Empire Produces the Reel Work's Teen Filmmaking 10th Anniversary Gala

On the evening of September 20th, 2011, over 250 guests, including Academy Award winning director, Fisher Stevens, along with Emily Mortimer, John Leguizamo, Steve Buscemi, comedian Reggie Watts and others, arrived at the Prince George Ballroom to support Reel Works Teen Filmmaking’s 10th Anniversary Gala. Empire’s President and C.E.O, J.B. Miller, co-chaired the gala, Precious producer, Lisa Cortés.Reel Works is a youth filmmaking program based in New York City that matches students with film and television professionals who serve as mentors.The gala began with elegant cocktails and hors d’oeuvres passed while Reel Works teens conducted interviews on the star-studded red carpet. Attendees mingled and perused over 30 silent auction items ranging from backstage passes to The Daily Show With Jon Stewart to a signed photo of the cast of NBC’s The Office. The gallery of the Prince George Ballroom was decorated with custom movie posters featuring the movies of the six teens that were nominated by their peers for the night’s top award.Inside the grand ballroom, Thomas Preti catered a phenomenal three-course meal, which was followed by stage program. Comedy Central’s Hannibal Buress emceed, and the program, featured remarks by Reel Works founders, John and Stephanie Williams. Steve Buscemi and his wife, Jo Andres and others. Buscemi introduced the teen’s nominated movies and, to the applause and standing-ovation of the audience, Reel Works teen, Marco Teapox won the John F. Outcalt Award for his movie Sin Marchas Atra. Miguel M. Salinas, Program Director of Adobe Youth Voices, accepted the Corporate Leadership Award on his company’s behalf. In a heartfelt highlight, John Leguizamo presented his longtime friend, actor and director Fisher Stevens with The Visionary Filmmaker Award. The evening concluded with an outstanding performance by comedian and musician, Reggie Watts.As guests left the ballroom a mash-up video of highlights from the evening that the students had edited together that evening played on the big screen. The video can be watched at:http://www.reelworks.org/rw/Support/galabenefit2011/Event sponsors included Viacom, C2 Media, Digitas, Moet & Chandon, Akvinta Vodka, Six Point, and HBO among others. Working closely with the Reel Works’ team, Empire Entertainment served as sponsor and overall producer of the event. Empire successfully solicited sponsorships and in-kind donations. Empire was also responsible for aspects ranging from event design, layout, technical production and logistics to décor and music. To learn more about Reel Works or to donate, please visit, ReelWorks.org.