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.

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