Theodore Roosevelt
Presidential Library
Challenge
How do you create a living institution centered around a man who died more than a century ago? When Edward O’Keefe became Chief Executive Officer of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation (TRPLF) in 2019, he sought to build “a presidential library for the 2020s, not the 1920s.” O’Keefe innately knew that understanding the life and legacy of the beloved 26th president required more than just placing artifacts under glass. The TRPLF engaged Future of StoryTelling (FoST) as their first creative hire to act as the institution’s Executive Creative Directors and Storytellers.
Solution
FoST worked closely with the Library to formulate a bold, story-first vision to guide the institution’s development. We translated the TRPL’s mission for the new Library, as well as their three pillar principles of citizenship, leadership, and conservation, into a cohesive storytelling foundation to guide the institution’s continued development. The ultimate goal was to help each guest learn not just about TR, but from him—inspiring them to fully engage “in the arena” with their heads, hearts, and hands long after leaving the physical building.
As Executive Creative Directors and Storytellers, FoST not only crafted a strong experience concept design for this new “living library” but helped the TRPL execute it by assembling and overseeing the right partners to shape the interpretive design of exhibits and experiences, as well as the physical building itself. Working together, we were able to develop emotionally powerful, balanced, and interactive experiences, creating a modern, world-class institution fit to carry Roosevelt’s legacy forward into the future.
Apple Store
Flagship Launch
Challenge
For the launch of its flagship store inside the iconic Carnegie Library, Apple commissioned FoST to curate programming that would inspire excitement, generate wonder, and encourage community participation in the event.
Solution
FoST produced a world-class lineup of pop-up performances and workshops for the opening weekend. The event dazzled attendees and reinforced Apple’s mission of creating retail stores that double as destinations for great experiences. CEO Tim Cook commended the energy FoST brought to the event.
META
Spacewalk from the ISS
Challenge
In summer 2021, Facebook made history by changing its name to Meta and announcing a focus on the metaverse. They approached us to help them create an equally historic closing event to cap off Connect 2021, a day dedicated to the developers who will be building the metaverse.
Solution
Our friends at Felix & Paul Studios had been working with NASA on the largest VR production ever filmed in space, and they were scheduled to film the first ever cinematic spacewalk. So, we proposed using VR to transport people to an immersive experience of space, together.
We coordinated crews in three cities and aboard the International Space Station to give VR attendees a tour of the ISS, led by NASA astronaut Victor Glover. Attendees were then launched into space, where ISS astronauts Megan McArthur and Shane Kimbrough spoke about what life is like on the ISS and shared information about their recent scientific research and experiments.
Sphere Atrium
Challenge
The Sphere wanted their atrium—half the size of the venue—to be a story-rich, acclaimed immersive attraction itself. They commissioned FoST to create a story narrative that tied together the building’s technology and represented an optimistic view of the future.
Solution
We crafted a narrative centered on how technology amplifies human potential. We divided the story into five parts, with each of the existing five humanoid robots in the space embodying how technology amplifies one fundamental human ability: productivity, connection, innovation, longevity, and creativity. Our story was brought to life through holograms and large plaques flanking each robot, designed to inspire and provoke thought.
Adobe
Creative Class
Challenge
To kick off the annual MAX conference, Adobe commissioned FoST to create an inspiring, emotional film that would make creatives feel belonging in a community, pride in their craft, and trust in Adobe as a partner for creative professionals.
Solution
FoST crafted a rousing short film that celebrates the fundamental urge for creative expression. Created in collaboration with 100 multidisciplinary artists, the film premiered to an audience of 5,000 people and became an anthem and rallying cry for the Adobe creative community.
