YORK — Michael Williams, 44, of York, took home an Emmy from The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Williams is the Technical Director for The Ellen DeGeneres Show. A technical director changes the camera shots and brings in or takes out graphics.
The Emmy category that Williams won is called “Outstanding Technical Direction/Electronic Camera/Video Control.” This is a collaborative category, so Williams shares this award with his team.
“As the “leader,” I got to make the speech, and take home the trophy,” Williams said. “I have been nominated three times, all for Ellen, but this is my first win.”
Williams stated in an email that he is long time friends with the Director for The Ellen DeGeneres Show and she informed him of a technical director position opening up back in 2009.
Williams went to Hollywood for an interview for the technical director position for The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the following season he was hired.
According to Williams, he, as well as his family, had no desire to move to the West Coast.
“The house we live in now, here in Livingston County, my family really likes, it is affordable and it’s close to our family,” Williams said.
According to Williams in an email, from September to May he is in California, and from June to late August Williams is home with his family.
“I know it seems odd that I work in Hollywood and live in Livingston County, and it is, but we try to make it work the best we can,” Williams said.
Williams added that another reason his family chose not to move to California is the high cost of living.
“I would love to get a job closer to home, but frankly the pay is a bit higher in California,” Williams said.
According to Williams, DeGeneres and himself do not directly interact much.
“She (DeGeneres) is friendly and professional, a very nice lady.”