Are Exhibits Like Movies?

August 19, 2010 by Taylor Studios in Other

Debbie Sharp points out a lot of similarities in her article for the July/August issue of , “Blockbusters and Flops: What Can They Teach Us About Exhibit Development.” Debbie is a one-time movie producer turned interpretive planner, giving her a unique perspective.

So what can they teach us?

So how similar are movies and exhibits, really? The articles sites the difference in the tools available for storytelling-movies are restricted to a passive, audiovisual medium while exhibits have a lot more freedom. But the fundamental difference probably comes down to intent. Sure, there are a lot of movies out there that try to make a difference or provoke a conversation. But there are a whole lot more that offer pure entertainment and little else. Interpretive exhibits are intended to provoke and inspire, to connect visitors to significant stories and places, and ultimately to achieve the goals of interpretive sites-whether that involves preserving a fragile ecosystem, creating future scientists, or spreading awareness of a tragic historical event.

Can you think of other major differences and similarities? Should exhibit designers utilize more time-tested cinematic techniques, such as flashbacks and suspense-building?