In this conversation, Mel traces his path from early days at Walt Disney Imagineering to founding and leading Storyland Studios. He explains how multidisciplinary teams—architecture, landscape, show set, graphics, tech, and more—come together like an orchestra to deliver immersive experiences at every scale, from freeway gateways to Star Wars–level attractions. Mel also opens up about launching boutique studios, building partnerships, cultivating next-gen talent through the Themed Entertainment Association, and bringing theme-park caliber design into “real life” places like hospitals, hotels, churches, and mixed-use districts—right here in Orange County and across the globe.

• How “spatial storytelling” connects film thinking with urban planning and architecture

• The behind-the-scenes of Anaheim’s resort district transformation

• Why world-class experiences require 100+ disciplines working in sync

• Practical advice for students and career-changers: become “master of one,” then scale

• Where themed entertainment is headed: from gated parks to everyday live-work-play

• Mel’s current work from the Red Sea to local OC projects—and what’s next

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