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Elation Rebel Line adds dynamic layer to Tom Kenny’s lighting design for NHL Draft

When the NHL Draft returned June 26-27, 2026, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, lighting designer Tom Kenny was once again tasked with creating a visual experience for this high-profile hockey event. Twelve Elation Rebel Line 16 linear tilt bar fixtures, supplied by 4Wall, played a key role in extending the set design and adding dynamic visual effects throughout the broadcast.

A veteran lighting designer known for his work across major television broadcasts and touring productions, Kenny has a history of incorporating emerging lighting technology into real-world applications. “The Rebel Lines were located downstage on each side of the stage - five on each side - and used them as eye candy for the Steadicam and wide shots. They fit right in with our very elegant look”, he explains, adding that his favorite features were the SparkX effects and chases programmer David “Fuji” Convertino created with them.

Freelance gaffer Brian Carico worked with Kenny on the NHL Draft for the second consecutive year and has previously collaborated with Elation on the project. He coordinated with Elation representative William Irwin to bring the Rebel Line 16 fixtures into the production. “We intended them to be on the stage, but as the set developed, we decided to put them on the bottom row on each side of the stage”, says Carico. “It added another layer - a nice line of lighting to accentuate the set. They were the first lights everyone saw on stage.”

The Rebel Line fixtures were used throughout the broadcast, adapting to the event’s changing visual requirements. “As teams were called out, they adjusted to match the team’s color scheme”, says Carico, adding that they used them as wash lights and for pixel effects. “The whole color palette was useful to match the rest of the rig and the different team colors.” He also highlights the impact of the fixture’s SparkX effects: “I really like the sparkle effects in the fixture. We used that, for example, during a Trade Alert look, where everything went to red with sound effects. We accentuated that with the SparkX.”

“Having two separate tilt sections makes it really fun for waterfall effects”, says Convertino of the new fixture. He explored the full range of the Rebel Line’s effects capabilities during the broadcast, using both the RGBL engine and SparkX technology. “The SparkX feature was fantastic in how it enhanced making FX with the RGBL engine”, he notes. “Running them in full mode made it possible to use every feature the light has to offer.”

(Photos: Elation)

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