Reel Works Gala
Empire recently partnered with Reelworks.org again to produce their 2019 Gala, honoring the change-makers whose accomplishments help young film and media makers envision a future where their voices are heard, and their stories matter. Reel Works is one of the nation’s leading media and filmmaking not-for-profits, matching teens 1:1 with professional filmmaker-mentors to help them build vital skills of literacy, leadership, and self-confidence.
This year's gala celebrated the passionate and diverse individuals pioneering change in the industry by honoring four change-makers: comedian, actor, and television host of Netflix’s Patriot Act, Hasan Minhaj; Academy Award-winning costume designer for Black Panther, Ruth E. Carter; President of Will Packer Productions, James F. Lopez; and Worldwide CEO of Grey Group, Michael Houston. A special announcement also highlighted the support from Netflix and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment to create diverse training programs for Reel Works students.
The evening began with a guest reception in the historic Capitale, adorned with Corinthian columns, Venetian glass, marble mosaic floors, and 65-foot vaulted ceilings. After guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres, they made their way into the ballroom for the program and dinner.
Empire managed the stage program working with Reel Works and the evening’s host, Nore Davis. 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. There were also moving testimonials by Reel Works students and presenters such as Prashanth Venkataramanujam, Emmy-nominated writer and Executive Producer and Co-creator of Patriot Act; Da’VineRandolph, Tony-nominated actress and singer; and Steve Pamon, President & COO of Parkwood Entertainment.
The enthusiastic Charles Antin took the stage as the live auctioneer, helping to raise more than $350,000. The evening wrapped with the F. John Outcalt Award for Outstanding Filmmaking, awarding Faith Mora and her film, My Coming Out Story, out of five outstanding young finalists.
Event sponsors included Empire, HBO, Viacom, Samsung, Will Packer Productions, Sloss Eckhouse Law, Netflix, Grey Advertising, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, among others.
Empire is proud of our continued partnership with the Reel Works organization.
If you are interested in learning more about Reel Works, or would like to explore engaging 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
