KSBY-TV was the first local television station in California’s Central Coast. As an NBC affiliate, it serves viewers from Ventura to Monterey with over 30 hours of news each week, plus produces a 30-minute primetime newscast at 10pm for sister station KSBY-DT2.
The project included studio lighting design and in-studio lighting direction for lighting a completely redesigned studio. Even though it involved an expansion of the space, there were still studio size restrictions, so the news set was strategically lit to enhance the perception of a much wider configuration.
As “the show must go on” during renovations, the space was in use from 5am to 11pm. Designers had to accommodate these time constraints by creating a completely functional and fully lit temporary news studio during renovations.
LED technology was employed as a cost-saver, improved physical comfort for those on set, and for the reduced impact on the environment. The design included a stagnant lighting grid for traditional three-camera setup, and creatively configured lighting elements to maintain traditional key, fill, and back light with all cameras considered.
Following installation, the designers oversaw fine-tuning and adjustments to assure both clients and talent were happy with the ultimate outcome. They also established more of a partnership than an owner-designer relationship, training staff to properly maintain and operate the lighting system for long-term success, avoiding costly call-backs.