For more than five decades, Daniel Flannery has created award-winning productions, attractions, television programs, world exposition pavilions, Olympic ceremonies, concert spectaculars, immersive environments, and destination experiences that have entertained millions around the world. The following milestones represent a selection of projects that have helped define his distinguished career as a producer, director, designer, and creative innovator.
1970s
Star Wars Concert – Hollywood Bowl (1977)
Conceived, designed, and directed the original Star Wars Concert with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The production received a 19-minute standing ovation and pioneered a new form of entertainment that blended live orchestral performance with theatrical lighting, imagery, and storytelling.
Theatrical Lighting Design
Established a reputation as an innovative lighting designer for theatre, opera, ballet, and dance productions throughout the United States, laying the foundation for a multidisciplinary career in entertainment design.
1980s
Los Angeles Olympic Closing Ceremonies (1984)
Produced and directed the Closing Ceremonies of the XXIII Olympiad, creating one of the most memorable and visually ambitious events of the Games.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Created and designed major attractions and entertainment experiences that helped establish Universal Studios as a leading destination for immersive themed entertainment.
World Expositions
Designed and directed attractions and entertainment experiences for international expositions, earning recognition for innovation in storytelling and experiential design.
1990s
Roseanne
As Director of Photography for the hit ABC television series, Flannery redefined the visual language of television comedy through a more cinematic approach to lighting and photography. His work earned four Primetime Emmy Award nominations and an International Monitor Award.
Disney EPCOT – The American Adventure
Contributed to one of EPCOT's signature attractions, integrating theatrical storytelling, advanced technology, and immersive design.
Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure
Participated in the development of landmark attractions including E.T. Adventure, King Kong, Back to the Future, Conan, and Jurassic Park: The Ride.
Water Fantasium & Fantastic Odyssey
Created acclaimed attractions for the Osaka and Taejon World Expositions, recognized among the most successful experiences at their respective fairs.
2000s
Symphantasy®
Expanded the visual symphony concept through a series of large-scale orchestral productions created with Maestro Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, blending music, theatrical staging, lighting, and multimedia storytelling.
Adventure Slots
Created an innovative immersive gaming environment for Hollywood Casino. The project received a THEA Award for excellence in themed entertainment.
Architectural & Entertainment Lighting
Directed major architectural and site lighting projects, including international performing arts centers, theme parks, and destination resorts.
2010s
International Entertainment Development
Provided creative leadership for destination attractions, cultural projects, museums, themed environments, and entertainment developments throughout North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Majid and the Secret of Life
Created a stereoscopic dome film attraction for Doha, Qatar, combining immersive cinema, storytelling, and advanced visual technology.
2020s
Once Upon a River
Created and directed a destination-scale nighttime spectacular featuring floating stages, live performers, puppetry, music, lighting, and immersive storytelling. Presented nightly to audiences exceeding 30,000 guests.
Starbond, Illusions, and Elements
Developed large-scale international productions combining live performance, multimedia technology, kinetic design, and theatrical spectacle.
Continuing Innovation
Continues to create immersive experiences, attractions, and entertainment concepts that unite storytelling, technology, design, and performance for audiences worldwide.
HONORS & RECOGNITION
Four Primetime Emmy Award Nominations
International Monitor Award
LDI Lighting Designer of the Year
THEA Award Recipient
Night Beautiful Award
International recognition for innovation in themed entertainment, television, lighting design, and experiential storytelling
CREATIVE PHILOSOPHY
Throughout his career, Daniel Flannery has remained committed to a singular vision: creating emotionally engaging experiences that inspire wonder, foster connection, and demonstrate the transformative power of storytelling, technology, music, design, and performance working together as one.