Paul Bailey is the Vice President and General Manager of AOA West, headquartered in Burbank, California. He is a mixed-media artist and technologist who specializes in mis-applying common technology for immersive storytelling. With expertise in illusions, special effects, and show technology integration, Paul’s extensive work in the themed entertainment industry spans nearly three decades and covers a wide range of storytelling tools, methods, and environments.

Before joining AOA in 2020, Paul worked in multiple roles at Walt Disney Imagineering, totaling fifteen years of combined service on global projects. Paul was the Principal Concept Technical Director for Imagineering over the Star Wars land expansions at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, responsible for setting the overall creative technology strategy. Paul developed the projection system used in Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and directed the delivery of the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction. He was also responsible for bringing all the Astromech droids to life in the land, gaining him the dubious distinction of “R2D2 expert.”

Previously Paul was on the opening team of Walt Disney’s Studios Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland, Disneyland’s (California) New Tomorrowland, and many other domestic attractions. At Electrosonic as their Director of US and Asia Operations he contributed to significant projects such as the National 9/11 Museum and The Tom Bradley Terminal at LAX, as well as multiple attractions for Universal properties. Previously Paul led R&D for underwater show elements at WET Design and worked on military and automotive projects at Applied Minds. He also founded Art and Automation, a Hawaii-based luxury home firm. Originally trained as an illustrator and sculptor, Paul’s career began in movies and TV as a creature designer and makeup artist on Star Trek the Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek VI, Star Trek VII, The Mask, Hellraiser 3, Mortal Kombat, and in Visual Effects on Dante’s Peak.

His career is demonstrative of his multifaceted skillset and his ability to seamlessly integrate technical and creative work. His ability to work intuitively with both creative and technical disciplines is only outdone by his loyalty to and enthusiasm for his teams. A dynamic and strategic leader, Paul is a proven and well-seasoned professional in the creative, technical, and administrative facets of our industry.

Paul is a serial entrepreneur, trained chef, fan of vertically integrated manufacturing, and antique truck enthusiast.