Award winning lighting designer, Jeff Ravitz, has been nominated for the 2007-08 Emmy Award for Outstanding TV Lighting Design by the Pacific Southwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), for his design of the Salute To Teachers Awards 2007. The broadcast was presented by Cox Communications and NBC Channel 4 San Diego and was co-produced by the San Diego County Office of Education.
The annual awards program is a black tie affair produced at the San Diego Civic Theatre, and celebrates excellence in teaching for San Diego County. The show was hosted by CNN’s afternoon news anchor, Kyra Phillips, and Dennis Morgigno of Channel 4 San Diego. Featured entertainment included Elli Choi, winner of “Concerto Competition in Division I (under age 12)” in the 2007 Strings International Music Festival.
Ravitz, associate designer, Kristie Roldan and programmer, Chris Hammond, maximized the extensive equipment inventory of the Civic, which they supplemented with Vari*Lite and Martin automated fixtures supplied by Starlight Services.
“This show strives for Oscar Ceremony production values on a much thinner budget,” explains Ravitz. “It is our job to do more with less and maintain the high broadcast quality and live show look the producers desire. The Emmy nomination is a nice confirmation that we succeeded.”
Ravitz recently concluded shooting the 2008 GLAAD Awards for Bravo, Sheryl Crow for Control Room Presents, and a Chris Daughtry special for My Network. He is a seven-time Emmy nominee and has been honored with statues for one Primetime and two NATAS awards. The Pacific Southwest Emmys ceremony takes place in La Costa, CA on June 14.