Paul Christensen and his wife Donna were recently in Oklahoma City serving as Technical Line Producers for a live satellite television broadcast of the Oklahoma Centennial Parade for the Oklahoma Network (OETA) (PBS). The statewide broadcast took place in downtown Oklahoma City and featured a gala opening ceremony of hundreds of participants as well as floats, giant balloons, marching bands and performances by Byron Berline, Ty England, Katrina Elam and Bryan White.
The project, which was one of two final events marking Oklahoma’s year long 100th anniversary celebration, drew a record 175,000 residents from around the state. Over 3,400 people participated in the two hour event, which took some four years of planning and preparation. In 1907, Oklahoma began what has become a great journey as the 46th state in the Union. During 2007, its citizens continued this journey forward into the next hundred years with several key events. The Centennial Parade celebrated the accomplishments of her citizens, the contributions of her diverse culture and the genuine warmth and friendliness of her people. The event echoed the legacy of the state’s history: Oklahoma – A Unique History…An Extraordinary Future.
The Noble Corporation served as sponsoring presenter for the event, which featured many Oklahoma celebrities among them, film star James Garner; Governor Brad Henry; former Miss America’s Jennifer Berry Gooden, Shawntel Smith Wuerch, Susan Powell, Jane Gamble and Lauren Nelson; sports stars Johnny Bench, Steve Owens, Billy Sims and Eddie Sutton and astronauts Owen Garriott, John Herrington , William Pogue and Thomas Stafford.
The project was produced by Bill Thrash, OETA. Paul and Donna Christensen served as Technical Line Producers. Price Wooldridge, OETA, was Production Manager. OETA’s Mickie Smith directed, with assistance from, Jeff Morava, TD, Jesi Crino, AD, Kristin Smith, Graphics. Holly Emig served as Line Producer for OETA. Rounding out the Omega team were Randy Hayes on hand Held Camera, Richard Fate on Steadicam, Tom Thompson on Jimmy Jib and Mark Northcutt, Tony Emig, John Haque and Kurt Leftwich on Fixed Cameras. Debra Martin served as Field Producer, Talent.
Serving as Lighting Director was John Olson, OETA. On-air Talent platforms were supplied by Toucan Lighting. OETA’s Elizabeth Hunt assisted with lighting duties.Cox Production Services provided remote television facilities, with the assistance of Chief Engineer, Dave Schramm and engineers Jeremy Paul and Terry Smith. Larry Bearden shaded the broadcast providing a vivid image for those watching at home. Tad Wimer, A1, provided the final audio mix, including on-air talent, assisted by A2, John Sanders. John Johns, In-Sync, Inc., Dallas, served as Project Video Engineer, assuring the quality of the final picture.
Christensen brought in Dave Luke from San Francisco to originate the live on-air music mix, insuring a “bigger than life” feel of the action including all of the music and marching bands. Forrest Production Services and Tim Kennard, Tulsa, were tapped to provide remote audio facilities, assisted by Jonathon Gardner. David Carr served as Sound Reinforcement Engineer allowing those seated in the reviewing area to have the “best seat in the house.” TES Productions, Tulsa, provided sound reinforcement services. TES personnel handling sound and talent needs were, Producer, Megan Stevens and assistant engineers, Joe Perez and Marty Faulk. Alan Stiebing handled communication, PL and IFB responsibilities.
The Oklahoma Centennial Parade live broadcast was indeed a memorable event. Paul and Donna Christensen wish to thank Bill Thrash and all the folks at OETA for their support in making the project a success. We are honored to have been able to be a part of such an historical event.
