Organizers are promising a gala unlike any this state has previously seen when “Lights, Camera, Oregon!” takes place Jan. 29 at the UO Moshofsky Center. The black-tie event will serve as the formal kickoff for the public phase of Campaign Oregon: Transforming Lives, the university’s $600-million comprehensive campaign.

Alumnus Bryce Zabel ’76, a Los Angeles-based writer/producer who headed the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences from 2001-03, is producing the gala. In an Oct. 28 appearance at the Oregon Club at Portland’s Multnomah Athletic Club, Zabel promised an unforgettable evening of entertainment, music, comedy, and fine dining.

“Our goal is to show off the University’s star quality,” said Zabel. “From the moment people set foot on the red carpet, we want them to know that Oregon has the goods, and we’re ready for our close-up.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event. You can’t tape or TiVo it for later. You have to be here in person.”

Zabel is a native Oregonian and a familiar face in Eugene, having worked at KVAL-TV as an anchor and reporter for nearly four years after graduation. He moved to Los Angeles to become the first hard news correspondent for CNN when it launched in 1980.

From there, it was a short leap to the entertainment industry and a flourishing writing/producing career. His film and television credits include “Atlantis: The Lost Empire,” “Taken,” “L.A. Law” and “Lois and Clark.” The creator of five prime-time television series, Zabel most recently wrote a four-hour mini-series adaptation of “The Poseidon Adventure,” starring Rutger Hauer and Peter Weller and currently shooting in South Africa.

He was elected to run the TV academy only days before 9/11, forcing him to make the unprecedented decision to postpone the Emmys twice that year.

Invitations to “Lights, Camera, Oregon!” will be mailed in early December, according to Special Events Director Tammy Lutz.