Resume

David Kahler

4512 Katie Lane  321-695-5010

Orlando, Florida 32806  david@kahlerworks.com 

www.linkedin.com/in/davidkahler1  kahlerworks.com

Art Director and Design Team Leader

Managed teams’ expectations and deliverables | Led creative collaboration and iteration.

Collaborative problem solver bringing years of experience leading creative teams. Proven vision keeper experienced in focusing and guiding teams to successfully deliver projects.  Adept at identifying design issues and visualizing clear pathways forward. Instrumental in developing new technologies for immersive experiences.

Team Leader | Inventor | Art Director |Designer

Film, Television, Theme Parks | SketchUp

Selected Accomplishments

Inventor

• Developed “Pepper’s Ghost” effect for Epic Universe.  R&D, Models to full scale proof of concept.
• Worked as consultant creating proof of concept approach for Living Portraits, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Creative. Led to patent.
• Developed technology to simulate animated photos for newspapers, Gringotts Diagon Alley, Universal Creative.
• Guided development of immersive guest experiences mock-ups of rooms and ride vehicles for design teams, Model Shop, Universal Creative.

Team Leader

• Guided teams to create models of two new parks and attractions worldwide.
• Managed Model Teams by setting limits on deliverables for each project to maintain schedule and budget. 
• Led Model Teams in discovering design problem areas for the design teams.

Art Direction

• Created plans and implemented solutions for Production Designers and Producers to bring productions in on budget and on schedule.
• Supervised Art Department deliverables. Managed props, set dressing, construction, scenic crews, and vendors. 

Professional Experience

Mecca Productions, Orlando, Florida       2023 -present

Designer

Work with team researching sources and material selection for Theme Park installation.  Drawing initial design study pass for fabrication.

American Scenic Design, Inc., Orlando, Florida  2022 - 2023

Senior Designer - Epic Universe project

Successfully prototyped Pepper’s ghost effect for retail window.  Built various models. Tested different mirror types to make final selection.  Supervised full scale mockup and construction of first article for installation.

Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida  1995 — 2020

Model Shop Supervisor – Universal Creative  2015-2020

Instrumental in start up of Model Shop.  Defined scope of work, standard of deliverables and layout of facility. Coordinated expectations with upper management.  Mentored and guided team members in delivering product of the highest standard. 

Inventor – Diagon Alley R&D – Universal Studios   2014 Selected technology to create the illusion of animated photographs in the Daily Prophet newspapers.

Inventor – Wizarding World R&D – Universal Studios      2010  

Did initial proof of concept to demonstrate viable approach to create the living portraits.

Art Director – Sesame Street 4d film – Japan Universal Studios      2003

Supervised the construction of Sesame Street from original blueprints.  Consulted with storyboard artist and cinematographer to determine which set pieces would not be seen reducing over all cost by 25%.

Led all Art Department planning, delivery, and implementation.  Collaborated with puppet master to design and supervise construction of all practical effects.

Production Designer/Art Director – Sea Odyssey preshow video – Port Aventura  1999

Consulted with producers and designed all set pieces for show.  Supervised construction and installation in sound stage.  Directed Art Department during filming.

Field Art Director – Bob Marley Restaurant – City Walk  1999

Brought in to implement design package and oversee the collection and installation of themed dressing.  Supervised team of installers and scenic artists.

Field Art Director – Monster Cafe – Universal Studios  1998

Oversaw the demolition of existing commissary and installation of themed interior set pieces by vendor.  Supervised scenic artists and the collection and installation of themed set dressing. 

Art Director – Apollo 13 / Jurassic Park exhibits – Universal Studios    1995, 1997

Worked with the Production Designer to finalize design. Built white study model and created construction package.  Coordinated with all vendors the construction and installation of set pieces and set dressing.

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Additional Relevant Experience

Experienced Film and Television Professional in leadership positions.    1974 - 2015

Worked nationally as DGA Assistant Director, Prop Master, Art Director, and Director  

Education

Bachelor of Science (BS), Constructive Design, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida