Company Overview
The Magic Lantern, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a full-service, in-house video production and interactive media company with a rich history spanning over 50 years. Established in 1973, the company has built a reputation for creating immersive and captivating experiences that bring stories to life through various mediums, including video production, interactive museum exhibits, and simulators. ​
At its core, The Magic Lantern specializes in comprehensive video production services. Their team handles every aspect of the process in-house, from scripting and shooting to editing and post-production. This approach ensures a cohesive and high-quality final product. Beyond traditional video production, they also develop innovative ways to present content, such as programming touchscreen interactives that allow viewers to engage directly with the material.
The company’s expertise extends to creating interactive museum exhibits. They collaborate with museums both locally and nationally to design, produce, and install exhibits that often incorporate historical and educational videos. These videos are seamlessly integrated into touchscreen displays, enabling visitors to explore multiple narratives within a single interface. Additionally, The Magic Lantern conducts thorough historical research to enrich the content and provide a deeper context for museum-goers.
In the realm of immersive experiences, The Magic Lantern develops trolley and train simulators for museum settings. These simulators offer visitors a hands-on opportunity to experience what it’s like to operate a trolley or train, using actual controls in a cost-effective setup. This innovative use of video production and electronics provides an engaging and educational experience for users of all ages.
Furthermore, The Magic Lantern designs and produces 4D theaters that elevate the traditional movie-going experience. By incorporating effects such as scents, vibrating seats, lighting, wind, rain, and other mechanical elements, they create a multi-sensory environment that immerses audiences in the narrative. Their team not only produces the films but also installs and automates the accompanying effects to ensure a seamless presentation.
The company’s commitment to quality extends beyond initial installations. They offer repair and upgrade services for museum exhibits, including those they did not originally produce. This dedication to maintaining and enhancing exhibits demonstrates their long-term investment in their clients’ success and the visitor experience.
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Reviews
Barbara Hall
The Magic Lantern designed a trolley simulator for the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and it is one of the most popular exhibits there- kids and adults love it. It's very realistic! They're super responsive and easy to work with. They are also patient and have helped us understand how the simulator software works if we ever need to troubleshoot. They've also made some really nice exhibit videos for the museum to help visitors understand various historical concepts. Definitely recommend them!
Elizabeth Jackson
I have worked with the Magic Lantern on several occasions. They do excellent creative work and are real team players. The work they did at the State Museum of Pennsylvania and the Army Heritage Museum was done very well as well as on time and in budget. Highly recommend this company.
Isabella Brown
Magic Lantern are innovative thinkers and solution finders! Wonderful to work with such friendly, creative people who put heart and spirit at the center of the stories they tell. The way of future!
