WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE Photos courtesy of Bill Nassal
A Man For All Seasons Ocala resident Bill Nassal’s career has taken him from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the far reaches of outer space. // B Y R O N A L D W. W E T H E R I N G T O N
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hether you’re a fan of the Harry Potter novels or you’ve visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando more times than you can count, people of all ages can thank not only author J.K. Rowling for the wonderful vision but also all those in Orlando who brought the theme park to life. Chief among these people is Marion County’s own Bill Nassal.
In 1979, Nassal relocated to Orlando from Pittsburgh to build Orlando Regional Medical Center, and the timing coincided with the opening of the Universal Orlando sound stages. “I tried to get in with Universal to build their sound stages and (eventual) theme park, but it was hard to connect with the right person,” shares Bill. “I finally connected with the head of design, Ray Brandt.” Now involved in the studios, Bill left Turner Construction and a steady salary to form The Nassal Company in 1984, which grew quickly from there, with the first project at Universal Studios, the Psycho House, completed in 1988. The Nassal Company focuses solely on custom scenic fabrication in theme parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, resorts and specialty attractions 14
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around the world. In 2007, Nassal was introduced to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and given the opportunity to create—alongside Universal and Warner Bros.—a world that only existed through the imagination of J.K. Rowling and the more than 120 million people who have read her books. This was a game-changer. From meager beginnings with just two employees to now employing over 300 workers and with offices worldwide, Nassal’s company has become one of the most award-winning scene-building companies in the world. From rockwork lagoons in Iceland to Volcanos in Orlando and a galaxy far, far away, Nassal has been a part of creating many amazing destinations around the world. The move to Ocala from Orlando in 2000 was a natural one. Cindy, Bill’s wife, has been traveling to Ocala from West Virginia her entire life to visit family, and her love of horses has become a life-long passion. Now, Cindy breeds, raises and races thoroughbred horses on their farm, Stonecliff, in Ocala. Another passion for Bill is the symphony and the performing arts. In the late ‘80s, he served as president for the Orlando Philharmonic and board member of the Orlando Ballet, so it was a natural transition when equestrian Chester Weber called him and said the downtown auditorium in Ocala needed saving. Nassal was instrumental in helping raise the $4 million needed to open the Reilly Arts Center in October 2015. Bill has been a key player in the development and success of this performing arts venue. “Ocala is a special place,” says Nassal. “It’s a
town you can get your arms around. Its community is authentic, down to earth and solid. Ocala is certainly home, so that drive to Orlando and back each day is worth the trip without a doubt.”
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COMING SOON TO THE REILLY You can get involved with the Reilly as well. Check out these upcoming events. Dec. 2 // The Polar Express At The Park Dec. 4 // Symphony Under The Lights Dec. 9 // Wynonna & The Big Noise Dec. 10 // Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Dec. 18 // Led Zeppelin: II by Classic Albums Live Dec. 19 // The Rocket Man Show: Elton John Tribute Show Jan. 8 // AC/DC’s Back in Black by Classic Albums Live Feb. 12 // Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn Mar. 26 // Lee Ann Womack Mar. 29 // An Evening with Kenny G Apr. 9 // Kevin Nealon Jun. 5 // Gilbert Gottfried Learn more and purchase tickets at reillyartscenter.com.
