'Studies were carried out to see whether dreams and reality could be combined, and today they are being combined harmoniously, at 90%, let's put it that way,' says Thomas Jolly, Artistic director of Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies, as he prepares to open the Games on 26 July with an amibitious river event on the banks of the Seine -- the first time the opening ceremony has taken place outside the athletics stadium in Olympic history. 'What's special about this show is that it can't be rehearsed on site or even have a full run through once beforehand,' he says. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES TO COMPLETE VIDEO 34GG7T2