Studio Stories featuring James Lawbuary
- Katapult Team
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
Welcome to Studio Stories presented by Rhianna McGonigal, a podcast series from Katapult as we explore the people we are and the projects we work on. This episode we talk to our Writer and Project Producer, James Lawbuary, about his involvement in our Helping Hands project and his love of rollercoasters.
Listen to Studio Stories
Q: You’ve been with Katapult for nearly two years now. Your role has two distinct facets—what does your day-to-day actually look like?
It really depends on the project, but I essentially wear two different hats. Half of my time is spent as a Project Producer, which is very detail-focused—keeping things on track, targeting budgets, and ensuring the right people are in the right rooms at the right time. The other half is spent as a Writer, where I support the creative team by drafting copy, revising text, and helping find the right words to deliver a project's vision. I love the mix of the creative and the logical; at university, I actually studied Maths and Drama as a joint honours!.
Q: We recently completed a project for the UK charity Over The Wall. Can you tell us about them and Katapult's involvement?
Over The Wall is an incredible charity that provides residential camps and experiences for children and young people with long-term health conditions. Historically, they’ve been nomadic, using third-party sites, but they recently secured a permanent venue to create an Over The Wall campus. This was a "Helping Hands" project for us, meaning we donated our services pro bono to a cause that aligns with the world we want to see.
Q: What was the creative approach to designing a permanent campus for them?
The site used to be a school, so it had a very institutional, "red brick" feel. We wanted to move away from that and create a "warm hug" for the campers. We leaned into the theme of the "joyful unexpected"—the idea that these children achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Instead of a linear guest journey, we used the "Hero’s Journey" circular model. This allowed us to map out how the building needs to support a camper as they leave the everyday, encounter challenges, discover their own power, and eventually return home.
Q: Before Katapult, you spent a decade in the youth sector. How did that experience inform this project?
I spent 10 years designing and delivering programs for young people, always using storytelling to help them understand themselves and the world. Having that decade of experience helped me understand the sector’s requirements and the specific language they use. It was rewarding to adapt the skills we use for theme parks and attractions to a different type of audience where the impact is so personal.
Q: You are a self-confessed "theme park nerd." Just how deep does that passion go?
I’ve visited around 60 parks, mostly in Europe, and have ridden close to 400 roller coasters. If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Ride to Happiness at Plopsaland De Panne—it’s an extreme spinning coaster with a fantastic soundtrack and a narrative based on Tomorrowland festivals. When I visit a park, I’m all about the "whole package," though I do always make sure I have a cheese sandwich and a sausage roll in my bum bag for the day!
Q: Finally, what is it about themed entertainment that you love most?
I love that we can consciously create moments where people’s stories connect. Someone might visit an attraction and share a five-minute experience with a total stranger; they may never see each other again, but they both carry that same memory. Being able to collaborate with brands like LEGO that had a huge impact on my own childhood is just the icing on the cake.
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