Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1335010
62 W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y CONCLUSION There is an old joke that goes something like this: Sound without picture is radio, picture without sound is a surveillance camera. A show like this year's Emmys "having to be done in a virtual way" reminds us that sound is one of the most important things that connects us to each other—even when we can't be together in the same place. This may have been the most important thing the producers, host, and sound team recognized and accomplished this year. Without sound connecting these people together, nominees would not have had nearly the shared experience with each other, Jimmy Kimmel, and in the end, with us. One last personal note. I currently serve as the Television Academy Vice Chair and this was my seventh time overseeing the Emmy Awards show for the Academy as show chairman. For the first time, I did this from my home—some 500 miles from Staples Center. Production again used Zoom to send a live rehearsal feed to me and other ABC and Academy people. For three days of rehearsals leading up to the live show, I watched remotely as the show came together. Having worked on two Oscar and two previous Emmy broadcasts with Jimmy Kimmel hosting, I can tell you this was not your typical awards show. Jimmy worked harder and was more involved than I have ever seen a host do on a show like this. He was essentially on camera for three hours and involved in every award. The producers, writers, and crew leaned in and took this challenge head on, solving every hiccup and finding innovative ways to entertain us—all while following strict COVID protocols such as wearing masks, face shields, and gloves. They made it look as effortless and "business as usual" as any other show they've ever done. My producer's table for overseeing the Emmys from 500 miles away. " SOUND IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS THAT CONNECTS US TO EACH OTHER— EVEN WHEN WE CAN'T BE TOGETHER IN THE SAME PLACE. "