Chris McKinney serves as the Head of Lighting and Visual Design for the Montclair Breakfast team, bringing a deep rooted passion and extensive technical expertise to every production. His connection to the live event industry began at an early age, influenced by his father’s long standing career in professional lighting and production. From as young as five years old, Chris was immersed in real world production environments, accompanying his father to Main Light LLC and gaining early exposure to the tools, workflows, and standards of large-scale live events.
As his interest grew, Chris transitioned from observation to hands-on involvement, working in the warehouse where he assisted with equipment preparation, lighting maintenance, and the construction and assembly of LED fiber optic curtain systems. These formative experiences helped him develop a strong work ethic, technical precision, and an understanding of the importance of preparation and reliability in live production settings.
To further advance his skills, Chris pursued formal training at the Academy of Live Technology, where he expanded his knowledge of lighting and visual systems while honing advanced programming techniques on ETC Eos and GrandMA3 lighting consoles. His education, combined with years of practical experience, allows him to approach each project with both creative vision and technical confidence.
Chris is known for his meticulous attention to detail, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence. In his role with the Montclair Breakfast team, he consistently strives to deliver visually compelling, technically sound productions that meet the highest industry standards and elevate the overall audience experience.