January 16, 2008

Production Designer to Take Cutting-Edge Approach to Stage and Podium

DENVER - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced that four seasoned professionals from the entertainment industry will help craft the overall look, sound and execution of the Convention program, including the stage and podium design, for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, to be held August 25-28 in Denver.

"From Olympic Games to Super Bowls and everything in between, this team has done it all," said Ricky Kirshner, executive producer for the Convention. "They are true veterans of the stage and screen, and we're fortunate to have them on board as we create the most engaging and inspiring Democratic National Convention our country has ever seen. Governor Howard Dean gave us a mandate for our Convention planning early on - to break the mold and take our thinking outside the box. This team is well suited to do just that, and their early work already reflects the cutting-edge approach we're applying to numerous elements throughout the Convention Hall."

The DNCC announced today that Bruce Rodgers will serve as production designer, Lisa Geers as line producer, Bob Dickinson as lighting designer and Pat Baltzell as audio designer. Biographical information for each follows:

Bruce Rodgers, Production Designer
As the creator of Tribe Inc., Rodgers has more than 20 years of experience as an entertainment design professional - serving as production designer, art director, concept designer and creative consultant. The Emmy-nominated designer has myriad credits in music tours, concerts, variety shows, television, advertising, corporate and industrial shows and exhibits. Currently designing the 2008 Super Bowl halftime show, Rodgers' previous credits include the 2007 Super Bowl, the Rascal Flatt's Tour, Madonna's Drowned World Tour and the creation of the Global Olympic Village for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta.

As production designer for the Convention, Rodgers will manage the overall set design for the podium and stage.

Lisa Geers, Line Producer
A veteran of both political and entertainment events, Geers' production credits include the last two Democratic National Conventions and the 2001 and 2006 International Brotherhood of Teamsters Conventions, where she served as Coordinating Producer. In addition to her work on numerous awards shows, music specials, tributes and Super Bowl events, Geers was Associate Producer for the re-opening of the New Orleans Super Dome with Green Day and U2 in 2006. Bi-lingual in English and Spanish, Geers produced special events for the Nature Conservancy of California and UCLA, prior to her work in television. Her projects included the UCLA 75th Anniversary, with a keynote address by former President Clinton, an address by former Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and a reception honoring former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

As line producer for the Convention, Geers will be responsible for the operations and administrative side of the production.

Bob Dickinson, Lighting Designer
As one of the most celebrated and respected lighting designers in the industry, Dickinson's career has spanned 30 years and earned him numerous awards, including 15 Emmys. With more than 1,000 on-screen credits, highlights include three Olympic Games, dozens of award shows, the Kennedy Center Honors and televised music specials for artists such as the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Rolling Stones, U2, Cher, Billy Joel and Elton John. Dickinson worked on the last three Democratic National Conventions and the 1997 Presidential Inaugural Gala.

Pat Baltzell, Audio Designer
With nearly 25 years of experience designing and engineering sound systems, the four-time Emmy winner specializes in large-scale live televised specials including two Olympic Games, dozens of award shows and 11 Super Bowl halftime presentations. Baltzell has also designed several major movie premiers including the Pirates of the Caribbean, Cars, Lion King and A Shark's Tale. With a music degree from Northwestern, Baltzell is a member of the Audio Engineering Society, the Cinema Audio Society and the Television Academy.

About the DNCC:
The 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee is the official arm of the Democratic National Committee responsible for planning and organizing the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. www.demconvention.com

Paid for by 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc. www.demconvention.com

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.