Rockefeller Center NYC lit up with a stage and lights
Live

NBC Universal Media

Ellen DeGeneres Season Premiere

year
2016
capabilities
Strategy
Project Development
Vendor Management
Technical Direction
Design & Engineering
Event Logistics & Permitting

Ellen DeGeneres wanted to do something magical to kick off the 13th season of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Her vision was for a live celebration in the heart of New York City, propelled by the energy of the fans of her Emmy Award-winning show. TAIT was brought on board to shape an unforgettable outdoor event that would resonate with live crowds and viewers at home.

Ellen DeGeneres on stage with guests looking excited
The challenge was to convert Rockefeller Plaza into an outdoor studio for two back-to-back shows jam-packed with stars and surprises. With our in-depth knowledge of the plaza, we were able to pull off a complex stage build with seating for over 500 in just a few days – with minimal disruption to other NBC productions, area businesses, and the visiting crowds of tourists.
The star-studded event featured appearances from Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Fallon, and an ice-skating Amy Schumer. P!nk performed Ellen’s peppy new theme song, and Justin Bieber brought things to an electrifying climax with an unforgettable dance-party finale.
Ellen DeGeneres in center with a crowd of dancing women at the Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center in the daytime, set up with a stage, blue lights, and screens and surrounded by an audience on risers

The premiere was a smash. Over 2,500 cheering fans attended in person, and the show was hailed as Ellen’s best-performing season opener in 11 years. The fans' and media's overwhelmingly positive reception cemented Ellen’s status as one of America’s most beloved entertainers.

Credits
produced by
productionglue, now tait
GET IN TOUCH
Logo
Copyright TAIT © 2024 All Rights Reserved.
TAIT is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. TAIT will only use the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products, services or special content. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, check out our Privacy Policy.