MEN IN BLACK, TOO

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Production of
the Opening and Closing Sessions of the
Event Solutions Expo 2003

E. Through the Eyes of the Production Team and Entertainers

15. - TLC Special Effects

TLC Creative Special Effects owner Kevin Bilida had the pleasure of working as the technical director for the Opening and Closing Sessions.

This provided a unique opportunity to work with some of the best companies around and help oversee the big picture with producer Anthony Bollotta.

The challenge usually faced in a production such as this is the fact that all the companies involved were donating their services. In addition, they were also exhibiting and participating in other events at the Expo.

Coordinating everyone's efforts and trying to keep everyone focused on the task at hand was one of TLC's main priorities. This included our own company, as we were sponsoring the Showcase event, giving a seminar, and exhibiting. It was critical to keep our entire crew focused on the Opening and Closing Sessions, when our attention was needed there.

The task was made easy by the professionalism of both the TLC employees, but more importantly, the tireless efforts of all the companies that were involved. Each company was accountable for its portion of the event.

These companies all did their jobs flawlessly and only required the help of Kevin Bilida when they needed to integrate their portion with the big picture. Kevin worked closely with Bollotta and, together, they overcame every obstacle as it was presented.

TLC was also responsible for setting up and using three laser systems. These laser systems were only used at the beginning of the opening session, to add a "wow" factor to the beginning, getting everyone pumped up.

Three "mini yag" systems were set up, one into the center of the stage, the other two on the outside. They posed no serious difficulties once the locations had been approved by the Fire Marshall.

Also, TLC provided all the confetti streamer launchers that were set up and fired by X-Streamers. Preproduction efforts made this portion of the show flow smoothly.

Most of the logistical challenges were examined during one of the group's numerous conference calls. Bollotta did an outstanding job of making sure each company felt comfortable coming in.

TLC Creative Special Effects is a full-service laser light and special effects company that works all over the world for a variety of audiences. TLC does a wide range of shows both large and small, and its full-scale production work was an advantage in coordinating so many diverse companies at the ES Expo's sessions.

Kevin Bilida and Jeff Ward
TLC CREATIVE SPECIAL EFFECTS
13428 Maxwella Ave #261
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
800-447-3585
310 822-6790
www.call4ideas.com