Ray Braun

Raymond Braun is a founding Principal of Entertainment+Culture Advisors (ECA), specializing in entertainment development projects, recreation and tourism economics, and attraction development potential. Prior to forming ECA, Mr. Braun was the head of the Entertainment Practice at Economics Research Associates (ERA).

Ray established and matured the economic feasibility analysis process in the 1980s, building upon the work of his mentor and predecessor, Harrison “Buzz” Price. Ray’s modeling processes have been adopted by many industry economists as the standard for economic feasibility studies for entertainment projects.

Ray’s clients in the theme park industry include major operating companies such as the Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Merlin Entertainments. Mr. Braun has helped plan major cultural attractions including the J.P. Getty Center in Los Angeles; the Rose Center at the American Museum of Natural History in New York; the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco; and the Henry Ford in Dearborn.

Internationally, Mr. Braun has in-depth experience in Europe, Japan, Korea, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Australia, Canada and Mexico. Major projects have included market planning and attendance analysis for Universal Studios, multiple locations; consulting with Merlin regarding LEGO theme park development opportunities; economic planning for recreation and commercial development in Beijing; Warner Bros. Movie World, a movie studio and related theme park in Australia; global location research for KidZania; a theme park in Southern Malaysia for Khazanah Nasional; and resort projects throughout Mexico.

​Ray has taught many along his career as a mentor and industry expert. He has worked with most all studios and major developers. He continues today as an industry leader and speaks regularly at industry conferences.