our story
flying high since 2015
Moonraker was founded in 2014 as a creator of visual effects content for Television, Film, Commercials, and Immersive Entertainment. Based in Bristol, the studio has garnered an international reputation, collaborating with premier producers, broadcasters, show designers and museum curators worldwide to deliver cutting-edge award winning digital content.
Talesmith is a leading creative force, crafting award-winning content, embracing new technologies and pushing boundaries. Working with the most exciting storytellers in the industry, Talesmith’s acclaimed cross-platform output includes high-end factual series, returning unscripted series, landmark television specials, and bold immersive content for a global market.
Over the last decade, the companies have formed an intuitive bond, working closely together as theatair to produce some of the world’s most ambitious and creative flying theatre experiences. These ticketed visitor experiences use state of the art motion seating to take audiences on a journey across landscapes and time. Where the approach to date has often been about a gimmicky thrill ride, Talesmith and Moonraker have set a trend towards ‘narrative first’, asking first and foremost what makes the best experience.
“theatair’s team were exceptional, from concept development and planning to the complexity and logistics of filming in China. The film truly captures the spirit of Changbhai Mountain, and wows our visitors. We have enjoyed every minute working with them.”
— Mr. Chen, General Manager
Legend Cultural Development
“we are absolutely thrilled with the ride film the team created for our attraction in Malta. They have sucessfully captured the beauty of the islands and its history in a seamless cinematic spectacle that places the audience in the heart of the story.”
— Ross Magri, Managing Director
Sarner International
“theatair are a visionary force, dome screen magicains, who deliver enchantment into every frame. Their exceptionally talented team successfully captured the beauty and vibrant pulse of Hong Kong’s iconic locations and rich culture into our film. Pioneers of immersive storytelling, who have transformed our experience into a breathtaking and unforgettable Flying Ride.”
— Rick Zeng Jun, General Manager, Themed Experiences
K11 Concepts Limited
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Simon Clarke is the Executive Creative Director of Moonraker VFX. With 28 years’ experience on sets, studios and location filming, Simon has worked with complex camera rigs, from multi-arrays to specialist high speed motion control rigs. Having overseen the VFX Direction for multiple Flying rides, his skills extend to largeformat digital content creation for Immersive Experiences including full dome formats and projected media within physical spaces. A member of IAPPA and the Themed Entertainment Association, Simon regularly attends international events and public speaking opportunities to share his experience and knowledge within this sector and to keep at the cutting edge of technical innovation across the sector.
Jon Grafton has been leading production and creative businesses for the last twenty years. Having started his career producing CGI and visual effects shots for broadcasters and advertisers, Jon moved into the production of live action. He has overseen award winning content for visitor attractions around the globe including the Thea Award winning Fram Museum in Norway, The Bodmin Jail Experience in the UK and 4 Flying rides in Asia and Europe. .Jon has specialised in Visual Effects and AV content for television and visitor attractions producing content for such clients as the BBC (including the hugely successful Planet Earth 2, Green Planet and Frozen Planet 2) Apple, History Channel, Discovery, Disney+ and Netflix.
Martin Williams is a world-leading factual filmmaker and has directed all of theatair’s flying theatre projects to date. His films are known for their cinematic visuals, compelling narratives and technical innovations, readily embracing new ways to visualise complex ideas. Many have won critical acclaim and industry awards. Martin has directed many of the world’s leading talents and major global figures including President Zelensky, HRH Prince William and Professor Stephen Hawking. He is the creative driving force behind some of Sir David Attenborough’s most recent work, including his multi-award winning 3D, VR and AR projects and is very familiar with the cockpits of most helicopters!
Mark Wright is Talesmith’s Managing Director overseas financial, commercial and operational aspects for Talesmith and theatair. He has shaped Talesmith to become a competitive and trusted supplier of innovative content and brings that same expertise to theatair projects. His expertise across sales and acquisitions gives him a comprehensive understanding of the evolving global market and his track record in running complex television productions has created the perfect template for overseeing large scale aerial shoots. With decades of hands-on experience managing production teams around the world, he believes in creating a positive, diverse workplace culture, strengthening development, production and management teams.