LAS VEGAS – Bandit Lites and LD Mark Carver once again joined forces to help set the stage for this year’s Stellar Awards, which honored top Gospel artists at Las Vegas’ Orleans arena. The live event, which was also televised, was co-hosted by David and Tamela Mann and Rickey Smiley and honored President Barack Obama, Bishop Paul Morton, Andrae Crouch and Al “The Bishop” Hobbs.
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LAS VEGAS – For the last 30 years, members of the world of Gospel music have gathered to honor African American artists at The Stellar Awards. Bandit Lites and lighting designer Mark Carver once again joined forces to help set the stage for the event, which included both a live audience and a televised program. Co-hosted by David and Tamela Mann and Rickey Smiley, the event bestowed special honors on President Barack Obama, Bishop Paul Morton, Andrae Crouch and Al “The Bishop” Hobbs.
Due to the special milestone year, this year’s production expanded into a much larger scope and scale in the Las Vegas Orleans Arena. With more than a decade of working with the Stellar Awards, Carver knows how to create looks that thrill the crowds in their seats, and translate well on to television.
Carver’s design consisted of Martin Vipers for graphic air effects and hard edge back light, Vl3500s for color washes and to tone the stage, GRN Moving Washes to wash the and define the audience, Ayrton Magic Panels for effect lighting and music accents, Clay Paky Sharpies for audience and stage air graphic effects, GRN Washes to light inside of scenic elements, S/4-Lekos for award audience key light, and Pixel Lines to outline the stage front. Additionally, a Hippo Media server was used for video content for screens and LED Walls, while GRNLite Pars were used for truss toning.
“I generally try to relay the artistic mood of the song via color and texture while still paying attention that each performer looks great on camera and in close up,” explained Carver. “My goal is always, whether for broadcast or live audiences, is to try to have the performer remain the center of attention and focus, while still being cast in their best light.”
One specific performance Carver utilized this balance included the surprise reunion of Destiny’s Child to perform Michelle Williams’ “Say Yes.” As Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland took the stage with Williams, another layer of conceptual vision and integration was added for Carver.
“We tried to be sensitive to needs of the awards show while staying true conceptually to their artistic vision and needs.”
“We have been working with Mark and Jennifer Jackson / Central City Productions for over a dozen years on various projects,” said Bandit Vice President Mike Golden. “I honestly look forward to each and every event. Mark does incredible work and always exhibits the most positive approach to every circumstance. It is an honor to work with this team of people.”
“Mike Golden, Shawn Lear, Chaz Martin, Billy Willingham and Andrew Heid were a pleasure to work with,” added Carver. “They were very attentive to every challenge and need, and helped deliver a very well executed show within the parameters of the budget.”
