View source for Bran Ferren



{{Infobox person
| name               = Bran Ferren
| image              = Bran Ferren by Christopher Michel in 2022 A 03.jpg
| alt                = Action portrait of a man in his fifties with a bushy, strawberry-blond beard seated while speaking wearing a safari jacket and gold watch
| caption            = Ferren at Applied Minds in 2022
| birth_name         = <!-- if different -->
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1953|1|16|mf=y}}<ref name="NYT 1995">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/26/business/sound-bytes-disney-s-virtual-visionary.html |title=Sound Bytes; Disney's Virtual Visionary |work=The New York Times |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=February 26, 1995 |first=J. Greg |last=Phelan}}</ref>
| birth_place        = {{nowrap|[[New York City]], NY, U.S.}}
| occupation         = Co-founder and [[chief creative officer]], Applied Minds<ref name="Smithsonian 2.0 Bio">{{cite web |url=http://smithsonian20.si.edu/Bran+Ferren.html |title=Smithsonian 2.0 Conference Participants |access-date=January 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624220248/http://www.smithsonian20.si.edu/Bran+Ferren.html |archive-date=June 24, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| alma_mater         = [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]]<ref name="Discover Dec 2003">{{cite web |url=http://discovermagazine.com/2003/dec/how-smart-are-you/ |title=How Smart Are You? |work=[[Discover (magazine)|Discover]] |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=December 3, 2003}}</ref>
| father             = [[John Ferren]]
}}

'''Bran Ferren''' (born January 16, 1953) is an American technologist,<ref name="ACM97 Summary">{{cite web |url=http://cs.gmu.edu/cne/pjd/PUBS/thennow99.pdf |title=Talking Back to the Machine |access-date=January 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070207133958/http://cs.gmu.edu/cne/pjd/PUBS/thennow99.pdf |archive-date=February 7, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="MIT Media Lab Talk 2004">{{cite web |url=http://www.media.mit.edu/video/index.php/videos/view/cel-2004-05-10-3 |title=Designing Bits & Pieces: Creativity; Design & Materials; and Sensors, Actuators & Displays |access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref> artist,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://lightsmagazine.com/613-2/|title=Renaissance Bran|date=January 26, 2016|newspaper=Lights Magazine|access-date=2017-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405020350/http://lightsmagazine.com/613-2/ |archive-date=April 5, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Guggenheim">{{cite web |url=http://www.pomegranatearts.com/project-laurie_anderson/artists.html |title=pomegranate arts – Laurie Anderson – artists |access-date=January 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316115132/http://www.pomegranatearts.com/project-laurie_anderson/artists.html |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> architectural designer,<ref name="NYT 1990">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/04/garden/an-architect-of-special-effects-builds-for-himself.html |title=An Architect of Special Effects Builds for Himself |work=The New York Times |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=January 4, 1990}}</ref><ref name="Lockheed Lighthouse">{{cite web |url=http://www.genproj.com/App_Corp_LMCO_CforI.htm |title=Lockheed Martin's Center for Innovation |access-date=January 16, 2012 |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705092313/http://www.genproj.com/App_Corp_LMCO_CforI.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> vehicle designer,<ref name="Discover Mag Maximog">{{cite web |url=http://discovermagazine.com/2003/jun/featmaxi |title=Maximog: A scientist builds the ultimate vehicle for field research |work=Discover |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=June 1, 2003}}</ref><ref name="Maximog Site">{{cite web |url=http://www.maximog.com/ |title=MAXIMOG |access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Bill of Rights Tour">{{cite web |url=http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/documentStore/q/f/c/qfc87a00/Sqfc87a00.pdf |title=The Bill of Rights Tour: safeguarding freedom's symbol. |access-date=September 1, 2013}}</ref> engineer,<ref name="Discover Mag Maximog" /><ref name="Maximog Site" /><ref name="Bill of Rights Tour" /> lighting and sound designer,<ref name="NYT Frankenstein 1981">{{cite news |url=http://theater.nytimes.com/mem/theater/treview.html?res=9E04E1DF173BF936A35752C0A967948260 |title=Theater: 'Frankenstein' Has Premiere at Palace |work=The New York Times |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=January 5, 1981}}</ref><ref name="NYT Spookhouse 1984">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/05/03/theater/theater-spookhouse.html |title=Theater: 'Spookhouse' |work=The New York Times |author=Gussow, Mel | author-link = Mel Gussow|access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=May 3, 1984}}</ref> visual effects artist,<ref name="Pink Floyd Purdue">{{cite web |url=http://lowrider.envision.purdue.edu/floyd-sos/art-sos4.html |title=Welcome to the Machine: The story of Pink Floyds live sound |access-date=January 16, 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> scientist,<ref name="LAT 1989">{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-09-12-ca-2154-story.html |title=Bran Ferren: Master of Arts and Sciences |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=September 12, 1989 |first=Charles |last=Champlin}}</ref> lecturer,<ref name="Harvard CPL Talk">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxbB18QoYO4 |title=Harvard CPL Leadership Speaker Series: Bran Ferren |date=June 26, 2008 |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Nasa Bio">{{cite web |url=http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/events/tgir/2001/session_speakers/ferren.htm |title=Bran Ferren |access-date=January 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023221302/http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/events/tgir/2001/session_speakers/ferren.htm |archive-date=October 23, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> photographer,<ref name="The eg">{{cite web |url=http://blog.the-eg.com/2008/12/12/bran-ferren/ |title=Bran Ferren |work= The Entertainment Gathering |date=December 12, 2008 |access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref> entrepreneur,<ref name="Wired 2005">{{cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2005/06/67951 |title=Applied Minds Think Remarkably |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=June 21, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114144915/http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2005/06/67951 |archive-date=January 14, 2012 }}</ref> and inventor.<ref name="Patents">{{cite web |url=http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=0&f=S&l=50&TERM1=bran&FIELD1=INNM&co1=AND&TERM2=ferren&FIELD2=INNM&d=PALL |title=Patent Database Search Results: IN/bran AND IN/ferren in US Patent Collection |access-date=January 16, 2012 |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705064441/http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html&r=0&f=S&l=50&TERM1=bran&FIELD1=INNM&co1=AND&TERM2=ferren&FIELD2=INNM&d=PALL |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?II=1&ND=3&adjacent=true&locale=en_EP&FT=D&date=20161201&CC=US&NR=2016347130A1&KC=A1|title=Espacenet - Bibliographic data|website=worldwide.espacenet.com|access-date=2017-02-04|archive-date=September 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925002006/https://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?II=1&ND=3&adjacent=true&locale=en_EP&FT=D&date=20161201&CC=US&NR=2016347130A1&KC=A1|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ferren is the former President of Research and Development of [[Walt Disney Imagineering]]<ref name="LAT 1999">{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-mar-16-me-17957-story.html |title=Valley People |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=March 16, 1999}}</ref> as well as founder of Associates & Ferren, a multidisciplinary engineering and design firm acquired in 1993 by Disney.<ref name="NewYorker 1997">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.newyorker.com/archive/1997/10/20/1997_10_20_210_TNY_CARDS_000379200 |title=Future Perfect: The Next Magic Kingdom |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=October 20, 1997}}</ref> He is Chief Creative Officer of Applied Minds, which he co-founded in 2000 with [[Danny Hillis]]. Apple's "[[pinch-to-zoom]]" patent, which features prominently in its [[Apple Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co.|legal battle with Samsung]], was invalidated by the [[US Patent and Trademark Office]] in 2013 based on a 2005 patent by Ferren and Hillis for [[multi-touch]] gestures.<ref name="Tech Radar 2013">{{cite web |url=http://www.techradar.com/us/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/apple-loses-another-patent-relevant-to-samsung-case-1169838 |title=Apple Loses Another Patent Relevant to Samsung Case |access-date=August 23, 2013 |date=July 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120010152/http://www.techradar.com/us/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/apple-loses-another-patent-relevant-to-samsung-case-1169838 |archive-date=January 20, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="East Hampton Star 2013">{{cite web |url=http://easthamptonstar.com:80/News/2013829/Springs%E2%80%99-Own-Beats-Apple |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515112538/http://easthamptonstar.com/News/2013829/Springs%E2%80%99-Own-Beats-Apple |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 15, 2017 |title=Springs' Own Beats Apple: Pinch to Zoom patent goes to Bran Ferren |access-date=September 1, 2013 |date=August 29, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/11/30/qualcomm-brandishes-palm-patents-against-apple-seeks-itc-ban-on-iphone-8-and-iphone-x|title=Qualcomm brandishes Palm patents against Apple, seeks ITC ban on iPhone 8 and iPhone X|website=[[AppleInsider]]|date=November 30, 2017 |access-date=2017-12-01}}</ref>

==Early life==
Bran Ferren was the only child of artists [[John Ferren]] and Rae Tonkel Ferren.<ref name="NYT 1990" /> He grew up surrounded by art, artists, and technology. His father, whose work is part of the permanent collections of many American art museums, mixed with painters including [[Picasso]], [[Miró]], and [[Piet Mondrian|Mondrian]]<ref name="NYT 1998">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/03/arts/art-in-review-330884.html |title=Art in Review |work=The New York Times |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=April 3, 1998 |first=Grace |last=Glueck}}</ref> before becoming an integral member of the [[New York School (art)|New York School]] of Abstract Expressionists.<ref name="Smithsonian Father">{{cite web |url=http://americanart.si.edu/collections/search/artist/?id=1524 |title=John Ferren Biography |access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref> His father was also personal friends with [[Alfred Hitchcock]] and created paintings for ''[[The Trouble with Harry]]'' and designed the nightmare sequence in [[Vertigo (film)|''Vertigo'']].<ref name="Hitchcock">{{cite web |url=http://www.ejumpcut.org/currentissue/FellemanDecayAura/4.html |title=The world gone wiggy: The Trouble with Harry (1955) |access-date=January 16, 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Ferren's uncles came from the worlds of engineering and technology: Roy Ferren served as director of flight test for North American Aviation<ref name="Roy Ferren">{{cite book |title=Aces Wild: The Race for Mach 1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mo-mV3ZPjukC&q=ferren |author=Blackburn, Al |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |year=1998 |isbn=0842027327 |access-date=July 29, 2013}}</ref> (later [[North American Rockwell]]) and worked on the B-25 Mitchell bomber,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/roy-ferren/|title=Roy Ferren Archives - This Day in Aviation|website=This Day in Aviation|access-date=2018-10-21}}</ref> [[North American X-15|X-15]] rocket plane, [[North American XB-70 Valkyrie|XB-70 Valkyrie]], and [[Rockwell B-1 Lancer|B-1 Lancer]] bombers. Stanley Tonkel was a noted senior recording engineer for Columbia Records, who engineered recordings for artists such as [[Miles Davis]],<ref name="Stan Tonkel">{{cite book |title=Hold On to Your Dreams: Arthur Russell and the Downtown Music Scene, 1973–1992 |url=https://archive.org/details/holdontoyourdrea00lawr |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/holdontoyourdrea00lawr/page/71 71] |quote=tonkel. |author=Lawrence, Tim |publisher=Duke University Press Books |year=2009 |isbn=978-0822344858 |access-date=July 29, 2013}}</ref> [[Barbra Streisand]], [[Aretha Franklin]], and [[Bob Dylan]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.reevesaudio.com/vintagesessions.html|title=Vintage Sessions|website=reevesaudio.com|access-date=2018-10-21}}</ref>

He first attended [[Hunter College Elementary School]] for gifted students in New York City, followed by a year at the [[American Community School Beirut|American Community School]], in Beirut Lebanon (1963-1964) while his father served as the first artist-in-residence for a U.S. Department of State cultural exchange program to introduce American abstract art to the Middle East. After returning from overseas, he spent three years at the [[McBurney School]] in New York City, and then the last three years of high school at [[East Hampton High School]], in [[East Hampton, New York]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.easthamptonstar.com/archive/springs-own-beats-apple |title=Springs' Own Beats Apple |last=Klebnikov |first=Sergei |work=[[The East Hampton Star]] |date=August 29, 2013 |accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref>

Ferren started his first design and engineering company, Synchronetics while in high school.<ref name="Haseltine">{{cite book |title=Long Fuse, Big Bang: Achieving Long-Term Success Through Daily Victories |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sBLcu6vzHjAC&pg=PT203 |author=Haseltine, Eric |publisher=Hyperion |year=2010 |isbn=978-1401323639 |access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref> He left high school at age 16 to attend [[MIT]], but departed in 1970 to continue entrepreneurial pursuits. Despite his short stay at MIT, he was invited back by then school president Charles M. Vest to be a keynote speaker for MIT Technology Day 1996.<ref>{{Citation|title=MIT Technology Day 1996—"Miracle or Mirage: Technology at the Horizon"|date=January 20, 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hkXRxhIcjk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/2hkXRxhIcjk |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|access-date=2017-02-06}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Before his 21st birthday, Ferren had worked on TV commercials, films, and regional theater. He had also pioneered visual effects for arena concerts for groups such as [[Emerson, Lake & Palmer]], [[Laurie Anderson]], [[Pink Floyd]], [[Roger Waters]], [[David Bowie]], [[Paul McCartney]]. [[R.E.M.]], [[Depeche Mode]], and [[Foreigner (band)|Foreigner]], using pyrotechnics, audio, projection, and novel lighting techniques.<ref name="Haseltine" /><ref name="Remnick">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.newyorker.com/archive/1997/10/20/1997_10_20_210_TNY_CARDS_000379200 |title=The Next Magic Kingdom: Future Perfect |magazine=The New Yorker |author=Remnick, David |date=October 20, 1997 |access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref>

==Career==

===Associates & Ferren===
Ferren founded Associates & Ferren at the age of 25<ref name="NYT 1995" /><ref name="Smithsonian 2.0 Bio" /><ref name="ACM97 Summary" /> to do work at the "crossroads of design and science and entertainment."<ref name="Remnick" /> One of the first projects was for Broadway play ''[[The Crucifer of Blood]]'', a [[Sherlock Holmes]] mystery that starred [[Glenn Close]] and won Ferren a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle award.<ref name="LA Drama Critics">{{cite web |url=http://www.ladramacriticscircle.com/awards_1980_1989.htm |title=Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle – 1980–1989 LADCC Awards |access-date=January 16, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210192554/http://ladramacriticscircle.com/awards_1980_1989.htm |archive-date=February 10, 2009 |df=mdy }}</ref> The production featured a "shattering display of thunder and lightning",<ref name="Country Life">{{cite book |title=Country Life Volume 165 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ynZMAAAAYAAJ |publisher=Country Life, Ltd. |page=1063 |year=1979}}</ref> which got the attention of director [[Ken Russell]], leading to Ferren's first prominent assignment as special visual effects director on a major Hollywood science-fiction film, ''[[Altered States]]''.<ref name="Haseltine" />

He is a theater designer whose work has been seen on Broadway and London West End stages, Australia, and in touring productions world-wide.  He has designed the Special Effects and Sound for several [[Broadway shows]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/person/bran-ferren-vault-0000002034|title=Bran Ferren {{!}} Playbill|website=Playbill|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref> and is a long-term member of the Broadway stagehands union, IATSE Local #1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://iatselocalone.org/Public/Home.aspx|title=iatselocalone.org/Public/Home.aspx|website=iatselocalone.org|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref> His theatrical special effects and sound design work for the Broadway productions of ''[[Frankenstein in popular culture|Frankenstein]]'', ''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]'', and ''[[Sunday in the Park with George]]'', were widely acknowledged for their groundbreaking special effects. [[Frank Rich]] said in his ''The New York Times'' review of ''Sunday in the Park with George'':  "What Mr. Lapine, his designers and the special-effects wizard Bran Ferren have arranged is simply gorgeous."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/05/03/theater/stage-sunday-in-the-park-with-george.html|title=Stage: 'Sunday in the Park With George'|last=Rich|first=Frank|date=May 3, 1984|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=2017-02-11|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> It was the first Broadway musical to utilize digitally-processed projection mapping (pre-processed, geometrically corrected 35mm film projection), a radio-controlled costume with a robotic endoskeleton, 20&nbsp;kW xenon rotating-dichroic-filter light ray effects, and dazzling high powered lasers that broke the 4th wall, traveling throughout the audience.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://controlgeek.net/blog/2009/8/5/advances-in-fashion-technology.html|title=Advances in Fashion Technology|work=Control Geek|access-date=2018-10-20}}</ref> Frank Rich said of his work in ''Frankenstein'', "Bran Ferren's special audio-visual effects are also impressive by theatrical standards"<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/05/theater/theater-frankenstein-has-premiere-at-palace.html|title=Theater: 'Frankenstein' Has Premiere at Palace |last=Rich|first=Frank|work=The New York Times |date=January 5, 1981 |access-date=2018-11-05}}</ref> and Carol Lawson, said in ''The New York Times'' that "critics have remarked that Mr. Ferren's work on this play, which included the spectacular destruction of Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory by his monster, had the lavishness that audiences have come to expect in films, but have never before seen in the theater."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/07/theater/frankenstein-nearly-came-back-to-life.html|title='Frankenstein' Nearly Came Back to Life|last=Lawson|first=Carol|work=The New York Times |date=January 7, 1981 |access-date=2018-11-05}}</ref>

As principal designer of Associates & Ferren, Ferren went on to lead many high-profile projects, such as special effects for the [[Paul McCartney World Tour]],<ref name="LAT 1989" /> [[R.E.M.]], [[Depeche Mode]], [[Pink Floyd]],<ref name="NYT 1995" /><ref name="Pink Floyd">{{cite web |url=http://pfco.neptunepinkfloyd.co.uk/band/interviews/art-rev/art-sosxtra.html |title=Pink Floyd and Company – Pink Floyd Articles and Reviews: Sound on Stage, March 1997 |access-date=August 5, 2013}}</ref> and visual effects for ''[[Little Shop of Horrors (film)|Little Shop of Horrors]]''.<ref name="Bran Ferren">{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0274512/|title=Bran Ferren|publisher=[[IMDb]]|access-date=2017-01-19}}</ref> He was a technical consultant for the films ''Impostor'' and ''[[Fat Man and Little Boy (film)|Fat Man and Little Boy]]'', and designed the titles for ''Simon, Dirty Rotten'' ''Scoundrels'',<ref>{{Citation|title=Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) - IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095031/fullcredits|access-date=2020-01-20}}</ref> ''Guilty as Sin'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/18805/guilty-as-sin#credits|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824035743/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/18805/Guilty-As-Sin/#credits|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 24, 2013|title=Guilty As Sin (1993) - Full Credits - TCM.com|website=Turner Classic Movies|language=en|access-date=2020-01-20}}</ref> and ''Little Shop of Horrors''.<ref name="Bran Ferren"/> In addition to special effects, they were considered leaders in advanced projection,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.film-tech.com/ubb/f1/t011265.html|title=Film-Tech Forum: History inquiry - Bran Ferren 70mm projector?|website=film-tech.com|access-date=2017-03-29}}</ref> simulation and laser effects technology, and provided customized equipment for dozens of major road tours, and stationary installations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://controlgeek.net/blog/2009/8/5/advances-in-fashion-technology.html|title=Advances in Fashion Technology|work=Control Geek|access-date=2017-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Ferren|first=Bran|title=Materials and Optics for Solar Energy Conversion and Advanced Lightning Technology |chapter=Projected Optical Effects |journal=Materials and Optics for Solar Energy Conversion and Advanced Lighting Technology |s2cid=109792846|date=February 23, 1987 |volume=0692|pages=282–287|doi=10.1117/12.936715 |bibcode=1987SPIE..692..282F|editor1-last=Holly|editor1-first=Sandor|editor2-last=Lampert|editor2-first=Carl M}}</ref>

He also produced, directed, and was the cinematographer for the movie "Funny" (released in 1992), which received a Nomination for a Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival,<ref name="Sundance IMDB">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000631/1989 |title=Sundance Film Festival (1989) |publisher=[[IMDb]] |access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref> and nomination for Best Documentary at the [[Chicago International Film Festival]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000165/1988|title=Chicago International Film Festival (1988)|publisher=[[IMDb]]|access-date=2017-01-16}}</ref> Gold Jury prize at the Houston International Film Festival (now called WorldFest Houston),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://worldfest.org/|title=Worldfest-Houston – Killer Flicks|website=worldfest.org|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref> and was featured in the [[1989 Toronto International Film Festival|Toronto International Film Festival]] Midnight Madness program, and at the [[Cleveland International Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.clevelandfilm.org/films/1989/funny|title=FUNNY - Cleveland International Film Festival :: March 29 - April 9, 2017|website=Cleveland International Film Festival|access-date=2017-03-12}}</ref> "Funny" features over 100 individuals, from [[Dick Cavett]] to [[Frank Zappa]], telling their favorite jokes on camera.<ref name="Sundance.org">{{cite web |url=http://history.sundance.org/films/1913 |title=Funny, Archives|publisher= Sundance Institute |access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref> It was distributed by Warner New Media, in LaserDisc and CD-ROM.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/2490039|title=Funny the movie in Quick Time|date=1992|website=searchworks.stanford.edu|publisher=Warner New Media|access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref>

Ferren served as lead designer, engineer, and producer of the 50-state, 16-month tour of the [[United States Bill of Rights|Bill of Rights]], which celebrated the document's bicentennial.<ref name="Bill of Rights Tour" /><ref name="Bill of Rights Tour Baltimore">{{cite web |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1990/12/10/visitors-moved-impressed-by-bill-of-rights-exhibit-3-day-stay-in-baltimore-begins-for-touring-display/ |title=Visitors moved, impressed by Bill of Rights exhibit 3-day stay in Baltimore begins for touring display |date=December 10, 1990 |access-date=September 1, 2013}}</ref> For the tour, he designed and built the Bill of Rights Secure Transit Vehicle, which transported the fragile parchment document, as well as a 15,000-square-foot traveling exhibit equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, A/V, security, and safety systems.  He was the chief designer for the award-winning Columbus Center Hall of Exploration, a science discovery center, located at Baltimore's Inner Harbor in 1997.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/bs-xpm-1997-04-29-7901011359-story.html|title=It's Time to Explore Science's Fun Center; Spectacle: When the Columbus Center's Hall of Exploration Opens Saturday in Downtown Baltimore, It Will Showcase Larger-Than-Life Exhibits |last=Gately|first=Gary|website=nydailynews.com|access-date=2020-01-20}}</ref>

In addition to their work in the entertainment sector, Associates & Ferren was responsible for developing many technologies for industrial and government customers in the areas of robotics, sound systems, vehicle systems, control systems, scientific research & experiment design,<ref>{{Cite journal|date=February 1, 1984|title=A continuous-flow, rapid-mixing, photolabeling technique applied to the acetylcholine receptor|journal=Analytical Biochemistry|volume=136|issue=2|pages=476–486|doi=10.1016/0003-2697(84)90247-1|pmid=6721146|issn=0003-2697|last1=Cox|first1=Robert N.|last2=Kaldany|first2=Rashad-Rudolf|last3=Brandt|first3=Philip W.|last4=Ferren|first4=Bran|last5=Hudson|first5=Richard A.|last6=Karlin|first6=Arthur}}</ref> optical systems,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/02/14/The-winners-of-17-awards-for-scientific-or-technical/2230540277200/|title=The winners of 17 awards for scientific or technical&nbsp;...|work=UPI|access-date=2017-03-29}}</ref> and 3D machine vision,<ref>{{cite patent|title=Spatial imaging system|pubdate=Apr 22, 1986|inventor-last=Ferren|inventor-first=Bran|country=US|number=4584704}}</ref> as well as moving lighting fixtures for Strand Lighting Inc.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qNcKAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Bran+ferren%22+strand|title=TC, Theatre Crafts|date=January 1, 1988|publisher=Rodale Press}}</ref> Mr. Ferren was responsible for the development of advanced lens and thin-film dichroic coating technologies for the [http://www.revo.com Revo Sunglasses] brand, and served in the role of Director of Research & Development for Revo,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YPojDVderIwC&q=Bran%20ferren%20director%20of%20research%20for%20Revo%20sunglasses&pg=PA252|title=Ski|date=September 1, 1990}}</ref> which established new performance standards for sunglasses including the first to incorporate Infrared blocking.  He did the lighting design and interiors concept for [[Ian Schrager|Ian Schrager's]]  "White" variation of [[Studio 54]] in NYC, as well as invented the what is believed to be the first multi-monitor video wall, which premiered at the opening of the [[Palladium (New York City)|Palladium]] Club, also in New York City, in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.designcurial.com/news/nightclubbing-ian-schrager-4763609|title=Nightclubbing: Ian Schrager - DesignCurial|website=designcurial.com|date=December 28, 2015 |access-date=2017-03-29}}</ref>

He has been recognized for his unique approach working with directors in the design of special effects and visual effects across motion pictures, television, theater, concerts, and later in theme parks and architecture.  This was featured in a ''New York Times'' profile on him by Stephen Farber, when [[Paul Mazursky]]'s film ''[[Tempest (1982 film)|Tempest]]'' (1982) was released. In this article, Farber quotes Mazursky as saying he is "a Renaissance man, a figure from another time&nbsp;... If you crossed Robert Oppenheimer and Monty Woolley, you might get Bran."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/08/29/movies/a-whiz-brews-an-ill-wind-that-blows-well.html|title=A Whiz Brews an Ill Wind That Blows Well|last=Farber|first=Stephen|date=August 29, 1982|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-01-02|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

By the time Disney acquired Associates & Ferren in 1993, Ferren and the company had won an Academy Award for Science and Engineering as well as two Academy Awards for Technical Achievement.<ref name="LAT Tech Oscars">{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-25-ca-228-story.html |title=Tech Oscars Recognize Films' Off-screen Stars |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=March 25, 1987 |first=Terry |last=Atkinson}}</ref><ref name="Oscars1983">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000003/1983 |title=Academy Awards, USA (1983) |publisher=[[IMDb]] |access-date=August 15, 2013}}</ref> Ferren was also nominated for an Oscar for Best Visual Effects for "Little Shop of Horrors",<ref name="Oscars 1987">{{cite web |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1987 |title=The 59th Academy Awards Nominees and Winners |access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref> and received a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) nomination for special visual effects.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/1988/film/achievement-in-special-effects|title=BAFTA Awards|website=awards.bafta.org|access-date=2017-03-12}}</ref> He is a voting member of both the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] (Oscars), and the [http://www.emmys.com/ Television Academy of Arts and Sciences] (Emmys).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hpcwire.com/1998/08/14/ferren-keynote-speaker-sc98/|title=Ferren To Be Keynote Speaker at SC98|date=August 14, 1998|website=HPCwire|access-date=2017-03-12}}</ref>

His entertainment industry projects at Associates & Ferren include:
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
'''Film visual effects, lighting, design'''
* ''[[Altered States]]''<ref name="IMDB">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0274512/s |title=Bran ferren – IMDB |publisher=[[IMDb]] |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref>
* ''[[Star Trek V: The Final Frontier]]''<ref name="IMDB" />
* ''[[Little Shop of Horrors (film)|Little Shop of Horrors]]''<ref name="IMDB" />
* ''[[Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (film)|Dirty Rotten Scoundrels]]''<ref name="IMDB" />
* ''[[Making Mr. Right]]''<ref name="IMDB" />
* ''[[The Manhattan Project (film)|The Manhattan Project]]'' (also actor)<ref name="IMDB" />
* ''[[Tempest (1982 film)|Tempest]]''<ref name="IMDB" />
* ''[[Deathtrap (1982 film)|Deathtrap]]''<ref name="IMDB" />
* ''[[Places in the Heart]]''<ref name="IMDB" />
* ''[[Second Sight (1989 film)|Second Sight]]''<ref name="IMDB" />
* ''[[The Untouchables (film)|The Untouchables]]''<ref name="Untouchables">{{cite news |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/51947/The-Untouchables/credits |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129144820/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/51947/The-Untouchables/credits |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 29, 2013 |department=Movies & TV Dept. |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2013 |title=The Untouchables |access-date=September 8, 2013 }}</ref>

'''Film direction'''
* ''[[Funny: A Bran Ferren Film]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/501797/funny|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313124349/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/501797/Funny/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 13, 2017|title=Funny (1989) - Overview|website=[[Turner Classic Movies]]|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref>
* ''The Light Fantastic'' – [[Corning Museum of Glass]]<ref name="Corning">{{cite web |url=http://www.cmog.org/library/light-fantastic-videorecording-associates-ferren-corning-glass-center-bran-ferren-director |title=The light fantastic |website=Corning Museum of Glass|access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref>

'''Network television'''
* [[ABC News Primetime LIVE!]]
* [[Day One (TV series)|ABC News: ''Day One'']]
* [[Day One (TV series)|CBS News - design consultant]]
* [[Day One (TV series)|NBC News - technology consultant]]
{{Col-break}}
'''Concert visual effects'''
* [[Pink Floyd]]<ref name="Pink Floyd" />
* [[Roger Waters]]<ref name="Pink Floyd" />
* [[Paul McCartney]]<ref name="LAT 1989" />
* [[R.E.M.]]<ref name="Baltimore Sun" />
* [[Rush (band)|Rush]]<ref name="Baltimore Sun" />
* [[Depeche Mode]]<ref name="Baltimore Sun">{{cite web |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1992/01/15/oscar-winning-firm-will-design-the-exhibits-for-columbus-center/ |title=Oscar-winning firm will design the exhibits for Columbus Center |date=January 15, 1992 |access-date=September 6, 2013}}</ref>
* [[David Bowie]]<ref name="Baltimore Sun" />
* [[Jefferson Starship]]<ref name="NYT 1982">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/08/29/movies/a-whiz-brews-an-ill-wind-that-blows-well.html |title=A Whiz Brews an Ill Wind That Blows Well |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 6, 2013 |first=Stephen |last=Farber |date=August 29, 1982}}</ref>
* [[Foreigner (band)|Foreigner]]<ref name="UCSF Lib">{{cite web |url=http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/fpy78a00/pdf |title=Associates and Ferren |access-date=September 6, 2013}}</ref>

'''Broadway visual effects, projection, sound design'''
* ''[[Evita (musical)|Evita]]''<ref name="LAT 1989" />
* ''[[Macbeth (play)|Macbeth]]''<ref name="LAT 1989" />
* ''[[Rock 'N Roll The First 5,000 Years (musical)|Rock 'N Roll The First 5,000 Years]]''<ref name="LAT 1989" />
* ''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]''<ref name="LAT 1989" />
* ''[[Sunday in the Park with George]]''<ref name="LAT 1989" />
* ''[[Woman of the Year]]''<ref name="LAT 1989" />
* ''[[ELVIS! An American Musical]]''<ref name="LAT 1989" />
* ''[[Spookhouse]]''<ref name="NYT Spookhouse 1984" />
* ''[[The Crucifer of Blood]]''<ref name="LA Drama Critics" />
* ''[[Frankenstein]]''<ref name="NYT Frankenstein 1981" />

{{col-end}}

===The Walt Disney Company===
Ferren led the [[Disney Imagineering]] R&D group as senior vice president, then executive vice president, eventually becoming president of R&D and Creative Technology for Disney,<ref name="LAT 1999" /> and head of technology for the company for 10 years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna13189826|title= Conversations with Michael Eisner|date=June 30, 2006|website=[[NBC News]]}}</ref> According to his former boss, CEO [[Michael Eisner]], Ferren's mission was "to dream about the future and show us new and innovative ways to tell stories".<ref name="Variety 1999">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117492140?refCatId=18 |title=Ferren heads R&D, tech at Imagineering |work=Variety |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=March 9, 1999}}</ref> Starting in 1993, he was the first corporate executive to receive the now-common job title of "Creative Technology",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ferren+Named+President+of+Walt+Disney+Imagineering+Research+and...-a054055382|title=Ferren Named President of Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development and Creative Technology. - |website=[[Free Online Library]]www.thefreelibrary.com|access-date=2017-01-26}}</ref> indicating responsibility for both creative and technical domains.  When Eisner interviewed him on his new talk show, ''Conversations with Michael Eisner'', he said that he loved that Bran "pushed me against the wall, and pushed management" in the areas of creativity and technology.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna13189826|title=Bran Ferren transcript|date=June 30, 2006|work=msnbc.com|access-date=2018-10-24}}</ref> The idea to create the USC Institute for Creative Technologies,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ict.usc.edu/about/|title=ICT Overview|website=ict.usc.edu|access-date=2017-11-13}}</ref> and its name (derived from Ferren's title at Disney), originated from discussions with US Army leadership (four-star general [[Paul J. Kern]]) on how to gain access to Hollywood entertainment industry expertise in high-technology areas such as computer-based Modeling & Simulation, and Virtual Reality.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.transcend.org/tms/2013/09/shall-we-play-a-game-the-rise-of-the-military-entertainment-complex/|title=Shall We Play a Game? The Rise of the Military-Entertainment Complex|access-date=2017-11-13}}</ref>

Ferren supported Disney's Strategic Planning Group and had direct creative and technical involvement in a wide variety of design and technology projects for [[Disney Theme Parks]], such as the [[The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror|Tower of Terror ride]], the [[Test Track]] by [[General Motors]],<ref name="Cow Missing">{{Citation|title=Epcot Center Test Track Preview at Walt Disney World Resort| date=May 7, 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSf2AGbVEwE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/LSf2AGbVEwE |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|access-date=2019-01-02}}{{cbignore}}</ref> the [[Indiana Jones Adventure]], the Virtual Reality Animation Studio, and many prime time television projects.<ref name="Business Wire">{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ferren+Named+President+of+Walt+Disney+Imagineering+Research+and...-a054055382 |title=Ferren Named President of Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development and Creative Technology |work=[[Business Wire]]|access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref> He has had a 30+ year creative history collaborating with top senior ABC network director [[Roger Goodman (director)|Roger Goodman]], with dozens of news, sports, and entertainment division projects.<ref>{{Citation|title=Primetime|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096680/|access-date=2020-04-28}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Day One|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105983/|access-date=2020-04-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/veteran-abc-news-director-roger-goodman-receive-lifetime/story?id=9282987|title=Veteran ABC News Director Roger Goodman to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award|publisher=ABC News|language=en|access-date=2020-04-28}}</ref> His team was responsible for engineering the ABC [[Times Square Studios]] armored electronic-dimming soundproof window systems, robotic cameras, large on-air displays, and a massive curved LED ticker display.<ref name="NYT ABC Studios">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/18/business/part-abc-studio-part-disney-billboard.html |title=Part ABC Studio, Part Disney Billboard |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 1, 2013 |date=September 18, 1999}}</ref><ref name="ABC Times Square LED Ribbon">{{cite web |url=http://www.signindustry.com/led/articles/2010-03-01-LB-ABC_Studios_Time_Square_SupersignLED.php3 |title=ABC Times Square Studios: Good Morning in Times Square |access-date=September 1, 2013}}</ref>

In 1996, Ferren created the Disney Fellows Program which attracted some of the brightest minds in computer science, including [[Alan Kay]], [[Marvin Minsky]], and [[Seymour Papert]], as well as astronaut [[Story Musgrave]].<ref name="Newsweek 1997">{{cite web |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/1997/08/10/disney-s-wizards.html |title=Disney's Wizards |work=Newsweek |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=August 10, 1997}}</ref> The first Disney fellow was parallel-computing pioneer [[Danny Hillis|Hillis]]<ref name="Business Week 1999">{{cite web |url=http://www.businessweek.com/archives/1999/b3619122.arc.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130909022009/http://www.businessweek.com/archives/1999/b3619122.arc.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 9, 2013 |title=Disney's Mickey Mensa Club |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=March 8, 1999}}</ref> with whom Ferren went on to found technology innovation and design firm Applied Minds in 2000.  Applied Minds is now headquartered in [[Burbank, California]], a few miles from Imagineering headquarters.  In 1997 Ferren and the Disney fellows were profiled in a major article in ''[[The New Yorker]]'', by [[David Remnick]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1997/10/20/future-perfect|title=Future Perfect|magazine=The New Yorker|access-date=2017-01-17|date=October 13, 1997}}</ref> and in many other publications and news service including Bloomberg,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/authors/APzTMnZ_Oy8/ronald-grover|title=Ronald Grover stories - Bloomberg|website=Bloomberg.com|date=January 17, 2012 |access-date=2017-11-06}}</ref> and Newsweek.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.newsweek.com/disneys-wizards-172346|title=Disney's Wizards|date=August 10, 1997|work=Newsweek|access-date=2017-11-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/out-box-165004|title=Out of the Box|first=Johnnie L.|last=Roberts |date=April 25, 1999|website=Newsweek|access-date=2018-12-09}}</ref>

In the 1990s, Ferren's research group at Disney developed many pioneering concepts, and produced demonstrations of these ideas and technologies, to familiarize Disney corporate leadership of their potential to transform the entertainment industry.  These included gaming box platforms, personal navigators, electronic books, theater-scale digital cinema, direct on-demand music and video delivery to the home via telephone networks (pre World Wide Web & broadband), interactive cable television, safe browsing concepts for kids, and hybrid on-line/theme park concepts.

While at Disney, Ferren developed a unique test for screening design & engineering talent, when he found that traditional Disney process of resume screening, reviewing bios, and interviews often did not identify the kinds of multi-domain savvy talent he needed at [[Walt Disney Imagineering|Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development.]] Known as the Yellow Box Test, it asks the candidate to go through 100 or so items in the box, all selected for their uniqueness and interest. As featured in a 2003 article in ''[[Discover (magazine)|Discover]]'' magazine,<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 3, 2003|title=How Smart Are You?|url=https://www.discovermagazine.com/technology/how-smart-are-you-02|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-19|website=Discover Magazine|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926002037/https://www.discovermagazine.com/technology/how-smart-are-you-02|archive-date=September 26, 2020}}</ref> they are scored on not just how well they can correctly identify the items, but also their thoughtfulness in explaining how they would be used and why, material selection, sourcing, cost, viable alternatives, and the technical and design principles, and even aesthetics. The candidate is also evaluated subjectively as to their enjoyment of the process, speed, enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and appreciation of technology. For example, do they elect to first start with the things they understand, or those they do not.

===Applied Minds===
Ferren's company Applied Minds L.L.C. (AMI) has been described as a "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" for geeks.<ref name="Wired 2005" /> AMI invents, designs, prototypes, and creates high-technology products, vehicles, architectural designs, and services for government institutions and Fortune 100 companies.<ref name="Fastco 2011">{{cite web |url=http://www.fastcompany.com/most-creative-people/2011/bran-ferren-applied-minds |title=The 100 Most Creative People in Business 2011 |access-date=August 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426112335/http://www.fastcompany.com/most-creative-people/2011/bran-ferren-applied-minds |archive-date=April 26, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Curiosity.com">{{cite web |url=http://curiosity.discovery.com/user/bran-ferren/bio |title=Curiosity Bran Ferren Bio |access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref> For example, the Smithsonian American Art Museum selected Applied Minds as winner of an international design competition for the renovation of the Renwick Gallery's Grand Salon.<ref name="Renwick">{{cite web |url=http://newsdesk.si.edu/releases/smithsonian-american-art-museum-selects-winner-renwick-gallery-grand-salon-design-competiti |title=Smithsonian American Art Museum Selects Winner for Renwick Gallery Grand Salon Design Competition |access-date=September 1, 2013 |date=June 14, 2013}}</ref> AMI also spins off technology companies. Notable spinouts include [[Metaweb]], purchased by Google in 2010<ref name="Google MetaWeb">{{cite web |url=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/deeper-understanding-with-metaweb.html |title=Official Google Blog: Deeper understanding with Metaweb |access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref> and cancer diagnostics firm Advanced Proteomics.<ref name="Wired 2011">{{cite news |url=https://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/06/10000-year-clock/2/ |title=How to Make a Clock Run for 10,000 Years |magazine=Wired |access-date=January 16, 2012 |date=June 23, 2011 |first=Dylan |last=Tweney}}</ref>

In his role as chief creative officer and co-chairman, Ferren serves as lead technical consultant, management consultant, systems engineer, engineer, and designer across multiple disciplines.  He has headed projects for [[General Motors]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|url=https://archive.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2005/06/67951|title=Applied Minds Think Remarkably|magazine=Wired|access-date=2017-02-11|date=June 21, 2005}}</ref> [[Northrop Grumman]],<ref name=":0" /> [[Lockheed Martin]],<ref name=":0" /> [[John Deere]], [[Herman Miller (manufacturer)|Herman Miller]],<ref name=":0" /> [[Intel Corporation]],<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ca.com/us/rewrite/articles/application-economy/peek-inside-the-applied-minds-innovation-factory.html|title=Peek Inside the Applied Minds Innovation Factory - Rewrite|website=ca.com|access-date=2017-02-11}}</ref> [[Sony Corporation]],<ref name=":1" /> [[Environmental Systems Research Institute|ESRI]], the [[Smithsonian Institution]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://newsdesk.si.edu/releases/smithsonian-american-art-museum-selects-winner-renwick-gallery-grand-salon-design-competiti|title=Smithsonian American Art Museum Selects Winner for Renwick Gallery Grand Salon Design Competition {{!}} Newsdesk|website=newsdesk.si.edu|access-date=2017-02-11}}</ref> [[Genworth Financial]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sae.org/events/naipc/2016/attend/program/ferren.htm|title=Bran Ferren - Keynote Speakers - Program - Attend - SAE 2016 North American International Powertrain Conference - Events - SAE International|website=sae.org|access-date=2017-02-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211160444/http://www.sae.org/events/naipc/2016/attend/program/ferren.htm|archive-date=February 11, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> the [[Library of Congress]], and several US Government agencies.<ref name=":1"/> He was the creative design lead at Applied Minds, for the Genworth R70i Aging Experience,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://staging.genworth.com/aging-and-you/health.html|title=Effects of Aging & Aging Simulations {{!}} Genworth|website=staging.genworth.com|access-date=2019-01-01}}{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> featuring a novel computerized robotic exoskeleton<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7206255-genworth-ideas-festival-letstalk-tour/links/7206255-R70i-FactSheet-6-26-15.pdf|title=Genworth R70i Aging Experience Fact Sheet}}</ref> to simulate aging with live audiences at venues such as the 2016 [[Consumer Electronics Show|CES]] and then the [[Liberty Science Center]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/getting-old-this-high-tech-suit-simulates-aging-1452189525|title=Getting Old? This High-Tech Suit Simulates Aging|last=Fowler|first=Geoffrey A.|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=2018-11-20}}</ref> as well as [[Genworth Financial|Genworth Financial's]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.genworth.com|title=Genworth: Financial Solutions for Long Term Care|website=genworth.com|access-date=2018-11-20}}</ref> new website.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://newsroom.genworth.com/2018-05-31-New-Genworth-Website-Offers-Empathy-Insights-to-Help-Families-Navigate-the-Financial-Challenges-of-Aging|title=New Genworth Website Offers Empathy, Insights to Help Families Navigate the Financial Challenges of Aging|work=Genworth Financial, Inc. Newsroom|access-date=2018-11-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://newsroom.genworth.com/2018-09-12-Genworth-wins-Gold-Stevie-R-Platinum-dotCOMM-and-American-Health-Wellness-Design-TM-awards-for-new-website-that-helps-families-navigate-the-challenges-of-aging?mobile=No|title=Genworth wins Gold Stevie®, Platinum dotCOMM, and American Health+Wellness Design™ awards for new website that helps families navigate the challenges of aging|work=Genworth Financial, Inc. Newsroom|access-date=2018-11-20}}</ref> The R70i Aging Experience at CES received the 2016 Cool Tech award.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/features/top-tech-of-ces-2016-award-winners/|title=Digital Trends Top Tech of CES 2016 award winners {{!}} Digital Trends|date=January 7, 2016|work=Digital Trends|access-date=2018-11-20}}</ref>

Ferren has been named inventor on over 500 current and pending US patents.<ref name="Patents" /><ref name="Economist Conferences">{{cite web |url=http://www.economistconferences.co.uk/speaker/bran-ferren/6236 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130909022014/http://www.economistconferences.co.uk/speaker/bran-ferren/6236 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 9, 2013 |title=Bran Ferren -- Economist Conferences UK |access-date=September 1, 2013 }}</ref> His 2005 patent with Hillis for multi-touch gestures led to the invalidation of [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]'s "pinch-to-zoom" patent, which Apple cited in its billion-dollar lawsuit against [[Samsung]].<ref name="Tech Radar 2013" /><ref name="East Hampton Star 2013" /> His 2009 US patent #8381985 (assigned to Intel Corporation)<ref>{{Citation|title=Camera applications in a handheld device (Application filed 2012-01-26)|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US8381985B2/en|access-date=2019-01-01}}</ref> teaches the use of two cameras and electronic image processing to emulate the function of zoom lenses within devices such as smart phones, where traditional zoom lenses cannot fit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://patents.justia.com/patent/8381985|title=US Patent for Camera applications in a handheld device Patent (Patent # 8,381,985 issued February 26, 2013) - Justia Patents Search|website=patents.justia.com|access-date=2019-01-01}}</ref> Another of his patents was for contextual database technology associated with Metaweb, a company acquired by Google which became part of the [[Google Knowledge Graph]].<ref name="Knowledge Graph">{{cite web |url=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/introducing-knowledge-graph-things-not.html |title=Introducing the Knowledge Graph: things, not strings |access-date=August 23, 2013 |date=May 16, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Google Auto-complete">{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/08/08/google-knowledge-graph-global-auto-complete/ |title=Google Knowledge Graph Going Global For English Speakers, Will Appear in Auto-Complete Results |access-date=September 1, 2013 |date=August 8, 2012}}</ref>

At Applied Minds, Ferren has also been lead designer and engineer on a number of advanced Research & Development vehicle projects, for example:
* <u>The KiraVan</u>,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kiravan.net/|title=HOME - KIRAVAN|website=KIRAVAN|access-date=2017-10-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/hashtag/branferren|access-date=2020-07-03|via=Twitter|language=en}}</ref> the next-generation of the MaxiMog, also based on a Mercedes [[Unimog]] chassis.<ref name="KiraVan video">{{cite web |url=http://fora.tv/2013/04/19/Bran_Ferren_on_Building_the_Ultimate_Concept_Vehicle/Designing_a_Family-Friendly_Extreme_Expedition_Vehicle |title=Bran Ferren on Building the Ultimate Concept Vehicle |access-date=August 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831143700/http://fora.tv/2013/04/19/Bran_Ferren_on_Building_the_Ultimate_Concept_Vehicle/Designing_a_Family-Friendly_Extreme_Expedition_Vehicle |archive-date=August 31, 2013 |url-status=usurped }}</ref> The vehicle is currently still in final construction and testing, but was recently the subject of an hour long ''Extreme RV's'' special on the [[Travel Channel]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/home/extreme-rvs-space-age-mega-machine-profiles-the-kiravan/|title=The inside of this RV looks part spaceship, part luxury tiny home|date=November 8, 2015|newspaper=Digital Trends|access-date=2017-01-16}}</ref> and a Vice Motherboard video feature that has been viewed over a million times.<ref>{{Citation|title=The Ultimate Explorer Vehicle: Test Driving Bran Ferren's KiraVan|date=January 6, 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVk9WzRkXt4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/XVk9WzRkXt4 |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|access-date=2018-10-14}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He has also given talks on the creative design, engineering, and technology aspects of large-scale Expedition Vehicles at several EG Conference (2013),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.egconf.com/videos/bran-ferren-founder-applied-minds-inventor-photographer-eg7|title=Bran Ferren, Founder, Applied Minds. Inventor, Photographer (EG7)|date=October 30, 2019|website=EG Conference|language=en|access-date=2019-11-29}}</ref> and at [[ArtCenter College of Design]] in Pasadena.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.artcenter.edu/student-life/career-development/speaker-series|title=Speaker Series|website=ArtCenter College of Design|access-date=2019-11-29}}</ref>
* <u>The MaxiMog</u>,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.maximog.com/|title=MAXIMOG|website=maximog.com|access-date=2017-10-12}}</ref> designed to support scientific explorations, research, and location photography anywhere in the world. In 2001, the MaxiMog was on exhibit for three months at the [[Museum of Modern Art]] in New York City.<ref name="Discover Mag Maximog" /><ref name="Maximog Site" />
* <u>The SmarTruck II</u>,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/album.php?albumid=33&attachmentid=1119|title=Photo 18 of 23 from Transformers 2- Decepticons Alternate Modes|website=shootfortheedit.com|access-date=2017-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013014237/http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/album.php?albumid=33&attachmentid=1119|archive-date=October 13, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> an Army concept vehicle ([[TARDEC]]) for defense and emergency response, featured at the 2003 Detroit Auto show.<ref name="SmarTruck II">{{cite web |url=http://asc.army.mil/docs/pubs/alt/archives/2003/Nov-Dec_2003.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019180316/http://asc.army.mil/docs/pubs/alt/archives/2003/Nov-Dec_2003.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |title=Army AL&T |access-date=August 15, 2013}}</ref>
* <u>GM-CDV Concept Demonstration Vehicle</u>, a driving demonstrator built in the early 2000s, featuring new concepts in driver interfaces, navigation, seating, infotainment, LED lighting, 3D sound, and semi-autonomous driving assistance.

His architectural and interior design projects include the UCLA's Connection Lab,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iri.ucla.edu/the-connection-lab/|title=The Connection Lab – Internet Research Initiative at UCLA|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-17}}</ref> [[Lockheed Martin]]'s Center for Innovation, known as "The Lighthouse",<ref name="LM Center for Innovation">{{cite web |url=http://www.genproj.com/App_Corp_LMCO_CforI.htm |title=Center for Innovation |access-date=September 1, 2013 |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705092313/http://www.genproj.com/App_Corp_LMCO_CforI.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="The Lighthouse">{{cite web |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/who-we-are/center-for-innovation.html |title=Lockheed Martin Center for Innovation |access-date=September 1, 2013}}</ref> numerous projects for Northrop Grumman,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://investor.northropgrumman.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=112386&p=irol-newsArticle_pf&ID=1303547|title=Northrop Grumman Corporation - Investor Relations - News and Events - News Release|website=investor.northropgrumman.com|access-date=2017-01-17}}{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and the U.S. Government, including inside the [[The Pentagon|Pentagon]].  He has been directly involved as lead designer for over 100 command centers for the United States Government and private corporations.<ref name="nanomech.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nanomech.com/2016/08/10/bran-ferren-joins-nanomech-advisory-board-of-directors/|title=Bran Ferren Joins NanoMech Advisory Board of Directors {{!}} NanoMech|access-date=2019-01-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Pentagon's Brain by Annie Jacobsen|url=https://highlights.sawyerh.com/highlights/qbuf2OluFuaGO38C4Zxq|access-date=2020-07-03|website=highlights.sawyerh.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ex-Disney pro redesigns room on stuffy Navy ship|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2000/12/03/ex-disney-pro-redesigns-room-on-stuffy-navy-ship/|access-date=2020-07-03|website=Tampa Bay Times|language=en}}</ref>

Recently, an Applied Minds team led by Ferren was hired by leadership of the [[Smithsonian Institution]] to help develop their digital strategy.

===Public speaking, publications and appearances ===
[[File:Eric Angelson, Bran Ferren, US Airforce Applied Minds visit.jpg|thumb|Ferren, along with Eric Angelson and [[United States Air Force]] Major General Michael Carey in 2013]]
Ferren has an extensive public speaking career as a subject matter expert, that has spanned a wide range of professional, government, and academic audiences. His over 250 speaking engagements include [[John F. Kennedy School of Government|Harvard]]'s [[Center for Public Leadership]],<ref name="Harvard CPL">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxbB18QoYO4 |title=Leadership Speaker Series: Bran Ferren |date=June 26, 2008 |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> [[MIT]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.media.mit.edu/videos/cel-2004-05-10-3/|title=Designing Bits & Pieces: Creativity; Design & Materials; and Sensors, Actuators & Displays – MIT Media Lab|website=MIT Media Lab|access-date=2017-01-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://teachingexcellence.mit.edu/from-the-vault/technology-day-1996-miracle-or-mirage-technology-at-the-horizon|title=Technology Day 1996 – "Miracle or Mirage: Technology at the Horizon" {{!}} Teaching Excellence at MIT|newspaper=Teaching Excellence at MIT|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref> [[MIT Media Lab]],<ref name="MIT Media Lab video">{{cite web |url=http://www.media.mit.edu/video/search?term=bran%20ferren |title=MIT Media Lab -- Searching for bran ferren |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref><ref name="MIT Media Lab">{{cite web |url=http://cel.media.mit.edu/events/2004-0510/agenda.html |title=Designing Bits and Pieces Agenda |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> [[Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania|MIT Sloan School]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.mit.edu/1996/baltimore-alumni|title=Biologist David Baltimore Among Experts Assessing Future at MIT Tech Day for Alumni/ae on June 8|website=MIT News|date=June 5, 1996 |access-date=2019-09-29}}</ref> [[Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania|Wharton]],<ref name="Wharton">{{cite web |url=http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=3002 |title=After Broadband: Imagining a Future When Networks Are All Pervasive |publisher=Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania|access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> [[The Smithsonian Institution]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://museumstudies.si.edu/millennium/bio.htm|title=Museums for the New Millennium: Speakers|website=museumstudies.si.edu|access-date=2017-01-16| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713144533/http://museumstudies.si.edu/millennium/bio.htm| archive-date=July 13, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[SIGGRAPH]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dcr.lib.unc.edu/indexablecontent/uuid:dd6ef669-f98b-4bd5-a08c-7f26734a03ce|title=Editor's Notes from SIGGRAPH 96 Conference|website=IAT INFOBITS August 1996 No. 38 ISSN 1071-5223}}</ref> the [[ACM/IEEE Supercomputing Conference|ACM/IEEE Supercomupting Conference]] SC98,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hpcwire.com/1998/08/14/ferren-keynote-speaker-sc98/|title=Ferren To Be Keynote Speaker at SC98|date=August 14, 1998|website=HPCwire|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref> [[The Art Center College of Design]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.art.net/lists/talk/0132.html|title= Scripted Spaces|publisher=Art Center College of Design|date=January 6, 1998 |access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref>  ''[[Florida International University College of Arts and Sciences|Florida International University]]'' 2018,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://panthernow.com/2018/03/09/physics-and-ferraris/|title=FIU Speaker Announcement|date=March 9, 2018}}</ref> The [[U.S. Council on Competitiveness]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ncf.compete.org/?speaker=bran-ferren|title=Bran Ferren « National Competitiveness Forum|website=ncf.compete.org|access-date=2020-01-02|archive-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124070601/https://ncf.compete.org/?speaker=bran-ferren|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[California Institute of Technology|Caltech]] Entrepreneurs Forum,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pasadenanow.com/main/caltechs-entrepreneurs-forum-community-series-returns-to-the-cahill-center-on-may-11/|title=Caltech Entrepreneurs Forum 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506053810/http://www.pasadenanow.com/main/caltechs-entrepreneurs-forum-community-series-returns-to-the-cahill-center-on-may-11/|archive-date=May 6, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> The International Design Conference at Aspen ([[International Design Conference at Aspen|IDCA]]),<ref>{{Cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hollywoods-creative-leaders-line-up-for-aspen-conference-75158907.html|title=Hollywood's Creative Leaders Line Up for Aspen Conference|agency=PR Newswire|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref> The Aspen Ideas Festival 2015,<ref name="O'Neil">{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/i-wore-a-suit-designed-to-show-me-what-its-like-to-be-old-067/|title=I Wore a Mechanical Suit Designed to Make Me Feel Like a Decrepit Old Man, and It Worked|last=O'Neil|first=Luke|date=July 8, 2015|website=Vice|language=en|access-date=2020-01-20}}</ref> [[NASA]],<ref name="Nasa Bio" /> The U.S. Army,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cerdec.army.mil/news_and_media/Creative_minds_come_together_for_Army_lecture_emphasizing_Leadership_and_Innovation/|title=Creative minds come together for Army lecture emphasizing Leadership and Innovation|website=cerdec.army.mil|access-date=2017-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202235931/http://www.cerdec.army.mil/news_and_media/Creative_minds_come_together_for_Army_lecture_emphasizing_Leadership_and_Innovation/|archive-date=December 2, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The US Air Force,<ref name="AF">{{cite web |url=http://airforceassociation.blogspot.com/2011/09/bran-ferrens-innovate-or-die-dying-is.html |title=Air Force Association Blog |access-date=September 8, 2013|date=September 20, 2011 }}</ref> The U.S. Navy,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.public.navy.mil/fltfor/nwdc/CRIC%20Articles/Speech%20by%20Bran%20Ferren,%20President%20of%20Walt%20Disney%20Imagineering.pdf|title=Speech by Bran Ferren, President of Walt Disney Imagineering|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118073816/http://www.public.navy.mil/fltfor/nwdc/CRIC%20Articles/Speech%20by%20Bran%20Ferren,%20President%20of%20Walt%20Disney%20Imagineering.pdf|archive-date=January 18, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[UCLA]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailybruin.com/2019/10/30/school-of-engineering-hosts-a-daylong-event-celebrating-internets-50th-birthday/|title=School of engineering hosts a daylong event celebrating internet's 50th birthday|date=October 30, 2019|website=Daily Bruin|language=en|access-date=2020-04-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://internetanniversary.cs.ucla.edu/Speakers_Bios.html|title=35th Anniversary of the Internet - Speakers' Bios|website=internetanniversary.cs.ucla.edu|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aud.ucla.edu/extreme-ideas/extreme-environments.html|title=Extreme Environments Panel: Extreme IDEAS – UCLA|website=aud.ucla.edu|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref> USC,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://viterbi.usc.edu/news/events/calendar/?event=7069|title= Events Calendar|website=[[USC Viterbi School of Engineering]]|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref> [[National Academy of Engineering]],<ref name="NAE">{{cite web |url=http://www.nae.edu/Programs/Education/Activities10374/Engineerof2020/Workshop10809/ParticipantRoster.aspx |title=NAE Website – Participant Roster from Engineer of 2020: Visioning and Scenario-Development Workshop |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nae.edu/File.aspx?id=70475|title=NAE Global Grand Challenges Summit}}</ref> [[New York University|NYU]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cs.nyu.edu/visual/home/proj/BigPicture/BigPictureSummitDec2004.htm|title=Supercomputing Online|website=cs.nyu.edu|access-date=2018-10-06}}</ref> ''[[Intel|Intel Corporation]]'',<ref name="Intel">{{cite web |url=http://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/events/idffall_2008/video.htm |title=Intel Developer Forum |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> [[Infosys]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.experienceinfosys.com/confluence16-speaker|title=Infosys Confluence 2016, San Francisco - Innovation in Business & Technology|website=experienceinfosys.com|access-date=2017-01-16}}</ref> The AUVSI Driverless Car Summit,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/AUVSI/958c920a-7f9b-4ad2-9807-f9a4e95d1ef1/UploadedFiles/DCS2012Report.pdf|title=AUVSI Driverless Car Summit 2012}}</ref> [[The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smpte.org/news-events/news-releases/bran-ferren-announced-keynote-speaker-smpte-technical-conference|title=Bran Ferren Announced as Keynote Speaker at the SMPTE Technical Conference & Exhibition {{!}} Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers|website=smpte.org|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref> The Engineers' Council 2012,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://engineerscouncil.org/Banquet/PastBanquets/program2012.pdf|title=The Engineers' Council 2012 awards banquet|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508034114/http://engineerscouncil.org/Banquet/PastBanquets/program2012.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Two [https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20060214006124/en/Optical-Fiber-Communication-Conference-Exposition-OFC-National Optical Fiber Conferences] (OFC-2007 & OFC-2017),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.photonics.com/Articles/_OFCNFOEC_2006_Builds_on_Last_Years_Success_/a23880|title=OFC/NFOEC 2006 Builds on Last Year's Success|website=photonics.com|access-date=2019-09-30}}</ref> The Engineers Council,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://engineerscouncil.org/Banquet/PastBanquets/program2012.pdf|title=The Engineers Council, 57th Honors and Awards Banquet|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508034114/http://engineerscouncil.org/Banquet/PastBanquets/program2012.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Electric Infrastructure Security Summit VII, Westminster Palace, London,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eiscouncil.org/App_Data/Upload/b960b8b9-dc5b-4821-aaae-ca9958da950d.pdf|title=Electric Infrastructure Security Summit VII}}</ref> The Global Grand Challenges Summit 2013, in London,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nae.edu/File.aspx?id=70475|title=Global Grand Challenges Summit 2013}}</ref> The EIS Council<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eiscouncil.org/|title=EIS Council|website=eiscouncil.org|access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref> World Summit VIII on Infrastructure Security, U.S. Capitol Building,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eiscouncil.org/Summit_Details.aspx?itemId=39|title=EIS Council • EIS Council \ EIS Summits|website=eiscouncil.org|access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref> The [[Smithsonian American Art Museum]],<ref name="SI 2.0">{{cite web |url=http://smithsonian20.si.edu/2009/01/23/who-doesnt-love-whiteboards/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130909021959/http://smithsonian20.si.edu/2009/01/23/who-doesnt-love-whiteboards/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 9, 2013 |title=Who doesn't love whiteboards -- Smithsonian 2.0 |access-date=September 8, 2013 }}</ref> The Smithsonian Digital Futures Conference,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/long-tails-59743089/|title=Long Tails|last=Clough|first=G. Wayne|work=Smithsonian|access-date=2018-10-06}}</ref> MIT FAB11 - 2015,<ref>{{Cite web|title=FAB11 {{!}} The 11th International Fab Lab Conference & Symposium|url=http://fab11.fablabbcn.org/|access-date=2020-10-22|language=en-US}}</ref> The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA New York City) "Working and Living: The High Tech Nomad",<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sound Recordings in The Museum of Modern Art Archives |url=https://www.moma.org/research-and-learning/archives/finding-aids/SoundRecordingsf|access-date=2020-07-03|website=moma.org}}</ref> The Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis, Inc. (IFPA) Fletcher Conference 2007,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ifpa.org/pdf/IFC-NewMaritimeStratAgenda.pdf|title=Fletcher Conference}}</ref> The Envision Confeerence,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bran Ferren on Storytelling: The World's Oldest Profession|url=https://www.livedesignonline.com/staging-rental/bran-ferren-storytelling-world-s-oldest-profession|access-date=2020-07-03|website=LiveDesignOnline|date=March 7, 2014|language=en}}</ref> Two [[Geodesign]] Summits,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.esri.com/esri/esri-insider/2013/02/08/a-250-year-plan-for-the-planet/|title=A 250-Year Plan for the Planet {{!}} Esri Insider|website=blogs.esri.com|date=February 8, 2013|access-date=2018-10-06}}</ref> RealComm IBcon 2015,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://controltrends.org/tag/bran-ferren/|title=Bran Ferren {{!}} ControlTrends|website=controltrends.org|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://controltrends.org/tag/bran-ferren/|title=Bran Ferren Archives|website=ControlTrends|access-date=2019-01-01}}</ref> [[TTI/Vanguard|TTI Vanguard]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lidar-less AVs, Face ID Hack, Cantilevers as Logic Gates / Fri, 09/14/2018 - 18:03 {{!}} Institutional Investor Memberships and Forums|url=https://www.iiconferences.com/content/Lidar-less-AVs-Face-ID-Hack-Cantilevers-Logic-Gates|access-date=2020-07-03|website=iiconferences.com}}</ref> Techfire,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Techfire conference speakers|url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/52ca49fde4b03b30610d9dd1/t/5d48ae3ec8a2700001bec126/1565044372265/About+TechFire.pdf}}</ref> The [[American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics]] (AIAA),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aiaa-propulsionenergy.org/AerospaceInnovation/|title=Bran Ferren: Aerospace in the U.S. Needs to Find Its Way Back to Innovation : The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics|website=aiaa-propulsionenergy.org|access-date=2017-01-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aiaa.org/docs/default-source/uploadedfiles/aiaa-propulsionenergy-site/archives/pe-fp_finalv2_smallest-16-1225.pdf}}</ref> ''[[TTI/Vanguard]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iiconferences.com/content/Lidar-less-AVs-Face-ID-Hack-Cantilevers-Logic-Gates|title=Lidar-less AVs, Face ID Hack, Cantilevers as Logic Gates / Fri, 09/14/2018 - 18:03 {{!}} Institutional Investor Memberships and Forums|website=iiconferences.com|access-date=2020-01-20}}</ref> The Aspen Ideas Festival,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aspenideas.org/speakers?lastname=&festival=2015&focus=&page=1|title=Speakers and Moderators {{!}} Aspen Ideas Festival {{!}} Page 2|website=aspenideas.org|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref> [[United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation|The GEOINT Symposium]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gisuser.com/2007/10/geoint-announces-addition-of-ltg-honore-ltg-maples-bran-ferren-and-bill-crumm/|title=GEOINT Announces Addition of LTG Honoré, LTG Maples, Bran Ferren, and Bill Crumm|date=October 4, 2007|website=GISuser.com|access-date=2019-09-30}}</ref> The 2017 National Competitiveness Forum,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ncf.compete.org/?speaker=bran-ferren|title=Bran Ferren « NCF 2017|website=ncf.compete.org|access-date=2017-01-16|archive-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124070601/https://ncf.compete.org/?speaker=bran-ferren|url-status=dead}}</ref> 2018 [[Miyamoto International]], Great Minds Series,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://miyamotointernational.com/events/great-minds-series-bran-ferren/|title=Great Minds Series - Bran Ferren - Miyamoto International|website=miyamotointernational.com|access-date=2018-10-14}}</ref> several [http://www.egconf.com E.G. Conferences],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.egconf.com/events/eg-2008|title=EG 2008|date=February 5, 2011|newspaper=EG Conference|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.egconf.com/presenters/bran-ferren|title=Bran Ferren|date=March 2, 2011|newspaper=EG Conference|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blog.the-eg.com/2008/12/12/bran-ferren/|title=Bran Ferren « The Entertainment Gathering|date=December 12, 2008|language=en|access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref> has given multiple [[TED (conference)|TED talks]],<ref name="TED2">{{cite web |url=http://brianstorms.com/2012/08/the-ted2-conference-writeup----22-years-later.html |title=The TED2 Conference Writeup -- 22 Years Later |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref><ref name="TED3">{{cite news |url=https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/8.02/wurman_pr.html |title=Wired 8.02: The Wurmanizer |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://brianstorms.com/2012/08/|title=brianstorms: August 2012 Archives|website=brianstorms.com|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref> the IEEE EZVO19<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ieee-usa-announces-bran-ferren-evo19-opening-keynote-161600599.html|title=IEEE-USA Announces Bran Ferren as EVO19 Opening Keynote Speaker|website=finance.yahoo.com|access-date=2019-06-06}}</ref> Innovation conference, and [[The Explorers Club|The Explore's Club]] Global Exploration Summit GLEX2019 in Lisbon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.glexsummit.com/|title=Homepage - GLEX Summit {{!}} Lisboa, July 3–5 {{!}} The Explorers Club|website=glexsummit.com|access-date=2019-09-30}}</ref>

He has delivered the commencement speeches to the [[California State University, Northridge]] - College of Arts, Media and Communication (2002)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/CSUN'S+FIRST+ONLINE+CLASS+TO+GET+DIPLOMAS+THIS+WEEK.-a086410594|title=CSUN'S FIRST ONLINE CLASS TO GET DIPLOMAS THIS WEEK. - Free Online Library|website=thefreelibrary.com|access-date=2017-01-15}}</ref>[[The University of Redlands]]- College of Arts and Sciences (2014),<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/social-affairs/20140426/university-of-redlands-class-of-2014-celebrates-commencement|title=University of Redlands' Class of 2014 celebrates commencement|access-date=2017-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118180427/http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/social-affairs/20140426/university-of-redlands-class-of-2014-celebrates-commencement|archive-date=January 18, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the [[University of Irvine]] - [[Claire Trevor School of the Arts]], the School of Education, and the School of Physical Sciences (2015).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.uci.edu/campus-life/uc-irvine-announces-2015-commencement-schedule/|title=UCI News - UC Irvine announces 2015 commencement schedule|newspaper=UCI News|access-date=2017-01-15}}</ref>

He was one of the first lecturers and writers to discuss controversial internet-related topics such as the concept of networked human implants,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://discovermagazine.com/1999/nov/discoverroundtab1714|title=Discover Roundtable-The Startling Future of Computers |newspaper=Discover |date=November 1, 1999|access-date=2017-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eiuperspectives.economist.com/technology-innovation/bran-ferren-implant-future|title=Bran Ferren on "an implant for the future"|website=Perspectives from The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)|access-date=2019-06-06}}</ref> and the idea that reading & writing could turn out to be a fad, to be replaced within 250 years by better and more compelling technology (enabled by what would then-be ubiquitous networked personal electronic technology).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://partners.nytimes.com/library/magazine/millennium/m4/ferren.html|title=The Creators|website=partners.nytimes.com|access-date=2017-01-26}}</ref> His ideas, work, and perspectives on innovation, are often cited by publications and media sources such as ''[[The New York Times]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/26/business/sound-bytes-disney-s-virtual-visionary.html|title=Sound Bytes; Disney's Virtual Visionary|last=Phelan|first=J. Greg|date=February 26, 1995|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2017-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/#/bran+ferren/|title=NYTimes.com Search|website=query.nytimes.com|access-date=2017-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Phelan|first=J. Greg|date=February 26, 1995|title=Sound Bytes; Disney's Virtual Visionary|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/26/business/sound-bytes-disney-s-virtual-visionary.html|access-date=2020-07-03|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> ''[[Los Angeles Times|The Los Angeles Times]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-09-12-ca-2154-story.html|title=Bran Ferren: Master of Arts and Sciences|date=September 12, 1989|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-20}}</ref> ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/04/worlds-biggest-rv/|title=The Most Insane Truck Ever Built and the 4-Year-Old Who Commands It|last=Raftery|first=Brian|magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |access-date=2017-11-13}}</ref>''Discover'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://discovermagazine.com/search|title=Search|website=Discover |access-date=2017-01-26}}</ref> ''[[Broadcasting & Cable]]'',<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fv8dAQAAMAAJ&q=ferren|title=Broadcasting & Cable|date=1997|publisher=Cahners Publishing Company|language=en}}</ref>  ''[[The New Yorker]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1997/10/20/future-perfect|title=Future Perfect|last=Remnick|first=David|date=October 13, 1997|magazine=The New Yorker|access-date=2017-11-13|issn=0028-792X}}</ref> [[The Association for Computing Machinery]] (ACM),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cie.acm.org/articles/interview-with-bran-ferren/|title=Interview with Bran Ferren : ACM - Computers in Entertainment|website=cie.acm.org|access-date=2017-11-13}}</ref><ref name="Cow Missing"/> ''[[Fast Company (magazine)|Fast Company]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/|title=Fast Company {{!}} Business + Innovation|website=Fast Company|access-date=2017-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3027857/the-autonomous-vehicle-is-the-innovation-that-will-reshape-the-world-more-than-any-other|title=The Autonomous Vehicle Is The Innovation That Will Reshape The World More Than Any Other|last=Elizalde|first=Molly|date=March 18, 2014|website=Fast Company|access-date=2018-12-09}}</ref> ''[[PC Magazine]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/346784/a-conversation-with-applied-minds-chief-bran-ferren|title=A Conversation With Applied Minds Chief Bran Ferren|work=PCMAG|access-date=2018-10-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2455647,00.asp|title=Why Bran Ferren's TED Talk Is Required Viewing for All Techies|last1=Bajarin|first1=Tim|date=March 31, 2014|website=PC Mag|access-date=2018-12-09}}</ref> ''[[Macworld]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2045461/us-patent-office-rejects-claims-of-apple-pinch-to-zoom-patent.html|title=US patent office rejects claims of Apple 'pinch to zoom' patent|date=July 29, 2013|website=Macworld|access-date=2018-12-09}}</ref> [[C-SPAN|CSPAN]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.c-span.org/person/?branferren|title=Bran Ferren {{!}} C-SPAN.org|website=c-span.org|access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref> [[KCET]] (Dreamland documentary),<ref>{{Citation|title=Dreamland {{!}} Dreamland|date=July 1, 2018|url=https://www.kcet.org/shows/dreamland/episodes/dreamland|language=en|access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref> Aerospace America,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aerospace America|url=https://www.aiaa.org/docs/default-source/uploadedfiles/publications/aerospace-america-september-2016.pdf}}</ref> The [[Los Angeles Times]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-09-12-ca-2154-story.html|title=Bran Ferren: Master of Arts and Sciences|last=Champlin|first=Charles|date=September 12, 1989|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2017-11-13|issn=0458-3035}}</ref> ''[[Smithsonian (magazine)|Smithsonian]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/long-tails-59743089/|title=Long Tails|last=Clough|first=G. Wayne|work=Smithsonian|access-date=2018-11-15}}</ref> ''[[The Washington Post]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2016/03/25/get-ready-for-robots-to-become-part-of-the-family/|title=Get ready for robots to become part of the family|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=2018-11-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/25/AR2009012502179.html|title=Smithsonian Confronts the Digital Age|journal=The Washington Post and Times-Herald|date=January 26, 2009|access-date=2018-11-15|issn=0190-8286}}</ref>  ''[[Newsweek]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/search/site/%2522bran%2520ferren%2522|title=Search: Bran Ferren|publisher=Newsweek|access-date=2017-01-26}}</ref> ''Broadcasting & Cable'',<ref>{{Cite web|title=Broadcasting & Cable Vol. 127, No. 51, 1997|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1997/BC-1997-12-15.pdf}}</ref> ETCentric,<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 16, 2013|title=Exclusive: Bran Ferren Q&A Part 1 – The Oldest Profession|url=https://www.etcentric.org/exclusive-bran-ferren-qa-part-1-the-oldest-profession/|access-date=2020-07-03|website=ETCentric|language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'',<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/34784/why-ted-matters/|title=Why TED Matters|magazine=Time|access-date=2017-11-13}}</ref> ''[[Forbes]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/chunkamui/2018/02/19/3-traits-that-could-make-facebook-good-for-the-world-part-2/|title=3 Traits That Could Make Facebook 'Good for the World' (Part 2)|last=Mui|first=Chunka|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/chunkamui/2010/12/23/a-holiday-book-recommendation-points-of-view-a-tribute-to-alan-kay/|title=Points of View -- A Tribute to Alan Kay|last=Mui|first=Chunka|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/charliefink/2019/03/05/the-secrets-of-magic-leap/|title=The Secrets of Magic Leap|last=Fink|first=Charlie|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref> ''[[Inc. (magazine)|Inc.]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.inc.com/laura-montini/historys-most-effective-leaders-identified-modern-day-miracles.html|title=The Common Thread That Links History's Great Innovations|last=Montini|first=Laura|date=March 18, 2014|website=Inc.com|access-date=2020-01-20}}</ref> ''[[Scientific American]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 1, 2019|title=From The Editor|url=http://file.magzdb.org/ul/2490/Scientific%20American%202019%2012.pdf|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704003601/http://file.magzdb.org/ul/2490/Scientific%20American%202019%2012.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-tech-horizon/|title=POLICY & ETHICS - The Tech Horizon|website=[[Scientific American]]|date=December 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Self-Driving Cars are a Modern Miracle Waiting to Happen|url=https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/self-driving-cars-are-a-modern-miracle-waiting-to-happen/|last=Guterl|first=Fred|website=Scientific American Blog Network|language=en|access-date=2020-05-13}}</ref> ''[[American Cinematographer]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/StarTrekV.DirectorsCut/posts/1014432728574855:0|title=Star Trek Appreciation Society|via=Facebook|access-date=2017-11-13}}</ref> ''[[The East Hampton Star]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.easthamptonstar.com/archive/springs-own-beats-apple|title=Springs' Own Beats Apple {{!}} The East Hampton Star|website=easthamptonstar.com|access-date=2020-01-20}}</ref> Theater Crafts/TCI,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YG8cAQAAIAAJ&q=theater+crafts+bran+ferren|title=Theatre Crafts|date=January 1989|publisher=Theatre Crafts Associates}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PIVAAQAAIAAJ&q=theater+crafts+bran+ferren|title=TCI: The Business of Entertainment Technology & Design|date=August 1995|publisher=Theatre Crafts Associates}}</ref> [[Live Design]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livedesignonline.com/news/bran-ferren-storytelling-4d|title=Bran Ferren: Storytelling in 4D|date=October 18, 2012|work=Live Design|access-date=2018-11-15}}</ref> ''[[Lighting & Sound America]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lightingandsoundamerica.com/reprint/MatureTechnology.pdf|title=Show Technology Comes of Age|last=Huntington|first=John|date=September 2019|website=Lighting & Sound America}}</ref> [[Cinefex]],<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tFwqAQAAIAAJ&q=cinefex+bran+ferren+altered+states|title=Cinefex|last=Shay|first=Don|date=1990|publisher=D. Shay}}</ref> NBC News/[[CNBC]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna13189826|title=Bran Ferren transcript|date=June 30, 2006|work=msnbc.com|access-date=2018-11-15}}</ref> ''[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]'',<ref name="O'Neil"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/this-futuristic-exploration-vehicle-is-a-swiss-army-knife-on-wheels/|title=This Futuristic Exploration Vehicle Is a 'Swiss Army Knife on Wheels'|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=January 6, 2016|website=Vice|language=en|access-date=2020-01-20}}</ref> ''[[CIO (magazine)|CIO]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|title=Search results for ferren|url=https://www.cio.com/search?contentType=article,resource&query=ferren|access-date=2020-07-03|website=CIO|language=en}}</ref> ''[[Air Force Magazine]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 19, 2010|title=Buy Ideas, Too, Not Just Stuff|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/buyingideasnotstuff/|access-date=2020-07-03|website=Air Force Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[Strategy+Business]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.strategy-business.com/article/00381?gko=6aa82|title=Bran Ferren on the Art of Innovation |author1=Art Kleiner |author2=Juliette Powell |work=strategy+business|access-date=2017-11-06}}</ref> and [[Bloomberg News|''Bloomberg'']].<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 7, 1999|title=Disney's Mickey Mensa Club|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/1999-03-07/disneys-mickey-mensa-club|access-date=2020-01-20|website=Bloomberg.com}}</ref> He can be seen and heard on multiple website and podcasts, expressing his ideas on a wide range of topics from autonomous vehicles,<ref>{{Citation|last=Ferren|first=Bran|title=To create for the ages, let's combine art and engineering|date=March 25, 2014 |url=https://www.ted.com/talks/bran_ferren_to_create_for_the_ages_let_s_combine_art_and_engineering?language=en|access-date=2018-10-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.c-span.org/person/?branferren|title=Bran Ferren {{!}} C-SPAN.org|website=c-span.org|access-date=2018-10-06}}</ref> innovation,<ref>{{Citation|title=Bran Ferren, Lunch Keynote: Re-imagining American Innovation @ Natl Competitiveness Forum 2016|date=December 12, 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_uzLNjNE7Q |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/V_uzLNjNE7Q |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|access-date=2018-10-06}}{{cbignore}}</ref> technology,<ref>{{Citation|title=Bran Ferren - Innovation and Technology|date=September 27, 2012|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-YnUftp7D0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/J-YnUftp7D0 |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|access-date=2018-10-06}}{{cbignore}}</ref> creativity & curiosity,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/full-episodes/b-ferren-is-it-ok-to-fail|title=B. Ferren: Is it OK to fail? {{!}} Curiosity|website=discovery.com|access-date=2018-10-06}}</ref> the future of computing,<ref>{{Citation|title=Bran Ferren - How IT will transform the experience of telling and listening to stories|date=April 17, 2014|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcjzvKknKVM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/NcjzvKknKVM |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|access-date=2018-10-06}}{{cbignore}}</ref> art & design,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://artuk.org/about/art-matters|title=Art UK {{!}} About Art Matters|website=artuk.org|access-date=2018-12-09}}</ref> and tools.<ref>{{Citation|title=140: Bran Ferren|url=https://player.fm/series/cool-tools/ep-140-bran-ferren|access-date=2018-10-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JXpPAAAAMAAJ|title=Work, life, tools: the things we use to do the things we do|last1=Glaser|first1=Milton |date=December 1, 1997|publisher=Monacelli Press|isbn=9781885254832}}</ref>

He was one of the first technical experts to articulate the concept of emotional resolution (as distinguished from technical resolution) for imaging systems, in particular for cinema production.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Lisa |last=Neal |date=May 2001 |url=https://elearnmag.acm.org/featured.cfm?aid=566979|title=Storytelling at a distance|website=eLearn Magazine |publisher=ACM |access-date=2018-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cdr.lib.unc.edu/indexablecontent/uuid:dd6ef669-f98b-4bd5-a08c-7f26734a03ce|title=Editor's Notes from SIGGRAPH 96 Conference}}</ref> The concept being that increasing the technical resolution of a system, such as sharpness and contrast (MTF/OTF) above a certain point, may have the effect of reducing the effectiveness of the medium for storytelling, as excessive sharpness encourages the audience to concentrate on the details and flaws of the scene or process (i.e. set construction, props, effects, artificial lighting) or of a performer (makeup, blemishes, wigs), rather than to [[Suspension of disbelief|''suspend their disbelief'']] to engage more deeply in the story.  One can see the practical efforts to mitigate the undesirable effects of this phenomenon in the extensive range of options in [[diffusion filter]]s and [[Hard and soft light|soft lighting]] used routinely in still photography, film and television production.  As an early advocate for self-driving cars, his popular 2104 TED talk: "To Create for the Ages, Let's Combine Art & Engineering", has been called a must-see talk for engineers,<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 29, 2019|title=13 Must-See TED Talks For Engineers|url=https://interestingengineering.com/13-must-see-ted-talks-for-engineers|access-date=2020-07-03|website=interestingengineering.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=5 TED Talks for Civil Engineers|url=https://online.norwich.edu/academic-programs/resources/5-ted-talks-civil-engineers|access-date=2020-07-03|website=Norwich University Online|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=March 28, 2014|title=Curiosity, Control, and Caring. #fsbl and Bran Ferren's TED talk on Pantheon miracles.|url=https://itsaboutlearning.org/2014/03/28/curiosity-control-and-caring-fsbl-and-bran-ferrens-ted-talk-on-pantheon-miracles/|access-date=2020-07-03|website=it's about learning|language=en}}</ref> discusses the intersection between art, design, and engineering; and why technologies such as autonomous vehicles will permanently change our world; has been viewed over a million times.<ref>{{Citation|last=Ferren|first=Bran|title=To create for the ages, let's combine art and engineering|date=March 25, 2014 |url=https://www.ted.com/talks/bran_ferren_to_create_for_the_ages_let_s_combine_art_and_engineering|language=en|access-date=2020-07-03}}</ref>

He has often been invited to speak at significant US Government sponsored conferences, advancing his ideas on leadership & innovation,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cerdec.army.mil/news_and_media/Creative_minds_come_together_for_Army_lecture_emphasizing_Leadership_and_Innovation/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024183114/http://www.cerdec.army.mil/news_and_media/Creative_minds_come_together_for_Army_lecture_emphasizing_Leadership_and_Innovation/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 24, 2016|title=US army lecture on leadership and innovation|last=Ferren}}</ref> technology,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235166724|title=Entertainment Technology and Military Virtual Environments|website=ResearchGate|access-date=2019-01-01}}</ref> acquisition reform,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ncf.compete.org/?speaker=bran-ferren|title=Bran Ferren « National Competitiveness Forum|website=ncf.compete.org|access-date=2019-01-01|archive-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124070601/https://ncf.compete.org/?speaker=bran-ferren|url-status=dead}}</ref> as well advancing controversial ideas such as suggesting that the US armed forces should get off as GPS/GNSS as their primary source of precision Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) within a decade.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://airforceassociation.blogspot.com/search/label/Bran%20Ferren|title=Air Force Association Blog|website=airforceassociation.blogspot.com|access-date=2019-01-01}}</ref>

He has consulted for, and been interviewed on many TV shows and specials, for example; [[The Dick Cavett Show]],<ref>{{Citation|title=The Dick Cavett Show 1990x74 "Bran Ferren"|url=https://simkl.com/tv/19932/the-dick-cavett-show/season-1990/episode-74/|access-date=2020-07-01}}</ref> [[Nightline|ABC Nightline with Ted Koppel]],<ref>{{Cite news|last=Johns|first=Amy|date=November 1, 1998|title=ABC Reimagineers|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/1998/11/abc-reimagineers/|access-date=2020-07-01|issn=1059-1028}}</ref> The Tomorrow Society,<ref>{{Cite web|title=YouTube| date=May 7, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyuW1e_-4sE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/DyuW1e_-4sE |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|access-date=2020-07-01|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Charlie Rose (talk show)|The Charlie Rose Show]],<ref>{{Citation|title=Charlie Rose|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0270116/|access-date=2020-07-01}}</ref> [[CuriosityStream]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://curiositystream.com/series/12/curious-minds-creativity|access-date=2020-07-01|website=curiositystream.com}}</ref> [[Conversations with Michael Eisner]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 30, 2006|title=Bran Ferren transcript|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna13189826|access-date=2020-07-01|website=msnbc.com|language=en}}</ref> ''Dreamland''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dreamland|url=https://www.thedocumentarygroup.com/dreamland|access-date=2020-07-03|website=thedocumentarygroup|language=en}}</ref> and [[The Age of A.I.]] (2019-2020) Hosted by [[Robert Downey Jr.]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Age of A.I. - Production & Contact Info {{!}} IMDbPro|url=https://pro.imdb.com/title/tt8421554/|access-date=2020-07-01|website=pro.imdb.com}}</ref>

He has authored articles for numerous publications including ''[[The New York Times Magazine]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://partners.nytimes.com/library/magazine/millennium/m4/ferren.html|title=The Creators|website=partners.nytimes.com|access-date=2017-11-06}}</ref> ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]'', ''[[MIT Technology Review]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/search/?s=bran%20ferren|title=MIT Technology Review|website=[[MIT Technology Review]]|access-date=2017-11-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/s/400035/the-medium-is-only-half-the-message/|title=The Medium is Only Half the Message|last=Ferren|first=Brian|work=MIT Technology Review|access-date=2018-08-18}}</ref> ''[[The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://asa.scitation.org/action/doSearch?SeriesKey=jas&AllField=Bran+Ferren|title=Search: Bran Ferren|publisher=[[Acoustical Society of America]] |website=The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America|access-date=2017-11-06}}</ref> ''Talking Back to the Machine'' (Peter J. Denning, editor),<ref>{{cite book|last=Ferren|first=Bran |title=Talking Back to the Machine |chapter=The Lost Art of Storytelling |date=1999 |pages=55–69|editor-last=Denning|editor-first=Peter J.|publisher=Springer New York|language=en|doi=10.1007/978-1-4612-2148-7_6|isbn=978-1-4612-2148-7 }}</ref>  ''The Journal of Museum Education'',<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ferren|first=Bran|date=1997|title=The Future of Museums: Asking the Right Questions|journal=The Journal of Museum Education|volume=22|issue=1|pages=3–7|doi=10.1080/10598650.1997.11510338|jstor=40479079|issn=1059-8650}}</ref> the ''[[Proceedings of SPIE]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/search?term=ferren|title=Search: Bran Ferren|website= SPIE Digital Library|access-date=2017-11-06}}</ref> and [[Quartz (publication)|''Quartz'']].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://qz.com/1706236/geodesign-is-going-to-change-futurism-as-we-know-it/|title=Geodesign is going to change the design world as we know it|last=Ferren|first=Bran|website=Quartz|date=September 13, 2019 |access-date=2019-09-30}}</ref> For several years,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gisandscience.com/2013/01/14/bran-ferren-to-keynote-2013-geodesign-summit-with-five-minutes-into-the-future-an-argument-for-taking-a-longer-view/|title=Bran Ferren to Keynote 2013 Geodesign Summit with "Five Minutes Into The Future: An argument for taking a longer view…"|last=Artz|first=Matt|date=January 14, 2013|website=GIS and Science|language=en|access-date=2019-11-29}}</ref> he has been strong proponent<ref>{{Citation|title=GISCafe.com: Videos - ESRI TV : Bran Ferren at Geodesign Summit 2013 - Esri|url=https://www.giscafe.com/video/Esri-Bran-Ferren-Geodesign-Summit-2013/38290/media.html|access-date=2019-11-29}}</ref> and thought leader<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://qz.com/1706236/geodesign-is-going-to-change-futurism-as-we-know-it/|title=Geodesign is going to change the design world as we know it|last=Ferren|first=Bran|website=Quartz|date=September 13, 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-11-29}}</ref> in the emerging field of [[Geodesign]] as a powerful tool that he believes has the ability to transform the way we think about city, regional and global planning, the environment, and effectively mitigating the negative impacts of people and development on the natural world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/arcnews/geodesign-tackles-big-problems-brings-gis-into-the-design-fields/|title=Geodesign Tackles Big Problems, Brings GIS into the Design Fields|date=February 1, 2019|website=Esri|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-29}}</ref>

===Advisory board memberships and related activities===
Ferren's advisory work has included board memberships at the [[U.S. Federal Communications Commission]],<ref name=FCC>{{cite web |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Public_Notices/1999/pnet9007.html |title=FCC Announces Formation of the Technological Advisory Council |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> Securities and Exchange Commission,<ref name=SEC>{{cite web |url=http://www.finra.org/Newsroom/NewsReleases/1998/P010385 |title=SEC to Host Technology Roundtable -- FINRA |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> International Design Conference in Aspen,<ref name=IDCA1>{{cite web |url=http://www.aspenhistorysociety.com/nugget_aspenrebounds17 |title=Aspen Historical Society -- Info Nugget |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref><ref name=IDCA2>{{cite web |url=http://internetanniversary.cs.ucla.edu/Speakers_Bios.html |title=35th Anniversary of the Internet – Speaker Bios |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> [[PBS Kids]]<ref name="PBS">{{cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pbs-convenes-think-tank-to-help-shape-the-future-of-childrens-public-service-media-56553822.html|title=PBS Kids Next Generation Advisory Board|access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> and the science magazine ''[[Nautilus (science magazine)|Nautilus]]''.<ref name="Nautilus">{{cite journal |url=http://nautil.us/about |title=Nautilus Magazine Board of Advisors |journal=Nautilus |access-date=September 22, 2014}}</ref> He has also served as a member of the [[Army Science Board]] for five years,<ref name=ASB>{{cite web |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA363997.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909022043/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA363997 |url-status=live |archive-date=September 9, 2013 |title=Army Science Board 1997 Summer Study Final Report |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> the [[Defense Science Board]],<ref name="DSB">{{cite book |title=Strategic Communication: Report of the Defense Science Board |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=whQVV3j8JwAC&pg=PA91 |author=Defense Science Board |publisher=Crossbow Press |year=2007 |isbn=9780615140612 |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> the [[Naval Historical Foundation]] Advisory Council,<ref name=NHF>{{cite web |url=http://www.navyhistory.org/2011/10/dynamic-new-lighting-for-submarine-exhibit |title=Dynamic New Lighting for Submarine Exhibit -- Naval Historical Foundation |date=October 24, 2011 |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> The USO Digital Advisory Council,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2015/06/29/748198/10140032/en/USO-ANNOUNCES-NEW-DIGITAL-ADVISORY-COUNCIL.html|title=USO Announces New Digital Advisory Council|newspaper=GlobeNewswire News Room|access-date=2017-02-04}}</ref> [[The Department of Homeland Security]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/HSSTACOpenSessionMinutesFeb2604.pdf|title=Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee (HSSTAC)}}</ref> and the [[Chief of Naval Operations]] Executive Panel.<ref name="CNO">{{cite web |url=http://www.ifpa.org/pdf/IFC-NewMaritimeStratAgenda.pdf |title=A New Maritime Strategy |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> Bran Ferren is a member of the advisory boards for the [[Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation]] at UC Berkeley,<ref>{{Cite web|title=People|url=https://jacobsinstitute.berkeley.edu/people/|website=Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-08}}</ref> [[CuriosityStream]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://curiositystream.com/about|title=CuriosityStream Advisory Board|access-date=August 31, 2015}}</ref> NanoMech,<ref name="nanomech.com"/> ReactiveCore.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://reactivecore.com/|title=ReactiveCore|website=reactivecore.com|access-date=2019-01-01}}</ref> In 2016, he was appointed to [[Toyota]] Research Institute (TRI) senior advisory board for [[driving autonomy]], artificial intelligence, and robotics.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://toyotadriverseat.com/technology/tri-introduces-team-at-ces.htm|title=Agents of Autonomy and Safety {{!}} Toyota DriverSeat|website=toyotadriverseat.com|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tds.tekgroupweb.com/technology/introducing-toyota-research-institute.htm|title=Introducing TRI {{!}} Toyota DriverSeat|website=tds.tekgroupweb.com|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref> He is a member of the board of directors for [[NPR]]'s ''[[The Loh Down on Science]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lohdownonscience.com/about-us/|title=About Us – The Loh Down on Science|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-12}}</ref>

While serving as head of [[Creative technology|Creative Technology]] for Disney, and also a member the [[Army Science Board]] (ASB), Ferren played a key roll<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.salon.com/2013/09/19/shall_we_play_a_game_the_rise_of_the_military_entertainment_complex/|title=Shall we play a game?: The rise of the military-entertainment complex|date=September 19, 2013|website=Salon|access-date=2019-11-12}}</ref> in the creation of what became USC's [[Institute for Creative Technologies]].  As a science & technology advisor to Four-star [[Paul J. Kern|Army General Paul J. Kern]] in [[Modeling and simulation|Modeling & Simulation]] (M&S)<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N_T2O0e-cJEC&q=army+science+board+%22bran+ferren%22&pg=PA31|title=Army RD & A Bulletin|date=May 1999|publisher=HQ, U.S. Army Materiel Command}}</ref> he recommended creating a new entity in the vicinity of Los Angeles that would be anchored at a major university.  The purpose of this organization being to draw from the local talent pool, and its deep expertise in gaming, visualization, and UI/UX design.  When asked why it should be there, rather than say the DC area, he stated emphatically that to be successful in this new domain, the army "needed to be where the action is."  Under Gen. Kern's leadership, and with the help of Army funding, the ICT was established in 1999 at the University of Southern California (USC), and has become an important and sustaining resource for the Department of Defense in gaming, modeling, & simulation technologies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ict.usc.edu/|title=Institute for Creative Technologies|access-date=2019-11-12}}</ref>

===Fine art photography===
Two of his photographs have been accepted into the [[Smithsonian Museum for American Art]] permanent collection.<ref name="SAAM">{{cite web |url=http://americanart.si.edu/collections/search/artwork/results/index.cfm?rows=10&page=1&start=0&fq=name:%22Ferren%2C%20Bran%22 |title=Artwork Search Results -- American Art |access-date=September 8, 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He has presented and exhibited his artwork at 2008 the Entertainment Gathering (e.g.) Conference,<ref name="EG">{{cite web |url=http://blog.the-eg.com/2008/12/12/bran-ferren/ |title=Bran Ferren << The Entertainment Gathering |date=December 12, 2008 |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> and exhibited his photography and multimedia work at the Guild Hall Museum, East Hampton.  His photographs are part of several private collections, and he is completing the editorial work for a large format photo book project called ''Eleven Seconds''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibrarian.net%2Fnavon%2Fpaper%2FReport__First_Meeting_of_FCC_Technological_Adviso.pdf|title=Report__First_Meeting_of_FCC_Technological_Adviso.pdf|access-date=February 24, 2022|archive-date=February 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220175602/http://acn.com.ve/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Creative collaborations===
In 2009, Ferren collaborated with [[Laurie Anderson]] on the exhibition "The Third Mind" at the [[Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum|Guggenheim Museum]] in New York.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pomegranatearts.com/project-laurie_anderson/artists.html|title=LAURIE ANDERSON - artists|website=pomegranate arts|access-date=2017-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812211737/http://www.pomegranatearts.com/project-laurie_anderson/artists.html|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Laurie">{{cite web |url=http://www.walkerart.org/press/browse/press-releases/2012/walker-art-center-and-the-saint-paul-chamber |title=Walker Art Center Liquid Music Series |access-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005003617/http://www.walkerart.org/press/browse/press-releases/2012/walker-art-center-and-the-saint-paul-chamber |archive-date=October 5, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2004, he helped to develop a gigapixel image system and 360-degree cyclorama with artist/photographer [[Clifford Ross]].<ref name="Clifford">{{cite web |url=http://www.cliffordross.com/cyclorama/i3/i3_document.pdf |title=information immersion interactivity |access-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130153948/http://www.cliffordross.com/cyclorama/i3/i3_document.pdf |archive-date=November 30, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He worked with [[Patrice M. Regnier|Patrice Regnier]] and [[Carter Burwell]] on his film project ''TESLA''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://patricemregnier.squarespace.com/dance-and-tech/|title=Dance and Tech|website=Patrice M. Regnier|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref> He had creative meetings with [[Jim Henson]] in 1988 about a [[Muppets]] theme park prior to Henson selling his company to Disney.<ref name="Henson">{{cite web |url=https://www.henson.com/jimsredbook/2011/02/2251988/ |title=Creative meetings about Theme Park Concepts with Bran Ferren |work=Jim Henson's Red Book |date=February 25, 2011 |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref> Prior to the Disney acquisition, Ferren had been in discussions with [[Steve Ross (businessman)|Steve Ross]], CEO of [[Warner Communications]] about his acquiring ''Associates & Ferren'' and collaborating with [[Alan Kay]] on advanced entertainment and gaming technology.<ref>{{cite book | chapter-url=https://users.cs.duke.edu/~rodger/articles/AlanKay70thpoints-of-view.pdf | title=Points of View: A Tribute to Alan Kay | publisher=[[Viewpoints Research Institute]] | author=Ferren, Bran | year=2010 | pages=183–192 | isbn=978-0-97431-311-5 |editor=Ian Piumarta |editor2=Kimberly Rose | chapter=AK—A Graphic Exposé}}, [http://piumarta.com/pov/points-of-view.pdf also at]</ref> He is cited as a senior inventor at the company Intellectual Ventures, headed by former Microsoft CTO, [[Nathan Myhrvold]].  Myhrvold and Ferren are often cited as being close or best friends and collaborators.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2014/04/22/change-agents-nathan-myhrvold/7611711/|title=Change Agents: Myhrvold's many missions|website=USA Today|access-date=2019-06-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mensjournal.com/features/nathan-myhrvold-how-a-geek-grills-a-burger-20121119/|title=How a Geek Grills a Burger|date=November 19, 2012|website=Men's Journal|access-date=2019-06-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/04/worlds-biggest-rv/|title=The Most Insane Truck Ever Built and the 4-Year-Old Who Commands It|last=Raftery|first=Brian|date=April 7, 2014|magazine=Wired|access-date=2019-06-06|issn=1059-1028}}</ref>

===Awards and commendations===
* In 1980, winner of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle award, for Special Visual & Sound Effects, The Crucifer of Blood<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 10, 2009|title=Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle - 1980 - 1989 LADCC Awards|url=http://ladramacriticscircle.com/awards_1980_1989.htm|access-date=2020-07-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210192554/http://ladramacriticscircle.com/awards_1980_1989.htm|archive-date=February 10, 2009}}</ref>
* In 1980, winner of the Ahmanson Theater Award, for Distinguished Special Visual & Sound Effects<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ahmanson Theatre Awards - res. Theatre Awards ... 2006 "The Drowsy Chaperone, ... Strouse, Musical Score; Gregg Barnes, Costume|url=https://dokumen.tips/documents/ahmanson-theatre-awards-res-theatre-awards-2006-the-drowsy-chaperone.html|access-date=2020-07-03|website=dokumen.tips|language=en}}</ref>
* In 1982, winner of Academy Technical Achievement Award for the first computerized lightning effects system<ref name="awardsdatabase.oscars.org">{{Cite web|title=Browser Unsupported - Academy Awards Search {{!}} Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences|url=http://awardsdatabase.oscars.org/Error/NotFound?aspxerrorpath=/Search/Nominations|access-date=2020-07-03|website=awardsdatabase.oscars.org}}</ref>
* In 1984, New York Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Special Effects, ''[[Sunday in the Park with George]]''<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rich|first=Frank|date=May 3, 1984|title=Stage: 'Sunday in the Park with George'|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/05/03/theater/stage-sunday-in-the-park-with-george.html|access-date=2020-07-03|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
* In 1984, New York Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Special Effects, Spookhouse
* The 1984 Joseph Maharam Foundation Award<ref name="Discovery">{{cite news|title=The Joseph Maharam Awards|website=[[The New York Times]]| date=June 8, 1971 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/06/08/archives/maharam-awards-given-for-theater-designs.html|access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref>
* The 1984 American Theater Wing, Hewes Design Award<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bran Ferren|url=http://americantheatrewing.org/recipients/bran-ferren/|access-date=2017-01-17|website=The American Theatre Wing}}</ref> 
* In 1986, Academy Award Oscar nomination for Visual Effects, ''Little Shop of Horrors'' (co-nominated with [[Lyle Conway]] and [[Martin Gutteridge]])<ref name="awardsdatabase.oscars.org"/>
* In 1987, winner, Academy Scientific and Engineering Award, for the design of an Advanced Optical Printer<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bran Ferren|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0274512/awards|access-date=2020-07-03|publisher=IMDb}}</ref>
* In 1987, winner, Academy Technical and Engineering Award, for development of a laser Synchro-cue [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0274512/awards?ref_=nm_awd system]
* In 1998 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) nomination for special visual effects.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BAFTA Awards (1988)|url=http://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000123/1988/1/|access-date=2020-07-03|publisher=IMDb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Film in 1988 {{!}} BAFTA Awards|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/1988/film|access-date=2020-07-03|website=awards.bafta.org}}</ref>
* In 1998, Bran Ferren received the Wally Russell Lifetime Achievement Award in Lighting Design.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wallyrussellfund.org/awards-programs/the-wally/lifetime-achievement-wally-award/lifetime-achievement-award-recipients/|title=Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients |publisher= The Wally Russell Foundation |access-date=2017-01-16}}</ref>
* In 2000, Bran Ferren received the [[Kilby International Award]] for significant contributions to society.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kilby.org/kl_past_laureates.html|title=Past Laureates: 2000|publisher= The Kilby International Awards Foundation|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref>
* In 2011, ''Fast Company'' added Bran Ferren to the list of "100 Most Creative People in Business".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3018494/most-creative-people-2011/88-bran-ferren|title=88. Bran Ferren|date=May 18, 2011|newspaper=Fast Company|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref>
* In 2014, Bran Ferren was presented with the [[US Intelligence Community Seal Medallion]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nanomech.com/2016/08/10/bran-ferren-joins-nanomech-advisory-board-of-directors/|title=Bran Ferren Joins NanoMech Advisory Board of Directors|publisher= NanoMech|access-date=2017-01-17}}</ref>
* In 2016, Bran Ferren received the [[Sir Arthur Clarke Award|Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award]] for Imagination in Service to Society.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.clarkefoundation.org/2016/11/2016-sir-arthur-clarke-awards/|title=2016 Sir Arthur Clarke Awards|website=The Arthur C. Clarke Foundation|access-date=January 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124070834/https://www.clarkefoundation.org/2016/11/2016-sir-arthur-clarke-awards/|archive-date=January 24, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Clarke Awardees {{!}} The Arthur C Clarke Foundation|url=https://www.clarkefoundation.org/awards/|access-date=2020-07-03|language=en-US}}</ref>
*In 2016 Bran Ferren was the Theater and Tech Demo Area designer for the [[Esri|ESRI]] Corporate Headquarters Office & Auditorium, which received the [[American Institute of Architects]] (AIA) Inland California Chapter, Honor Award
* In 2026, Bran Ferren was named to ''Forbes 250: America’s Greatest Innovators'' list (#201).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Knapp|first=Alex|date=February 11, 2026|title=Forbes 250: America’s Greatest Innovators|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2026/02/11/forbes-250-americas-greatest-innovators/|website=Forbes|access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>

== In popular culture ==
The final scene in the 1980s music video "[[Take On Me]]" by [[A-ha]] was inspired by the similar scene designed by Ferren in ''[[Altered States]]''.<ref name="Take On Me 1985">{{cite web |url=http://a-ha.com/discography/videos/ |title=Videos: The Official Website of a-ha |access-date=January 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409035652/http://a-ha.com/discography/videos/ |archive-date=April 9, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Revisiting Cinefex">{{cite web |url=http://grahamedwardsonline.wordpress.com/2011/05/22/revisiting-cinefex-issue-4-april-1981/ |title=Revisiting Cinefex (4): Outland and Altered States |access-date=January 16, 2012|date=May 22, 2011 }}</ref>

A popular 1980s MTV Television [[Bumper (broadcasting)|bumper]] featured a take-off of the final transformation scene in ''[[Altered States]]'',<ref>{{Citation|first=Chris|last=Hattings|title=MTV Bumper 80s - Altered States|date=August 21, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M77DK4VOfc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/8M77DK4VOfc |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|access-date=2019-06-06}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.retrojunk.com/commercial/show/19082/mtv-id-altered-states|title=MTV I.D ("Altered States") {{!}} Retro Junk Commercial|website=retrojunk.com|access-date=2019-06-06}}</ref> designed and art directed by Ferren.

A 2013 ''[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]]'' magazine article on Ashton Kutcher referenced a "memorable birthday party" with Ferren and other friends.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a13771/ashton-kutcher-on-steve-jobs-interview/|title=Nobody's Fool|date=March 20, 2013|work=[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]]|access-date=2018-11-15}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Bran Ferren}}

* {{TED speaker}}
* {{IMDb name}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ferren, Bran}}
[[Category:American chief executives in the mass media industry]]
[[Category:Disney executives]]
[[Category:Disney imagineers]]
[[Category:American special effects people]]
[[Category:1953 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:McBurney School alumni]]
[[Category:Artists from New York City]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from New York City]]
[[Category:Academy Award for Technical Achievement winners]]
[[Category:East Hampton High School alumni]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Bran Ferren|access_date=2026-02-27}}