REID ERIK BAKER

Epic Games | LEGO + Fortnite

Product Manager | Producer | Technical Account Manager

Sept 2020 - Oct 2023

While at Epic Games, I had the opportunity to help build and grow the partnership with The LEGO Group. This work included establishing and helping to lead a specialty tools team to support the development of LEGO Fortnite and additional partnership productions. This work required close collaboration with the LEGO Group. Additionally, I developed the product direction for LEGO Islands in Fortnite, creating new tools within the UEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite) to enable LEGO’s own publishing and content development within Fortnite (followed by the broader Fortnite Creator Community).

Additionally, I worked closely with Epic’s key partners and customers to help them drive value and success with Unreal Engine and Epic’s products. This work includes engaging with studios working to integrate Virtual Production and real-time In-Camera VFX (ICVFX) workflows.

Epic Games MegaGrants Recipient

Unreal Engine for Theme Park Design & Visualization - 2019

Awarded in 2019, this work commonly focused on developing advanced real-time vizualizations and simulations of rides and attractions based in major IP and Brands. The work would support the decision making processes and stakeholder buy in, including by offering rapid iteration with high quality (and accurate) visual detail, and integrating rigged animations for animatronics, programmed lights and effects, and more

Universal Beijing Resort (Theme Park)

2023 Thea Award - Outstanding Achievement, Theme Park

Role: 3D, Design, Visualization Consultant (2017, 2019 - 2020)

I provided high-touch consulting and support during multiple phases of design, development, and production of Universal Beijing Resort. This work focused on the rides, attractions, and themed area for Isla Nublar (Jurassic World Franchise). Throughout, I closely collaborated with Universal and other hired teams around the world in Beijing, Orlando, London, and more.

Motiongate Dubai (Theme Park)

2018 Thea Award - Outstanding Achievement, Theme Park Land

Role: Art Director (2013 - 2015)

My work involved providing design direction to several park areas, notably the Madagascar Dreamworks Zone, as well as supporting How to Train Your Dragons, Smurfs, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, and early iterations of the main Entry and Main Street (Studio Central). I created sketches, drawings, and many 3D models and art.

Moreso, I utilized advanced VR techniques to visualize different areas, creating custom walk-throughs and ride experiences, including for the Madagascar and the How To Train Your Dragons themed coaster ride. I used Unreal Engine 4 along with early Oculus Rift hardware.

IMAX VR

Director of Content Development & Production (2017 - 2019)

Information coming soon.

Disney Infinity E3 2015 Booth

In cooperation with Disney Interactive and Ichi Worldwide

Role: Environment and Dimensional (3D) Designer (2015)

I helped create the designs for the Disney Infinity 3.0 E3 Booth in 2015. After 3D Prototypes and rapid iterations (involving the different Disney teams, inc. Marvel and Lucas Film), I worked with the show and fabrication teams through installation.

The signature piece,The FIGURE ARCH (shown right) continues to travel to different Disney Infinity events.

Sony 'Life' Movie Scare Experience

In cooperation with Ichi Worldwide, Bolder Games, and Sony Pictures

2017 Clio Silver Award - Theatrical: Events / Experiences

Role: Producer (2017)

In a matter of weeks, we worked closely with Sony to develop and build a traveling experience for the upcoming 'Life' movie. The goal was to bring guests into the feeling of the movie, isolating them as they watched, listened to pieces of the movie that led to a startling climax. This booth was later produced for other markets, providing a more immersive marketing and outreach opportunity.

STEAM Carnival, 2016

Traveling Experience by Two Bit Circus

Role: Senior Designer (2015 - 2016)

In November, 2015, Two Bit Circus hosted its second STEAM Carnival in San Francisco. STEAM Carnival is a youth-oriented education and entertainment brand with the goal of inspiring the next generation of inventors.

As the Senior Designer, my role was to work with the internal 2BC team and external content providers to elevate the experiential design – including the look and feel of the games, atmosphere and lighting and decorations, and more. The 2015 STEAM Carnival was intending to be a transitional step into the next phase for the STEAM Carnival brand, leading into a multi-tour in 2016, and spinning off additional opportunities in online content and products.

SIGGRAPH Conference 2012 - 2015

Technology, Research, Entertainment Conference

COMMITTEE CHAIR (2015), Subcommittee Producer (2012 - 2014)

As the committee chair for The Studio at the SIGGRAPH 2015 Conference, the role covered several responsibilities, which included planning and execution, building a subcommittee and integrating with the different contractor groups. It was critical to build a fiscally responsible program, and supported through connecting and fostering donor networks. It was at least as critical to build out a program direction that fit within where SIGGRAPH as a community represents and where it's going, which included bringing in world class courses, talks, and hands-on workshops from the best academic and professional institutions around the world.

In previous years, including for both The Studio and Emerging Technologies, I have acted as the Producer on the Subcommittee. Much of this work involved developing a floor-plan for the projects (Studio) and organizing logistical information, including on-site and in advance of the conference with Contributors.

To learn more about The Studio at SIGGRAPH 2015: [GO HERE]

DIGITAL PHOENIX VR (2006-2008)

Virtual Reality Research Project; Arizona State University

RESEARCHER and 3D ARTIST

With 2-3 people, we created a large 3D representation of Phoenix, AZ with simulated traffic in order to create a flexible tool for studying construction and other environmental developments. During the project, we explored the use of photogrammetry as well as integrating with various simulator hardware. [LINK]