Assembling Disney’s Upfront: It Takes More Than Magic (Video)
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A lot goes into making The Walt Disney Co.’s upfront presentation.
Transforming a section of the Jacob Javits Convention Center into a space where nearly 4,000 attendees will experience Disney’s storytelling Tuesday afternoon takes more than magic.
More than 150 people worked in preproduction and there were 450 people involved in the actual production, which will use the theme “Connections” to illustrate how Disney Advertising brings audiences and brands together with Disney’s portfolio of media, entertainment and sports.
Material and production elements were shipped in from seven states.
The custom-built presentation space features 350 feet of linear LED tile, designed to immerse the audience in the sight, sound and motion of Disney’s content. There will be four “cosmic hero” screens, each one 34 feet wide by 24 feet tall.
Also Read: Full Coverage of the 2024 Upfronts
LED lighting technology called Vanish overlays content in front of programmed lighting on-screen to create a more interactive viewing experience. Disney says the effect recalls theatrical lighting.
All of the equipment and technology ensures that attendees will feel and hear the content throughout the space.
The post-presentation reception will feature a 22-piece string orchestra from Elan Artists that will play modern renditions of tunes from Disney classics.
A dynamic 100-foot long, 10-foot high LED wall with 3D elements will highlight Disney stories. There will also be several interactive and immersive brand activations that will enable buyers and sponsors to take pictures at the College Game Day desk, at the ABC News weather booth or with giant Mickey Mouse ears.
There will be a DJ, Pauli Lovejoy, at the preshow and party. Photographer Brian Bowen Smith will be snapping away in a custom-built portrait studio.
Assisting Disney in putting together the production were NMR Events, a stage engineering and product company, and brand experience agencies Pinerock and MC2, which helped support the guest experience and put on the afterparty.
And of course, there will be a bevy of stars from upcoming Disney movies, television shows and streaming productions on stage.
Disney did not say how much all of this costs.
