Warner Bros. Studio Tour - Tokyo
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo opened in 2023 and is the second facility of its kind in the world, after London. It offers a brand new type of experiential entertainment in Japan, one of the biggest markets for the brand. The indoor attraction takes visitors on a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Wizarding World series, offering the opportunity to explore the iconic movie sets designed and built by the creators of the Harry Potter film series.
For over 2 years Cod Steaks worked closely with the team at Lumsden Design and Warner Bros. on the scenic art and theming, bespoke props, mechanical interactives, movie replicas and all ‘specialist creative build’ elements for Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Tokyo. Our focus was to bring the brand into the retail and restaurant areas, making these as engaging as the tour itself. The results are an enormous success and we know of no other store and restaurant in the world that engages the audience like these do!
Our work on Harry Potter Studios Tour Tokyo is one of the largest projects Cod Steaks has undertaken. We made over 7000 individual props, delivered in several 40ft containers to Tokyo, a logistical challenge in itself! Our dedicated install team were based in Tokyo throughout the duration, some for more than 6 months. It was a wonderful challenge and an incredible undertaking : at the height of production we had over 94 people working on the project using over 40,000 sqft of facility.
retail
Cod Steaks worked on 13 uniquely individually themed zones that take in the best and most iconic aspects of the beloved film and book franchise. From thousands of vibrant artificial sweets meticulously crafted for Honeydukes to a stunning 9-meter tall interactive dome designed in conjunction with the talented teams at MinaLima and Technically Creative, each space is a feast for the senses. Additionally, the thousands of detailed prop replicas featured in the main retail space, as well as throughout the tour, and the thoughtfully designed ‘shop within a shop’ façade and interior for MinaLima, ensure that every area is packed from floor to ceiling with exquisite detail and immersive experiences.
food & BEVERAGE
Cod Steaks expertly created the bespoke themes for all restaurant and dining areas, which included the enormous great hall suspended beams and intricately designed house banners for the iconic Hogwarts’ Great Hall. Additionally, the project featured over 250 detailed potion jars and various Herbology props for the enchanting Backlot Café, a specially designed Professor Umbridge themed dining area, and a delightful outdoor Butterbeer Bar that enhances the immersive experience.
Show
In 2021 Cod Steaks has the unique and privileged opportunity to be asked to make an exact replica of the world famous Hogwarts Model for the second Harry Potter Studio Tour in Japan. As an exact replica, it was created using ‘old school’ methods to the original blue prints created for the first model in 2000.
Some upgrades were made as it had to be structurally built to withstand an earthquake zone. It was also expertly overseen by some of the original WB art directors involved on the project 20 years earlier! It also featured over 1000 addressable LED’s throughout the model to give ‘life’ and character, these were designed and installed by Technically Creative and programmed by the TAIT show designers.
A model like this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and we were humbled to be part of creating one of the biggest and most intricate models in the world. It took 30 modelmakers 18 months to create here in Bristol and took 10 x 40ft shipping containers to ship it to its new home in Tokyo in 2023.
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“Thank you for all your great work, Mark. WB always knows it can count on you and your team to come through – you always do!” - All best, Jeff Nagler.