Scott Gasparich Has Left the Building

[flamanar]

I guess I should say something. I wish Scott Gasparich the best in the future, but it would be a white-faced lie for me if I said I wasn't somewhat hopeful or joyous over what this change could mean for the future of the park. As others have already pointed out, Scott Gasparich probably did have a lot of good ideas, but the problem was he put these ideas in a place where they just did not completely belong. With this, none of his ideas were put to their full potential, because of the environment they were set in. I essentially think going off to seek other opportunities for himself was in the best interests of not only the park, but himself also. He needs to find a place where his ideas can be put to their full potential, and actually be executed well.

Now with that, not all of his ideas were executed poorly, I think he has done wonders for the Hamlet of Aquitaine, made Christmas Town to be an exclusive & awe-inspiring event, had a great idea of creating a Food and Wine Festival, and a lot of the recent in-park renovations have been stellar. But then there are the things that I have found to be terrible decisions, or otherwise poorly executed ideas. Unfortunately, the negatives always seemed to out-way the positives for me.

I hope that the person who replaces him can maintain the quality in things that Scott Gasparich had done well, but improve, replace, eliminate and fix the things that were otherwise not so good. I hope that the new Entertainment director won't make the park into a Disney-wannabe, Special Event host with booze. But instead, try to focus on making Busch Gardens Williamsburg into a world class theme park again, featuring awesome beauty and solid, one of a kind old world European theming, with fun and inspiring entertainment. Here's to hoping.

Well said, Matthew. I agree that the park ended up being too restrictive for his ideas, and maybe he was trying to fit expansive/expensive and elaborate ideas into places where there just wasn't either room for that idea, or it didn't fit with the theme. That's really the biggest thing I noticed. I never felt he liked the CLASSICAL, old-world themes of some of the hamlets...which was a shame, as those themes are what set BGW apart from almost every other theme park. Instead he tried to make the hamlet 'fit the show'. Can't do that. Some of the shows were predictable as well, and he did have a tendency to go overboard with the glitter, banners, garland and gaudiness...although I don't believe he set out to wreck hamlets or anything. That was just his flavor of creativity. His personal taste and style. And there's nothing wrong with that, as long as it blends in well with the current surroundings. At the same time, it cannot overpower the existing theming.

I am worried about ChristmasTown now, as others have said. I'm not overly worried about a new Entertainment guy coming in and wrecking the place during the regular season. As long as they don't go overboard and respect each separate theme, I think someone with a good head on their shoulders could do well. They just need to take it easy and not go crazy trying to impress everyone right away. Heck, they can restore what used to be there, and still make out well. Christmastown I consider a separate 'animal', though. That is an area where a new Entertainment guy should fear to tread...and for very good reason.

That's my say. Good luck, Scott. BGW: time to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and become one of the best theme parks in the world. Again

 

[BGW Family]

I think I need to point out that Scott isn't really responsible for all of those things.  I don't think it is fair to other people to give him credit for their work.  For example, the bulk of the F&WF (the important part) is the work of the Culinary Department.

In our attempts to eulogize Scott, let's not take away from others' accomplishments.

Very, very true. Many improvements that were made were usually by other's hands. In some cases, the improvements were to change something SG had done, planned or the idea originated with him. Same as seeing his touch on bad changes to good shows. Or, when others made the creative decisions and shows were good. Similar to a painter, you can look at the stokes and see who the artist is, or is not.

My three biggest hopes are for the next in line to not be worse, that the Banbury makeover dies with his departure, and that the entertainment department stays indoors to concentrate on ENTERTAINING and leaves the hamlet DECORATING to designers more fitting to the job.

EDIT: Oh, and to stop this Cline and NY junk. Get the best performers because they can do the job well. Not because of their zip code.

 

[Jrbgwfan06]

I think I need to point out that Scott isn't really responsible for all of those things.  I don't think it is fair to other people to give him credit for their work.  For example, the bulk of the F&WF (the important part) is the work of the Culinary Department.

In our attempts to eulogize Scott, let's not take away from others' accomplishments.

I think you have to remember though, the F&WF is very much a large collaboration between many park departments, the bulk of the event comes from culinary, then Entertainment for decorations and guest interactions, heck, even the landscaping department plays a role in the F&WF. Giving the gratitude for the event to any one department would be illogical, even if it be the Culinary dept. That's the reason why I said it was good on Scott G. or the entertainment dept. as a whole for coming up with the idea of said event, not the whole execution and everything about it.

 

[John]

I'm in the same boat as Zachary, sure we all didn't enjoy his work persay, but he was damn passionate. A lot of us are blinded by our opposing view points of what he's instated into the park over the past few years, but  nothing was half-assed.

Best of luck to Scott and his future endeavors.

 

[WasabiDragon]

I'm in the same boat as Zachary, sure we all didn't enjoy his work persay, but he was damn passionate. A lot of us are blinded by our opposing view points of what he's instated into the park over the past few years, but  nothing was half-assed.

Best of luck to Scott and his future endeavors.

I agree and here's hoping for Scott's replacement to share in that passion but also make smart decision that will benefit the park and its guests.

 

[Nicole]

I think I need to point out that Scott isn't really responsible for all of those things.  I don't think it is fair to other people to give him credit for their work.  For example, the bulk of the F&WF (the important part) is the work of the Culinary Department.

In our attempts to eulogize Scott, let's not take away from others' accomplishments.

I think you have to remember though, the F&WF is very much a large collaboration between many park departments, the bulk of the event comes from culinary, then Entertainment for decorations and guest interactions, heck, even the landscaping department plays a role in the F&WF. Giving the gratitude for the event to any one department would be illogical, even if it be the Culinary dept. That's the reason why I said it was good on Scott G. or the entertainment dept. as a whole for coming up with the idea of said event, not the whole execution and everything about it.

I have never seen any credible evidence that F&WF was Scott's idea.

 

[Party Rocker]

If anything it was Culinary's idea. They were the ones who actually presented the idea to pass members during appreciation weekend.

This is actually shocking news and the response to it may even be more shocking. It is probably due to professional courtesy and not looking like terrible uncaring people.

I don't believe he will be missed by many but many will wish good luck.

 

[Jrbgwfan06]

I guess that's true, I changed my wording to say he did a good job with the Entertainment aspects of the event. But I still think it's important to remember that the F&WF is made to be what it is by many park departments, not just one, but anyways, getting off topic.

 

[UncleDuncan]

I figured this was coming (re: Scott's departure). I don't put a lot of stock into park entertainment because even when it's at its best, it's still marginal (obligatory "in my opinion"). I go to parks for other reasons and therefore, Scott had little effect on my BGW experiences. I'll say this: he took risks. Big risks. I mean, imagine if LR actually moved bodies. Instead of eulogizing Scott's career, we'd all be talking about how much he's a genius for changing the way people look at in-park musicals.

On a personal note, I appreciate the fact this guy gave park nostalgia the middle finger. I hate pretending we're not in the now and Scott tried to move the ball forward. There are those of us who just can't stand the fact it's not 19XX (you know who you are). Get used to it - the park has a completely different agenda then it did 10-15-20 years ago. Preserving your specific childhood memories in a capsule is probably fairly low on the priority list.

And as a cautionary note to forum members, especially those who have been wishing for this day to come... Be careful what you wish for.

 

[whispers]

Who left in Marketing?

 

[Zimmy]

I never want to dance on a grave, and I certainly never wish anyone to lose their job, but I am also not going to paint a picture that is false. My opinions of his "vision" and talent are well know here and I will not rehash them except to say in my opinion he brought nothing to the park but often distasteful, poorly executed, overly hyped, and badly produced entertainment. He had a penchant for flash and gimmicks and his reach far exceeded his grasp.

Now that I have finished my obligatory bashing I shall move on.

I would expect he was given the chance to leave and with it a decent "golden parachute," so I would not worry too much about him.
I hope this is a sign that the new president has actual power and is not just a shill for the BOD. As I have mentioned in the past it is common for incoming presidents to clear the plate. I personally give Carl (colossal or otherwise) less than a year. I expect he is on a very short leash and is being given the chance to clean up his act.
Finally I keep hearing people talk about Scott's replacement coming from within. If my suspicions about the president are true, I find that highly suspect. I am willing to bet a nickle that the new guy will be either someone the president brings in our a complete outsider.

Frankly I hope I am right. Fresh ideas often come from no preconceived notions.

Two final thoughts.
What does this mean for Porno Nights?
Do we expect that new austerity measures are coming? (I hope so...)

 

[wombat96]

After doing some research about Scott, he started working as stage manager in 97' in the Royal Palace Theater for a couple of years. He then left for a few years and came back as the Corporate Manager of Special Events. Knowing that he became VP of entertainment in 2008 that meant he worked on some of the best years of HOS. Very few people in the higher management of the park have gone from the bottom of the pond to the top which is fairly impressive. I sincerely hope the negative remarks from PFN were not part of the reasoning behind his departure from the park.

 

[Zimmy]

As much as I would love to think that our commentary has a significant impact on what the park does, I would find it highly unlikely that we had and substantive impact on Scott's alignment with the new President.

 

[wombat96]

I'm not sure how we affect the park but several tour guides have told me certain high-ups do read posts related to the park on the forum. Back on topic, since Carl has no entertainment background, will the park not produce any new entertainment until a new VP of entertainment is decided on?

 

[Zimmy]

They can always outsource. But lets not forget... THEY ARE BROKE

 

[Mushroom]

who will serve as BGWFans' scapegoat now?

I know!

 

[Griffon]

I think I need to point out that Scott isn't really responsible for all of those things.  I don't think it is fair to other people to give him credit for their work.  For example, the bulk of the F&WF (the important part) is the work of the Culinary Department.

In our attempts to eulogize Scott, let's not take away from others' accomplishments.

^ this. This made me giggle. smh

 

[Bama]

Humm...I seen Scott at the park Friday with his name tag on. Could this mean bad information?

 

[MAZ]

No. This news broke 1 week ago and it states he will be leaving in 2 weeks. That would mean you may see him up through next weekend.

 

[flamanar]

After doing some research about Scott, he started working as stage manager in 97' in the Royal Palace Theater for a couple of years. He then left for a few years and came back as the Corporate Manager of Special Events. Knowing that he became VP of entertainment in 2008 that meant he worked on some of the best years of HOS. Very few people in the higher management of the park have gone from the bottom of the pond to the top which is fairly impressive. I sincerely hope the negative remarks from PFN were not part of the reasoning behind his departure from the park.

If PFN were a part of the reasoning behind SG's departure, then that was a good thing for BOTH BGW AND him. Like I said in my previous post: while SG clearly has skills, talent, imagination, etc...he was the WRONG fit for 'BGW'. And BGW was the wrong 'fit' for him. He wanted to do grandiose and elaborate 'broadway-style' creations that were sometimes way beyond the current theming of a hamlet. And in order to make those shows NOT overpower the theming too much...he changed the theming to try to match the show. Not good. And I will repeat (again) that a truly great show doesn't require multiple viewings in order for the viewer to 'get used to it and start to like it, eventually'. It blows you away right out of the starting gates, and holds you right to the end. No glitter nor confetti blasts in your face required.

In the end, he was trying too hard to turn BGW into a suitable 'platform' for his creative works...which ultimately had a negative effect on the park AND his shows.

Or some such nonsense....