National Geographic featured The Hexadome Experience at D23 this year to provide the audience with … [+]
Imagine standing in the middle of a vast landscape, the sounds of the natural world enveloping you from all directions. You look up and see the sky, down and see the earth, and all around you, the breathtaking scenes of National Geographic come to life on six massive screens. This is the National Geographic Hexadome Experience—a pioneering blend of art, technology, and nature that transports audiences to the heart of the wild in a way that traditional cinema simply cannot.
A New Frontier in Immersive Experiences
The Hexadome debuted at this year’s D23 Expo. It is more than just a viewing experience; it’s a journey into the unknown, a voyage that allows participants to step inside the story.
“We wanted to figure out a way where we could fully immerse people in the world of Nat Geo and kind of blow their minds at the same time,” said Chris Albert, executive vice president of Marketing & Communications at National Geographic.
The Hexadome does just that, using state-of-the-art technology to create a 360° audiovisual environment where viewers are not just observers but part of the scene. Crafted from over 25 past, present, and future National Geographic titles, the Hexadome Experience is a carefully curated tapestry of iconic moments from the natural world.
Whether it’s the majestic cliffs of “Free Solo” or the intimate scenes from “Secrets of the Elephants,” each segment has been meticulously designed to transport the viewer to the heart of the action.
“It’s super cool. You step into the world of Nat Geo in, I think, a unique and surprising way,” Albert added.
The Technology Behind the Magic
The magic of the Hexadome lies in its cutting-edge technology, developed in collaboration with the Institute of Sound and Music (ISM) Berlin and brought to life by Little Cinema, a creative studio known for its innovative experiential installations.
Jay Rinsky, founder and chief creative officer of Little Cinema, explained that the Hexadome features 52 speakers, six giant screens, and 22k laser projectors, allowing for precision control of 360-degree spatial audio.
This advanced setup creates an immersive environment where sound and visuals are perfectly synchronized to guide the audience’s attention from screen to screen. As Rinsky described, “You feel like you’re at the center of the content, as opposed to looking at a single screen. With the directional audio, we can really navigate and guide the audience.”
Rinsky explained, “It’s a true immersive experience.”
The Hexadome’s design allows viewers to be completely surrounded by the story. Whether it’s the feeling of flying through the air, surrounded by the sounds of wind, or the sensation of being submerged underwater, with the ocean’s waves crashing around you, every moment is crafted to make the viewer feel as though they are living the experience, not just watching it.
An Artistic Collaboration
The creation of the Hexadome was a collaborative effort between National Geographic and Little Cinema, with each bringing their unique expertise to the table.
“When we gave them sort of the RFP that we want to show up in a way that is going to surprise people and be a unique experience, they brought us the concept of the Hexadome,” said Albert. This partnership was crucial in blending the rich storytelling of National Geographic with the innovative technology of Little Cinema and ISM Berlin, resulting in a truly unique installation.
Directors Sam Gill and Luke Neher were instrumental in weaving together the hundreds of scenes that make up the Hexadome Experience. It was a team effort that involved not only selecting the most compelling visuals but also creating a custom soundtrack that ties the entire experience together.
They also composed a new soundtrack that ties it all together, including crafting innovative music and sound out of some of the elements you feel in it, according to Rinsky. This attention to detail ensures that every viewing of the Hexadome is slightly different, with new elements to discover each time.
Impact and Reception
The Hexadome Experience was an immediate hit at D23—captivating audiences and leaving them in awe of the natural world.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees often returning for multiple viewings to catch the elements they missed the first time. “It’s been quite a unique, special experience, just kind of watching the wonder in people’s eyes,” said Rinsky, reflecting on the impact the installation has had on its audience.
It’s an experience that can’t be captured in one viewing. Rinsky explained that you really need to go back multiple times. He described how you’re surrounded by screens and every viewing is completely unique and different, because there are literally hundreds of sound samples, but also hundreds of clips all appearing on these screens at different times. “So every time you look around, you just catch a different bit of the action. Yeah, it is definitely suited to multiple viewing experiences.”
The Hexadome also aligns perfectly with National Geographic’s mission to inspire people to care about the planet. By bringing the beauty and complexity of the natural world to life in such a visceral way, it encourages viewers to think more deeply about the environment and their place within it.
Not To Be Missed
The National Geographic Hexadome Experience is a testament to what’s possible when art, technology, and nature come together. It’s not just a film or a documentary—it’s an invitation to step into the world of National Geographic.
As immersive experiences continue to evolve, the Hexadome sets a new standard, offering a glimpse into the future of storytelling where the line between observer and participant is beautifully blurred. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a tech aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, the Hexadome is an experience not to be missed.
Definitely Will Be Missed
I have to also take this opportunity to offer a brief tribute to Chris Albert.
He recently revealed that he will soon be departing Disney for as-yet-to-be-determined new adventures. For over two decades, Chris Albert has been the driving force behind some of the most innovative and creative marketing and communications strategies in the entertainment industry. As the Executive Vice President of Marketing & Communications at National Geographic, Albert has played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s identity and ensuring that its content not only reaches a global audience but also resonates deeply with viewers.
Chris Albert’s journey with National Geographic has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for storytelling. He has been instrumental in bringing to life the awe-inspiring narratives that Nat Geo is known for. His vision has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional media, leveraging the latest in technology to create immersive experiences that captivate and inspire.
Throughout his career, Albert has been known for his creative flair and his ability to bring out the best in the teams he leads. His approach to marketing has always been about more than just promoting content; it’s about creating connections, sparking curiosity, and inspiring action. Under his leadership, National Geographic’s marketing campaigns have won numerous awards and accolades, further solidifying the brand’s place as a leader in the industry.
As Chris Albert steps down from his role, his departure marks the end of an era for National Geographic and Disney. I am confident, though, that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of marketers and storytellers. His work has not only elevated the Nat Geo brand but has also set a new standard for what is possible in the world of media and entertainment.
It has been my distinct pleasure to work with Chris over the years and I am excited to see what he does next.
