Suns Receive Five Emmy Nominations

Posted: Sept. 11, 2007

The Phoenix Suns organization was recognized with five Emmy nominations by the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, including three for Suns.com's video productions.

Of the four nominations in the first-ever Advanced Media category, Suns.com received three nods:

Raja Bell's airport reunion with his victorious teammates following Game 6 of the Suns-Lakers series in 2006 received a nomination. The video, which was shot and produced by Steven J. Koek, was one of the web site's most popular of the 2006 Playoffs.

Suns.com's exclusive video of the team's arrival in Rome during the 2006 Training Camp overseas also received a nomination. The behind-the-scenes package, captured by Jeramie McPeek and edited by Koek, featured the Suns' touring the ancient ruins and dining with the Mayor of Rome, Walter Veltroni.

The third Suns.com video nominated was the spring episode of Phoenix Suns Home Court, brought to you by Qwest. Suns.com's host Jamie Morris took a tour of Leandro Barbosa's beautiful home, interviewing the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year about his childhood in Brazil, his interests away from the court and his unusual daily breakfast drink. The 36-minute show was recorded by videographer Richard Mendez, and edited and produced by Koek and McPeek.

"We are extremely proud to have a few of our online videos recognized with Emmy nominations," said McPeek, Suns vice president of interactive services. "Our goal has always been to give our fans that peek behind the curtain on Suns.com, and to give Phoenix fans an opportunity to get to know our players as more than just talented basketball players. To be acknowledged for that effort is a true honor."

The 2007 Emmy nominations also included Phoenix Suns live game broadcasts on KUTP My45, which are produced by the Suns Productions’ team of Dan Siekmann, Bob Adlhoch and David Hughes.

“With more than 1,500 hours of live sports coverage produced in the Southwest region, the Suns Productions team is honored to be chosen as one of only four candidates to receive the nomination,” said Bob Adlhoch, producer/director of Suns TV. “We want to take a leadership position in providing the highest quality television broadcasts possible for our viewers and look forward to being among the first to offer the entire Suns season in high definition.”

In addition, the Suns' 2007 playoff marketing and advertising campaign garnered four Emmy nominations for the three TV commercial spots that introduced “Trophy Guy.” Developed by the Suns' advertising agency of record, The Lavidge Company, “Trophy Guy” was a real-life embodiment of the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. Also developed by The Lavidge Company was the Phoenix Suns player introduction video, which earned a nomination, as well.

Founded in 1955, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. The Academy recognizes excellence with the coveted Emmy Award, the most prestigious peer-judged award in television.

The Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences includes the states of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming. This year’s awards will be handed out on Saturday, October 6 at the Renaissance Hotel & Spa in Glendale.

Nominations received for Phoenix Suns:

Sporting Event/Game – Live/Unedited

Director – Live or Live-to-Tape

Advanced Media – Sports

Commercial – Single Spot or Campaign

Advanced Media – Animator/Motion Graphic Designer