Grand Casino Hotel and Resort's "Play It Loud" wins Emmy
by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief
On May 23 of this year, members of Grand Casino Hotel and Resort were notified they had been nominated for an Emmy.
Wait; make that two Emmy’s for productions in their Play It Loud series.
They were nominated for two different episodes in two different categories: ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT - PROGRAM/SERIES/SPECIAL, Play It Loud - The Allie Lauren Project Outsiders Productions, and INTERVIEW/DISCUSSION - PROGRAM/SERIES/SPECIAL, Play It Loud - Levi Parham Outsiders Productions.
And they won! It is a Heartland Regional Emmy for INTERVIEW/DISCUSSION - PROGRAM/SERIES/SPECIAL, Play It Loud - Levi Parham Outsiders Productions.
“These are technical awards given to individuals/teams,” said Chad Mathews, marketing director at Grand Casino Hotel and Resort. “There were four of us that entered as a part of Outsiders Productions. Several people that work on these episodes.”
The core team is Chad Mathews – Producer, Adam Hampton – Host / Writer, Jason Alexander – Director of Photography / Editor and Kenny Pitts – Producer.
“We all received status with our names, titles, etc.”
Mathews said their goals with Play It Loud was to find a way to create unique, branded content that fits within the entertainment field and came to the conclusion that this would be a way for them to create something that seemed to be missing in this market.
Play it Loud has more than met those expectations for this creative team.
“Ultimately, we have been able to use Play It Loud as a vehicle to connect with the community, support the arts and drive brand awareness for the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort,” he said.
They were, perhaps, a bit nervous when the nominations came in.
“We were extremely honored and excited just to be nominated, really,” said Mathews.
The awards were held at the Oklahoma History Center on July 20.
“It is a simulcast event with Denver, so awards may be given out at one location or the other depending on the winners.
“Everyone asked if it was a ‘real’ Emmy, and it is! It is the same statue as the national awards. The difference is your program must be available/broadcast to over 50 percent of the country to qualify for the national event.
But did Mathews kiss the Emmy like so many winners do?
“I believe I did. I’ll kiss it this evening just make sure though!”
The Emmy is displayed at Mathews home on his mantle for now.
“I’ve had several people say I should figure out how to make a necklace out of it or attach it to my car like a hood ornament,” he chides.
Mathews added, “Obviously, without the Grand’s support this show wouldn’t be possible. As it grows, it has become an archive, not only of the talent that springs up from our state but also the places and people that make up the core of who we are. It is as much a show about the culture of Oklahoma as it is about music.”
Copyright The Gayly. 10/03/2019 @ 1:11 p.m. CST.