Behind the Curtain: A Conversation with Dylan Marer, Los Angeles’ Mastermind of Immersive Event Design

Dylan Marer, based in Los Angeles, California, is a trailblazer in the realm of immersive event production, blending cinematic artistry with cutting-edge technology. With over 37 years of experience, Marer has redefined high-profile events, working with global icons like James Cameron, Seth MacFarlane, and Jamie Foxx. His expertise spans from luxury celebrations at the Playboy Mansion to philanthropic spectacles such as Austin Elevates and Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project. As CEO and Executive Producer at Cinematic, Marer has elevated the standards of production design, orchestrating over 500 events for renowned brands including Amazon, Twitter, Ferrari, and Rolling Stone. A pioneer in creative storytelling and immersive activations, Dylan Marer continues to set benchmarks in an industry where innovation meets artistry.

What inspired your passion for immersive event design, and how did it all begin?
My passion for immersive event design started in college at Cal State Long Beach, organizing destination spring breaks for thousands of students. It wasn’t just about the logistics—it was about creating experiences people would never forget. 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. That’s what drives me—giving people an unforgettable escape, whether it’s a brand launch, a festival, or a philanthropic gala.

How does living in Los Angeles influence your creative vision?
Los Angeles is the heartbeat of entertainment and innovation. It’s impossible not to be inspired by the energy of this city. 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.

What sets your approach to event production apart from others in the industry?
I like to say we don’t just create events; we create cinematic experiences. Every detail, from lighting to sound design, is crafted with the same precision as a movie set. My team and I approach events as if we’re building a narrative—every element contributes to the story. 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. But at the core of it all is our commitment to the client’s vision. It’s their story we’re telling, and we make sure it’s done with impact.

How do you balance producing extravagant luxury events with philanthropic initiatives?
I’ve always believed that luxury and purpose can coexist. Some of my favorite projects are those where we’ve combined extravagance with meaning—like Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project, Make a Wish, or Austin Elevates that benefited several worthy causes. 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.”

What role does technology play in your event productions, and how do you see it evolving?
Technology is the backbone of modern event design. From data-driven planning to the actual guest experience, it’s a game-changer. 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.

Can you share one of your favorite moments from your career that reflects your philosophy on event production?
We have many, but one standout moment was the virtual theatre activation for Vinfast Auto US. 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.

How do you approach challenges in such a fast-paced and demanding industry?
I view challenges as opportunities to innovate. 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.

What advice would you give to aspiring event producers?
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.

What’s next for Dylan Marer and Cinematic?
We’re diving deeper into the world of immersive technology and expanding our work with futuristic tech, immersive attractions, high tech experiential consumer shows. 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.

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