LA28 announces production team of the Paralympic and Olympic Ceremonies

LA28 has announced the production team and company that will bring the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Paralympic and Olympic Games to life.

Ben Winston, the Emmy Award-winning producer behind the Paris-to-LA Olympic Handover in 2024, will serve as Executive Producer and Creative Director, with veteran Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies producer Scott Givens as Executive Producer - Production.

FulFive, a new entity comprised of Fulwell Entertainment and FiveCurrents, will produce the iconic Ceremonies and be led by Givens and Ryann Lauckner as Co-CEOs of the venture.

“We searched the world for partners who could blend artistic vision and flawless execution at the highest level,” said Peter Rice, LA28 Head of Ceremonies and Content and Executive Producer.

“Ben Winston and Scott Givens are two of the most accomplished producers in live entertainment today. Their combined expertise brings together the creative storytelling and production excellence needed to deliver Ceremonies worthy of the Olympic and Paralympic stage that will showcase Los Angeles as the entertainment capital of the world while celebrating the athletes who inspire us all.”

Winston, a 14-time Emmy Award winner, will build on the creative foundation he established with the spectacular Paris-to-LA Olympic Handover Celebration, featuring Tom Cruise, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Billie Eilish, H.E.R. and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. His additional credits include “The Grammys,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” and “Friends: The Reunion,” in addition to multiple specials including “Adele: One Night Only” and “Elton John: A Farewell from Dodger Stadium.”

“The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games represent the pinnacle of human achievement, and Los Angeles, the home of storytelling, offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine what these Ceremonies can be,” said Winston.

“I couldn’t be more honored, grateful and delighted to take on this role, and to work alongside Peter, Scott and the whole LA28 team, to create unforgettable Ceremonies that will truly inspire and entertain, while cerebrating the Olympic and Paralympic spirit and the creative energy of this city.”

Givens has produced more than 400 major live events and held roles with 15 Olympic Games and produced 63 global ceremonies. He is a recipient of the prestigious Olympic Order, one of the highest honours afforded by the International Olympic Committee.

“These Ceremonies represent the ultimate challenge in live production – bringing together global headliners, thousands of performers, best-in-class technologies and split-second timing on the world’s biggest stage,” Givens said.

“I’m thrilled to partner with the incredibly talented LA28 team alongside Ben and Peter to execute a vision that honors the athletes and creates a unifying memory for Los Angeles, California, our nation and a global broadcast audience in the billions.”

The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place in the summer of 2028, marking  the first time Los Angeles has hosted the Paralympic Games and the third time it has hosted the Olympic Games.

The LA28 Paralympic Games, which take place from 15-27 August 2028, will feature more than 4,000 athletes competing in 560 medal events across 23 sports.

The Paralympic Opening Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 15 August, 2028 at the 2028 Stadium, and the Paralympic Closing Ceremony will take place on Sunday, 27 August, 2028, at the LA Memorial Coliseum, with more information on timing to be shared with the Paralympic competition schedule at a later date.

The Olympic Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday, 14 July, 2028 at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT, shared between the LA Memorial Coliseum and 2028 Stadium, and the Olympic Closing Ceremony will take place Sunday, 30 July, 2028 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT at the LA Memorial Coliseum.