Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of Lighting Legends, we sit down with Lighting Designer Mike Berger to explore his creative journey and the vision behind one of the most high-profile productions in live entertainment: the ACM Awards. Mike shares how he built his career in lighting design and what it takes to deliver a world-class visual experience for the largest night in Country Music.
Go behind the scenes as Mike walks us through his creative process—from early concepts to execution on show day—and explains how lighting helps shape emotion, storytelling, and impact on a massive broadcast stage. He breaks down his use of key fixtures, including the X5 Compact, JDC2, JDC Line, and FORCE 120, and explains how each tool played a role in building dynamic looks throughout the show.
The episode takes a closer look at two standout performances: Kelsea Ballerini’s “Baggage”, and Jelly Roll’s “Heart of Stone,”. Mike shares the creative thinking behind these looks and how collaboration with artists and production teams brings each performance to life.
To close out the conversation, Mike offers valuable advice for young and aspiring lighting designers, sharing lessons learned from his own career and insights into navigating the fast-paced world of live events and broadcast productions.
Watch now to experience what goes into the creative lighting process at the highest level—and discover how vision, technology, and storytelling come together to light up an iconic awards show.
In this episode of Lighting Legends, we sit down with Lighting Designer Mike Berger to explore his creative journey and the vision behind one of the most high-profile productions in live entertainment: the ACM Awards. Mike shares how he built his career in lighting design and what it takes to deliver a world-class visual experience for the largest night in Country Music.
Go behind the scenes as Mike walks us through his creative process—from early concepts to execution on show day—and explains how lighting helps shape emotion, storytelling, and impact on a massive broadcast stage. He breaks down his use of key fixtures, including the X5 Compact, JDC2, JDC Line, and FORCE 120, and explains how each tool played a role in building dynamic looks throughout the show.
The episode takes a closer look at two standout performances: Kelsea Ballerini’s “Baggage”, and Jelly Roll’s “Heart of Stone,”. Mike shares the creative thinking behind these looks and how collaboration with artists and production teams brings each performance to life.
To close out the conversation, Mike offers valuable advice for young and aspiring lighting designers, sharing lessons learned from his own career and insights into navigating the fast-paced world of live events and broadcast productions.
Watch now to experience what goes into the creative lighting process at the highest level—and discover how vision, technology, and storytelling come together to light up an iconic awards show.
