Just like a well-crafted film, every live event tells a story. It is no surprise, then, that we found ourselves spellbound by the 2023 Oscars, a celebration of narratives, craftsmanship, and the artists who bring stories to life. Here are some observations and lessons that we, as event professionals, can draw from this year’s Academy Awards.
CAPTURING THE ART OF PRODUCTION
The Oscars this year did a phenomenal job of honoring not only the final product but the extensive work that goes on behind the scenes. The opening segment set the stage for recognizing the vast array of artists and staffers involved in creating cinematic magic. A vital takeaway for our industry is the power of transparency – the more we shed light on what goes into making an event successful, the more we can engage and awe our audience.
THE POWER OF DESIGN
The art deco production design was a feast for the eyes, using content across the staging to reinforce the message being delivered. This approach is something all event planners can learn from – design can be an effective tool to highlight your event’s core message, thereby enhancing audience engagement and facilitating content capture.
Screens and scenic content have emerged as game-changers in event planning, often underutilized in corporate events. They offer an upgrade from standard PowerPoint presentations and can elevate productions to a broadcast level. The Oscars showed us how scenic design can also create distinct sections or vignettes for different activities, keeping the event fresh throughout without needing drastic set changes.
MANAGING DISRUPTIONS
Every event organizer knows the unexpected can, and often does, happen. For the Oscars, it was a peculiar headpiece in the audience that could potentially obstruct the view for others. This situation serves as a reminder for event planners to anticipate possible disruptions and have contingency plans in place.
CELEBRATING TALENT
This year’s Oscars showcased numerous powerful female performances, notably Rihanna’s mesmerizing act, and Lady Gaga’s raw energy on stage. Their distinctive performances were a testament to the diverse talents in the industry and a reminder to event organizers to curate a variety of talents that can cater to a diverse audience.
STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE
One image that resonates with us was a camera positioned directly in front of the stage, capturing presenter and audience in one shot. It underscored the ever-present challenge event planners face: balancing the needs of in-person and virtual audiences. While the perspective was perfect for TV viewers, it may not have provided the best view for in-person attendees. This serves as a reminder that event planning often involves trade-offs and finding the right balance to serve all attendees effectively.
LIGHTING THE WAY
The Oscars’ lighting was exceptionally well executed, especially during musical numbers. It showcased how good lighting can set the mood, enhance scenic design, and even highlight audience seating. While budget constraints may prevent corporate events from following suit entirely, there’s no denying that strategic lighting can significantly enhance an event’s atmosphere.
EMBRACING TECH
In a nod to technology’s ubiquity, we noticed QR codes on screen, providing an efficient way to share content with the home audience. This simple tool has been revitalized during the pandemic and has potential applications for live events as well.
THE ART OF EDITING
Reflecting on the Oscars, less can indeed be more. More clips and less banter could have made the show more compelling. This is a lesson for all event organizers – the essence of an impactful event often lies in its simplicity and the ability to deliver a succinct, captivating experience.
In conclusion, the Oscars 2023 gave us much to mull over. They were a testament to the power of the collective effort, the magic of well-executed design, and the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between different elements. For us in the corporate event industry, these are lessons worth emulating as we continue to strive for excellence in crafting unforgettable experiences.