Event Marketing - Metropolis Entertainment

Mobile Morphis 20-Seat Capsule Simulator
A New Concept In Event Marketing
Metropolis Group Metropolis House 16 Southsea Road Kingston-Upon-Thames Surrey KT1 2EH United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)208 549 111 F: +44 (0)208 549 1222
www.metropolisav.com
1.
INTRODUCTION
Metropolis Entertainment has emerged as the world leader in the design,
development and implementation of mobile simulation systems for
corporate and brand promotion.
Within the past six months, Metropolis has undertaken projects on behalf of
three of the world’s five biggest companies… Toyota, General Electric and
Coca-Cola. Over a longer period, it has worked on behalf of many of the
most well known international companies providing an innovative extension
to their internal and external communications programmes.
Metropolis has reached its current market-leading position through organic
growth within its core audio-visual and lighting business and through the
acquisition in 2005 of AI Camber Entertainment.
Camber Entertainment was originally formed in 1996 by five individuals
who were previously the senior management team at the entertainment
subsidiary of the major French multinational, Thomson-CSF (now renamed
Thales). Prior to that they had all worked either in engineering or marketing
roles within the mainstream flight simulation industry and, during the mid1980’s, were responsible for the technical development of the world’s first
major simulation attraction – Star Tours at Disney.
During the early 1990's they were responsible for the first mobile simulator
tour - the Nigel Mansell experience on behalf of the Canadian brewing
giant, Labbatt. Since then they have created the world's most innovative
simulator mobiles for the broadest range of products and on behalf of truly
international clients.
Mobile Morphis 20 Simulator for General Electric Company – European Tour
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Today, Metropolis’ experience in this field is all encompassing. In
creative terms it can produce complete design and theming concepts
and carry them through to finished artwork and application. Working
with specialist film and TV companies it can conceive, storyboard,
shoot and post produce bespoke ridefilms in live action or computer
animation. In hardware terms it can design and apply a range of
simulation products which can be manufactured and integrated onto
trailer units that are road legal in just about any country of the world.
Morphis ESP Capsule Simulator installed at Toyota Headquarters in Middle East
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2.
RECENT CASE HISTORIES
i)
General Electric Company
Metropolis is currently undertaking an ongoing project for GE to
support its internal and external communications programmes leading
up to its participation as an Olympic partner at the 2006 Torino
Winter Olympics. The project has seen Metropolis design and project
manage the external theming of a mobile Morphis simulator and
facilitating a European tour covering nine European countries.
It has also involved the production of four bespoke simulation
ridefilms, including a journey through the human cardiovascular
system for GE Healthcare and a journey through a jet engine for GE
Transportation Systems. The simulator has operated in the Olympic
Village for the duration of the Games.
GE Simulator onsite in Turin
ii)
Coca-Cola
Metropolis has designed and produced two Mobile Morphis ESP
simulators directly to support Coca-Cola’s sponsorship of the 2006
Winter Olympics. The simulators were motion programmed with
three live action rides of the Bobsleigh, Men’s Downhill and Men’s
Super G and formed the centrepiece of Coke’s Olympic Torch tour of
60 Italian towns and cities.
For the duration of the Olympics and Para Olympics, the units
operated within the Coca-Cola Pavillion in the central plaza in Turin.
As well as designing and supplying the simulators, Metropolis project
managed the detailed logistic for the event build up.
Coca-Cola Simulator onsite in Turin
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3.
MOBILE MORPHIS SIMULATOR: SCOPE OF SUPPLY
3.1
Capsule
The capsule comprises an ergonomically designed GRP molding with
a gel coat finish in a wide choice of colours. Two extra wide doors
are provided for ease of access to the four rows of seats which are
arranged at different levels enabling all passengers a clear view of the
front mounted screen. A high resolution LCD projector is provided
and the experience is completed with the provision of a unique three
dimensional surround sound system. Bench seating for 20 people is
provided as standard although individual seating configurations may
be accommodated. No provision for theming inside the capsule has
been made although, again, this can be added.
3.2
Motion Base
A hydraulically driven three degrees of freedom (3 DOF) motion base
provides the motive power for the movement of the capsule. This
allows the passengers within the capsule to experience accelerations in
almost all directions, according to the motion cues provided by the
ride software. The motion base is a fabricated steel structure complete
with three hydraulic actuators; which are coupled to industrial grade
bearings specifically selected for their maintenance free properties.
Smoothness
Estimated throughput for the simulator is based upon a six minute
load / ride / unload system:Per hour 10 rides @ 20 passengers = 200 passengers per hour
Based upon 10 hours of operation = 2,000 passengers per day
In an extended operating day both the GE and Coca-Cola operated
simulators at Torino 2006 are achieving a daily throughput of 2000+
people.
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A main Personal Computer (PC) controls the simulator, this computer
controls and synchronises all video (Digital Playback System) and
Audio (Surround Sound Amplifier) signals with the movement of the
motion base through the System Interface Controller.
of operation and positional accuracy is achieved by use of
proportional hydraulic valves and a Pentium based control system
using 12-bit resolution.
All component parts selected have been field tested on previous
applications and are low maintenance and highly reliable, which are
ideally suited for this application.
A more detailed description of the main control components are as
follows: Pentium PC
The main control computer is based on a Pentium motherboard, with
processor speed running at a clock rate of 150 MHz or higher.
Hydraulic Power Unit
The Morphis MovieRide Theatre is powered by a 30Kw electrically
driven hydraulic power unit which has a 400 litre capacity hydraulic
oil tank. In-built safety features such as low oil and high temperature
sensoring are standard.
3.3
Operators’ Panel & Control System
The actual operation of the simulator is straightforward: the operators’
panel consists of three buttons, Load, Start and Stop. Incorporated
within the operators panel is an Emergency stop button. As the name
suggests, this is only depressed in an emergency by the operator and
by doing so the simulator will automatically land and the doors open.
The panel is either fitted at the rear of the mobile unit or within the
kiosk depending on the Buyer’s preference.
The control system is located within the on-board storage facility at
the front of the trailer unit. State-of-the-art technology is used
throughout with the main control components housed in a sturdy 19”
rack, which is secured to the trailer chassis utilising anti vibration
mounting pads, thus limiting any induced shaking caused when the
trailer is in transit
Safety Interface Controller
This unit is responsible for a number of functions which include:
(i) Basic operator interface by displaying operational status and fault
information.
(ii) Autonomous safety functions independent from the PC.
(iii) Monitoring of incoming signals from the capsule, providing signal
conditioning.
3.4
Audio-Visual System
A unique surround sound amplifier is utilised to produce an
immersive sound field within the capsule. Audio which originates
from the sound track that is stored on the MPEG digital playback unit,
is fed to the input of the surround sound amplifier. The audio signal is
then decoded and amplified, and fed to four 200 watt full range
speakers and two 400 watt sub bass speakers, each strategically
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positioned within the capsule to give the passengers an authentic
surround sound experience.
Rear projection techniques are utilised to create a truly bright, high
resolution, visual image. The projector is based around the latest
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology and coupled with a high
gain screen and mirror results in exceptional picture quality.
For this project it is intended to incorporate an upgraded audiovisual
system which will have the effect of increasing the impact of the
experience to an entirely new level. In detail, the components of this
system are:3.5
Custom Built Trailer Unit
The Morphis simulator is mounted on a custom built integrated trailer
designed to meet the road regulations within the United Kingdom and
Europe. The complete unit includes the following:
a)
Customized trailer unit – one trailer designed for the integration
of the Morphis simulator unit and to accommodate the full
range of static and dynamic loads associated with both transit
and operation.
b)
Stabilizing legs - Four stabilizing legs that are deployed
hydraulically when operating the simulator to enhance stability
and to spread the static and dynamic floor loading.
c)
Storage space - The fully enclosed lockable storage space is
provided at the front of the trailer with the following
components mounted:
i)
19" control system rack for the simulator
ii)
Simulator electrical distribution panels
iii)
Connection for an electrical land-line
iv)
65KVA generator unit and associated starter panel
v)
Simulator Hydraulic
compressor unit
vi)
A weatherproof and portable Kiosk
vii)
Storage for the stairs
Power
unit
complete
with
viii) Machinery space air conditioning unit
d)
All items will be hard wired and fully integrated onto the
trailer so that on site set up and removal are both very
rapid.
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Complete simulator unit , designed and built for the American Navy Recruiting Command
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3.6
Simulator Design & Theming
Metropolis has more experience than anyone else in the creation and
implementation of the exterior design for a wide range of applications
and products. This experience extends from initial design concept
through the various stages of visual development to the final
application of vinyl graphics onto the rigs.
Over the years, Metropolis has put together many innovative and
striking designs which, in addition to providing a very positive focus
at the point of operation, also create a very strong ‘billboard’ effect
whilst the unit is in transit.
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4.
RIDEFILMS MATERIAL & CONTENT
Metropolis has more experience than anyone in the world of producing
ridefilms based on aerospace subject matter.
In recent years the company has shot, directed and produced ridefilms in
F16 for the Norwegian Air Force; F-18 Super Hornet for the US Navy;
Harrier; Tornado and Eurofighter for the RAF; BAe Hawk for the Red
Arrows; a computer-animated journey around the International Space
Station for the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and a World War Two
dogfight in a Spitfire for Duxford Air Museum.
Most recently, Metropolis has worked on a project for aero-engine
manufacturer GE Transportation Systems to create a computer-animated
journey through one of the next generation of jet engines. This film has
previewed to excellent reviews at the Torino Winter Olympics.
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Metropolis Entertainment Metropolis House
16 Southsea Road Kingston-Upon-Thames
Surrey KT1 2EH UK
T: +44 (0)208 549 1111 F: +44 (0)208 549 1222
www.metropolisav.com
Typical storyboard planning for 2/3D ridefilm
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To achieve these films Metropolis works with the world’s leading specialist
camera technicians in the field of digital mini-cams and audio. In addition
to aircraft, the company has successfully attached such equipment to racing
cars and motorcycles; bobsleighs, downhill skiers; racehorses; helicopters.
Most recently it has produced two point of view ridefilms for Toyota using a
rally car and a Landcruiser in the Oman Desert.
The integration of mini-cameras and recording equipment into the cockpit of
a fast jet aircraft, such as an F-18, is an extremely complex issue. Unlike a
car or motorcycle, the camera and recorder mounts must conform to very
strict engineering and G-force specifications. Metropolis has direct
experience of working with the aircraft manufacturer and the client air force
engineers to ensure that such mounts are available and conform to the
correct engineering specifications. This aspect of the production is
absolutely critical and cannot be over-emphasised.
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Metropolis has the proven ability to take the brief from the client and
produce a detailed treatment for the entire mission. It has the flying and
operational knowledge to liaise with pilots to take the treatment and from
that produce a complete, detailed shooting script and shot test. At all stages,
liaison with the pilots will be important.
Taking the material shot on location and editing it into a complete finished
ridefilm with all voice-over and effects is a major part of the project where,
again, Metropolis has more experience than anyone else in the world.
Motion programming – the complex integration of motion with vision is an
area in which Metropolis excels and has a greater base of experience than
anyone else in the world. Much of this knowledge and experience has been
established in the area of mainstream flight simulation where both the
creative and engineering teams have more than 40 years of combined
experience.
Metropolis installed base is probably the largest and most prestigious in the
world and includes the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum; the Royal
Airforce Museum and the London and Singapore Science Centres. A
complete listing of air, space and science museums can be found opposite.
In the field of Space, Metropolis has as its Consultant Dr David Scott the
former NASA astronaut and one of the few men alive who have walked on
the moon as Commander of Apollo 15.
Metropolis has created simulation attractions for the following venues:Ð
London Science Museum
Ð
Smithsonian Air & Space (Hazy Centre)
Ð
Pima Air Museum (Arizona)
Ð
Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum (Michigan)
Ð
San Diego Air Museum
Ð
Singapore Science Centre
Ð
US Space & Rocket Centre
Ð
US National Air Force Museum
Ð
RAF Museum, Hendon
Ð
RAF Museum, Cosford
Ð
Discovery @ Bristol
Ð
Munich Airport Visitor Centre
Ð
California Science Centre
Ð
Manchester Museum of Science & Industry
Ð
Coventry Transport Museum
Ð
Museum of Film & Photography
Ð
National Railway Museum
Ð
Space Centre Houston
Ð
NASA Astronaut Hall of Fame
Ð
Aircraft Museum, Bodo (Norway)
Ð
Kids Space, Calgary
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Still frame ridefilm: Spacewalk 2004
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5.
PRODUCT SUPPORT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The components chosen for the overall system have been selected for their
performance reliability and are backed by the highly skilled Metropolis
product support team.
After-Sales Support
A dedicated after-sales support team is available to the client’s operators and
maintenance team, to give support 18 hours a day 7 days a week initially by
phone or by site visit as required.
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CLIENT LIST
Labbatts Brewing
Ford Motor Corporation
ITT Automotive
Land Rove
Eurofighter
GE
Coca-Cola
Castrol Oil
SONY Playstation
Unilever
LG Computers
GM Opel
BMW
Shell Oil
Guinness
Carlsberg
Kia Motors
UK / Europe
UK
USA
Portugal / Spain
Western Europe
Europe
Europe / Turkey
UK / Europe
UK
UK
Korea
Germany
Europe
Argentina
UK
UK
Korea
Orangina
Astra Satellite
Volkswagen / SEAT
UK Ministry of Defence
US Navy
Budweiser
Ocean Spray
Hertz
Parker Hamilton
Discovery Channel
Martell Brandy
KFC
Michelin
AstraZeneca
Siemens Medical
Yamaha Motorcycle
France
France / Benelux
UK / Germany
UK
USA
USA
USA
Germany
Europe
UK
UK / Europe
Singapore
Europe
UK
Germany
UK
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