Lights, camera, action! With a rich background in filmmaking, live entertainment, immersive storytelling and fine art, Ben McPherson is one of the visionaries of interactive art attraction “Dreamwalk Park” in Orem. Early in his career, Ben’s paintings earned him recognition in galleries, museums and publications worldwide. Later, he entered the world of filmmaking where he created an original series for National Geographic, and directed a film and a live-stage production “Man in the Moon,” which debuted to a crowd of over 20,000 people in 2013. Ben personally designed and built much of Dreamwalk Park — which opened in December 2024 — with a goal to expand imaginations and build unforgettable journeys for every visitor.
Hand You Were Dealt Failure is a constant in any creative’s journey. I was just weeks away from filming a major film, with millions invested in pre-production, when COVID hit. It nearly bankrupted my family. Surprisingly, this setback led me to a new film endeavor and Dreamwalk Park. The saying, “When one door closes, another opens,” rings true. I’ve learned to stay optimistic in the face of adversity — sometimes, God’s plan is hard to see, but if you trust Him, your failures can lead you to incredible places.
Shuffle the Cards When the industry shut down during COVID, I began exploring projects that could shoot in Utah, one of the few states still open to film during the lockdown. Moving back to the place I’d called home for decades turned out to be the best business and life decision I’ve ever made. Utah’s unparalleled entrepreneurial spirit ignited a passion within me to create and push boundaries like never before. I believe what we’re doing in the immersive space represents the future of entertainment.
Ace Up Your Sleeve I am amazing at catching lizards and snakes.
Tomorrow’s Bets I have a few films that I want to get off my chest, and I hope to see Dreamwalk grow and expand as well. But my grandest hope is that the committee in charge of the opening ceremonies for the 2034 Olympics will enlist my help. I would love to oversee a groundbreaking and inspiring spectacle to celebrate this wonderful country and this amazing state!