Our Story
Do you know about the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics and the hockey match between the U.S. and Russia during the Cold War?
In 2004, Disney made a movie called "Miracle" about the U.S. Olympic hockey team's surprising win over the Soviet Union. This event symbolized the weakening of Soviet power during the Cold War.
The REAL Miracle game was broadcast live, in 1980 - with lighting coordinated by Richard Mix, at Mix International Lighting - who directed lighting for all arena events for the Lake Placid Olympics. That’s just a small part of the story
It goes like this.
Richard's lighting career began in the 1950’s, inspired by his wife's dance career. He established Kentucky Scenic Studios, which became a leading scenic and lighting provider in Louisville and the Mid-west US. As televised sports and events grew, Kentucky Scenic Studios transformed into Mix International Lighting. This family business expanded over generations, especially with the arrival of Christopher (Chris) Mix in 1986.
BASE Entertainment, 60 Minutes, and CBS Evening News.
From 2009 to 2011, Chris worked with BASE Entertainment, a company formed in 2005 from parts of Live Nation and Clear Channel. BASE focused on live events and theater, managing intellectual property, and leasing theaters. While there, Chris learned about operations, business development, and finance by collaborating with top executives, which he used to help the company expand into Asia and South America.
Chris worked with CBS, learning from top live TV directors. In 2011, he accepted a full-time role in the control room for 60 Minutes, leaving BASE. This led to his increasing contributions to other CBS shows like The Early Show, CBS This Morning, 48 Hours, CBS Sunday Morning, and the CBS Evening News. He trained as an Associate Director for the CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley, which highlighted the importance of integrity in both personal and professional life.
In 2014, he was honored by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his work on CBS News' coverage of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing and related events. In 2017, Chris started as Supervising Graphics Producer for CBS Evening News, drawing on his thousands of hours of experience in news, special reports, world events, and political debates. He stayed in this role until June 2020.
Belmont University, CBS News, and Presidential Debates.
In Nashville, Chris was under the instruction of industry professionals who were also instructors at Belmont. He produced six shows alongside his classes and full time retail management position. These events included arena concerts, theater variety, and outdoor events, which expanded his skills in audio, video, artist management, production, and budget planning. He also participated in the Nashville music scene, helping with widely televised award shows and local events while interning in tour management.
In 2005, the future of Mix International was uncertain due to Richard's retirement and his children pursuing different paths. It was decided to reorganize the company under a new name and management. Subsequently, the company was sold for parts - but the heart of the company was preserved in a small entity named Kingdom Lighting.
In fall 2008, Belmont University hosted a presidential debate between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama. Although he had graduated, Belmont connected Chris with CBS News to help with event logistics. This led to a part-time job offer from CBS in New York, which Chris accepted in 2009.
After the successful 1980 winter games in Lake Placid, Mix International Lighting and Kentucky Scenic Studios became very popular and in high demand.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the company was frequently traveling, covering NCAA events, boxing on the USS Lexington, and transporting equipment for music and sporting events in venues in the northeast and midwest.
Chris learned in the shop and at local events by cleaning and disassembling PAR cans, changing bulbs, learning CAD, programming lighting systems, rigging, installing equipment, and running cables. He worked on live productions for the Louisville Orchestra's summer concerts and other events at Kentucky Kingdom. When ready, Chris attended Belmont University to pursue his interest in production design.
Founding Mixperience.
Many people have work experience but don't recognize their background. A career pedigree comes from being raised and taught in a setting focused on quality. Chris’s career pedigree started with the production knowledge from his family and includes a rich and solid education, with guidance from instructors, mentors, business experience, and ongoing learning. It’s part of who we are.
In December 2020, Chris took over the Mix family's business, resurecting the core of Kentucky Scenic Design and Mix International Lighting from its temprary holding company of Kingdom Lighting - to better reflect modern needs.
Today, Mixperience is an innovator in the business of bringing Intent and long-lasting institutional memory to events and brand content.
Using emotional, creative, and human sensory design and engagement techniques, we strategically collaborate to create personal memories attached to your content – cultivating a living, breathing brand for your internal and external stakeholders to live through.
We specialize in Brand Development and Messaging, complemented with a production design and creative direction studio that continues a legacy nearly 60 years old. With Chris's experience from three generations and a strong network of industry contacts, we provide an unparalleled experience for our clients.