Margaret Kerrison

Margaret Kerrison is an accomplished immersive storyteller and writer, known for her role as Managing Story Editor in Story Development at Walt Disney Imagineering from 2014 to 2021. During her tenure, she significantly contributed to major projects, particularly within the Star Wars and Marvel franchises, including the highly acclaimed Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opened in 2019 and received multiple Thea Awards for excellence in themed entertainment.14

Background and Education

Kerrison was born in Indonesia and raised in Singapore. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. Her career spans over 16 years, during which she has worked in various sectors, including television, film, digital media, and immersive experiences.13

Career Highlights

At Walt Disney Imagineering, Kerrison played a pivotal role in the creative development of numerous attractions, including:

• Star Wars: Launch Bay
• Hyperspace Mountain
• Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
• Avengers Campus
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Her responsibilities included leading story development, providing creative feedback, and ensuring narrative consistency across various media and experiences.234

Publications and Speaking Engagements

Kerrison is also an author, having published Immersive Storytelling for Real and Imagined Worlds: A Writer's Guide in 2022, which serves as a resource for aspiring storytellers in the immersive entertainment industry. She has been a speaker at numerous prestigious events, such as SXSW and D23, sharing her insights on storytelling and immersive experiences.134

Current Role

After leaving Disney, Kerrison joined Airbnb as a Senior Experiential Creative Lead, where she continues to develop innovative storytelling experiences.34

Margaret Kerrison's work exemplifies the intersection of narrative and immersive design, making her a notable figure in the field of themed entertainment.