After the Age of Dinosaurs Impact Theater
Field Museum | Temporary Exhibition
My Role
Creative Direction
Story Development
Media Production
Overview
How do you tell the story of Earth's greatest extinction event without narration—and make it understandable for visitors of all ages?
After the Age of Dinosaurs explores the remarkable story of Earth's recovery following the asteroid impact that ended the Age of Dinosaurs. As the opening media experience for the exhibition, the Impact Theater introduces visitors to one of the most significant turning points in Earth's history, setting the stage for the evolutionary journey that unfolds throughout the gallery.
As Senior Multimedia Creative at the Field Museum, I led the creative development of the theater experience, collaborating with curators, scientists, exhibit designers, animators, composers, and developers to create a cinematic introduction that balanced scientific accuracy with emotional storytelling.
Creative Challenge
The theater serves as the exhibition's opening experience. The story had to be immediately understandable, emotionally engaging, and concise enough for visitors to experience in its entirety before continuing into the gallery.
Creative Direction
The emotional rhythm of the theater was shaped through the integration of animation, music, and sound. Working closely with lead animator Rachel Oftedahl, composer Jesse Solomon Clark, and Open Sky & Sound Music, we created a visual and sonic language that supported the story without relying on narration. Music and sound design became essential storytelling tools, guiding visitors through moments of tension and transition while remaining accessible to audiences of all ages.
Animation
Collaboration & Creative Leadership
Creating the Impact Theater required close collaboration across multiple disciplines. Working alongside curators, scientists, an exhibit designer, a developer, lead animator Rachel Oftedahl, composer Jesse Solomon Clark, Open Sky & Sound Music for sound design, and media integration specialists, I translated scientific research into a cinematic experience that balanced educational accuracy with emotional engagement. Throughout the process, creative decisions were shaped through ongoing collaboration to ensure the media aligned with both the exhibition's scientific goals and the overall visitor experience.
