Taku's Blog

 In the last edition of the Taku Newsletter, I shared my thoughts on the design and technology that make Disneyland Resort such a powerful and immersive experience. This time, I want to focus on something else I couldn’t ignore: the business side of Disneyland and what I learned from simply being present. One of the cleverest strategies I observed was how many rides end directly inside a gift shop. It’s subtle, but it works. After an exciting experience, you’re immediately placed in a space where you can buy a physical reminder of that thrill. If you’re with someone, especially a child, you’re far more likely to grab something off the shelf. Whether it’s a lightsaber, a Mickey plush, or a themed hoodie, the connection between the ride and the merchandise is instant and emotional. Speaking of children, Disneyland is built for them. But that’s also the genius of it. Children don’t come alone. They come with adults, parents, siblings, grandparents, and when kids are happy, it’s natur...

 A few weeks ago, I spent an entire day at Disneyland in California, and I left with much more than photos and memories. As a storyteller and future world-builder, I was captivated not only by the rides but by the invisible systems, design choices, and technologies that make the magic possible. Half the Disneyland experience is standing in a queue, yet somehow, you rarely feel bored. Why? Because every corner of the park is designed to immerse you in a story. The colors, symmetry, music, character animations, and environmental sounds are all part of a carefully engineered experience. This kind of imagineering, which is Disney’s unique blend of engineering and storytelling, is something I find incredibly valuable as I build my creative universe. Technology That Enhances Storytelling Here are a few experiences that stood out to me through a technological lens: 1. Animatronics and Remote-Controlled Characters. On the Jungle Cruise ride, we passed lifelike animals and characters tha...

  We've all heard the phrase, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." But sometimes, what happens there becomes inspiration. Especially for young filmmakers like myself who are immersing themselves into this world. This edition of my newsletter talks about my experience as I navigated the Las Vegas Strip. I’ve always heard that Las Vegas is the “entertainment capital of the world.” That stuck with me. In late April, I had the chance to visit for just under 24 hours and left with a head full of ideas. As I continue exploring different parts of the world, I take each opportunity to observe, absorb, and reimagine. The cities, architecture, and energy I encounter inspire the worlds I’m building, such as fictional cities, countries, and even entire planets, for my future films and multimedia projects. Las Vegas, especially the Strip, taught me a few things. One of the most striking features is its lighting. The use of vibrant, intentional lighting on buildings, hotels, and ...

  Isn’t it amazing how a single website can be accessed from anywhere in the world? You could be in any country right now and visit www.takudzwathulani.com . That global accessibility is one of the reasons I decided to build my own website. Websites for creative purposes have been around for years. But in a time where platforms like TikTok offer rapid growth, Instagram helps build close communities, and YouTube supports long-term audience building, do creatives still need a website? I was drawn to the idea of having a space where I could fully represent my brand and vision. Social media often feels limited. You have to work within algorithms and avoid posting certain things if you want to grow. That’s not necessarily bad, but it can feel restrictive. A website gives you full control. You set the tone, style, and message. That freedom is powerful. Now I have a public-facing presence that I control and that speaks for me even when I’m not there. I created my website using Google Sit...