Nic Kessler
Orlando
Summary
Professional writing specialist with commitment to producing high-quality content. Extensive experience in creating compelling narratives for various media platforms and industries. Strong focus on teamwork and adaptability, ensuring reliable contributions and seamless integration with dynamic project requirements.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Show Writer-Epic Universe
Universal Creative
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Lead ideation team in Creative Development for Universal Studios attractions, shows and experiences for TEA Award Winning Epic Universe.
- High concept development for new attractions, immersive experiences and live shows
- Developed high concepts for new attractions, immersive experiences, and live shows that align with overarching creative vision
- Wrote scripts, story guides, lore, and treatments for attractions, live shows, and experiential marketing events rooted in IP canon
- Develop concepts that employ digital media and live experiential entertainment
- Ideation and vision keeper with IP
- Scripted voice-over sessions to enhance storytelling for attractions.
- Facilitated creative brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas.
- Present to executive leadership
- Collaborated with art directors and marketing partners to create unique guest experiences that enhance overall attraction engagement
- In the field execution of Epic Universe through handover to operations
- Https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/epic-universe
Show Director-Entertainment, Capital Projects
Universal Studios Orlando
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Developed creative concepts for Universal Studios Mega Movie Parade, integrating entertainment capital projects
- Creative development for the overall design delivery of Mega Movie Parade
- Develop concepts, scripts, costumes, music and overall vision that employ digital media and live experiential entertainment for Mega Move Parade
- Lead Art Directors, Costume Designers and Vendors on Mega Movie Parade
- Vision keeper with IP and multiple brands involved in Mega Movie Parade
- Writing of scripts, back story and treatments for new events and experiences based on IP canon
- Led music development sessions
- Facilitated creative brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas for projects
- Collaborated with art directors and marketing partners to create immersive guest experiences
Senior Show Writer-Epic Universe
Universal Creative
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Led ideation team in creative development for Universal Studios attractions, shows, and experiences in Epic Universe, shaping engaging guest experiences.
- High concept development for new attractions, immersive experiences and live shows
- Developed high concepts for new attractions, immersive experiences, and live shows, enhancing thematic storytelling and guest engagement.
- Writing of scripts, back story and treatments for attractions, live shows, and experiential marketing events based on IP canon
- Wrote scripts, backstories, and treatments for attractions, live shows, and experiential marketing events based on IP canon, aligning narratives with brand integrity.
- Ideation and vision keeper with IP
- Facilitated creative brainstorming sessions
- Collaborate with art directors and marketing partners to deliver unique guest experiences
Freelance Creative Director
The Escape Game
09.2017 - 12.2019
- Directed development of in-room video content for new escape experience at TEG’s Chicago location.
- Created overall concept and design for multiple escape rooms, enhancing visitor engagement.
- Directed voice over sessions for video content production
- Supervised editing sessions with editor and video production vendors to ensure cohesive final product.
- Cast and acquired talent for video content
- Supervised editing sessions with editor and video production vendors
Show Director/Show Writer
Mark Kadow Productions/Evergrande
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Led Creative Development for Ocean Flower Island Theme Park - Danzhou, China
- Developed initial concepts and script for new stunt show, aligning with park's vision and audience engagement goals
- Advised on show building and infrastructure to ensure alignment with creative direction and operational requirements
- Presented creative concepts to park executives, securing buy-in for project direction and funding
Show Director/Show Writer
Disney Parks Live Entertainment/Walt Disney Imagineering
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Led ideation team in creative development for Star Wars activations at Walt Disney World, enhancing guest engagement through innovative experiences
- Lead ideation team in Creative Development for Star Wars activations at Walt Disney World
- Writing of scripts and treatments for tech experiences, live shows, retail/dining locations and marketing events based on IP canon
- High concept development for immersive experiences and live shows
- Ideation and brand vision keeper with IP partners at Lucasfilm
- Collaborate with Corporate Alliances and Executive Communications to promote Disney’s unique guest experiences around the world
- Collaborated with luxury brands and Fortune 500 companies to design impactful live events at Disney, elevating brand presence and guest interaction
- Facilitated creative brainstorming sessions
- Direct all voice over sessions
- Supervise and direct editing sessions w/ Disney Broadcast Productions
- Wrote scripts and treatments for tech experiences, live shows, retail/dining locations, and marketing events based on IP canon, ensuring alignment with brand storytelling
- Recent projects include:
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Development https://youtu.be/UGUsYWmVV2I
- Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Grand Opening (Bob Chapek)
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge- Rise of the Resistance park wide experience
- WDI R&D Projects
- Latin America Sales and Marketing Tour
- LATAM Airline Reveal supporting Disney Destinations Sales Team
- Avengers Training Initiative for Luckow Family Celebration
- Stars Wars Galactic Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Star Wars content for various Lucasfilm Events
- Grand Opening of Native Gallery gallery exhibit at Epcot
- Multi-screen video project for Orlando Economic Partnership at Epcot
- Dream Big Princess entertainment offerings
Creative Director, Entertainment
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment-Orlando
03.2017 - 09.2017
- Directed creative vision for staged aspects of Sea World's Electric Ocean, enhancing guest experiences.
- Maintained vision for themed experiences at Sea World.
- Conceptualized new ideas through collaborative brainstorming sessions, fostering innovation.
- Worked with third party entertainment partners to deliver live experiences for Sea World Orlando.
- Developed show quality standards on in-park experiences
- Collaborated with third-party entertainment partners to create and deliver engaging live experiences at Sea World Orlando.
Show Director/Writer, Entertainment
Walt Disney Parks Creative Entertainment
08.2007 - 10.2016
- As Show Director for Walt Disney Parks Creative Entertainment and the Disney Event Group responsibilities included, the creative development and execution of immersive marketing events, corporate special events, live sports events and theme park experiences.
- Acted as vision keeper for dynamic themed experiences. Collaborate on scripts with internal partners such as Marvel, LucasFilm, Pixar, Walt Disney Studios and Disney Parks and Resorts to execute creative storytelling.
- Executed casting, rehearsing, and presentation of dynamic live entertainment and film/video, delivering world-class experiences for external and internal Guests.
- Directed voice over sessions for various projects
- Supervise and direct editing sessions w/ Disney Broadcast Productions
- Lead the creative team to create engaging live events for Disney’s convention clients.
- Created innovative creative concepts as Special Events Show Director for Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT, enhancing guest engagement.
- Developed show quality standards for recurring special events
- Partnered with Park Leadership to offer excellent entertainment to the Guests of Walt Disney World.
- Directed creative development for Disney Creative Media, producing impactful video, film, and motion graphic content.
- Oversaw the development of scripts, storyboards, scenic, prop and costume design and music and video on all assigned projects.
- Used classic storytelling techniques including theatrical design as well as new technology and social media to create truly immersive experiences that showcased the brands and intellectual property of The Walt Disney Company.
- Planned, coordinated, and managed all production elements and personnel for multiple events produced by the Disney Event Group.
- Outlined past projects for various events
- Social Media Mom’s Celebration for Disney Parks and Resorts
- Disney Creator’s Conference for Maker Studios
- Star Wars content and live entertainment execution for Star Wars The Dark Side Half Marathon
- High concept development for Avengers Training Initiative at Disney’s California Adventure
- High Concept development for NFL Pro Bowl and Invictus Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Internal events for Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club and Disney Public Affairs
- Multiple large corporate retail events and team building experiences
Education
Master of Arts - Drama And Comparative Literature
Washington University
St. Louis, MO05.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Arts
University of Louisville
Louisville, KYSkills
- Themed attraction and land development
- , Live entertainment
- Special event development
- Scriptwriting
- Theatrical production
- Emerging brands content expert
- Short form video content
- Le Coq movement technique
- Linklater vocal approach
- Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints training for actors
- Classical actor training
- Native American Drama
- Final Cut Workflow
- Creative writing
- Editing
- Grammar usage
Links to Recent Work
- EPIC UNIVERSE THEME PARK
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
- Universal’s Mega Movie Parade
- STAR WARS GALAXY’S EDGE ACTIVATION & DRONES
- RISE OF THE RESISTANCE DEDICATION WDW
Timeline
Senior Show Writer-Epic Universe
Universal Creative
01.2024 - 01.2025
Show Director-Entertainment, Capital Projects
Universal Studios Orlando
01.2023 - 01.2024
Senior Show Writer-Epic Universe
Universal Creative
01.2019 - 01.2023
Show Director/Show Writer
Mark Kadow Productions/Evergrande
01.2018 - 01.2019
Freelance Creative Director
The Escape Game
09.2017 - 12.2019
Creative Director, Entertainment
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment-Orlando
03.2017 - 09.2017
Show Director/Show Writer
Disney Parks Live Entertainment/Walt Disney Imagineering
01.2017 - 01.2019
Show Director/Writer, Entertainment
Walt Disney Parks Creative Entertainment
08.2007 - 10.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Arts
University of Louisville
Master of Arts - Drama And Comparative Literature
Washington University