MAYFIELD, Ky. — When thinking of the Emmy Awards, what likely comes to mind is a splashy group of actors, directors, producers and writers vying for one of the entertainment industry’s top honors.
However, there is as an extensive pool of technical craftspeople the Television Academy also honors.
For every award-winning television role, there is a sizeable team of production designers, lighting designers, costume designers, makeup artists and other behind-the-scenes personnel dedicated to optimizing the performance.
These people, such as Mayfield resident Bobby Grey, are recognized at the Creative Arts Emmys a week before the Primetime Emmys.
At the 2024 awards, Grey was nominated for Outstanding Lighting Direction for Variety Series— American Idol.
Though Grey has yet to win the coveted prize, he said the recognition of a niche community of close collaborators is much more valuable. He characterized the groups of craftspeople as the backbone of the industry.
Through his company Notan Creative, Grey coordinates lighting design and direction for concert touring, corporate keynote events and television. He specializes in multi-camera music broadcasts like awards shows, competition series and live programs.
His work has been featured in the Video Music Awards; American Idol; Saturday Night Live; Apple Music Festival; late-night shows like Jimmy Fallon; and tour designs from musical artists like Keith Urban, Maren Morris, Paramore, Jelly Roll, BTS, 311 and Sam Hunt.
Grey explained that he ascended the show business ladder through sheer diligence and commitment, a trajectory he said is typical in the entertainment industry.
From manual labor to realizing the creative vision of clients, Grey said he has contributed to the onstage ambience of performances throughout his career. He attributed his success to the opportunities stemming from small-town roots.
Starting at the age of 19, Grey began working as a stagehand at the Carson Center in Paducah and was subsequently promoted to a department head.
At the Carson Center, Grey said he forged a network of connections ranging from concert tours to Broadway shows. He learned the craft and dabbled in freelancing, going on tour with a notable musical artist who performed there.
In 2011, Grey received a job offer to work in the Los Angeles branch of Disney in its technical service department. Grey “got his hands dirty” there working as a lighting technician, operating forklifts and building stage rigs.
In 2012, Grey deepened connections with lighting directors, who took him “under their wing.” After he became more established, Grey officially transitioned into a freelance lighting director, and embarked on tours and special events across the nation and globe before he formed his company.
Though his work environment drastically shifts depending on the job, Grey said the consistent element is the tight-knit community of lighting technicians, all unified by a passion for the craft.
Grey described lighting design and stagecraft as an intricate undertaking that requires rigorous collaboration to augment a performer’s impact onstage.
Corresponding with artists and management, Grey creates detailed sketches, blueprints and full computer renderings. He said an “army of people” execute the meticulous planning as he and partners oversee the process, engaging with various entities to build the stage, set and lighting.
Grey acknowledged the prestigious honor of an Emmy nomination. He said the individual recognition of a large-scale operation is more rewarding than nabbing a trophy, reflecting the camaraderie of his peers.
For his nominated work on American Idol, Grey worked on a team of seven other craftspeople and fellow nominees.
Originating from a small town, Grey said the nominations legitimize his creatively driven career that some may not deem sustainable.
After living in California for 10 years, Grey returned to Mayfield to start a family with his wife in 2018. He now operates out of an in-home studio and commutes to where the jobs take him, and he mentioned the support of his wife and parents as integral.
Will Spencer is a reporter for the Mayfield Messenger. Visit mayfield-messenger.com to read the full article.
