MILLENNIUM EVENT | LEONARDO DI CAPRIO ^
Leonardo Dicaprio commissioned Stagg to usher in the Millennium with a New Year party “for the ages"
Stagg produced & directed the Millennium event after his innovative events were noticed by DiCaprio's agent Rick Yorn.
2000 Countdown - Producer J Stagg, Editor AJ Catoline and Ivan Victor.
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EVENT CONCEPT BIBLE | LEO DI CAPRIO 2K ^
Stagg's experience staging early EDM events on a shoestring paved the way for more ambitious experiments in experiental event design — this time on a Hollywood budget.
It’s too soon for the grandkids to comment, but The New York Post/Page 6 called it “the greatest Hollywood party in living memory.”
Due to rigorous confidentiality stipulations, Stagg can't show media of the Millennium Party he produced for Dicaprio.
Event designs here lay out the creative concept "Society & Technology, the Cave to the Computer and Beyond."
As they say... you had to be there.
It was an all night party. Giant screens broadcast celebrations from major capitals around the world in real-time, starting with Sydney on the International Dateline. When midnight struck the West Coast, 2,000 partygoers had an unobstructed view of the pyrotechnic display at the Hollywood Sign.
PLAN B | L2K ^
The venue was the famous Paramour Estate high atop a hill in Silverlake with extensive grounds. Stagg designed a stage projecting over a steep slope, it seemed impossible to build but Paul "Mr Coachella" Tolette pulled off the impossible. A 50 ft Geodesic Dome was built on the stage by Pacific Domes as primary dancefloor.
Attendees were led throughout the estate and extensive grounds by LED sequenced lightpaths to zones featuring: NASA Astronomers with huge telescopes, food tents, inflatable chill zones and fairground, 3D custom projection and millennium countdown show.
Music for the event was curated by DiCaprio and Stagg and performed by Shannon Sossamon, Holly Lovecat and DJ AM.
 © SuperFamous |  © oliver.dodd/Flickr |  © Allied Artists, Bodysnatchers |
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 © Robot Monster, Three Dimension Pictures |  © 20th Century Fox |  Light Painting © Brice Bischoff |
 |  © Disney Goldenoak Ranch |  © Disney Goldenoak Ranch |
 © Disney Goldenoak Ranch |  © Disney Goldenoak Ranch |  © Paramour Estate |
 © Paramour Estate, Great Room |  © Paramour Estate |  © Paramour Estate, LA View |
 © Paramour Estate |
VENUES | L2K ^
Many venues were considered including the Bat Cave and Disney Ranch. Ultimately the Paramour Estate in Silverlake won out.
AUDIO MIX | L2K ^
Download Millennium Countdown MP3.
See the complete Video up Top ^
Audio Mix & Scratching Lovecat & Stagg. Editors AJ Catoline and Ivan Victor.
TRT 10:26 MP3 Audio
TABLOID | L2K ^
The event prompted wild speculation in the tabloids. Almost nothing in this story is sourced or accurate. Contrary to the hard partying image, Leo was focused on his environmental work particularly in support of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Also the venue was way more expensive.
For more on Leonardo's work with the Gorilla Fund and visionary Sir Arthur C. Clarke, click the Gorilla.
