What to Expect at the Olympic Opening Ceremony, From the Man Behind It

Nytimes reports that Marco Balich, who has helped design 16 ceremonies over seven Olympics, is the creative lead of the team behind the opening extravaganza for the Winter Games centered in Milan. The opening will take place in four locations — Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno and Predazzo — and the raising of the Olympic flag and the lighting of the cauldron will occur simultaneously in Milan and Cortina so all athletes can participate.

Balich said the ceremonies will consist of three sections celebrating Italy, the athletes and peace. A longtime producer and creative director, Mr. Balich said "The secret to a beautiful ceremony is to say something meaningful" and to express it "in a super-spectacular way." His past projects include the Turin opening and closing ceremonies, the London flag handover, the Rio opening ceremony, work on the Tokyo and Beijing Games and projects such as Expo Milano 2015 and an immersive show about the Sistine Chapel.

Italy, Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, Predazzo