The judging is carried out by three panels of industry experts in conjunction with prestigious industry organisations the ALD and the STLD.
Concert & Events Judges
Jess Allan
(CT&E Chair) Owner Productionomics Ltd
20 years in the employment of leading lighting (Martin & Chroma-Q) and staging / scenic (TAIT) manufactures, has given Jessica unique access and insight to designers utilising technology for their artistic visions. She now passionately documents concert productions with her company Productionomics, as well as a committee member of Showlight. An advocate of lighting designers being recognised as artists in the wider artistic world.
“I’m looking for synergy with the music, scenic and other visual elements. Appreciation of attention to detail and subtleties. Challenges overcome, be it from the artist (the type or artist or their specific requests), budget, technology, other creatives involved.”
Claire Beeson
Editor, LSi magazine
Claire has worked on Light & Sound International (LSi) for the past decade, becoming its editor in spring 2017. With a wide-ranging knowledge of the industry, she regularly attends international shows and events representing both PLASA and LSi, and is a member of the organising committee for the prestigious Showlight lighting conference.
“For me, whatever the budget, the best lighting and video designs add an extra dimension to an artist’s work for the live environment, whilst not over-shadowing the performance on stage.”
Christopher Knowlton
Lighting Director, 18 Degrees
Christopher is an award-winning lighting designer and Director of 18 Degrees, an independent lighting design studio based in London. He plays an active role in the International Association of Lighting Designers, IALD and serves as the UK regional coordinator. He is also chair of the advisory panel for the Enlighten Conferences 2018, which is regarded amongst one of the most influential lighting conferences in the world.
“Having seen the KOI awards go from strength to strength over the years it’s great to see the quality of the entries is always high. I love to see and experience the way lighting designers from different disciplines work with the medium of light. I hope that my experience in architecture and the built environment can bring a fresh perspective to the panel. “
Ronnie Gurr
Publisher. Music Business and events consultant
During over 40 years in the music business Ronnie has written for the NME and Record Mirror. He’s worked at Virgin Records in the press and A&R departments (Culture Club, Simple Minds, XTC, China Crisis and The Blue Nile) and at Sony Music (Kula Shaker and Michael Ball) not to mention overseeing the launch of V2 for Richard Branson where he signed Stereophonics.
Ronnie now runs Hanging Around Books and is the UK representative of AC Soundtracker.
“I’m delighted to be invited into the distinguished company of the KOI Awards judging panel. It will be a pleasure to join esteemed colleagues in witnessing and honouring the fine work that lighting and video designers create in enhancing and enriching the live experience.”
Stew Hume
Editor, TPi magazine
Stew has been with TPi for the last four years, having taken up the editorship in earlier 2019. Splitting his time between the office and meeting crew members on-site for the magazine, he’s built up a vast array of knowledge on the various aspects of the live touring industry.
“It’s a pleasure to be asked to join the esteemed panel of judges for this year’s KOI Awards and I look forward to witnessing what this year’s nominees have to offer. For me, a truly great show is when all departments meld seamlessly into one another, creating an immersive experience for an audience.”
Jonny Milmer
Head of Lighting Design, Imagination
Over 20 years of lighting design experience encompassing everything from Live music, one-off televised events through to opera and permanent installation he has an incredibly broad range of experience. Working at Imagination for 10 years, one of the world’s largest experiential design agencies, Jonny has been leading the lighting design team there for 5 years on a diverse and extraordinary array massive spectacular shows and events.
“I’m always looking for designer’s work to look cohesive and form a united design approach with the whole show design. Lighting design should complement and enhance, not distract and fragment the complete design of a show. Work should be elegant, considered, and inspirational.”
