iDesign Lab: The Design Podcast with Tiffany & Scott Woolley

Brian Forti's Creative Journey from Television to Live Theater


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When Brian Forti visualized himself sitting in a theater surrounded by performers while meditating on a mountain in Sedona, he had no idea the universe was preparing him for the next chapter of his remarkable career. Two weeks later, a phone call led him to the Faena Hotel in Miami Beach, where he's spent the last decade designing immersive theatrical experiences that blend luxury, artistry, and innovation.

This journey from television producer to theatrical visionary didn't happen overnight. Brian's story begins with founding 40 Lane Entertainment in 1986, riding the wave of MTV's explosion and Miami's emergence as a creative hub. His collaborations with Gloria and Emilio Estefan opened doors to working with global superstars like Paul McCartney, Shakira, and Prince. Six Emmy Awards later, Brian had established himself as a creative force in the entertainment world.

What makes Brian's perspective so valuable is his understanding that everything in entertainment is fundamentally about design. "It goes from what are we going to do? Designing where you're going to shoot it, how you're going to shoot it, what they're going to wear, how you're going to film it, the lighting, everything—it's all design," he explains. This design-centric approach now informs his work at the intimate 160-seat Faena Theater, where audience members experience performances from just feet away, with dancers emerging from all directions in a space where every detail—from costumes to lighting—must reflect the luxury and artistic excellence of the Faena brand.

The conversation delves into the creative process behind shows like "Carmen" and "Retro," exploring how Brian and his team transform classic stories and musical eras into contemporary, sensory experiences. Unlike television, where creators must wait weeks or months for audience reaction, live theater provides immediate feedback, allowing constant refinement and evolution of the design.

Whether you're a designer, creator, or someone seeking inspiration to reimagine your own path, Brian's journey demonstrates the power of vision and the courage to reinvent oneself. As he puts it: "I learned that we can design our lives in any way... You can create anything you want. You have to feel it in your heart, you have to believe it and feel it. If you can do that, anything, anything is possible."

Learn more at:
https://twinteriors.com/podcast/

https://scottwoolley.com

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iDesign Lab: The Design Podcast with Tiffany & Scott WoolleyBy Tiffany Woolley, Scott Woolley

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