London 2012 Olympics - Previs 'One Night in 2012'; Critical Review

So in the run up to Rio, I watched 'One Night in 2012' documentary http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07l24qp/imagine-summer-2016-1-one-night-in-2012-an-imagine-special. Great to see that Danny Boyle mentioned the use of a Previs as a tool to reassure collaborators, funders, artists etc

Previs shots below of what I believe was an outstanding design for the London 2012 Olympics....I remember at the time being absolutely delighted to see that a highly experienced, professional and edgy creative had been granted permission to 'design' it.....
No trace of local authority red tape and dumming down of design in sight...
And it was evident through the props and effects, not to mention the thousands of linked LED lights that the budget was generously spent on how it actually delivered as a spectacular event....no skimping at all.

Setting aside all the scale of the effects and spectacle, I would argue that the outstanding element of the entire show  was the theme that celebrated our worldwide creative contribution and our uniqueness; coupled with the confidence and ability to execute it. I was proud not only of the choice of director, but that the powers that be, had the humility and courage to stand back and let those with creative expertise deliver this event.

At a time of great recession this was a showcase of our national achievements as a whole; and particularly celebrating the role that the arts play....not only in the microcosm of the 2012 design and concept, but as a worldwide ongoing contribution.

I was proud to be British when I could see our history play out so visually.

In fact, we stood up in our sitting room at the end in honour of the achievement of all involved...including our national ancestry.