TITANOBOA AT GRAND CENTRAL
The Smithsonian launched a new documentary about the largest snake that ever lived—Titanoboa—a 48 foot long prehistoric giant that weighed more than a ton (10x bigger than the largest known Anaconda). Fossilized remains of nearly 30 specimen were discovered in a Colombian coal mine in 2009.
To promote the new program, the Smithsonian hosted a live event at Grand Central Station in NYC to unveil a life-size Titanoboa replica for the first time. Visitors could take a picture with the giant and also play a throwback "Snake" video game made especially for the event. The activation received millions of impressions and was covered by several major media outlets like CBS News, Huffington Post, and The New York Times. The project was even cited and published by top scientists in academic venues.
To promote the new program, the Smithsonian hosted a live event at Grand Central Station in NYC to unveil a life-size Titanoboa replica for the first time. Visitors could take a picture with the giant and also play a throwback "Snake" video game made especially for the event. The activation received millions of impressions and was covered by several major media outlets like CBS News, Huffington Post, and The New York Times. The project was even cited and published by top scientists in academic venues.
I was responsible for writing and designing all of the creative elements, including: digital, gaming, out-of-home, print, apparel and promotional items.
TITANOBOA "SNAKE" VIDEO GAME
The basic concept of the game was inspired by the old "Snake" game that came standard on most cell phones starting in the late-90s. The more your Titanoboa eats as he swims around the screen, the longer he gets. The goal of the game is to make your snake as long as you can without crashing into your own tail. Visitors to Grand Central could play on a large screen (seen below) for a chance to win $1,000. The game was also available on Smithsonian Channel's website, Facebook, and as a mobile app with a high-score prize of $10,000.
T-shirt for Smithsonian Channel staffers who hosted the exhibit.
PHOTOS, VIDEOs and PRESS
Even One of the World's Leading Scientists Loved this Project
The project has even been cited in recent academic contexts. Dr. Bruce MacFadden, Distinguished Professor at the University of Florida, Curator at the Florida Museum of Natural History, and Past President of the Paleontological Society uses the Titanoboa event as a case study in a graduate-level course he teaches on the impact of scientific research/discovery on the public, and references the project in his recently published book on informal STEM learning environments (2019).
