Episode 1 - The Kiteman Group

Welcome to The Pilots Meeting, a podcast dedicated to uncovering the behind-the-scenes stories of kiting through the voices of the people who lived them. Each episode dives into the moments, decisions, and experiences that shaped the world of kiting, offering listeners a closer look at what really happens beyond the colors in the sky.In today’s episode, we’re joined by John Lutter of the Kiteman Group, an organization that has been bringing kites to audiences around the world for decades. Known for producing large-scale kite shows, the Kiteman Group has helped introduce kiting to countless people through performances at major theme parks, including Disney World.Together, we explore how it all came to be—from the early days at balloon festivals to putting on shows of Disney proportions—and take a closer look at what it truly takes to create memorable kite experiences for audiences everywhere. So, settle in and join us for a behind-the-scenes conversation that takes a closer look at just what it takes to be the kite man. 0:00 Introduction - Welcome to The Pilots Meeting01:07 John Lutter's Journey Into Kiting07:27 John's First Show14:50 Bruce Flora and Kiteman Productions17:46 The First Disney Show24:09 Kite Tales and Recent Productions28:49 Equipment Evolution34:36 Disney Magic - The Show Must Go On42:47 EPCOT Forever47:04 Getting into Character54:30 John's Favorite Show56:55 Broadening The Offering1:01:42 Wrapping Up - Bruce's Legacy