Oprah Winfrey Show Reveals Unprecedented Set
Chicago Scenic is trailblazing broadcast set construction with an unprecedented and highly innovative set. The September 19 debut of The Oprah Winfrey Show marked a brand new season and an exciting new look, spotlighting CSSI’s new makeover with Harpo Productions. Collaborating for more than a year with Harpo Productions and West Coast designer, Anton Goss, veteran CSSI unit manager Gary Heitz was appointed Harpo’s global project manager entrusted to deliver the one-of-a-kind, cutting-edge set. Heitz partnered with key members of the Harpo team to create the industry leading set.

Breaking new ground, the set proves to be the most versatile on-air to date. With multiple ways to reveal guests, bands or special sets, the construction mission was to allow for the greatest flexibility and striking appearance while keeping Oprah close to her audience.
A series of mechanized devices allow for numerous stage configurations. In all, the set contains nearly 50 points of motion. Noteworthy items include:

• a 30’ diameter center stage turntable with eight hydraulic lift stage sections
• center close-downs of double-sided light boxes which open like clamshells to reveal the turntable, or raise into themselves and disappear into the ceiling
• three double-sided light boxes that swivel 90° and host 42” plasma monitors providing a creative reveal option
• a 16’ by 30’ LED wall designed in 4 separate pieces, all of which track both side to side and up and down stage
• Oprah’s home base which is designed to allow three positions of differing proximity to the audience.

Check out Oprah’s website to find your local listings so you can see Chicago Scenic’s work on the show.

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