Immersive Media for Immersive Worlds
Design, Animation and VFX for Theme Park Media
John Hughes Co-Founder / President / Executive Producer
John helmed Rhythm & Hues from 1987-2013. They won Best Visual Effects Academy Awards for Babe (1995), Golden Compass (2007) and Life of Pi (2012). John co-founded Tau Films in 2014, and continues his VFX mastery.
The John Hughes Institute is presently collaborating with York University, on the future of AI-assisted workflows for Animation & VFX, featuring leading industry artists sharing the tools and techniques shaping next-generation production.
Don MacBain Senior Producer / Theme Park Attractions & Location Based Entertainment
Don’s involvement with Themeparks media began several decades ago as well, and in his journey he’s worked for many noted VFX facilities, including Boss Films, Lucasfilm, Sony Pictures Imageworks, DreamWorks, and Rhythm & Hues.
Recent Post Production Work
Flight Over Saudi Arabia (In-Process) - Boulevard City, Sherpas Cinema / Brogent I-Ride [2025]
Delivery: ArtLord / Tau Films - CG transitions, paint fixes, rotoscoping
Niagara Takes Flight: A Soaring Adventure - Front Range Films / Brogent I-Ride [2025]
Delivery: ArtLord / Tau Films - CG transitions, paint fixes, rotoscoping
Awaken Canada Flyover Pursuit - Flyover Attractions, Sherpas Cinema / Brogent I-Ride [2024]
Delivery: ArtLord / Tau Films - CG transitions, paint fixes, rotoscoping
Believe Chicago Flyover Pursuit - Flyover Attractions, Sherpas Cinema / Brogent I-Ride
2024
Delivery: ArtLord / Tau Films - CG transitions, paint fixes, rotoscoping
Rides Since 2010
Green Lantern: Galactic Odyssey – Soaring Ride, Warner Bros. World, U.A.E.
Client/Design: Thinkwell Production Company: Pixomondo
Attraction: 4D flying theater experience Ride Manufacturer: Brogent Technologies
2018
Delivery: Tau Films, Animation Dir. – created VFX/Animation for entire show
Ferrari: Racing Legends – Motion Simulator Ride, PortAventura World, Spain
Client/Design: PGAV Production Company: Mousetrappe
Attraction: 3D Multi-seat motion base motion simulator Ride Manufacturer: Simworx
2017
Delivery: Tau Films created the complete media (Don MacBain-Sup Prod)
Ferrari: Flying Dreams (VFX) – Soaring Ride, PortAventura World, Spain
Client/Design: PGAV Production Company: Mousetrappe
Attraction: 4D flying theater experience Ride Manufacturer: Brogent Technologies
2017
Delivery: Tau Films, VFX augmentation (Don MacBain – Mousetrappe Prod)
Special Note: First flyover attraction using heavy-lifting drones for all live-action photography!
The Forbidden Caves – Immersive Tunnel Ride, Bobbejaanland, Belguim
Client/Design: Holovis Production Company: Super 78
Attraction: 3D Immersive Tunnel Ride/Motion Base Tram Ride Manufacturer: Garmendale
2015
Delivery: Tau Films created the media
Hogwarts Express, Platform 9&3/4: Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London
Client/Design: Thinkwell Production Company: Super 78
Attraction: Train ‘windows’ show passing countryside Ride Manufacturer: (video screens)
2015
Delivery: Tau Films created the ‘travelling’ media for the train windows
The Lost Temple – Immersive Tunnel Ride, Movie Park, Germany
Client/Design: Riva Digital/Riva Creative Production Company: Super 78
Attraction: 3D Immersive Tunnel Ride/Motion Base Platform Ride Manufacturer: Simworx
2014
Delivery: Tau Films created the CGI & character animation & preview method
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi “Viaggio in Italia” – Flyover Dome Attraction, U.A.E.
Client/Design: Jack Rouse Associates Production Company: Mirror Films
Attraction: Flyover (lifting) array of seats within Dome screen
2011
Delivery: R&H was post and digital producer (Don MacBain Digital Producer)
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi “Driving with the Champion” – Motion Simulator Ride, U.A.E.
Client/Design: Jack Rouse Associates Production Company: Mirror Films
Attraction: Motion Base Dual Seats, Simulator Ride with wide curved screen
2010
Delivery: Rhythm & Hues (R&H) was post producer (Don MacBain Post Prod)
Historic Media / Rides Created at Rhythm & Hues
(unless otherwise noted)
1999
Its Tough to Be a Bug – Disney’s Animal Kingdom & California Adventure
1998
Star Trek: The Experience – Paramount Parks, Las Vegas Hilton
1998
Race for Atlantis – IMAX 3D motion simulator at The Forum Shops, Las Vegas
1995
EFX – 2 Min. 3D film for MGM Grand Hotel (stage show), Las Vegas
1994
Seafari – CGI underwater adventure - MCA/Universal for Porto Eurpoa, Japan
1992
Le Visionarium - CGI fly-by of Paris, CircleVision Film, Euro Disneyland
1992
Huis Ten Bosch Nagasaki Themepark, Showscan Films (Boss Films)
1992
D3Boss 2 Seater Gyrosphere Attraction (Boss Films)
1990
The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera – simulator ride, Universal Studios FL
1982
Energy – CGI journey at Epcot / Disney World (Robert Abel and Associates)
LET US UTILIZE OUR EXPERIENCE TO BUDGET YOUR THEME PARK MEDIA NEEDS
