The Flintstones Live Stage Show

The Universal Studios’ script called for Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty to board Pterodactyl World Airways and fly from “Bedrock” to “Hollyrock” over the heads of the audience.  The project was technically challenging and presented many engineering hurdles.  Further exacerbating the design was the need for full seismic analysis and a short schedule. Above all else was the absolute safety for the cast and audience during the Flintstones’ spectacular flight to Hollyrock.

Mr. Valenze also designed and programmed the automated winch trolley that travels on a monorail mounted to the roof structure.  On cue, the trolley positions itself over center stage and drops four cables and an electrical interface. Once attached to the animated pterodactyl, the trolley automatically pre-tensions and tests the cable attachments.  The cast members board, wings start flapping, the on-board PLC performs a host of safety checks and the cast is off.  The prop altitude and position are constantly monitored to assure proper clearance over the audience at all times.  Then comes the hard part, landing four cast members at exact center stage, safely, softly and on cue.  

The single-point failure proof design prevents the catastrophic failure of any single winch, lifting cable, connection or sensor from precipitating further failure or placing the cast or audience at risk of injury.