CSSI Proud To Be Part of Third Consecutive Democratic National Convention
With the help of Chicago Scenic, the Boston Fleet Center was transformed into a spectacular convention hall for the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Chicago Scenic Studios’ involvement with the convention dates back to 1996 when it was held in Chicago. Ricky Kirshner of Ricky Kirshner Productions once again called on CSSI to participate in this momentous event.

Chicago Scenic joined many convention veterans this year in order to make it an unforgettable event. CSSI Senior Project Manager Ken Zommer, who has now led this project three times, enjoyed working with Art Director Tamlyn Wright and production designers Steve Bass and Brian Stonestreet of Steve Bass and Associates, as well as lighting designers Bob Dickinson and Bob Barnhart.

CSSI provided a variety of the scenic elements for the convention including the three main podiums, a screen surround with a massive 16-foot by 89-foot opening, the center ceiling flag, monitor walls, west end press risers, and 1,300 running feet of press desks.

The 2004 DNC also marked the debut of CSSI’s new automation system which controlled the mechanics for raising and lowering the podiums, slip stages and monitor walls. Zommer stated, “It was the first time we put the CSSI automation into the field and it did an excellent job of controlling 19 points of motion. We didn’t miss a cue.” CSSI’s Curt Kucik was responsible for handling the programming of the electrical and mechanical systems along with upgrading the computer software.

Ken Zommer and Job Lead Dan Yuen worked onsite for five weeks to bring this project to life. Mike Zaremba built all the lecterns and Andy Lemerand built the ceiling flag. Kevin Taylor led the paint department in wood graining and painting the podiums as well as sculpting and painting the logos that attached to the podiums.

NFL Season Kicks Off with All-Star Event
The NFL opened its 2004 season on with a one-hour televised pre-game special that Chicago Scenic Studios helped make a victory.
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The NFL Opening Kickoff, held at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, featured special tributes to the 2003 Super Bowl champions and offered all-star performances by musicians ranging from Elton John to the Boston Pops.

The event, designed by Rene Lagler, was bigger than a Super Bowl halftime show due to the number of both stages and artists involved. CSSI Senior Project Manager Ken Zommer worked closely with staging supervisor Tony Hauser from Theatrical Resources and producer Ricky Kirshner of White Cherry Entertainment. Both Zommer and Job Lead Dan Yuen worked on-site for two weeks in order to turn out the spectacular event.

Chicago Scenic Studios provided scenic elements on four stages with the highlight being a timed reveal on the field stage. CSSI constructed a Vince Lombardi trophy unit composed of tube steel with an inflatable football on top. The sides of the trophy were built to fall open on cue in order to unveil Lenny Kravitz at the start of his performance. Chicago Scenic also provided custom facing panels and flag panels that also concealed Kravitz’s amplifiers.
On a different stage, CSSI built a jungle gym-style pipe structure and custom platforms for the performers and provided covering, facing, and steps. Carpeting and custom facings were provided for two of the other stages.

Zommer stated, “Our team did an amazing amount of work in a very short period of time to get all this done and staged. It was lightening fast.” Most of the departments were involved in this project. Of particular note was the phenomenal job Kevin Taylor did painting the flag.

WBBM-TV Interview Area Gets New Look
When Chicago’s WBBM-TV decided to perk up their existing interview area they called on Chicago Scenic Studios for help. Project Manager Gary Heitz once again worked closely with Broadcast Designer Dena Serpico and Art Director Neal Weisenberg in order to make this update a success.

The inspiration for the new set came from a Plexiglas holographic wall that was spotted by the client. CSSI Designer Tom Ryan developed the designs to showcase the multicolored light wall while considering all the technical aspects to make the set functional for on-air production.

The new set was designed so it can easily transform into a variety of segments: an interview area, a local issues segment entitled “Eye on Chicago,” or a kitchen. Four moveable graphic walls and removable plexi panels were created to aid in this process and to provide unique looks for each segment.Additional elements include a counter and cook top for the kitchen, a new, more durable floor which also helps facilitate noise reduction for the cameras, and a cutout for new monitors.



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