The name “Milwaukee” comes from an Algonquian word millioke, meaning “good”, “beautiful” and “pleasant land”. One look at the new set and you see why the meaning of millioke is a perfect description for WISN 12, the Hearst owned ABC affiliate in the pleasant land of Milwaukee.
During the planning stage the team at WISN expressed two very important goals. They wanted a set that featured a wide variety of storytelling venues, and they expressed a desire for a design that would visually connect them to their community. The result of that collaboration of the WISN team and Devlin Design Group is a high-tech masterpiece that captures the ‘good’ spirit of the people and the ‘beauty’ of the ‘land’ that lies along the shores and bluffs of Lake Michigan.
On the tech side, the impressive storytelling venues allow the anchors and reporters to take viewers deeper into a story. Versatility is the key word when describing the multiple stages. A 1×9, 55 inch storytelling array is a dramatic backdrop for the main desk talent shots. For the ‘big story’, talent can walk and interact with the video displayed on this sweeping array.
Extreme winter weather is part of living in this mid-western paradise. A sliding glass walled working weather center with five 50 inch monitors is visible as the team of WISN ‘Weather Watch’ meteorologists explain the impending extreme weather threat to viewers. Outside of the weather area is a substantial working weather desk with a large 3×3, 55 inch monitor array displaying the latest weather stats, flanked by a vertical 58 inch monitor kiosk adding an additional presentation venue.
Milwaukee is the second-most densely populated metropolitan area in the Midwest, surpassed only by Chicago! There are many stories to tell in this bustling burg. Dual 75 inch monitors anchor the interview area, creating a setting perfect for lively conversation.
All of this technology is wrapped in scenery depicting the surrounding area. Color changing RGB LED back lit set walls with a distinctive Lake Michigan wave pattern add another layer of flexibility to the design. Stacked stone walls add warmth and authenticity to the design. Bold angular elements seen on this scenic storytelling environment add a sense of movement and energy found in this thriving area.
“Collaboration is a guiding force at DDG, as we believe the best results stem from an ongoing dialogue with our clients. With WISN as our partner we approached this project as a unique challenge, with an equally unrivaled outcome!”
—Kartik Dakshinamoorthy, VP Scenic Design, Devlin Design Group
For more information, contact Diane ‘DiFi’ Fiolek. 248.875.9565 difi@ddgtvstaging.wpengine.com