Glickman Productions had produced the Groundbreaking for the Ginsburg Tower three years prior, and had envisioned projecting huge images on the building for the finale of its Grand Opening – until we discovered the exterior was all glass, which is not suitable for projections.

Faced with the challenge of bringing this 15-story building to life without large-format projection, we wondered if it would be possible to place programmable LED Lights in every room, and link them all via computer to create tower-sized designs “from the inside out.”

We tested the theory by placing two such lights in one room, and imagining the results multiplied across the entire face of the building. The potential was exciting, but nothing this size had been attempted before, so with some of the best minds in the business, we proceeded to create this new application of entertainment technology.

The project consisted of 420 programmable LED Lights, many miles of cable, and computers programmed to play back a video that was custom-created by our Art Director in a 21 x 10 pixel format – to match the 21 rooms across and 10 usable floors. The resulting images would be full-color, motion-based designs, including scrolling words 10 stories high.

This would all be synchronized, via time code, to Dramatic Music with Voiceover, Pyrotechnics, and Lasers, all of which were choreographed to work as a single show element. And it was all to be simulcast live on the Internet and to major venues near and far.

• Preshow, with Jazz Band, Choir, and Star Music Performance
• Custom-Created 100-Beat Countdown on 15’ x 20’ IMAG Video Screen
• 10 Herald Trumpeters in White Tuxes performing Custom Fanfare on 15th Floor Roof Edge
• Presentations by Executives and Dignitaries such as Former Governor Jeb Bush
• 6-Minute Finale, as Described Above, Commemorating these Dual Celebrations

During the Presentation Segment, and just three minutes before the start of the Finale, we received word that the hospital’s Emergency Helicopter (located onsite) needed to take off to rush to the aid of a cardiac patient. Having planned for this very unlikely – but possible -- situation, we had our Emcee temporarily pause the event, explaining the reality of the circumstances. The helicopter took off to cheers, and the show resumed.

By all accounts, the event was a great success, prompting locale accolades and national media attention, and fulfilling our client’s wishes of an Unforgettable, Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebration.