Whether you have a particular favorite Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, it’s undeniable that France has set the bar high for future hosts of the event. From Lady Gaga to the masked man, what happened in Paris will be hard to forget.
Covering every aspect of French culture, the producers of the Olympic Games ensured nothing was left out. Despite constant rain, the show continued seamlessly without needing a plan B, showcasing its exceptional organization.
Naturally, with such an impressive spectacle, we’re all curious about the cost of producing it. Keep scrolling to learn all the details.
What was the production cost of the 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony?
Some time ago, we learned that Paris allegedly spent $10 billion to host the Olympics and Paralympics. These substantial base costs didn’t stop the producers from delivering one of the most amazing shows in the history of the sports event.
Team France passes under the Passerelle Debilly while cruising on the River Seine during the athletes’ parade during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Source: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
When it was announced that the opening ceremony would be the first to take place on a river and entirely outside of a stadium, we knew they meant business. While many people contributed to making it happen, the mastermind behind it all was Artistic Director Thomas Jolly.
According to Deadline, it is estimated that Jolly spent $150 million to bring all the elements together. This included 3 hours and 45 minutes of 94 boats carrying 7,000 athletes, 12 tableaus, drones, high-caliber singers like Lady Gaga and Celine Dion, 80 massive screens, and more.
To make it happen, Thomas Jolly first assembled a team of writers: Fanny Herrero, Leila Slimani, Patrick Boucheron, and Damien Gabriac. Over nine months, finishing in Summer 2023, the group traveled up and down the Seine, drawing inspiration from its landmarks to craft the initial concept of the ceremony.
In the end, the show featured more than 3,000 dancers and actors, with some tableaus gathering over 400 people “on stage” at the same time. It was truly a spectacular event we will never forget!
