Eurovision 2021: First images of the impressive stage in Rotterdam Ahoy

Eurovision 2021: First images of the impressive stage in Rotterdam Ahoy
Thursday, 22 April 2021

  • Just over three weeks the 2021 Eurovision stage in Rotterdam Ahoy is almost completed and produces already impressive images.

     

    After completing a major part of the stage construction the  organizers gave to the media representative a chance for a glimpse for the first time. It was immediately noticeable that the stage is immense and that no cuts have been made on the screens and the lighting installation.

     

    Erwin Rintjema is in charge of the production of this spectacle says on the stage arrangement in Roterdam Ahoy: 

    "The Eurovision song contest is the Champions League in our profession. It is very special because of the size, the number of participants, the level and the innovations on the podium."

    This will be the biggest stage built in Rotterdam Ahoy, with Rintjema  adding: 

    "It is very diverse and it contains all kinds of hidden tricks, with which we make the performances beautiful. For example, we have a TV screen that is 52 meters wide and 12 meters high. Inside there are doors that can open. That has never been done on such a scale. "

     

    Every day 150 to 200 people are working in Ahoy to set up the festival. Sietse Bakker, executive producer of the show says: 

    "We waited forty years for the organization in the Netherlands and had to postpone it for another year. And that in challenging circumstances. We are constantly making adjustments. Soon 180 million people will see what it turned out to be. Hard to comprehend!"

    Marnix Kaart has the honor to direct the show, together with a large team. Kaart says about his assignment: 

    "I've been doing big shows for 25 years, but that doesn't come close to this."

    For the show he will be working with 21 cameras. With this being a challenge he says: 

    "Especially because it is such a wide stage. It is difficult to hide cameras, especially when they fly through the air. You try to keep all this out of the picture and that is a puzzle!"

    The 65th Eurovision Song Contest will take place on May 18, 20 and 22 May, 2021 in Rotterdam with a total of 39 countries set to compete over the three shows. 

     

    Source: Rijnmond.nl / ESCToday
    Cover photo credit: Dennis Kranenburg