Today we’d like to introduce you to James Bain.
Hi James, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Journey of James Bain: From Morecambe, England to Mega Light Show
A Tale of Lights and Innovation
James Bain, originally from Morecambe, England, embarked on a journey that would illuminate his path to success in the world of holiday light shows. His story is one of dedication, creativity, and a drive to captivate audiences with lighted sculptures. James fondly remembers his childhood in England, where he, his Mum, and siblings experienced the wonder and excitement of traveling to the Blackpool Illuminations. These cherished memories inspired him to create magical light displays that bring families together and create lasting memories.
James’s formative years were spent in the picturesque coastal town of Morecambe, where he developed a fascination for technology and engineering. This fascination led him to join the British Army, where he received extensive training in telecommunications. The skills and discipline he acquired during his military service would later become instrumental in his career.
After his tenure in the British Army, James decided to explore new horizons and moved to America. It was here in Jacksonville, Florida, that he co-founded Jax Illuminations, the city’s first and best drive-through light show. The launch of Jax Illuminations marked a significant milestone in James’s career, showcasing his ability to turn his technical skills into a captivating visual experience.
Jax Illuminations quickly became a beloved holiday tradition for the community, attracting thousands of visitors each year. For more than a decade, the drive-through Christmas light show became a family tradition, creating lasting memories and bringing festive cheer to those who attended. However, the eventual sale of the Morocco Shrine property, where the show was hosted, led to the end of Jax Illuminations.
Despite this setback, James’s journey was far from over. Throughout his time with Jax Illuminations, he had begun fabricating and welding large Christmas light show props. These custom-made props showcased his creativity and technical skills, and they did not go unnoticed within the Christmas lighting community.
Word spread quickly about the high quality and craftsmanship of James’s custom props. Show owners from various regions were impressed by his work and began reaching out to him with requests for their own displays. This newfound recognition and demand led James to establish Mega Light Show, a venture dedicated to creating extraordinary light show props for events across the country.
Mega Light Show quickly gained prominence for its innovative designs and impeccable craftsmanship. James’s ability to blend engineering expertise with artistic vision set his creations apart from the rest. Under the tagline “From Imagination to Creation,” Mega Light Show has become synonymous with transforming creative concepts into stunning visual realities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
James journey in creating and maintaining Mega Light Show was not without its challenges. One of the most significant obstacles he faced was the end of Jax Illuminations. This setback could have easily dampened his spirits, but instead, James chose to pivot and focus on fabricating custom Christmas light show props.
Starting from scratch with Mega Light Show required tremendous effort and resilience. James had to build a new reputation in a competitive industry, demonstrating the high quality and craftsmanship of his custom-made props to attract clients. Additionally, the technical demands of designing and crafting intricate light show props required continuous innovation and problem-solving.
Despite these struggles, James persevered, drawing upon the skills he acquired during his military service. His dedication to his craft and ability to blend engineering expertise with artistic vision enabled him to overcome these challenges and establish Mega Light Show as a prominent name in the holiday light show industry.
Through hard work and unwavering commitment, James Bain transformed obstacles into opportunities, creating a venture that continues to bring joy and enchantment to audiences nationwide.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mega Light Show?
Mega Light Show specializes in fabricating and welding Christmas light show props, tunnels, and wire frames which are custom-made and highly regarded within the Christmas lighting community.
When a customer has a concept for a light show prop, they often start by sketching out their ideas on paper. James then takes these initial sketches and develops the idea further using computer software. This allows for precise planning and visualization of the final product. Once the design is finalized, it is fabricated in metal, ensuring durability and structural integrity. Finally, lights are added to bring the creation to life, transforming the concept into a stunning display.
Mega Light Show builds props for various venues, including zoos, municipalities, walk-through shows, drive-through Christmas shows, farms, botanical gardens, and residential displays. Mega Light Show manufactures a variety of props that cater to different types of light shows. These include mega trees that can reach up to 40 feet tall and dance to synchronized music, sponsorship signs for large commercial shows, and one of James favorites – a boy that appears to throw a snowball at the audience. These props showcase the company’s creativity and technical prowess, making each display unique and captivating.
Mega Light Show is taking an exciting new step by creating wire frames for home use. This initiative aims to bring the magic of professional light shows into residential settings, allowing families to transform their homes into dazzling displays of holiday cheer. By offering residential wire frames, Mega Light Show enables homeowners to design and create their own unique light displays, adding a personal touch to their holiday decorations. This new venture not only expands the company’s offerings but also empowers individuals to become part of the creative process, making their homes a beacon of festive joy in their communities.
The heart of Mega Light Show goes beyond creating impressive lighted sculptures, displays, and props. It’s about bringing the community together for the holidays, seeing the smiles on children’s faces, and hearing them sing along to the music as they create holiday traditions with their families. James Bain, the founder, is motivated by the desire to help families create cherished memories, inspired by his own childhood experiences in England.
What makes you happy?
James finds happiness in several aspects of his life. His family, including his wife and daughter, brings him immense joy. He enjoys building LEGO creations in his free time, which allows him to express his creativity and unwind. Seeing his final products come to life and witnessing the impact they have on audiences is another source of fulfillment for him. Additionally, James values his relationships with other vendors in the light show community and enjoys attending Christmas community events.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://megalightshow.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megalightshow
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megalightshow
