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Barco - Bobbejaanland, Belgium

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Barco - Bobbejaanland, Belgium
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The Forbidden Caves: an exciting trip in the world’s first all-electric Immersive Tunnel


With the level of interactive technology in our homes advancing at dazzling speed, today’s theme park visitors have higher expectations than ever. In 2015, family amusement park Bobbejaanland in Lichtaart, Belgium, premiered with an attraction that is sure to meet those expectations.

‘The Forbidden Caves’ is a hi-tech 3D media and motion-based dark ride that takes visitors on a thrilling journey into mysterious caves, where danger lurks in every corner. Holovis chose Barco projectors to help create a truly immersive effect that puts the visitors right at the heart of the action.

Innovation, high quality and a turnkey approach


“Parques Reunidos approached us as they wanted to build an ‘Immersive Tunnel’ in Bobbejaanland, like they had done at Movie Park Germany, yet more advanced. The criteria included exceptional quality, a complete turnkey approach and delivery in barely seven months,” recalls Stuart Hetherington, CEO of Holovis Attractions. A world-class player in immersive attraction solutions, Holovis was up to all the requirements. ‘The Forbidden Caves’ was inaugurated right on time. It is the very first ‘Immersive Tunnel’ attraction in the Benelux and the world’s first all-electric solution.

Wrapped around the riders


“In ’Immersive Tunnels’, visitors sit in a motion-based ride car and are completely wrapped in 180 degree visuals,” Hetherington explains. “The ‘full field of vision’ projected 3D media coordinates with the dynamic pitch, roll and heave of the vehicle to create an almost unprecedented illusion of reality.” For Bobbejaanland, Holovis designed a curved, five-meter tall, 12,000 x 10,500 resolution display using seven Barco F85 units which have been seamlessly edge-blended using the Holovis unique auto-alignment technology. Barco’s F85 series projectors ensure the brightness, color accuracy and reliability needed to perform faultlessly in demanding environments like theme parks.

The secret to immersion?


Hetherington: “The secret to immersive attractions is for all the elements to be truly integrated and synced. In this case, the design and integration of the system were done around the creative part, as this was already provided, while the technical elements brought the story to life to really capture and engage the audience. This puts them at the heart of the narrative, so that technology isn’t just being used for the sake of it.”

Another world


“We’re delighted with this groundbreaking attraction,” says Roland Kleve, CEO, Bobbejaanland. “A poll amongst all Bobbejaanland visitors had showed that most of them wanted a dark ride, as it combines adrenaline with discovery, interaction and surprise – something for the entire family to enjoy. Thanks to the highly technical execution of the immersive tunnel – including projection, spatial audio, smell even and the operational benefits of all-electric motion and ride technology –, Holovis managed to create an amazing visitor experience, giving riders the feeling of being in another world.”

Douglas Fearing- Co-Founder / President

A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.

Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.

Lois Fearing- Co-Founder/Accounting, Human Resources

A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.

Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.

Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.

Ehren Tresner-VP of Technology and Innovation

Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.

Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.

Ben Voeck-Director of Commercial AV

With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.

By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.

Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.

Chris Matson-Senior VP of Sales

Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.

Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.