Nokia promises prime seats for Emmys

Producers hope move will correct Shrine issues

By MIA MCNIECE

ROUND OF APPLAUSE: Last year's arrangement had half the audience sitting behind the stage.

Last year's Emmy winners accepted their kudos in what was literally a winners circle. Yet the round shape of the Shrine stage made some nominees feel like losers even before the show began.

Depending on their seats, many guests were forced to spend the night staring at the presenters' backs. "I've been to thousands and thousands of concerts in my life, and I can tell you these are the worst seats I've ever had," drama winner James Spader complained from the podium.

"Ugly Betty" winner America Ferrera echoed the sentiment, saying, "Last year, with the circular stage, we looked at everyone's backs. I hope that doesn't happen again this year."

Well, Spader and Ferrera are in luck. This year, the TV Academy's show is not only switching stage formats but also moving to an entirely different space, the Nokia Theater in downtown L.A. -- and show producer Ken Ehrlich insists the venue offers everyone a prime seat.

"No matter where you sit, you have a great view of the show," he says.

How she move

After 10 years at the Shrine, producers decided to move to the more modern facility, which boasts an improved physical layout for a big awards show.

"The Shrine was made for the theater, not TV," says producer Renato Basile. "The Nokia is made for TV and concerts, so it is much better equipped for cameras and cables."

In addition to better connectivity, the Nokia Theater offers improved sound and lighting, a wider floor plan so more nominees can be closer to the stage, and comfortable seating with extra leg room. Other perks include additional parking space and easier limo access. There is even an outdoor courtyard, which organizers are now trying to incorporate into the show with an outside production number.

Following the awards, guests will take a five-minute walk to the L.A. Convention Center for the Governors Ball, where they will again find an open and inviting layout. Unlike past years, there will be no balcony seating, so everyone will be on the same floor, making it easier for attendees to work the room.

Easy access

Party-hoppers also will be conveniently close to the "Entertainment Tonight"/People magazine bash located just 1½ miles away at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The TV Guide soiree is just a bit farther at the Kress in Hollywood.

Those looking to celebrate at the HBO or Comedy Central parties will face a longer trek to West Hollywood, but it won't be much different from previous years, since the Nokia and Shrine are less than 10 minutes apart. In the future, there will be an opportunity for all parties to take place in the L.A. Live vicinity that surrounds the Nokia Theater, with a Ritz-Carlton Hotel and numerous restaurants slated to be up and running by 2010.

While organizers are looking forward to the current space, they know that challenges come with any new endeavor, and their biggest fear simply may be the unknown.

"What we anticipate to be a problem probably won't be, and what we can't even think of probably will," chairman-CEO John Shaffner says. "But people in showbiz are very adaptable, and we know how to put on a good show."