FORMER COLLEGE STUDENT BUILDS LEGO® THEMED RIDE FOR NEW YORK RESORT

Image caption: Lily-Ann stood with 4 other people wearing Hi-Vis jackets around a statue in Legoland.

A former media student pursuing a career in themed entertainment is putting the finishing touches to an experience that will see visitors transformed into LEGO® Minifigures as part of a virtual factory tour at a new resort due to open in New York in 2021.

Lily-Ann Bedder, from Burbage, works as a creative consultant for Hinckley-based experiential design company Holovis, leading on the development and delivery of the ride which uses AI and machine learning to take guests on an exciting tour behind-the-scenes at a giant LEGO® factory.

After starting her career with a creative media qualification at the college’s creative arts campus in Hinckley, Lily-Ann went to Birmingham City University to study graphic communication but switched courses to follow her passion for scenic design and graduated in theatre and performance and events.

As part of a work experience opportunity with Merlin Entertainments, which owns Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle and LEGOLAND®, Lily-Ann was tasked with designing a Madame Tussauds experience of the future. Her work stood out amongst her peers because of the creative media skills she had learned in college, and Merlin singled out Lily-Ann for a graduate work placement whilst completing her degree.

Lily-Ann built up her portfolio over six years and when she moved on to her next exciting role with Holovis, she continued working for themed entertainment clients within the industry, including Merlin.

Lily-Ann said, “When I worked for Merlin, I was based in West London and travelled all over the world including to California and LEGO® headquarters in Denmark, working on their resorts and theme parks. Although I am still working on international projects, I am based near home again now working in Hinckley where I originally started my studies.”

As creative consultant for Holovis, Lily-Ann is responsible for designing projects from concept through to completion, including the LEGOLAND® Factory Tour. During the coronavirus lockdown, Lily-Ann was busier than ever before, working with her Holovis colleagues across the globe remotely and developing excellent communication and project management skills. Lily-Ann is looking forward to the launch of the new ride when the LEGOLAND® New York resort opens for business next year as well as many other thrilling visitor experiences currently in the pipeline.

Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, said, “It is always fantastic to hear about the successful careers of our former students, and Lily-Ann’s story is truly remarkable. She has taken full advantage of the opportunities afforded to her through her studies and used her skills to progress in one of the most exciting sectors. I hope that Lily’s story inspires more young people to consider starting their story with a creative or digital study programme once they see where it can lead. We wish Lily-Ann and Holovis the best of luck with the launch of the new resort.”

Click here to find out more about media courses at the College.

Image caption: Lily-Ann in a hi-vis jacket and hard hat next to a statue made out of Lego.