GRAND PARK N.Y.E.L.A.

Due to Covid-19 social distancing restrictions Grand Park’s annual live NYELA event for 2020 was cancelled in favor of a pre-recorded show and countdown to 2021 broadcast on the cable channel FUSE as well as Grand Park’s YouTube channel. Rather than producing a live event projection onto a single side of the City Hall building this year yU+co created a composite video of animation, visual special effects and video footage that was integrated into the larger New Year’s Eve broadcast program. Continuing the tradition of setting City Hall as the focal point for L.A.’s NYE celebration yU+co incorporated 3D isometric animations that took advantage of the ability to move around the building and experience the projection on City Hall from multiple vantage points. This is something that could never have been done at the live event.

The theme for the NYELA 2021 presentation was “Resilience” and it was critical that the content of the show highlight Angeleno’s strength and determination throughout the tumultuous year. To that end the countdown featured masked Angelenos from all parts of L.A.’s diverse neighborhoods as well as a spotlight on the heroism of the city’s frontline workers. The show culminated in an explosion of color highlighting the words “Unity” and “Hope” alongside energetic dancers providing an uplifting end to the year with love and anticipation for a better 2021.