CHICAGO (March 6, 2007) – The Chicago 2016 Exploratory Committee (Chicago 2016) released a three and one half minute film, showcasing the spirit of Chicago’s Olympic bid at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago. The film, a unique collaboration between Chicago’s vibrant creative community, displays Chicago’s vision of bringing the world together on the shores of Lake Michigan in a celebration of harmony, friendship and excellence.
Created as an international marketing piece, the film’s aim was to show the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) how Chicago 2016 could potentially showcase the bid on an international stage.
Designed as an intimate story-telling experience, Chicago’s William Peterson, star of the popular television show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, narrates the story of a city with a proud history of dreaming big and exceeding all expectations.
“From Daniel Burnham’s bold vision after the great fire to the creation of Millennium Park, Chicago has always been a place where dreamers and pragmatists live in perfect harmony.” said Peterson.
The film stars three Chicago Olympians who have all played a critical role in the City’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Michael Conley, athletics (’84, ’92 and ’96), Bob Berland, judo (’84 and ’88) and Linda Mastandrea, wheelchair athletics (’92 and ’96).
“The Olympic Games is the top athletic competition in the world and yet it’s the one of the only where your competitor becomes your friend,” said Berland. “The spirit of Chicago evokes the same values of friendship and acceptance.”
“This is a city that reversed the flow of the Chicago River and completely rebuilt itself after the great fire,” said Mastandrea. “There is little doubt some of that spirit rubbed off on me. Instead of sitting in my chair and watching the world pass me by, I choose to let other people sit in their chairs and watch me pass by.”
The 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Chicago would seek to inspire future Olympians and Paralympians in a similar fashion.
Underscoring Chicago’s theme of an athlete-centric Games built into the fabric of the city, the film shows Mastandrea and Conley in Chicago’s parks and Berland along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront, practicing judo on one of Chicago’s spectacular beaches.
“Pierre De Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Movement, once said, ‘A Chicago man knows that he has a mission to accomplish in the world,’” said Mark Mitten, Chicago 2016 staff member and producer of the video. “Our entire bid seeks to continue the mission of the Olympic Movement and the City of Chicago and leave them both better than when we began.”
The USOC Evaluation Committee is currently in Chicago assessing the city’s plans for hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. On April 14, 2007, Chicago 2016 will make their final presentation to the USOC, after which the USOC will make its decision on who will be the U.S. Applicant City to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The process then heads to the international level with the International Olympic Committee making the final decision in October, 2009.
Collaborators on the film included:
- Creative Team: Jim Schmidt and Joe Stuart from Downtown Partners
- Production Team: Ron Nelken and Tyler Jay from Leo Burnett
- Director: Dennis Manarchy from Manarchy Films
- Music: Scandal Music
- Edit: Avenue Edit
- Chicago Footage: JWT, Ogilvy & Mather, Teamworks Media
- Visual Identity: VSA Partners
About the Chicago 2016 Committee
The Chicago 2016 Committee is a 501(c)3 corporation whose mission is to seek the privilege of hosting the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Chicago. The Committee’s Board comprises business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Its honorary chairmen are Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Patrick Ryan serves as chairman and CEO.
City of Chicago, U.S. Bid City, 2016 Olympic Games
www.chicago2016.org
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