Devlin Design Group

WYFF 4, Greenville SC, Launches Versatile New Set from Devlin Design Group

DDG_WYFF

WYFF 4, the Hearst owned NBC affiliate, serving the Greenville, South Carolina and Western North Carolina, metropolitan area, debuted a new set by the team at Devlin Design Group. The studio features the latest technology and integrates textures and imagery relating to an iconic bridge located in the heart of downtown and the natural beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, in a visual contemporary aesthetic.

During the input phase of the project, the WYFF team wanted a versatile set that featured a variety of storytelling venues. The studio had to be flexible, not just within newscasts, but also able to accommodate special programming, such as debates. 

It was important the design create a visual connection with their community by incorporating the beautiful natural surroundings, including the highlight of downtown Greenville, the Falls Park on the Reedy Liberty Bridge. This curving, sculptural and highly awarded pedestrian suspension bridge symbolizes connecting this southern community. The collaboration between the WYFF and DDG teams resulted in a scenic storytelling environment where design and technology converged to create a fresh new look representing the WYFF brand and its viewers.

“Creating more compelling newscasts for the local WYFF audience by utilizing a variety of flexible and adaptable, technology-driven venues, in combination with showcasing the beauty of the area, makes this scenic storytelling environment dynamic. The flow and engaging interaction between talent, adds incredible energy to every production,” said Kartik Dakshinamoorthy, VP & Scenic Design Director, Devlin Design Group.

On the tech side, an expansive seamless LED wall anchors the main desk talent shots. For the ‘big story’ presenters can walk and interact with video and graphic content displayed on the curved sweeping wall. The desk, an artistic interpretation of the Liberty Bridge support beams, includes a backlit WYFF 4 logo, and is easily moveable. Transforming the studio for special programming can be done with ease. 

The weather presentation area, anchored by a substantial weather desk, large enough to accommodate 2 meteorologists during severe weather, features a 3×3, 55” monitor array displaying the latest weather stats. An on camera working weather center, positioned behind sliding glass doors etched with Live Super Doppler 4 branding, is wrapped with 6 display monitors and 4 workstations. 

Positioned next to the weather center, another presentation area features an array with two landscape 86” monitors, perfect for breaking news, additional severe weather coverage or for more intimate presentations.

Across the studio, another large multi-purpose area for visual storytelling and interviews, includes a 6×1 array of 55” portrait monitors. A moveable platform can easily be added for seated conversations.

Team DDG’s design solution was greatly inspired by the symbolism of the Falls Park on the Reedy Liberty Bridge, connecting the community. The curving studio layout emulates the curving sweep of the structure. The branding focal point, the main valance panel, combines a silhouette of the bridge and a large WYFF 4 logo over a stylized waterfall texture. The design was featured on a t-shirt given to the employees celebrating the launch. 

The stunning landscape surrounding Greenville, the heart of South Carolina’s Upcountry, surrounds the studio. An RGB color changing mountain pattern, emulates the Blue Ridge Mountain vistas. Stacked stones commonly seen in the area, are used as a natural accent element. Stylized valance panels represent the many waterfalls the area is known for. Accent lighting throughout the scenic design allows for custom color cues to transform the look for dayparts or special programs. The studio design includes a new lighting package.

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There's nothing we like more than rolling up our sleeves and starting a brand new project. Please send us a message if you would like to explore the opportunity to collaborate and make a great set together!

Devlin Design Group
100 Easy Street
Unit #815
Carefree, AZ 85377

Phone:1-970-349-5836

EJ Baker

(THEY/THEM)

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Productive, proactive and passionate about executing the ‘never been done before’ describes EJ! Their belief that creative project managers are the stuff that holds creative teams together by helping to foster an environment where innovative ideas happen, is pure magic.

EJ is passionate about the diversity of their work history on a variety of high-profile projects. A gamer at heart they organized their own mini esports tournament which led to a gig at esports titan, Riot Games. It wasn’t long before the creators of VENN, the streaming network dedicated to gaming and pop culture, noticed and invited them to join the team in launching this ambitious project.

Having worked from ‘the client side’ perspective of scenic design projects, DDG clients benefit from EJ’s magical skills — facilitating collaboration and brainstorming sessions, setting realistic deadlines, keeping projects on track and on budget. They know how to juggle all the moving parts of a scenic project, anticipate challenges and address them before they become problems.

What does downtime look like for this dynamo? How about being one of Brooklyn’s top roller derby stars for starters. EJ’s opinion carries lots of weight around DDG — and weightlifting circles as an Olympic coach and competitor. Throw in training for the next marathon, watch EJ run circles around the competition.

Bruce Aleksander

(HE/HIM)

LIGHTING CONSULTANT

With an interest in photography, theatre and film that goes back to childhood, Bruce had his first camera at age 6, shot his first film at 13, and was lighting performances at 14. Long before lighting and production were his profession, they were his hobbies. Today they remain one of his passions.

Bruce is an accomplished and creative lighting consultant for multi-camera television production. He learned the fundamentals of lighting from the pioneers of television lighting including Imero Fiorentino, Bill Klages and George Spiro Dibie. From that base, Bruce has gone on to win recognition for his work, including Emmy and Telly Awards, PROMAX Gold, Set of the Year and the Illuminating Engineering Society’s international award.

His projects include news studios, talk shows, a national network series, network remote production, promos, commercials, sports, telethons, theatre, symphony orchestra broadcasts, and cultural events. Bruce shares his extensive knowledge and vast experience by continuing to publish articles about lighting design and the latest in lighting technology.  

Bruce lives in Seattle where he enjoys his other passions, the local art scene, hiking, travel and getting together with friends.

 

Diane Fiolek “DIFI”

(SHE/HER)

VICE PRESIDENT, CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR

DiFi is legendary in the TV biz for her breakthrough designs. A Michigander happily transplanted to Florida’s Gulf Coast, she’s taken home some of the industry’s most prestigious honors including 30+ Emmys, PROMAX awards, Set of the Year and Telly Awards. A strategic thinker, DiFi delights DDG’s clients with multiple solutions for their every design challenge

Being nimble is critical when dealing with today’s brands across many touchpoints. Not only well versed in set design, she also is a seasoned animation and graphics pro. DiFi adds special skills and knowledge to Team DDG’s creative toolbox and will put all those outstanding creative talents to work on your project.

A classical pianist who’s as comfortable with Bach and Brahms as she is with generating new and exciting designs, her branding prowess is perhaps matched only by her talents in the kitchen, much to the appreciation of her husband and friends! And she gets as much pleasure from being around positive people as she does wading into brainstorming sessions with seasoned professionals.

Diane graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, in addition to completion of courses in interior design and technical drawing at Michigan State University. DiFi is well versed in the Adobe suite and has completed VIZrt training.

Kartik Dakshinamoorthy

(HE/HIM)

CO-OWNER, PRESIDENT / SCENIC DESIGN DIRECTOR

Kartik is Team DDG’s inspirational Spirit Leader. He has an exceptional ability to collect input from seemingly disparate sources, pull it all together and create designs that amaze clients and engage audiences. He says his most creative time of day is sometime after 2 am when distractions are at a minimum and his full creative energies are at their zenith.

Kartik grew up in India on a road to become a heart surgeon. As a college student he sought balance in his world by back-packing through India, a path that led him to turn down a full scholarship to one of India’s most prestigious medical schools and follow his creative passions… much to the delight of Team DDG clients around the world.

With over 20 years at DDG, Kartik has led the team in some impressive wins. His award count includes a dozen Emmys, nine Set of the Year trophies, eight PROMAX Gold Awards, and a Telly Award.

Kartik finds balance through his life with his amazing wife and daughter. His passion is fueled by the desire to be the very best… a goal fulfilled with every one of Team DDG’s custom set designs. Kartik’s eyes light up when someone says…“I know this isn’t possible, but what if…” That is the precise moment Kartik begins crafting the design that transforms their ideas into stunning reality

Kartik is a stickler for detail and personally oversees all aspects of the building process to ensure that the construction is kept at a high standard, meets the intent of the project design, and comes in on budget and on time.

Kartik pursued his education beginning at the prestigious Sir. JJ School of Architecture and merited a Bachelor of Architecture, an India Gold Medalist, immediately followed with a Master of Architecture from the University of Arizona.

Dan Devlin

(HE/HIM)

CO-OWNER, CEO / BIG PICTURE OPTIMIST

Dan is the inspirational chieftain of Team DDG’s creative geniuses. He is a team building ‘Think-Meister’ who lives the founding principles he used to establish the company more than 30 years ago – Creativity, Knowledge, and Innovation. These principles form the keystone of DDG’s success in captivating audiences around the world through award winning, stunning, and technologically advanced scenic storytelling environments.

A Jersey boy who spent his formative years in Arizona, Dan’s creativity is fueled by his passions: mountain biking, travelling and the pursuit of excellence. When not at his desk overlooking the Sonoran Desert, you can find him in Huatulco Mexico, Sandpoint Idaho, or the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, traversing high country trails on a mountain bike. These soul replenishing rides are bounded by discipline but nourish unbridled creativity.

The inspiration from these frequent adventures through breath-taking scenery, coupled with a passion for technological expertise, is the blend that produces set designs that have been awarded Set of the Year nine times, the PROMAX Gold Award for a record breaking eight out of nine years, and more than two dozen Emmy Awards. 

Dan brings a competitive edge to all he does. He leads Team DDG in the process of identifying your expectations for a winning project outcome. He firmly believes, if you can imagine it – you can create it!

Dan earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from Arizona State University.