ABC’s “A Very Boy Band Holiday” television special was one of those multifaceted productions on which we thrive. Every project has its own unique look, but this holiday special needed lighting aspects for a combined talk show, musical performance, and cozy, magical, merry Christmas show.
The special was a seasonal celebration in which members of various 1990s boy bands get snowed-in at a mountain resort and spend the evening talking, singing, laughing, and celebrating in the holiday spirit. Members From *NSYNC, New Edition, NKOTB, Boyz II Men, 98 Degrees and O-Town rocked the holidays with classic tunes and their groups’ greatest holiday hits while also sharing in some on-air shenanigans.
The lighting had to be cozy, rustic, and Christmasy while still ensuring the best illumination for a television production. The mountain cabin set was a background of wooden furniture, fireplaces and candles, a gigantic Christmas tree and holiday lights strung across the “ceiling,” and even snowy evening views out the windows, all of which we had to brighten without overpowering. Each song performance — whether sitting at a piano or multiple singers standing together — needed handcrafted illumination with a deft touch to avoid washing out and flattening the background or glaring onto the stars’ faces. Overall, it was a balancing act between colorful and white lights, background settings and up-front performances, and dynamic production lighting and warm, comfortable, welcoming feelings.
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