Behind the Scenes of the DNC: The Successes, Surprises, and Social Media Savvy
The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) held in Chicago was nothing short of a political and media spectacle. With more than 26 million viewers tuning in to watch Vice President Kamala Harris accept the presidential nomination, the event successfully blended political messaging with entertainment, creating a memorable experience for both in-person attendees and television viewers alike. The masterminds behind this success were live-show veterans Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss, both Emmy-winning producers who brought their expertise in crafting live events to the political arena. In this article, we delve into what made this year’s DNC stand out, what went right, what went wrong, and the viral moments that captured the nation’s attention.
The Energy and Excitement of Being Together Again
Ricky Kirshner noted that the excitement of being together after the isolating years of COVID-19 played a significant role in the energy that permeated this year’s convention. It’s been eight years since the Democratic Party could come together in such a grand setting, and this reunion was a powerful motivator for the attendees and the organizers alike.
Glenn Weiss added that the shifting focus of the convention, particularly with a new candidate at the helm, brought a renewed sense of purpose and energy to the event. The decision to revamp the entire convention in just four weeks to align with the new candidate’s messaging shows the adaptability and commitment of the production team.
How the DNC Adapted on the Fly
Even with meticulous planning, live events like the DNC often require on-the-spot adjustments. Weiss shared that one such moment was the decision to expand the use of a DJ before the last night. This wasn’t part of the original plan, but as the room’s energy shifted, they realized that a DJ would elevate the atmosphere even further. By Wednesday after midnight, they were calling the Chicago Bulls to secure a DJ for the following night. This quick pivot proved to be a hit, adding a layer of excitement to the final evening.
The Social Media Factor: Crafting Moments for Viral Success
In today’s media landscape, it’s not enough to create a show that plays well in the room and on television; it also needs to be shareable across social media platforms. Weiss explained that with every performer, they were thinking about how the moments could be clipped and shared online. This mindset represents a significant shift from traditional live television production, where the focus was solely on the broadcast.
Kirshner mentioned that while the goal was to create a seamless flow for the live audience and viewers at home, they were also mindful of the need to create standalone moments that could thrive on social media. Despite a few hiccups on the first night when the proceedings ran long, the team was able to adjust and ensure that the key moments were captured and shared widely.
Unplanned Moments That Stole the Show
One of the hallmarks of a successful live event is the ability to adapt to unplanned moments, and the DNC had its fair share of surprises. Weiss and Kirshner pride themselves on their ability to respond to the unexpected, an essential skill in live television. One such moment was the emotional segment featuring Gus Walz, who was seen crying and saying, “That’s my dad.” This unplanned moment touched many viewers, despite some backlash from the right. Weiss believes this moment highlighted the stark differences between the two sides of the political race.
The Lil Jon Roll Call: A Viral Sensation
Kirshner and Weiss were particularly surprised by the virality of the roll call segment featuring Lil Jon. What started as an effort to energize the room quickly took on a life of its own online. Kirshner noted that while they asked other states to participate in similar ways, it was Lil Jon who truly embraced the moment, creating a viral sensation that resonated with viewers.
Balancing Flash and Substance
While the DNC was filled with high-energy moments, Kirshner and Weiss were also committed to ensuring that the convention had emotional depth. Weiss pointed out that their goal was to craft a show where the audience could experience both joy and tears. One of the most poignant moments was the speech by the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a young man being held in Gaza by Hamas. Weiss confessed that he was so moved by the segment that he struggled to call the camera shots. The mission, he said, was to make viewers at home feel that same emotional intensity.
The Beyoncé Rumor That Just Wouldn’t Die
One of the more amusing and persistent rumors leading up to the convention was the idea that Beyoncé would make a surprise appearance. Kirshner laughed as he recalled how even members of his own staff believed the rumor, despite his repeated denials. The rumor grew so large that even TMZ, which first reported it, eventually had to issue an apology. Weiss reflected on how this rumor highlighted the power of the internet to take on a life of its own, despite there being no truth to it.
Celebrities and the Democratic Message
The DNC did feature a number of celebrities, but as Kirshner explained, the focus was always on getting the Democratic message out. Celebrities like Pink played a role in the event, but it was carefully calibrated to ensure that the political message remained at the forefront. Pink’s performance was a perfect example of this balance, as she delivered a beautiful song that fit the moment without overshadowing the convention’s primary purpose.
