Character Types in Imagineering

Tara Von Der Linden, a show programmer at Disney Imagineering, explains the process of bringing animatronic characters to life. She emphasizes the importance of creating emotional connections between guests and characters, whether they are from beloved films or original creations. Tara shares her personal experience with Figment and discusses the significance of character backstories and personalities. The video also covers adapting film characters like Ursula and Genie into animatronics, highlighting the need for relatable and empathetic characters.

Who is Tara Von Der Linden?

• A Disney park guest

• A theme park designer

• A show programmer for animatronic figures

• A film director

What is the ultimate goal of creating characters in Disney parks?

• To sell merchandise

• To create an emotional bond with guests

• To make them look realistic

• To win awards

Which character did Tara fall in love with as a child?

• Ursula

• Mickey Mouse

• Chewbacca

• Figment

What is a common reaction of guests when meeting Chewbacca?

• Fear

• Excitement

• Indifference

• Confusion

What is crucial to understand when creating new characters?

• Their favorite food

• Their height

• Their backstory, hopes, and dreams

• Their favorite color

What kind of research is involved in character design?

• Minimal research

• Lots of research

• Only physical appearance research

• No research

Which character from 'The Little Mermaid' was Tara's favorite to develop?

• Flounder

• Ursula

• Sebastian

• Ariel

What trait did the genie from 'Aladdin' have due to Robin Williams' voice acting?

• He was very slow

• He was very quiet

• He talked fast and was wisecracking

• He was very serious

What makes characters relatable according to Tara?

• Their voice actors

• Their costumes

• Their human impulses and qualities

• Their physical appearance

What is the next step after learning about character creation?

• Reading books

• Watching more films

• Brainstorming the kind of character you want to create

• Taking a break