Bran Ferren

Bran Ferren, a designer and technologist, is Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Applied Minds LLC, where he invents and prototypes high-technology products and innovative business strategies for the entertainment, media, aerospace, automotive, architecture, computing, defense, intelligence, and consumer products sectors. He works regularly as a lead concept designer, creative consultant, and systems engineer and is an inventor on over 500 issued and pending US and international patents. Bran is the former President of Research and Development and Creative Technology for the Walt Disney Company, where he was responsible for advanced technology and innovation projects. He was previously President and Senior Designer for Associates & Ferren, a company acquired by Disney in 1993. Bran has devoted considerable time to innovation and organizational development projects that help organizations move into new sectors or re-define product offerings and brand positioning in the face of rapidly evolving business landscapes. As a creative and technical consultant he has developed successful technologies and products such as the optical technology used in Revo sunglasses, theatrical lighting and control technology for Strand Lighting, and optical effects technology for The Optical House. Other design, innovation, and consulting efforts include World’s Fairs, theme parks, music tours, buildings, interiors, command centers, special purpose vehicles, and exhibits. Current and recent clients in the commercial sector include the Walt Disney Company, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, General Motors, IBM, Warner Communications, Sony, Herman Miller, and Intel Corporation. Bran is an Oscar-nominated visual effects designer whose work has appeared in films such as Altered States, Little Shop of Horrors, The Manhattan Project, and Places in the Heart. Major theater credits include award-winning special effects, lighting, and sound design for Broadway shows such as Evita, Cats, Frankenstein, and the Lion King. Design and technology for the music industry include touring work for R.E.M., Depeche Mode, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, and Paul McCartney. In broadcast television Bran has worked with ABC Television on shows such as Prime Time Live and Day One and on dozens of special events. He also assisted in developing technology to improve global network operations. Bran is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Bran’s creative work has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, and he is a winner of the Wally Award for lifetime achievement in lighting design and the Kilby International Award for contributions to society. Two of his fine art photographs were recently accepted into the photography collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington DC. For the US Government, Bran has designed and fielded innovative systems and technology for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He has served as lead conceptual designer for over 25 major government Command and Control installations. He is now, or has been, a senior advisory board member for science, advanced technology, and innovation to numerous government agencies and legislative bodies. Other current and recent government clients include the Library of Congress, and Smithsonian American Art Museum. He has served on the PBS Kids advisory board since its inception. A popular guest lecturer, Bran has addressed over 200 professional groups in the entertainment, business, education, and scientific communities. In 2011, he was named by Fast Company magazine as one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business. Bran’s daughter Kira is his most important accomplishment, his highest priority project, and by far his best work to date.