Q&A: High Scream’s Romain Pissenem, The Man Behind Ibiza’s Biggest Productions
If you’ve ever been to Ibiza, you might have been lucky enough to experience the epicness of a show-stopping High Scream production.
This year alone, High Scream is expected to host 1.2 million people at their shows, working with the likes of David Guetta, Avicii and Disney.
We chatted with the man behind it all, founder, producer and show director Romain Pissenem, for an inside look at what it takes to put on some of the planet’s biggest productions.
1. Tell us a little bit about High Scream, the company and how it came about.
The idea of High Scream came naturally. I was a Show Director for Theatre and TV in Paris for many years, and forming a company like High Scream was a necessity. I needed High Scream to take full control of the show and to produce every element exactly how I wanted it. This is why High Scream is a unique company, there are no other production companies that can look after all aspects of your event; most companies can only help you with the decoration or the video content, but at High Scream we control it all.
2. Most people never really realize the amount of work that goes into the production of a rave, party, or any kind of show. How do you stand out amongst other organizers?
Electronic music has changed a lot over the years and with that the shows have developed, too. DJs are so famous that they need to have a big show around them; they are the new rock stars, so they now need the show to be on the same scale as a rock and roll concert. As I started out directing big shows, I always think of it as a show first rather than party, but by gelling the two together is how we really stand out from the crowd.
3. On an island like Ibiza that is always one-upping itself, how do you stay ahead of the game and come up with new ideas?
I work 24 hours of the day! I am always aware and alert of what people tell me and the things going on around me, what’s working and what’s not. I say it’s like being a chef; as a chef, you have to know where to get the best ingredients and know how to put it together to make a great recipe. The job is never done, it can always be made better.
4. Who are some of your favourite acts that you have worked with?
Ushuaia is the first place who mixed the show and party so I would not say I have a favourite act but a favourite place!
5. What’s the most bizarre setup you have been asked to do?
Wow, many bizarre things. In fact, all setups have to be bizarre; most people’s bizarre is High Scream’s normal, it’s all part of a days work! The weirder and more unachievable, the more fun we have!
6. How does Ibiza rank in terms of production in comparison to the likes of other nightlife destinations such as Mykonos, Miami, Dubai, or Vegas?
Ibiza is the mecca for electronic music; it is the catalyst for the other parties around the world. Ibiza sets the standards of what people expect at an electronic music concert and the rest follow!
7. You are very keen on wowing your guests. What is that WOW effect and how does it make High Scream different from the rest?
The WOW effect is something we strive for in all our shows. That’s what makes us different; we never stop trying to push boundaries. One of my favourite “wow” moments was the first time we did the flying balloon four years ago for David Guetta at Ushuaia Beach Hotel. It was the first time I ever saw a DJ take a phone and film something whilst mixing. Or the time we flew Wyclef Jean from the top of a tower on a zip line!
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