80th Anniversary of D-Day at Normandy American Cemetery

A historic D-Day 80th anniversary commemoration, honoring veterans at Normandy American Cemetery. The event featured world leaders, was attended by thousands, and broadcast live to millions worldwide.

The primary objective was to honor the servicemen and women who contributed to the success of the Normandy landings during World War II. ABMC aimed to create a moment of commemoration for the 80th anniversary, emphasizing the importance of peace and the sacrifices made by these soldiers. Given the limited space at the cemetery, ABMC sought to reach a global audience through a high-quality broadcast that went beyond good camera work. Our role was to ensure a seamless show, aligning efforts between the Department of Defense, the Secret Service, the White House, and ABMC, while delivering impactful visuals.

We were also responsible for providing the world feed to major news outlets, ensuring the broadcast reached a broad international audience, including networks such as CNN, BBC, and Reuters. Although there was no specific call to action, the goal was to share the commemoration widely, ensuring the lessons of D-Day and the value of freedom are remembered in today’s tumultuous times.

Our creativity shone through in live camera work and visuals that vividly brought the event’s narrative to life. By blending real-time footage with historic video and custom-designed LED content, we created an immersive experience that honored the significance of the occasion. Organizationally, we tackled the event’s complexities with innovative solutions, coordinating with numerous stakeholders amidst political sensitivities and stringent security protocols, including Secret Service guidelines. Our use of specialized communication systems kept all parties aligned, effectively making us the linchpin of the operation. Flexibility was key as we adjusted our 14-camera set-up and staging to meet last-minute changes, including presidential protocols. The synchronized flyover of WWII planes and F-35 jets exemplified our ability to merge historical reverence with technical precision, ensuring the event was both respectful and visually impactful.