Jack Morton Worldwide has been named producer of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Morton will support Dimitris Papaioannou, the concept creator and artistic director of the Games' Ceremonies.
"Jack Morton Worldwide has an impressive track record, and I am looking forward to working with them," said Dimitris Papaioannou. "We are all very honored to deliver the ceremonies celebrating a special occasion: the return of the Games to their birthplace."
The appointment was announced by the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (ATHOC) this week after a seven-month bid process, which involved agencies from within Greece and throughout Europe.
The European office of Jack Morton, based in London, led the bid with an international team most recently responsible for the successful production of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for both the Salt Lake Paralympic Games and the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in the spring and summer of last year.
Lois Jacobs, JMW executive vice president, regional director, Europe & Asia-Pacific, said: "We are delighted by the appointment and excited about working with Dimitris Papaioannou, a leading artistic influence within Greece."
Jack Morton Worldwide has produced major events of global prominence including: The XVII Commonwealth Games Ceremonies in Manchester (2002); The Salt Lake 2002 Winter Paralympic Games Ceremonies (2002); and The Special Olympics World Summer Games Ceremonies (1999).
