Disney Imagineers took to the stage at AfroTech in Houston, Texas, seeking out young and diverse technologists to collaborate with. As engineers and designers credited with bringing beloved movies and theme parks to life, they were eager to discover fresh talent and create a more inclusive generation of creators.
For Lanny Smoot, Disney's Research Fellow and prolific inventor, the intersection of technology and creativity is key to crafting unforgettable experiences. "Those two things put together, the theatrical experience is amazing," he explained. "It thrills our guests at our parks around the world."
Smoot emphasized the importance of representation in Disney's endeavors, stating that the company aims to be as diverse as its audience. This message resonated throughout the conference, with Disney Visual Effects Supervisor Andrew Roberts expressing a similar sentiment.
"My mission is to look for those people from underrepresented communities who can bring something unique to the table and make sure they're given a fair shot," Roberts said, inspiring attendees to envision themselves as future creators of Disney magic. By attracting diverse voices, Disney hopes to propel itself forward for the next couple of decades.
Jonathan Becker, an Imagineer with 11 years of experience under his belt, echoed this sentiment. "They saw something in me, believed in me, and encouraged me to create and inspire," he reflected on his own journey. Now, he and his colleagues are eager to provide similar encouragement to the next generation.
As Disney Imagineers share their expertise and stories, they aim to inspire future innovators to build on the legacy of creativity and artistry. "We really want to inspire the next generation of Imagineers," Becker said. "We want to make sure all those voices here can be represented."
With opportunities and mentorship on full display, AfroTech and Disney Imagineering are joining forces to ensure that the next era of entertainment is more imaginative and inclusive than ever before.
For Lanny Smoot, Disney's Research Fellow and prolific inventor, the intersection of technology and creativity is key to crafting unforgettable experiences. "Those two things put together, the theatrical experience is amazing," he explained. "It thrills our guests at our parks around the world."
Smoot emphasized the importance of representation in Disney's endeavors, stating that the company aims to be as diverse as its audience. This message resonated throughout the conference, with Disney Visual Effects Supervisor Andrew Roberts expressing a similar sentiment.
"My mission is to look for those people from underrepresented communities who can bring something unique to the table and make sure they're given a fair shot," Roberts said, inspiring attendees to envision themselves as future creators of Disney magic. By attracting diverse voices, Disney hopes to propel itself forward for the next couple of decades.
Jonathan Becker, an Imagineer with 11 years of experience under his belt, echoed this sentiment. "They saw something in me, believed in me, and encouraged me to create and inspire," he reflected on his own journey. Now, he and his colleagues are eager to provide similar encouragement to the next generation.
As Disney Imagineers share their expertise and stories, they aim to inspire future innovators to build on the legacy of creativity and artistry. "We really want to inspire the next generation of Imagineers," Becker said. "We want to make sure all those voices here can be represented."
With opportunities and mentorship on full display, AfroTech and Disney Imagineering are joining forces to ensure that the next era of entertainment is more imaginative and inclusive than ever before.
. I mean, sure, it's awesome that they're trying to tap into diverse talent and create a more inclusive gen of creators, but can't they just actually deliver on the platform front? I've been using their app for years and it's still glitchy as hell 
. And don't even get me started on how clunky their user interface is 
. It's like they're only interested in inspiring the next gen of Imagineers if it means more brand awareness and not actually improving the product itself 
I love how Disney is trying to create a more diverse team of imagineers! They're recognizing that representation matters in bringing new ideas to life 
. It's awesome that they want to give underrepresented communities a fair shot at sharing their unique perspectives 
. And can we talk about the importance of mentorship? 
I'm sure these young techies are going to be inspired by the likes of Lanny, Andrew, and Jonathan – who wouldn't want a chance to learn from Disney legends?! 
. It seems like Disney's just trying to get its hands on all the talented young people from underrepresented communities to make their theme parks even more magical 
. But what if it's not just about creating a more inclusive generation of creators? What if they're actually trying to control the narrative and shape the future of entertainment to suit their own agenda? 
I mean, think about it, they're already one of the biggest players in the industry, and now they're looking for fresh talent to collaborate with. It's like they're setting up a whole new generation of Imagineers to do their bidding 
. And what if this is just the tip of the iceberg? What other hidden agendas might be lurking beneath the surface? 
The fact that they're actively looking for people from underrepresented communities is a huge win 
. It's going to be so cool to see what kind of magic these young minds bring to the table 
. And it's awesome that Disney is willing to give them a fair shot and provide mentorship – that's exactly what we need more of in this world 
. Bring on the next generation of Imagineers! 
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! As a parent, it's amazing to see companies like Disney investing in creating an inclusive generation of creators who can bring new perspectives and ideas to the table 
My kid is already inspired by the Disney characters, now they'll get to grow up with creators who reflect their world 
And can we talk about how awesome it is that they're giving back by mentoring the next gen of creatives? 
and it looks SO EPIC!! but wait what's with all these people talking about inclusivity? like isn't that just, you know, being nice to everyone? 
and who are these imagineers guys? seem kinda cool, btw 
. These Imagineers are making bank off their IPs and now they wanna create a new generation of creators to keep the cash flowing? It's not just about doing good, it's about business too. But hey, if it inspires some young folks to get into the game, that's a win-win 
but, like, what if u r not even in tech or design? can u imagine bein part of the team if u r just passionate about disney movies & wanna make magic happen 