This year the CMA changed the set-up by featuring one stage instead of two to provide better television. The way the stages were structured in years past, it was technically very spread out, which made the event difficult to shoot. CMA Music festival production manager Chuck Young teamed up with Jim Brammer of G2 Structures to come up with a single stage design."The new design allowed us to interpret scenic elements to the sides of the stage. I think it's better for the fans as it's more centrally located and allows an equal view of the performance from most seats in the stadium."
He also said that the event would not have been possible without the help of Pro Event stagehand crew as well as Moo TV, who provided the show's video elements.
Lighting designer Mike Swinford chose a variety of equipment to compliment the new set-up. Equipment included 12 Martin MAC 2000 Profiles, nine MAC Performances, 44 MAC 2000 washes, 68 MAC 600s, 42 Vari*Lite 3000 spots and 16 Vari*Lite 2500 spots. Lighting was controlled by four GrandMAs and NSPs.
(Jim Evans)
