Portland Director Scores Emmy Win For The Trail Blazers 50th Anniversary Commercial, “Growing up Rip City”.
Katie O’Grady continues her successful run coaching professional athletes in a medium unfamiliar to them.
October 1, 2020 (Portland, Oregon): In a time when the world is dealing with unprecedented pandemics and protocols, it’s fitting that a woman would land an esteemed Emmy win in the male-dominated field of directors. Portland’s beloved Katie O’Grady can now expand her “award-winning” moniker to directing, alongside acting, producing, screenwriting and coaching.
Earning a reputation as a performance-driven director especially effective with athletes, Katie was called upon to direct the heartwarming tribute to 50 years of the NBA’s TrailBlazers, “Growing Up Rip City.” In just two weeks she and the production crew created a montage to some of the greatest highlights of the team and fans. The emotional end result had fans taking to social media to comment “ God what a video. This is sports PR at it's finest.” and “Where loyalty is founded and love is created, RipCity Forever.” The Northwest Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences took notice and the talented team landed an Emmy for their efforts.
Katie comments, ““Collaborating with the NBA Trailblazers production team was a lot of fun! I felt honored to bring my vision for performance to their standard of excellence. At first glance, I might be an odd choice: a blonde female director with little sports experience, but I know how to connect with a team, and get the best out of talent.
There is no question that the Emmy win was due to the love of storytelling and the community of fans supporting Blazer's winning legacy. Directing professional athletes comes naturally, and I can't wait to do it again.”
Production was made even further a breeze with Katie’s access to talent through her successful acting studio, which added to the production's family and team environment.
The 57th Annual National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Northwest Chapter Emmys Award Show went virtual this year instead of an in-person gala and awards were shipped to all recipients.
Here are the recipients of the Trail Blazers Creative Team:
Katie O’Grady, Director
Billie Olson, Creative Director
Dane Sawyer, Producer
Tristan Brillanceau-Lewis, Director of Photography
Garrett Guinn, Assistant Director/Editor
Fred Coury,
Music Composer
Will Cuddy, Director of Photography
For more information, and all media needs, please contact The Studio NW 971/708/2127
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Katie O’Grady is a fifth-generation Oregonian with 20 years on sets in every capacity from actor, director, producer, screenwriter and more. Directing projects with the Trail Blazers, Nike/Laika, BMW, Mercedes and more, continue to build her award-winning profile as one of the industry’s most innovative and adaptive professionals. SHOOT Magazine selected her as one of the “Up and Coming Directors of 2019” in their annual New Director Showcase. Her work on the NBA Trail Blazers 50th Anniversary tribute commercial “Growing up Rip City” earned the piece and team an Emmy in 2020. Her invaluable insight as an actor lends tremendous value to her performance-driven directing style, adding to her relatable and effective method to always bring out the best on set. www.katieogrady.com