Episode 44: Authorship and Theme Parks

Those Happy Places

In this collaborative episode, join Buddy and Alice as they attempt to answer the question of just who we can consider the “Author” of our favorite theme parks, rides, and attractions. What can we learn from the history of Film, Television, and Video Games? Where does the identity of each major Theme Park company come from? Can any individual truly be said to be the direct architect of a themed attraction?

Content Warning: This Episode contains a discussion about the transphobic remarks made by the author of the Harry Potter franchise, and its effects on the connected themed lands and attractions.

Trans Lives Matter. Donate to The Trevor Project to protect LGBTQ+ Youth.

Other topics include: The Auteur Theory of Filmmaking, the Studio Theory of Filmmaking, The Duquesne Theory of Theme Park Authorship, the Role of Famous Imagineers, Walt Disney as Author or Studio Head, Death of the Author, and the appeal of the Imagineer as a concept.

Be sure to visit our Patreon for all of the cool Passholder benefits, stretch goals, and an exclusive, long-lost episode of Those Happy Places! Join us on our Discord Server!

Those Happy Places is Produced by Alice White and Edited By Buddy Duquesne. Our theme song is Golden Gate by the California Feetwarmers, Featuring Phil Alvin.

Additional music comes from Kevin Macleod. All Tracks Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. Tracks in this Episode: Bummin on Tremolo, Secret of Tiki Island, Crinoline Dreams, Awesome Call, No Good Layabout, George Street Shuffle, Mighty Like Us, Samba Isobel, Fireflies and Stardust, Mining by Moonlight, Court of the Queen, Universal, Pale Rider, Floating Cities, Poppers and Prosecco, Long Stroll, In Your Arms, Off to Osaka