"Ground-Breaking" Project Management in India Transforms a New Attraction

When asked to rescue the "Earthquake" 4D simulator attraction at Ramoji Film City, ADSs co-founder Kenneth Eff met the challenge beyond expectations.

Back in 2006 Ramoji management opened the "Ramoji Tower Earthquake" attraction to lukewarm reception. Unfortunately all of the inital project money had already been spent. In order for this attraction to "turn around" Ken had to devise a plan that would be extremely low cost and could be implemented in less than three-months!

Things got even more complicated when it was determined that the simulator frame was showing signs of stress fractures and was beginning to fail in critcal safety locations. Esentially, the entire attraction needed to be redone, including mechanical and structural.

Ken devised, directed, and in many cases performed, each task himself. Every stage of the rehab including storyline, script, media, special effects, mechanical, scenic design and construction, show control, programming and even operations training was completed on time with a total expenditure of less than 40% of the original cost! Audience response was extremely positive. Considering India has never seen anything like this ride most guests leave the experience in awe.

ADS Style Project Management Saves Ride Producer Over $90,000 US

When a ride attraction’s opening date was in jeopardy at Hershey Park due to major ride system failures, ADS’s co-founder Frank Fruscello, who was initially sent to the site to art direct the installation of the show lighting of the ride, quickly found himself in the role as project manager and a critical liaison between the ride manufacturer and their client.  Although his time on site was initially set to only be a few days, Frank spent weeks working closely with ride engineers, the attraction’s creator, the ride system manufacturer, and the parks own operations and maintenance crew quickly solving problems to get the ride up and running correctly.

A “hands on” guy, Frank also pitched in installing and adjusting sensors, valves, air lines and amending the bus rail along the ride track as the changes were being made to the ride’s zones. He also adjusted the audio in the ride, worked on the installation and placement of the scenic elements in the load station and assisted in the thorough training of the maintenance and operations crew before opening the ride to the public.

His constant communication and co-ordination of all parties involved kept a very nervous client satisfied and in the end, saved the ride manufacturer $90,000.00 in delay fines.  “It was an overwhelming amount of critical work to be accomplished in such a short time period," Frank admitted, "but I made a lot of good friends at the park because of it...It was an opportunity that I would not have otherwise had if I were there only a few days to supervise the show lighting install."