18/06/2010

Taking a cue from China, where Zhang Yimou directed the spectacular opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Danny Boyle has been announced as the artistic director of the 2012 London Olympics opener.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) also announced that director Stephen Daldry, concert and theatre designer Mark Fisher, TV director Hamish Hamilton and producer Catherine Ugwu will form a team of Executive Producers who will oversee the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Boyle said, “It’s a completely unique opportunity to contribute to what I’m sure are going to be a fantastic Games, I’m really excited to be involved.”

Daldry said, “Myself and my co-executive producers will ensure there is creative continuity across all four ceremonies, that the public have real engagement and that we continue to attract into key roles the best talent in the world.”

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said, “This is a brilliant team bringing together some of the most imaginative people in the world. The work they have produced over the years has been quite extraordinary, with an impact not just in the UK, but also on the international stage. They exemplify some of the greatest attributes we have – creativity, vision, and intelligence – which will be critical to ensuring shows that are as stunning as they are uniquely British.”

3 Mills Studios, East London’s centre for the creative industries and in the shadow of the Olympic Stadium itself, will be the production centre for the London 2012 Ceremonies Team, and a base from where the victory ceremonies and torch relays will be produced.