Reel Works 2019 Gala
Empire recentlypartnered with Reelworks.org again to produce their 2019 Gala, honoring theChange Makers whose accomplishments help young film and media makers envision afuture where their voices are heard, and their stories matter. Reel Works isone of the nation’s leading media and filmmaking not for profits, matching teens1:1 with professional filmmaker-mentors to help them build vital skills ofliteracy, leadership, and self-confidence.
Thisyear's gala celebrated the passionate and diverse individuals pioneering changein the industry by honoring four Change Makers: comedian, actor, and televisionhost of Netflix’s Patriot Act, HasanMinhaj; Academy Award-winning costume designer for Black Panther, Ruth E. Carter; President of Will PackerProductions, James F. Lopez; and Worldwide CEO of Grey Group, Michael Houston.A special announcement also highlighted the support from Netflix and theMayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment to create diverse training programsfor Reel Works students.
Theevening began with a guest reception in the historic Capitale, adorned withCorinthian columns, Venetian glass, marble mosaic floors, and 65-foot vaulted ceilings.After guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres, they made their wayinto the ballroom for the program and dinner.
Empiremanaged the stage program working with Reel Works and the evening’s host, NoreDavis. Davis is a stand-up comedian and actor, who has appeared on Last Week Tonight, Conan, 2 Dope Queens, Inside Amy Schumer, and Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Togetherwith moving testimonials by Reel Works students, and presenters such asPrashanth Venkataramanujam, Emmy-nominated writer and Executive Producer andCo-creator of Patriot Act; Da’VineRandolph, Tony-nominated actress and singer; and Steve Pamon, President &COO of Parkwood Entertainment, we were able to highlight the work of honorees, Chairmembers, and students.
Theenthusiastic Charles Antin took the stage as the live auctioneer, helping toraise more than $350,000. The evening wrapped with the F. John Outcalt Awardfor Outstanding Filmmaking winner announcement, awarding Faith Mora and herfilm, My Coming Out Story, out of 5 outstandingyoung finalists.
Eventsponsors included Empire Entertainment, HBO, Viacom, Samsung, Will PackerProductions, Sloss Eckhouse Law, Netflix, Grey Advertising, and BloombergPhilanthropies among others.
Empireis proud of our continued partnership with the Reel Works organization.
If youare interested in learning more about Reel Works, or would like to exploreengaging Reel Works Productions for a project, please visit: http://www.reelworks.org/
Guests received their first taste of technological innovation at registration, where they were welcomed by name on a reactive LED screen installation covering the full width of the entry wall. A large lunch café was created with a décor scheme that incorporated custom-built, ceiling-high steel LED frames draped with foliage to create smaller, intimate restaurant-style spaces that displayed both technology and nature.
A series of breakout sessions presented content targeted to attendees’ varied interests, while imagery displayed throughout the venue showcased real-life applications of how products designed to empower developers help to unleash the power of data and reimagine possibilities that will improve our world.
Every element of Microsoft Connect(); from registration, breakfast and keynote, to lunch and evening cocktails, were custom-designed to communicate exacting brand messaging and to deliver a high-touch guest experience to this important audience. The keynote and breakout sessions were livestreamed through an onsite studio built for this purpose and content was watched online by millions around the world.
Empire is proud to collaborate with Microsoft on this annual, top-tier business communication event.
To view excerpts of Connect(); 2017, please visit https://www.microsoft.com/connectevent
