The Paris 2024 Olympics began with an unprecedented opening ceremony, combining tradition with innovation in ways never before seen at the Games. Under the artistic direction of Thomas Jolly, a renowned French theater director, the opening ceremony broke new ground in both its location and production. Despite rainy weather, the parade along the Seine and the cauldron lighting at the Trocadero near the Eiffel Tower were packed with memorable elements that surprised many viewers. Years of work and a challenging production setting contributed to the intricate design elements of this opening scene.
Here’s an inside look at some of the most intriguing Olympics production design secrets behind this grand opening:
PD Secret #1: Dawn Rehearsals on the Seine
One of the most exciting features of the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony was its location. For the first time in Olympic history, the ceremony took place outside a stadium, extending across six kilometers of the Seine River. To ensure the boats sailed together and followed the meticulous plan, rehearsals were conducted early each morning on the Seine. Boat captain Michel De Vallois explained, “We had to make sure that the boat maintained the right pace—it was a very precise rhythm under each bridge, down to the second.
PD Secret #2: Tailor-Made Costumes for Performers
In keeping with the high standards of the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, every detail was meticulously planned, including the costumes. Thomas Jolly, along with host and stylist Daphné Bürki, designed unique outfits for each of the 3,000 performers. These costumes were not only visually spectacular but also contributed to a cohesive story throughout the performance. The unique costumes added a personal touch to each dancer’s performance, enhancing the ceremony’s overall impact. The President of Paris 2024 noted, “It's a bit exuberant, it's impressive, it's spectacular, and at the same time, you can feel that there's a kind of story and narrative and a very strong link.”
PD Secret #3: Versatile and Eco-Friendly Podiums
The podiums for the Paris 2024 Games were designed with both practicality and aesthetics in mind, inspired by the Eiffel Tower and the rooftops of Paris. Designer Roncin explained, 'We had to find something subtle because the Eiffel Tower is vertical, and a podium is horizontal.' Using a modular system, the podiums could be adjusted in length to accommodate various sports, ranging from 4 meters for smaller events to 33 meters for Olympic football. Additionally, the Paralympic podiums were designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a single-level configuration and a ramp for wheelchair access.
PD Secret #4: Secret Rehearsals with a Touch of Mystery
There was no full rehearsal before the opening ceremony. Instead, rehearsals were conducted in secret locations across France. Dance director Maud Le Pladec worked with around 50 dancers in a warehouse in Saint-Denis, focusing on perfecting their routines. Even the 3,000 artists involved only knew their individual parts, adding to the uniqueness of the performance and the anticipation among all creatives involved.
Why is production design so important?
A production designer is head of the art department. On board from the beginning, they work with the director + producers to help bring the writer’s script, director’s vision + producer’s plans together as a visual whole. The production designer researches or "scouts" locations, eventually securing + preparing it for shooting. They budget the cost of materials, track expenses, and typically oversee the art director, set designers, illustrators + scenic painters to develop a specific visual style for a production. From minute details to overarching themes, a production designer must consider every aspect shown on screen, regardless of budget, they must be resourceful and think on their feet.
As Paris hosted the world for the 2024 Olympics, the Opening Ceremony turned out to be a groundbreaking event. With innovative production techniques, bespoke costumes, versatile podium designs, and elements of secrecy, the ceremony showcased the magnificence of the Olympics along with the hardwork and dedication from those involved in the production.
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