needed basis. Work included
"Merlin's School Of Wizardry", "Camp A.O.K",
Blue Sky Brainstorming for Epcot Special Events, Epcot's Holidays
Around the World, and Magical Moments for Goofy's Candy Shop in
the Disney Marketplace. I am still on the "bench" but
time is restricted with present position at Disney/MGM Studios
Direct Supervisor - Reed Jones
FROWN BUSTERS June 2005
Creatively develop and write segments for children's anti-drug
television concept based on the animated characters that they
had developed.
Client Contact- Billy Hoelsher
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN Feb 2001- April 2005
Atmosphere Show Producer/Project Manager
I oversaw development of much of the atmosphere program and assisted
with special events as well as budget planning and development.
Occasional need for my Talent booking skills and contract negotiations
with outside agents. I was the Video editor and historical archivist
for the entertainment department and Macintosh computer coach.
I designed and developed award winning parade units for annual
Midosuji Parade.
Achievements:
Was able to help make atmosphere an important aspect of Universal
Studios Japan and in so doing was asked to extend my one-year
contract for 3 more consecutive years.
Direct Supervisor - Nanci Herbst then Mike Davis
GENERAL JACKSON SHOW BOAT - GAYLORD PRODUCTIONS
Nashville, TN - October 2004
Direct and rewrite, "Uncle Scrooges Christmas Banquet"
a dinner show that I had previously written based on a sequel
to Dicken's "A Christmas Carol." Setting is a year after
the Dicken's story ends.
Client Contact - Vic Schneider
WALT DISNEY WORLD - Lake Buena Vista, FL - February
1999 - February 2001
I "Teacher Coached" performers, operated as lead management
and perform the character "Charles Moore" for "Streetmosphere"
at the Disney/MGM Studios.
Direct Supervisor - John Phalen
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO - February 1998- May 1998
I was project manager and writer/director for selected atmosphere
shows for Islands Of Adventure. Creatively concepting, developing
and writing a character show and an interactive musical within
time constraints and budget.
Direct Supervisor - Michael Morman
TEXAS MULE DUCK - 1998
I wrote a back-story for a children's anti-drug animated characters
that were developed but had no overarching story connecting them
together.
Client Contact - Teresa
WARNER BROTHER'S MOVIE WORLD
Was contracted to come up with a concept and write a musical
saloon show for an existing venue. It was translated into German
and opened as, "Ain't Love Grand."
Client Contact - Jim House
MAD SCIENCE, Montreal, Quebec January - May 1998
Was responsible for the creative concept, and writing of "Don't
Try This At Home" an interactive and educational science
show that was directed by me on location at Legoland in Windsor
England and Ontario place in Toronto
Client Contact - Lenny Lipes
DISNEY CRUISE LINE, 1997
Was responsible for the development of a comprehensive catalogue
of Children's programming developed for all ages of children.
Client Contact - Patty Kalber
SCIENCE CITY - Kansas City, Kansas 1997
Was contracted to brainstorm the "show" aspect of their
new Science Center developed in the old Union Station, focusing
on atmospheric talent and creative operations of established exhibits.
Client Contact - Dustin Sparks
WALT DISNEY WORLD, Orlando, FL April 1996-October 1997
Show Producer/Project Manager - Innoventions , Epcot
I oversaw the creative development and maintenance of "show"
for all exhibits in Innoventions. I initiated and oversaw all
creative development, writing, directing, hiring, casting, training,
scheduling, designing, technical needs and budgeting.
Achievements:
Raised average secret shopper ratings from 70% to over 85%
Direct Supervisor - Michael Colglazier
FIESTA TEXAS THEME PARK, San Antonio, TX 1992-March
1996
Manager Creative Development
Oversaw directors, choreographers, composers and designers in
the development of new show product and maintenance of existing
shows. Led brainstorming sessions in development of shows, future
goals and visionary planning of the Department.
Achievements:
.* Was distinguished in my work with people and training in T.
Scott's Book, "Positively Outrageous Service and Showmanship"
Chapter 26 starting on page 220.
* Maintained customer ratings of "definitely recommend to
a friend" at a level consistently over 95%
Direct Supervisor - Eddy Snell now with SRO Associates
BRIDGEMAN'S ICE CREAM PARLOR AND RESTAURANT, Buffalo,
MN 1976 - 1981
Business Owner/Operator - Franchise Lessee
Owned and operated an 80 seat restaurant featuring Ice Cream and
a quick family menu.
Achievements
* Took what was a 20 seat "break even" drug store fountain
area and expanded it to a profitable stand alone restaurant, by
designing and building much of the infrastructure and designing
the interior around franchise guidelines.
* Net profit put me through College and helped me start Sak Entertainment.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
English
Not fluent but able to communicate in Japanese and Spanish
COMPUTER SKILLS:
PC and Macintosh, Microsoft Office (All Aspects), Adobe Illustrator,
Adobe Photoshop, FileMaker Pro, iMovie Video Editing, Web Page
Publishing
REFERENCES (Links go to document)
Mike Davis, Entertainment General Manager,
Universal Studios Japan
Michael Colglazier, Executive Producer
, Innoventions, Epcot, Walt Disney World
Marty Sklar, President, Walt Disney Imagineering,
Glendale, CA
Peter N. Alexander, President, Totally
Fun Company, Clearwater, FL
Eddy Snell Pres. SRO Associates, San Antonio, TX
Bob Rodgers Pres. BRC Imagination Arts, Burbank, CA
HONORS
Having developed an international reputation for family entertainment
in the theatrical realm, I was contracted to speak at both IAAPA
in Atlanta, Georgia and European Federation Of Leisure Parks in
Stuttgart, Germany.
Was highlighted in T. Scott Gross book "Positively Outrageous Service and Showmanship" he wrote Chapter 26 solely about me and my entertainment philosophies.
QUOTABLE QUOTES: (Links go to document)
"Herbie Hansen is one of those people you want around
when new ideas in theatre are being incubated. He always remembers
what the focus is: there's an audience out there, and they want
to be entertained -- whether it's a small group encounter, or
a theatre full of people. Point Herbie to the stage (or lack of
it) and he will perform for you."
Marty Sklar, President, Walt Disney Imagineering,
Glendale, CA
"Herb has a great love for exploring creative ideas. He
clearly understands the needs for good fiscal management, when
pursuing the needs of any organization. His many years of practical
experience allows him to chase interesting ideas, while being
mindful of what is achievable and workable with audiences. his
daily skills of either leading the effort or assuming a role as
a member of the team made him a very effective asset for our creative
endeavors."
Mike Davis, Entertainment General
Manager, Universal Studios Japan
"(He) made a great contribution in a short time. In essence,
Herb Hansen will be an asset to any organization that he becomes
involved with, and I wish him my very best as he seeks new frontiers."
Michael Colglazier, Executive Producer
, Innoventions, Epcot, Walt Disney World
"There are days that stick in your memory. I got to look
showmanship in the eye. Showmanship is a universal concept, applicable
to absolutely every endeavor. But I had never met someone I regarded
as an artist, a practitioner of showmanship, a master of theatre."
T. Scott Gross in his book "Positively
Outrageous Service and Showmanship" Chapter 26
"In summary, Herb Hansen is a thoroughly professional
director, with excellent training skills, great wit, and an understanding
of comedy and drama that make all his efforts a pleasure to behold."
Peter N. Alexander, President, Totally Fun Company,
Clearwater, FL
"I consider Herb to be the 'Godfather of Atmosphere Entertainment'.
He was the first person we thought of when we first started on
this project."
Vernon McGugan, General Manager Operations, Universal Studios
Japan
Extensive List of Creative Endeavors