NORTH HOLLYWOOD – Green could very well be the new black at this year’s Emmy Awards. FOX and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences have decided to “go green” with the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards, pledging to reduce the “carbon footprints” left by the show.
“ FOX’s commitment to eco-friendly practices has been an inspiration for us,” said Dick Askin, CEO of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. “We’re glad to be working with them this year, and our goal is to make events more eco-friendly and carbon-neutral.”
Many changes will be occurring in order to reach those goals. These involve using locally grown organic foods for press and other guests at Emmy events, using hybrid and/or fuel efficient vehicles, using recyclable materials for programs and other event items, reducing power requirements, and using bicycles in place of golf carts. Solar power will hopefully be used for red-carpet arrivals, as well as other Primetime Emmy events.
“The Academy has already committed to using 100% recycled paper for award programs, tickets, office paper, posters, and other items that they use everyday,” said Robin Mesger, a representative from the Lippin Group which handles press for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. “They’ve also replaces plastic and Styrofoam with biodegradable materials and will also be using rented and reusable items for stage productions.”
Architectural Digest has even decided to make their backstage haven “green” for this year’s award’s show. They have appointed AD 100 designer Timothy Corrigan as the creator and will be following the “eco-friendly” goals that the Academy and FOX have established. This year, the name “greenroom” is as appropriate as ever.
“This year’s room is inspired by an English country living room,” said Corrigan. “I’ll be combining 18th-century antiques with the latest television technology. These elements mix with the California attitude and with eco-friendly elements, creating the functionality and form of the room.”
The “greenroom” will be constructed from recycled materials, in accordance with the goals set by FOX and the Academy. “The walls are going to be made from reclaimed wood from a local high school stadium and all of the textiles will be made with 100% recycled fibers,” said Jennifer Price-Keith, a representative from Lippin Group. “A few of Mr. Corrigan’s key features will include furniture from the Drexel Heritage Walt Disney Collection, 100% organic carpeting from Karastan, and reclaimed wood from Terra Mai. It’s sure to be a treat.”
This year’s Emmy Awards will mark the sixth year that Architectural Digest has designed the greenroom. Every year, an artist from AD 100 (the magazine’s top list of artists/designers) is chosen to create the greenroom in which presenters make their final preparations before heading on stage.
The 59th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on FOX, September 16, 2007 at 8:00pm (EST/PST)
