Herbie Hansen
Phone (407) 230-8696 Fax 407-273-7686
Shobizherb@mac.com
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:
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.
Delegates effectively.
Strong ability to care for people and the bottom line.
"The Godfather of Atmosphere Entertainment" Vernon McGugan, General Manager Operations, Universal Studios Japan
I understand International cultural sensitivities and work well within them.
Whatever gifts I have been given, are gifts of which I can take little credit.
EXPERIENCE:
DISNEY/MGM STUDIOS - Sept 2006 - Present
"Acting Coach" for 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 - Frank 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
SAK ENTERTAINMENT (aka Sak Theatre and Sak Comedy Lab), Orlando, FL 1977-92
Founder - Owner - President
Founded and developed an entertainment company that became internationally known, from a group of three people doing shows on week ends to a large entertainment company with four companies touring the world and several casts performing at several locations including: Seven years operating full-time shows at Epcot in Italy and United Kingdom Showcases and in Future World, Walt Disney World Convention and Business Seminars, Disneyland, Six Flags Parks, Taft Parks (now Paramount) Renaissance festivals and World EXPOs There is an extensive client list that is available upon request.
WALT DISNEY IMAGINEERING, Glendale, CA 1986-1989
As a part of my work at Sak Entertainment I was contracted for One week of every month for three years to blue sky brainstorm and develop new projects with Walt Disney Imagineering. A sampling of those projects are: Disney MGM Studios, Pleasure Island, Disneyland Paris and Wonders Of Life at Epcot.
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
You are all fantastic!
Michael D. Eisner, Chairman of the Board and CEO of The Walt Disney Company
"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
CONCEPTING & CREATIVE CONSULTING
Walt Disney Event Group - October 2005
Walt Disney Magic Kingdom - September 2005
Walt Disney's Epcot Center - September 2005
Universal Studios Japan Osaka, Japan June 2000 - 2005
Universal Escape's Island Of Adventure Orlando, FL - February 1998-May 1998
Mad Science, Montreal, Quebec January - May 1998
Disney Cruise Line, 1997
Walt Disney World, Innoventions Show Producer at Epcot 1996 - 1997
Fiesta Texas, San Antonio, TX 1992 - 1995
Sak Entertainment, Orlando, FL (Founder and Owner) 1977 - 1995
BRC Imagination Arts, Burbank, CA 1992, 1994
Radio City Music Hall 1992
Walt Disney Imagineering, Glendale, CA 1986 - 1991
Nickelodeon - Nic's Garage (On "Total Panic"), Orlando 1990
European Federation Of Leisure Parks - Stuttgart, Germany 1990
IAAPA - Guest Speaker - Atlanta, Georgia 1989
Mickey Mouse Club Pilot (Blue Wave Prod.), Orlando, FL 1988
SHOW WRITING AND/OR DIRECTING
Walt Disney Event Group - October 2005
Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom , "Merlin's School Of Wizardry"
Universal Studios Japan Atmosphere Program
Legoland, Windsor England, "Don't Try This At Home" (Mad Science)
Ontario Place, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, " Don't Try This At Home" (Mad Science)
Warner Brother's Movie World, Germany , "Ain't Love Grand"
Disney Cruise Line, Numerous Children's Programing Scripts.
Innoventions, Epcot, Walt Disney World Numerous Shows Throughout
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas - Landmark Ent. Caesars Magical Empire
Fiesta Texas, San Antonio "Head For The Hills", "Rockin' At Rockville High", "Bounce!"
Fiesta Texas, San Antonio "The Science Of Theatre Magic", "Uncle Scrooges Christmas Banquet"
Fiesta Texas, San Antonio Streetmosphere Program, Die Wurst Players
Space Center Houston, Houston, TX , Johnson Space Center Tour
Busch Garden's Tampa "Dolphins of the Deep and That Sea Lion Show"
Universal Studios Florida "Murder She Wrote - Post Production", "Jaws", "Creature Make-Up Show"
Universal Studios Florida "Horror Make-Up Show", "Alfred Hitchcock's Art Of Making Movies "
Disney/MGM Studios The Backstage Studio Tour," Indiana Jones Epoch Stunt Show"
Universal Studios Hollywood " Harry &The Hendersons"
Los Angeles Jr. Programs "The Misadventures of Pinocchio", "On The Road With Frog and Toad"
Epcot - Walt Disney World , The Renaissance Street Theatre, Il Teatro Di Bologna
Epcot - Walt Disney World , Gyro The Robot, IB4E, Gutfred & Myrtle