Lighting designer Jeff Ravitz is the founder of Intensity Partners, LLC, a consultant to the film and television industry, and an author, with James Moody, of Lighting for Televised Live Entertainment.
He has a Primetime Emmy Award for his work in addition to multiple regional Emmys, and is the recipient of the Parnelli Award for Lighting Designer Of The Year. But the most high-profile job he has had for nearly 40 years is lighting designer for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, which, considering the scope of that particular gig, is no small accomplishment. The lighting must carry the audience through a journey that lasts hours, with a set list that can change at a moment's notice to any song from a catalog of hundreds, and must be fresh for an audience known for its fierce loyalty and repeat ticket buying. Ravitz says of those early tours, "For a show that, in those days, was over four hours and, frequently, almost five hours including an intermission, there could be a lot of repetition. The challenge was to hold back on certain lighting looks so there might be something new to reveal somewhere around the three-hour mark."
Lighting Design Reel, Jeff Ravitz, 2021
His first design for Springsteen's Born In The USA tour in 1984, Ravitz utilized hundreds of PAR 64s, around twelve aircraft landing lights, some Altman ellipsoidals, and about a dozen GAM ColorMax gel scrollers in an all-conventional rig. Scroll down to see his lighting plots and equipment list for the most recent tour.
Crew List
- Jeff Ravitz, Lighting Designer
- Todd Ricci, Lighting Director
- Mike Appel, Programmer
- Brad Brown, Lighting System Tech Coordinator / Console #2 Operator
- Russ Benoit, Christie Lites Coordinator
- Chris McMeen, Christie Lites Account Rep
- Hadyn Williams, Lighting Crew Chief
- Kitty Hoffman, Lighting Lead Tech
- John Hoffman, Lighting FOH Tech
- Evan Barnes, Lighting Follow Spot/Network Tech
- Sam Blakemore, Lighting Follow Spot/Network Tech
- Adam Beasley, Lighting Tech
- Paul Gierczak, Lighting Dimmer Tech
- Evan McElhiney, Lighting Tech
- Andy Welch, Lighting Tech, follow spot system coordinator
Gear List
ACME Lyra 24
Ayrton Domino S 16
Ayrton Khamsin 44
Ayrton Magic Blade FX 16
Ayrton Wildsun S25 6
Chauvet Color Strike M 22
Chauvet COLORado 2 Quad Zoom 2
ChromaQ Colorforce II 12 18
ChromaQ Colorspan2-IP20- 32" (Medium) 17
ChromaQ Studio Force II 12 2
Elation Cuepix 16IP 36
Elation Proteus Hybrid 8
Elation Proteus Rayzor 1960 16
Elation Proteus Smarty Hybrid 4
Elation ZW 19 4
ETC Selador Desire D60 Lustr Plus 6
Flexglo F22 Flexible Linear RGBW_15' 1
Flexglo F22 Flexible Linear RGBW_18' 2
Flexglo F22 Flexible Linear RGBW_27' 2
Flexglo F22 Flexible Linear RGBW_30' 2
Flexglo F22 Flexible Linear RGBW_65'-6" 3
Flexglo F22 Flexible Linear RGBW_65'-6" center 1
Flexglo F22 Flexible Linear RGBW_65'-6" SL 1
GLP Impression FR10 Bar 6
GLP Impression FR10 Bar (vertical) 6
grandMA3 Full Size Console 3
grandMA3 Light Console 1
MAC Aura PXL 62
MAC Aura XIP 8
Martin MAC Ultra Wash 4
Martin VDO Dotron Diffuser 6
Martin VDO Dotron Dome 101
MDG Atmos Hazer w/Fan 2
MegaLite Circa XL Scoop LED 6
Robe BMFL Followspot 14
Robe BMFL Followspot LT 2
Robospot Control Station 16