When the call comes in to create a unique environmental centerpiece for a special event, Production Plus jumps to action with the knowledge base and experience to bring their clients dreams to reality. This was definitely the case when an exclusive party was to center around a magical tree composed of wood, truss, fabric, steel and 29,700 pounds of foam. This one of a kind 106’ wide x 80’ deep by 28’ tall tree structure rose into the sky, encircling a Pro Plus built fully operating Victorian styled Carousel and other unique machinery while spreading its twisting branches into a canopy over the crowd.

Working with sketches and later with a scale model, we used 3D laser scanning to plan the layout and build of the tree within the tent taking into account the many scenic and talent elements that would surround the tree. Once the 3D scan and wire frame showed us the final positioning and size of the tree and carousel within the structure, we saw that we needed to do some digital pruning that resulted in considerable savings of time and money in production.

After final plans and budgets were signed off on, Production Plus artists, riggers, painters,sculptures and engineers devised a plan to get this project from sketches and models to a full size centerpiece within a unique HDO Special Events Tent. All in 28 days. However this tree wasn't simply a scenic piece, the tree interior had to also serve as a staging location for roving performers, a base for event staff, and the housing of audio and lighting control. The tree and machinery also disguised the poles supporting the tent making for a complete transformation for the guests.

Work began and the branches began taking shape. The build kept our CNC routers humming all day for weeks creating cross sections derived from the 3D scans of the model. Support pipes were bent to shape and staple guns popped non-stop to craft the substructure of the branches.

As the branches took shape, a 20-foot tall truss structure was assembled in our rear parking lot. The entire structure was topped with a platform from which branches would sprout and then skinned to create the trunk of the tree. After an initial layer of foam, the tree trunk was sectioned and shipped with the branches to the site where it was reassembled with a final layer of foam applied to create a smooth transition from the roots to the canopy above. Our talented artists then painted the tree giving it the magical splendor and whimsy our client had envisioned.

This was an unusual and less than standard scene shop type of project. We were happy to take on this challenge and once again show what makes our shop stand out from the rest.