When it comes to out of the box ideas, the sky is the limit working with our team. This client’s biggest fear coming into this project was their theme, as it was something different than what they had done in previous years. Adam McCarthy, Managing Director for BlackOak, shares how we pulled off this over-the-top production.
Q&A with Adam McCarthy, Managing Director
WHAT KIND OF EVENT WAS THIS, AND WHAT WAS THE THEME?
This was a corporate annual all-staff celebration, and the theme this year was Mad Max: Fury Road.
THAT IS A UNIQUE THEME! WHAT WERE THE FEARS ASSOCIATED WITH THE THEME?
One of the biggest fears at the beginning of the project but really the whole time was taking their Mad Max theme and turning into something fun and exciting for their guests.
HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO ALLEVIATE THAT FEAR?
We got excited about the theme internally, spreading excitement to the client. We watched the movie and absorbed the world it’s a part of.
WHAT WAS THE VENUE FOR THIS EVENT?
The venue was an abandoned warehouse in the industrial Pilsen area.
WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES DURING THE PLANNING PROCESS?
The event was initially scheduled to be held outside, but due to it being April in Chicago, we had to move the whole event inside 48 hours prior due to a rainy forecast. The hardest part of producing this event was getting the permits to put an 80-foot flame tower next to an active high voltage power station. It took months of coordination with the city, the venue, and our pyrotechnic team to make that happen, but everyone’s hard work paid off.
WHY WAS BLACKOAK THE RIGHT FIT FOR THIS PROJECT?
We were the right fit for this project because we brought in a team of producers who fully committed to making this event happen no matter the obstacles. We worked hand in hand with KEHOE DESIGNS to create this fantastic visual direction which translated to what the guests saw that evening.
WHAT WERE THE SERVICES PROVIDED?
We pulled out all the tricks with lighting, audio, video, staging, a scenic design show, polytechnics, and special effects. We even built a custom virtual reality video game that each guest got to experience.
HOW DID THE CLIENT FEEL ABOUT THE OUTCOME?
The client was really involved in the planning process and by the end, they were a champion of the theme, which inspired the rest of the team. Everyone was blown away by the result. They really had no idea that an event like this could be produced. It was an unforgettable experience.
Event production is what we do. Whatever the challenge, BlackOak Technical Productions is here to find a solution. Contact us to plan a stress-free event for both you and your guests.
To check out more details on this particular event you can view our portfolio page by clicking on the link below:
Corporate Client – Portfolio Page
What have you been thinking about with your event?
LET’S GET STARTED TOGETHER
hello@blackoak.tech | 872.281.7700
Tags: Audio Visual, BlackOak Technical Productions, Chicago, Event Production, Event Professionals, Events, Lighting, Technical Producer