The Architect of Experience: Dylan Marer’s Cinematic Visions
He’s the maestro behind the curtain, weaving magic into the mundane and transforming events into unforgettable journeys. Dylan Marer, based in the heart of Los Angeles, isn’t just an event producer; he’s a storyteller, a visionary who blends cutting-edge technology with cinematic artistry to craft immersive experiences that linger in the mind long after the final curtain falls.
Marer’s passion ignited during his college years, organizing massive spring break gatherings. It wasn’t just the logistics that captivated him; it was the power of creating moments that ignited joy and fostered lasting memories. "It wasn’t just about the logistics—it was about creating experiences people would never forget," Marer recalls. "That early exposure to bringing people together and crafting memorable moments lit a fire in me. Over time, I realized the power of storytelling and how a well-designed event could transport people into entirely different worlds. Tonight, that’s what drives me—giving people an unforgettable escape, whether it’s a brand launch, a festival, or a philanthropic gala."
Los Angeles, the city of dreams and innovation, fuels Marer’s creative spirit. "Los Angeles is the heartbeat of entertainment and innovation. It’s impossible not to be inspired by the energy of this city," he explains. "From the film industry to tech startups, creativity thrives here. Being surrounded by such a dynamic culture allows me to draw from a mix of influences—cinema, art, music, and even the people themselves. LA keeps me on my toes; it’s a city where you’re constantly challenged to go bigger, bolder, and more original."
His company, Cinematic, is a testament to this philosophy. Marer and his team don’t just design events; they curate cinematic experiences. Every element, from lighting to sound, is meticulously orchestrated, reflecting the precision of a movie set.
"My team and I approach events as if we’re building a narrative—every element contributes to the story,” he says. “What truly sets us apart is our integration of immersive technology. Whether it’s AR/VR activations or projection mapping, we push the boundaries of what’s possible.” And underpinning it all is a steadfast commitment to the client’s vision. "You don’t just create events; you create cinematic experiences," he emphasizes. "It’s their story we’re telling, and we make sure it’s done with impact."
This dedication is evident in mancher’s ability to seamlessly blend extravagant luxury with meaningful philanthropic initiatives. "I’ve always believed that luxury and purpose can coexist," he affirms. Some of my favorite projects are those where we’ve combined extravagance with meaning—like Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project or events benefiting Make-A-Wish and Austin Elevates. These events show that you don’t have to sacrifice creativity or grandeur to make a difference. If anything, the theatrical design and immersive storytelling amplify the cause, drawing more attention and support. For me, it’s about creating ‘parties for the right reasons.’"
Technology plays a pivotal role in Marer’s innovative approach, acknowledging its transformative power in the event landscape. "From data-driven planning to the actual guest experience, it’s a game-changer," he points out. "For instance, using projection mapping to transform a venue or AR to let guests interact with a brand in real-time—these are tools that make events unforgettable,"
"Moving forward, I see AI and real-time analytics playing an even bigger role, personalizing experiences on a level we’ve never seen before. The possibilities are endless, and that excites me” he envisions.
Perhaps the most poignant example of Marer’s philosophy in action is a recent virtual theater activation for Vinfast Auto US. More than just an event, it became a remarkable cinematic journey.
"We have many, but one standout moment was the virtual theater activation for Vinfast Auto US” remembers Marer. "It wasn’t just an event; it was an experience that took the attendees through an immersive and cinematic history of the incredible story of how the company, in record time transformed swampland into the latest in high-tech, robotic auto manufacturing facilities. By utilizing the latest VR, CG, spatial sound design, video mapping combined with projection mapping, lighting and effects, we created an environment where guests felt like they were stepping into swamplands, beautiful scenery of Vietnam and experiencing the journey tour of the factory. We created a 60ft long by 30ft and 22ft high complete surrounded video room, with high resolution video screens all the way around, and then with 12 Digital laser projectors, we projection mapped the floor and the Vinfast VF9 SUV strategically placed, thus as the visitors entered inside, they were completely immersed in full VR style video and sound, spatial audio. We created a virtual robot host, “Vee” which was CG designed to resemble the iconic front of their cars to welcome the guests, flying around the room and introducing each segment of the show. We wanted the guests to feel what it was like to be actually on the floor of the factory with 20ft tall robotic arms picking up and welding the Vinfast autos, real life sound, really experiential.. That’s my philosophy in action—taking people beyond the ordinary into the extraordinary. Seeing their reactions, knowing we’d transported them to another world, is why I do what I do."
This resilience, this refusal to be confined by obstacles, positions Marer as a leader in his field. "I view challenges as opportunities to innovate," he asserts. "The more complex the event, the more creative you have to be. Whether it’s a last-minute venue change or a technical hiccup, my mindset is always to have redundancy, to stay solution-focused. My team and I have built a culture of resilience—we’re always ready to adapt, pivot, and deliver. After all, the best stories often come from overcoming obstacles.”
His advice to aspiring event producers resonates with this spirit:
Don’t just think about the logistics; think about the story you’re telling. Great event production is as much about creativity as it is about execution. Learn to collaborate, stay curious, and never stop innovating. And remember, the client’s vision is your North Star—everything you do should serve that."
Looking ahead, Marer’s ambitions are as boundless as his imagination. "We’re diving deeper into the world of immersive technology and expanding our work with futuristic tech, immersive attractions, high tech experiential consumer shows," he reveals. Projects like our Superverse Web3 consumer trade shows where we blend virtual production with “mocap” controlled virtual characters with the latest in metaverse tech are just the beginning—I want to create events that blend artistry, technology, and purpose on an even larger scale. My focus is always on raising the bar, pushing boundaries, and redefining what’s possible in this industry. Stay tuned. The best is yet to come."
You can follow Dylan Marer and Cinematic on their journey by connecting through their social media channels.
