Kille (Key-lee) Knobel (Ka-noble)
KKPEARL Inc.
BIOGRAPHY
The daughter of two international teachers, Kille spent her childhood traveling and living abroad before discovering her passion for lighting in high school at Interlochen Arts Academy. She graduated with a BFA in Lighting Design from CalArts and has spent over three decades building a diverse portfolio across broadcast, concert touring, special events, experiential, dance, corporate shows, and permanent installations.
Kille's broad portfolio enables her to draw from unexpected places. She brings broadcast precision to live events, concert-touring energy to corporate work, and theatrical instincts to immersive environments, and she's constantly finding new ways to blend and combine her experience. She's known for her love of bespoke scenic lighting fixtures (and mirrorballs), an eye for detail, and color palettes that programmers describe as either inspiring or infuriating to update, depending on the day.
Throughout her career, Kille has navigated the delicate balance of being a mother to three sons while maintaining a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Selected Work
Concert touring: Designer for Pearl Jam 25 years, Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden, The Smashing Pumpkins, Luis Miguel, Lighting Director for Cher, Bee Gees, Janet Jackson, Bette Midler, Martina McBride, Nine Inch Nails, Amy Grant, Jean-Michel Jarre and more.
Broadcast: Cal of Duty League, Arcane Premier, Artist Den SG, Lets Play Two & Immagine in Cornice PJ, Lighting Director for The Weeknd Live at Sofi, Taylor Hawkins Tribute LA, The Jimmy Kimmel Show (18 years), Cher HBO Special, American Idol, Dancer Wars, Storytellers.
Special Events: Robin Hood Big Benefit & Investors Conference, Dreamfest, Bravocon, Fenty F Club, El Tucan Latin Cabaret, Secret Cinema- Stranger Things and HEX, Riot Games Under City Nights, Lighthouse Immersive Van Gogh Experience, MARS Conference, Festival Napa Valley.
NOMINATIONS
Primetime Emmy 2023 Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special: The Weeknd: Live at SoFi Stadium
Parnelli Award 2023: Lighting Director of the Year Pearl Jam
Primetime Emmy 2020 Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special: Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Primetime Emmy 2003 Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic, Multi-Camera) for VMC Programming: Cher The Farewell Tour