Earlier this month, Walt Disney Pictures quietly launched an in-depth ARG called The Optimist that now seems to be paving the way for surprises related to Brad Bird’s upcoming Tomorrowland at the D23 Expo, running August 9 – 11 in Anaheim, California. (Thanks to player @NickyTea for the heads-up!)
Right now, the ARG seems to consist of two key characters, Amelia and Wallace. Amelia (who you can follow on Twitter here), runs the faux Story Orbit Films and describes herself as follows:
Im a slightly overwhelmed undergrad, scrambling to find time between school in the smallest state in the union and work at a low-rent video store to make a documentary about my grandfather, Carlos. He was a writer who always looked to the future. Hes only passed a short time ago, and I miss him terribly.
Like him, Im a storyteller. At least I want to be. Im working on it. I want my documentary to be my way of thanking him for all the stories he shared with me as a little girl. He lived in the apartment above Moms garage, and I found lots of his stuff about his younger years as someone who dreamed of a better tomorrow. Because of this, I now have lots and lots and lots and lots of things to make sense of. And scan. I started this blog as a way to put together my notes and research and keep track of my random, random thoughts.
Other things about me? Because you asked nicely 🙂 My roommate is my Mom, I enjoy a caffeinated beverage or two from time to time, I like watching sunrises, and my most favoritest movie of all time ever is Mary Poppins.
Wallace, meanwhile, is on Twitter right here and operates the Disney Cartography site. His bio reads as follows:
Though what I make is inspired by all things Disney, I call myself a cartographer because I particularly I like making maps of Disneylands past, Disneylands future, and Disneylands that never were or might have been.
Of all the great moments in Disney history, Im particularly fond of the work that was done at the 1964 Worlds Fair. Visions of tomorrow, history coming alive through technology, and a message of peace around the world I am still amazed at what they created.
What they created was the future.
The art I create, I create to share the inspiration I found in that experience. I consider it my mission to find others that share my passion for the vision laid out by Walt Disney, his Imagineers and all of those who believe in a better future for everyone.
You can sign up to participate in the ARG at the bottom of Amelia’s site. Recent updates (which you can read about on her blog) include the mailing of vinyl records that seem to contain hidden tracks. What’s more, Wallace is promising a very special announcement on August 6 with his work, which includes the incredible Tomorrowland map seen below, set to be on display.
Set for release on December 12, 2014, Tomorrowland stars George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, Raffey Cassidy, Thomas Robinson and Britt Robertson. Check back for updates in what is likely to be on ongoing viral campaign.
Click on the image below for a larger version:
