What can we learn from the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony?

Jules Griffith

Director of Sales & Marketing

Using Paris as a backdrop for the Olympics opening ceremony was a fantastic idea - stunning landmarks, new formats, famous names, rich history. So why the dismay? The concept was promising but the execution fell short in a few areas.

Technical: Sound issues and poor camera angles meant the viewing experience wasn’t seamless, emphasising how important meticulous technical preparation is for events of this scale.  

Narrative: Unlike London 2012, which had a clear narrative crafted by a multi Oscar-winning director, the Paris Ceremony left viewers with a series of disjointed scenes rather than a memorable story.

Sharing: Cup finals, stadium gigs, theatre… large-scale events work when there’s a shared sense of emotion. A gathering point would have helped the Ceremony feel like a shared celebration – intentional spatial design creates community. 

Storyboarding: Create a visual representation of the narrative flow, outlining key scenes, transitions, and emotional beats.

Event Flow: Orchestrate a sequence of events and interactions that maintain a smooth pace but also allow the audience to feel moments of tension, anticipation and excitement.

Every detail, from technical logistics to narrative arcs, must be meticulously planned to ensure a seamless experience. And that includes knowing which way to hang the flag. 

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