Episode 369 - Val Syganevich talks about mixed-reality storytelling, competing with the digital world, and the power of “what-if"

Tap into innovation at IAAPA Expo, the biggest industry event of the year. Join us and other AttractionsPros in Orlando, FL, Nov. 18-22 to engage with the global community. Learn from the experts, leave with new ideas, and turn your passion for the industry into new possibilities. Register now to save up to 30%. Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   Val Syganevich is the President and Co-Founder of Freckled Sky, a production company specializing in themed entertainment and live events. With a diverse background ranging from programming to graphic design and eventually comedy, Val’s career took a turn when he decided to pursue entertainment more seriously. After moving from Ukraine to the United States with his family, Freckled Sky was born out of a passion for creating immersive experiences that merge physical and digital worlds. In this interview, Val talks about mixed-reality storytelling, competing with the digital world, and the power of “what-if.” Mixed-Reality Storytelling “We are in live experiences, attractions, whatever, in our real world. But we also had our own unique creative expertise, how we merge physical and digital worlds, how we tell stories by using technologies but not showing technologies.” Val discusses how Freckled Sky differentiates itself by focusing on mixed-reality storytelling. This approach blends physical and digital elements to create immersive experiences without relying on visible technology like screens or VR headsets. Val emphasizes the importance of storytelling in their productions, ensuring that the audience is fully engaged without the distraction of obvious technological elements. By integrating digital aspects seamlessly into the physical environment, Freckled Sky creates a unique experience that goes beyond traditional entertainment. Competing with the Digital World “The only way how we compete with digital world, to use all the power of digital world and make something more than that in our real-life experiences.” Val touches on the challenge of competing with the pervasive digital world. He recognizes that the younger generation is deeply entrenched in digital experiences, yet he believes that live, in-person events still hold unparalleled value. Freckled Sky aims to leverage digital tools not to replicate screen-based experiences but to enhance real-world interactions. By doing so, they provide audiences with something that purely digital experiences cannot—an authentic, tangible connection in a shared physical space. The Power of “What-If” “First of all, we are dreamers, and that's actually what moves us. We haven't done our best show yet, our best project yet.” Val reflects on the importance of dreaming and the question of "what if" as a driving force behind Freckled Sky’s innovations. He believes that there are no bad ideas, only bad executions, and that the key to success lies in the "how" rather than the "what." This mindset allows his team to constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible in live entertainment. Whether developing new attractions or refining existing concepts, the spirit of exploration and the willingness to dream big keep Freckled Sky at the forefront of the industry.   To learn more about Val and Freckled Sky, visit their website at freckledsky.com. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team: Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas Audio and Video editing by Abby Giganan   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com [email protected] AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)