Ted Boyce-Smith
Lighting Designer
Ted Boyce-Smith is a New York–based lighting designer, originally from San Francisco, CA. Prior to joining LDG, Ted worked as a lighting and projection designer across theater, dance, opera, live television, corporate, and private events. His work has been seen on and off Broadway, on commercial tours, and in regional and international productions for over a decade. He currently serves as the morning lighting director for CNN at Hudson Yards and provides coverage lighting direction for The Tamron Hall Show on ABC and PwC’s Internal Broadcasts.
My favorite project at LDG thus far was the re-launch of CNN This Morning at Hudson Yards. It was my first complete total design for television. I was in charge of every detail, from the overall look to the different lighting elements that were used throughout the day-to-day run of the show. Seeing how it shaped the program’s visual identity and feel over time was incredibly rewarding. That project was challenging but it helped me grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated overall as a designer.
One of my biggest inspirations in my role has been my former design teacher and mentor Robert Wierzel. His ability to balance creativity with strategic thinking has really shaped the way I approach my own design work. Watching how Robert would lead projects with a clear vision, while staying open to collaboration and adapting to changes on the fly, has taught me the importance of both the final product and the process behind it. His dedication to innovation and attention to detail continues to inspire me in my work.
Something I wish people knew more about is the level of detail and collaboration that goes into every design for television or live production. It’s not just about making things look good, it’s about creating an experience that aligns with the brand’s message but also allowing the design the capacity to evolve over time. Every element, no matter how small, plays a part in the final product, and the process involves input from multiple teams to ensure everything works seamlessly together.