Production manager Lynette Woods-Reynolds managed the area for the 11 weekly evictions, which was expanded for the finalé episode when the last four contestants were evicted in front of the live audience. Woods-Reynolds explained: "We brought in a brilliant team of suppliers, who worked really well together to create a live event that looked great on television, which was what most of the people around us were concerned with. We had so much equipment in there we had to limit the public guests to 750, then there were the sponsor's guests, all the media and our cameras, but the whole event ran very smoothly."
Mojo Barriers UK supplied its Pit Stop stage barriers to flank the catwalk that guided the evictees from the Big Brother House through the crowd and press to the 'studio stage'. Mojo's Jim Gaffney explained: "We worked with Lynnie to devise a barrier design that included distinct public areas and press pens, within which the security team could operate efficiently. It all gets a bit excited when the 'stars' come out of the house, so a sturdy barrier is essential for everyone's safety."
Serious Stages supplied the dome stage used for the TV interviews, this was dressed with a set in line with the studio's style, built by John Frost Scenery, who built a catwalk linking the stage to the house. This was lit by Film & TV, whilst Stage Electrics supplied the moving lights. The spectacular fireworks (shipped all the way from China) were supplied by Star Fireworks.
(Lee Baldock)
