"What a night!" shouted John Turturro, flanked by Julianne Moore and Harvey Keitel, as the three members of acting's royal family opened the 20th Anniversary Gotham Independent Film Awards. And what a night it was - the stars came out to celebrate in force: Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, Hilary Swank, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, Paul Rudd, Ethan Hawke, Winona Rider, Rosie Perez, Steve Buscemi -- all there for the intimate dinner wrapped in an elegant awards ceremony that is The Gotham Independent Film Awards. For the third year running, Independent Feature Project (IFP) turned to Empire Entertainment to produce its marquee event, which has kicked off the film industry's Awards season for 20 years, now. The event honors the filmmaking community but with specific objectives: expanding the audience for independent films and supporting the work that IFP does behind the scenes, throughout the year, to bring great films to theaters everywhere.

The Gotham's signature award is the (now classic) "Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You". The winner in this category benefits from a large cash prize, a new marketing campaign and a limited theater release. Every Gotham Awards program also includes "lifetime achievement" award-type Tributes. 2010's Tributees were Hilary Swank, directors James Schamus and Darren Aronofsky, and the legendary Robert Duvall. Because it was the 20th anniversary, Empire made a few key modifications to the event, including bringing the elegant, star-studded step & repeat actually inside Cipriani Wall Street -- right alongside the 80 guest tables -- and building a beautiful, custom-made stage set that changed color and mood throughout the evening. This year's 800-person dinner was hosted by Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson who spent the evening alternately introducing, and making fun of, industry giant after industry giant. Event sponsors included Russian Standard Vodka, Stella Artois and Dunhill.

Empire acted as overall event producer, handling all event design and planning, technical production, set design, video roll-ins & scripting, stage management and talent wrangling, event logistics, budgeting and coordination.Empire is a leading producer of major award shows.

When a global technology company was looking to launch their new online shopping portal in style, they presented Empire Entertainment with the challenge of capturing the essence of this unique brand that fuses high fashion with high technology. This groundbreaking new portal personalizes the online shopping experience through the use of innovative visual technologies and virtual boutiques curated by celebrities, stylists, designers, fashion bloggers and other shoppers who visit the site to inspire and be inspired.In less than four weeks, Empire worked closely with the client to conceptualize and deliver an impressive real life interpretation of the website’s six themed fashion environments at Skylight Soho in Lower Manhattan.

Skylight’s large raw space was sectioned into individual, stylized vignettes in the themes of “Boho”, “Romantic”, “Classic”, “Edgy”, “Casual” and “Street.” Each vignette incorporated décor elements, lighting, and custom furnishings and featured sleek demo stations to showcase the website to attendees.The vignettes also featured distinctive live entertainment, activities, décor elements and a menu of thematically-linked hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails. The street vignette included laser graffiti show, break-dancing performances, a large graffiti wall and banquette seating made out of tires and galvanized steel. In the “Classic” vignette guests enjoyed a life-size chess game, and sat of oversized tufted banquettes under a large crystal chandelier. Guests had their fortunes told in the lavishly decorated “Boho” vignette adorned with lanterns, Moroccan poufs and beaded curtains while guests in the “Romantic” area enjoyed an aerial performance surrounded silk and lace accents, birdcages and candles.In the hallways a fashion show of live model “mannequins” on pedestals wearing various couture and looks created by top fashion designers and stylists was presented with models changing throughout the evening.

The evening’s entertainment featured three of the fashion world’s top DJs. DJ and Nylon fashion reporter Becka Diamond started the evening, followed by San Francisco mashup artist DJ Earworm. To close the event New York nightlife collective The Misshapes featuring Leigh Lezark spun a mix of music as guests filled the dance floor. The launch event created a great deal of buzz in the fashion and online communities with the attendance of many celebrities, bloggers and the fashion elite. Among the 550 guests in attendance were Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen, Iman, Isaac Mizrahi, Claire Danes, Elisabeth Moss, Carey Mulligan, Christian Siriano and Vogue editor Meredith Melling Burke as well as designers Zac Posen, Tory Burch and Catherine Malandrino. Among the fashion press turnout were fashion bloggers Bryan Grey-Yambao (BryanBoy), Susie Lau (Style Bubble), and Jane Aldridge (Sea of Shoes). Empire Entertainment served as overall producer for the event and was responsible for event design, décor, technical production, catering, talent, logistics and stage management.

Empire is a leading producer of innovative product launches and has worked extensively in the fashion and luxury segments.

Building upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, Conservation International empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global biodiversity, for the well-being of humanity.On November 11, 2010, Empire Entertainment, in partnership with @Radical.Media, produced Conservation International’s annual Gala in Seattle, Washington. The first of five major fundraising events Empire will produce for Conservation International, this event took place at Fremont Studios, and gave all the attendees a unique and immersive experience, unlike any other gala Seattle has seen. This gala would focus on Conservation International's important work with the world's oceans and the visual design of the event would underscore the evening's purpose and messaging.

After arrival and cocktails, guests entered into a stunning, cavernous soundstage transformed into an undersea world with huge underwater images projected onto video screens surrounding 270 degrees of the room and powerful undersea sounds. Floating jellyfish, cascading schools of fish, whales and dolphins were featured in immersive imagery that immersed guests into the ocean theme.On the minimal white stage backed by giant ocean scenes, Pearl Jam’s Stone Goddard started the program and spoke passionately about the importance of saving the ocean and the animal life within. The Seattle supporters of CI were also able to hear world-renowned experts in the field of oceanography including CI’s Chief Ocean Scientist Greg Stone and featured speaker David de Rothschild, the eco-adventurer who built a boat called the Plastiki from recycled plastic bottles and sailed it on a global adventure. An exciting panel discussion followed including Mr. de Rothschild and Mr. Stone in addition CI’s own Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO Peter Seligmann. Dr. Sylvia Earle, one of the world’s foremost ocean explorers and one of only seven National Geographic Explorers–in-Residence, was also featured in the program.

After the dinner, guests adjourned to an afterparty for a live auction, drinks and desserts with a specially-compiled soundtrack of ocean sounds. This Conservation International gala was attended by over 400 guests and stood out as the first of a new campaign for CI to get its conservation, sustainable and global mission statements across while sparking active and open discussions about the Earth and its population’s problems and solutions.For this exciting event, Empire served as overall event producer and was responsible for technical production, event design, and stage management. Empire is a leading producer of innovative gala events and is a pioneer in the use of surround video environments for special events.To learn more about Conservation International, visit http://www.conservation.org/

This year American Friends of Rabin Medical Center wanted to turn the traditional gala on its head. Looking to innovate beyond a traditional dinner function, AFRMC asked Empire make the entire event fun while still conveying the important message of supporting the hospital in Israel. Empire came up with the idea of a one-night extravaganza featuring the best of contemporary Israeli culture juxtaposed against their New York counterparts. This feast of the senses would bring authentic Israeli experiences to a New York donor audience and would deepen the attendee’s emotional connection to Israel while presenting a more dynamic and tangible association to the Rabin Medical Center.Working with AFRMC as well as the Israeli Consul General, Empire re-brand the gala as “The Best of Israel meets the Best of New York” focusing on fashion, jewelry, art, entertainment, and, of course, cuisine. For the fashion show, Empire was able to secure participation from Israeli fashion designers Irena Burshtein and Maison Bellaish (staking recent claim in the New York scene with their new flagship store in the Meatpacking district). Thanks to the cooperation of numerous different individuals and organizations, we engaged Israeli jewelry designers Hana Stern, Sigal Shohat, and Orly Wexler, and New York based designer Judith Ripka. All of this was just in the cocktail reception!Even the evening’s menu was specially designed. Together Empire and AFRMC enlisted two of the best chefs New York and Israel have to offer - Todd English and Mika Sharon. The two worked together to design different aspects of the cocktail reception food stations and the seated dinner menu with an Israeli zest.To host the dinner program, Empire again secured talk show host Charlie Rose. Rose ably emceed the program and led a captivating interview live onstage with Larry Silverstein, developer of the World Trade Center towers, alongside Stephen Siegel, Chairman of CB Richard Ellis and President of AFRMC Board of Directors. Also, in maintaining the theme Charlie showcased a brief video montage of famous Israeli’s he has interviewed over the years.For the entertainment portion of the evening, world-renowned Israeli violinist Shlomo Mintz represented the Best of Israeli entertainment, with a breathtaking solo performance. In keeping with theme, The Best of New York was a who’s who of Broadway. Legendary Broadway star Chita Rivera and critically acclaimed singer/actor Tom Wopat performed brief tributes to Award of Excellence recipients and renowned Broadway producers Barry and Fran Weissler.Empire served as event producer for this 600 person gala managing all aspects of production including entertainment, host / emcee talent, fashion show, displays and auctions, venue coordination, lighting, staging, audio, image magnification, catering (provided by Newman & Levanthal and the Grand Hyatt), security, design and décor. Empire also consulted on the invitation design, journal design, and creative programming aspects including scripting and show order.Empire is one of the world’s leading producers of not-for-profit events and fundraisers.

Empire was thrilled to serve as producer of the Coalition for the Homeless’ 16th annual ARTWALK NY––New York City's premier contemporary art auction event. More than 900 art collectors, art appreciators, and celebrities came together in Skylight Studio for a night of festivities, including a live and silent auction. The core of ARTWALK was a silent and live auction featuring over 130 works of contemporary art donated by some of the world’s most celebrated artists. This included Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, Jeff Koons, Wade Guyton, Shepherd Fairey, and Yoko Ono. All of the biggest names were represented and for sale for a good cause. The evening began with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails graciously provided by Nicholas Feuillatte, Stella Artois, and Sud de France. Food was provided by several of New York City’s best restaurants, including Bethel, Ed’s Lobster Bar, Indochine, Macao Trading Company, Michael’s, and Osteria il Paiolo. For dessert, Lulu Cake Boutique provided cupcakes.

In the live auction room, Co-Chairs Alec Baldwin, Carey Lowell, and Richard Gere took the stage to acknowledge the important work and various projects of the Coalition for the Homeless. James Rosenquist, the event's honoree, further underlined the importance of fighting for housing, job training, and children’s services while he spoke about his memories of being a homeless New Yorker. When the live auction bidding began, Phillips du Pury auctioneer, Aileen Agogplan, auctioned off Rosenquist’s work as well as those by Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, Nan Goldin, Jenny Holzer, and others. The rest of Skylight’s cavernous space served as a gallery for the silent auction. Throughout the night, guests bid on and purchased established artists like Shepard Fairey, Yoko Ono, Olaf Breuning, and Christo. The silent auction featured works ranging from paintings and photographs to sculptures and installation pieces. The event was sponsored by FENDI and featured an exclusive FENDI Lounge where guests relaxed on lounge furnishings and drank Nicholas Feuillatte champagne between bidding sessions.

Working closely with Coalition for the Homeless’ events team, Empire served as overall producer of the event and was responsible for aspects including event design, art solicitation, layout, production, logistics, décor, restaurant coordination, and music. Empire also worked closely with Joyce Manalo and ArtForward who were responsible for overall coordination of the art solicitation, donations, delivery, and handling of all of the pieces for both the live and silent auctions. Bettina Prentice Communications handled press and the development of the art advisory and benefit committees as well as working to secure the evening’s honoree and many of the donated artworks. ARTWALK NY raised over $800,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless and reached the highest attendance in the event’s 16 years. Empire is honored to have worked in collaboration with the Coalition for the Homeless and its many supporters to make this year’s ARTWALK NY event the most successful one yet. To learn more about the Coalition for the Homeless or to get involved and donate, visit http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/

Tsukicon, the largest convention in Northern Europe featuring Japanese music and fashion, was convened in Helsinki Finland. The event took place at both the Gloria Hall and Kulttuuriarena Gloria, on November 13th and November 14h. Including live performances by Japanese rock bands on both days, the convention also feature fashion shows, panel discussions, contests and talk shows. Over 1,000 aficionados from across Europe gathered in Helsinki for the Two-day event.Empire coordinated the appearance of the charismatic "Gal" duo Yumachi & Aina at this year's Tsukicon event. Headilining the event, Yumachi & Aina performed live for the very first time on foreign soil, and were overwhelmingly well received by both foreign press and Japan press that had traveled over to witness the debut.In addition to managing the casting and coordination that allowed Yumachi & Aina to participate in this year's Tsukicon Convention, Empire Entertainment Japan also directed and stage managed the live show.

On October 18, 2010, The Center for Hearing and Communication celebrated it’s 100th Anniversary at the iconic 583 Park in New York City. Empire was proud to produce this centennial event, raising critical funds to provide high quality comprehensive services to those affected by hearing loss and deafness.

Over 400 guests were brought together for this black-tie cocktail and dinner to celebrate the achievements of CHC’s life changing services for those with hearing loss and auditory challenges. The evening’s program was hosted by ABC News anchor Bill Ritter, followed by an emotional and inspirational lineup of speakers and performers who were all supported by live interpreters and open captioning to facilitate for all guests.

Some of the evening’s highlights opening remarks by CHC’s President, Jeffrey Cohen, musical performance by One Life to Live actress, Kassie DePaiva, an acoustic performance by American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox and stand up comedic performance by Comedy Central’s Christian Finnegan.

Dr. Noel Kohen was honored as the pioneer for cochlear implants, while Mariella Paulino, a recipient of CHC’s services shared a personal and moving story of how CHC impacted her life. Other highlights included a live auction by Nick Dawes and a musical performance by Joey McIntyre, who shared a beautiful story about his son who was born deaf, early diagnosis and the solutions available to treat it.

Empire is a leading producer of fundraising galas and proud to support the Center for Hearing and Communication in their commitment to improving the quality of life for people with hearing loss and auditory and listening challenges. To learn more and donate to the Center for Hearing and Communication, please visit chchearing.org/

When Megane Top Corporation, one of Japan's leading eyeglass retailers, and agency partner Hakuhodo were looking for an outstanding performer for their upcoming television campaign, they turned to Empire Entertainment Japan for help.Empire Entertainment Japan proposed a wide set of candidates for the campaign, and when the client fell in love with the concept of Parkour, Empire, utilizing its vast worldwide network, contracted the youtube phenomenon performer Daniel Ilabaca. Empire further negotiating and contracted rights for Daniel's appearance in the campaign and coordinated his travel and filming in Japan.The new products, launched in December 2010, are eyeglasses called "Free Fit", and Ilabaca's performance was intended to show off how the special elastic frame allows the glasses to stay in place no matter how vigorously one's head is moved.Megane Top was excited to see their product in action as Daniel performed his stunning acrobatic moves, but overwhelmed when he performed a flipping jump off a 20 foot high building (of course without the product moving).The commercial began airing in December 2010, and is currently the subject of wider press attention including an upcoming behind-the-scenes feature on the commercial to be aired nationally on Fuji Television.

Empire is a leading source of talent for television commercials, spokesperson roles, endorsements, celebrity sponsorships and other celebrity-driven marketing initiatives.

2010 marked the 25th anniversary of American Jewish World Service – a global organization that works to alleviate poverty, hunger, and disease in the developing world. On this occasion AJWS turned to Empire Entertainment to produce a night of celebration that would focus on its past success while inspiring new and old supporters alike to look toward the future. The gala was held at the elegant Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz @ Lincoln Center on Thursday, October 28th. Empire worked hand in hand with AJWS executive team, board members and event committees to develop a program that both engaged and entertained the guests, while shedding light on the remarkable work of the organization.

Expanding upon traditional gala elements such as cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a theater program and after party- Empire enhanced the program with special décor that included a specially-commissioned timeline installation that depicted AJWS’ history juxtaposed against world events over the last 25 years. Following cocktails live African drummers led guests into the theater program. To host this impressive event, Empire secured one of the world’s most respected global journalists - Christiane Amanpour. Her inspiring keynote address highlighted grantees, volunteers, and donors, who have played integral roles in the lifeline of AJWS. Other program highlights included remarks by AJWS President Ruth Messinger, event chairs Barbara Dobkin and Gigi Pritzker, and the riveting stories of two featured grantee recipients. The event also doubled as Ruth’s 70th birthday party, with a special video paying tribute to Ruth and her unwavering dedication to AJWS- Happy Birthday, Ruth!

To keep the event entertaining, Empire delivered several unique entertainment components. Working with 40 Year Old Virgin director, Judd Apatow, Empire produced and premiered a hilarious video featuring everyone from Ben Stiller, Jerry Seinfeld and Sarah Silverman, to Brian Williams, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and Lindsay Lohan which had the audience in stitches. [Click here to read more about the viral video]. As a grand finalé, the Africa Children’s Choir performed a few uplifting numbers that had the audience on their feet. Following the theater program the main body of guests joined the young professional attendees for an after party in the spectacular Allen Room that Empire converted into a lounge / club environment with DJ, drink and desserts. Empire served as the overall event producer for this 1,000 person gala managing all aspects of production including venue, lighting, staging, audio, image magnification, catering (provided by Foremost RAM and Great Performances), security, design and décor, and overall project management. Empire also consulted on creative programming aspects including scripting and show order as well as securing the evening’s headline entertainment.

Empire is one of the world’s leading producers of not-for-profit events and fundraisers.

For the launch of new docu-series Running Russell Simmons, Oxygen Media enlisted Empire Entertainment to design and produce a party for 300 clients and friends of Russell Simmons at New York City’s newest hotspot Lavo. Empire worked closely with Oxygen to create an event that would provide access for their top clients to the highly exclusive celebrity party scene of entertainment and fashion mogul Russell Simmons. This goal was also coupled with seamlessly integrating the Oxygen and Running Russell Simmons brands within the event’s design. Taking cues from Russell’s well-known fondness for argyle patterns, Empire designed a green and yellow argyle print carpet for the press tent, which hosted Russell, his friends Nick Cannon, Tyson Beckford, and Al Sharpton, as well as models Petra Nemcova and Selita Ebanks, and many more. Outside on 58th Street, yellow Oxygen “O” projections on the sidewalk created a whimsical pathway leading guests to Lavo’s unmarked doorway.

Guests then descended into the subterranean nightclub through a mirror-paneled stairwell stunningly adorned with hundreds of yellow and silver Oxygen O’s bubbling upwards like effervescent champagne. Inside the party, celebrity DJ Cassidy kept the mood high with a mix of contemporary hip hop and classic tunes. Through Cassidy’s clever coaxing, legendary rap icon Rev Run – of Run DMC fame, and also Russell’s brother – took the mic and wowed the house with several of his iconic hits including “Walk This Way” and “It’s Like That.” An hour later, a second impromptu performance of “Shoop” and “Push it” by Pepa of Salt-n-Pepa, left guests feeling they had just experienced hip hop history. To further amplify the party atmosphere, Empire flanked the DJ booth with twin 10-ft LED video walls flooded with animated graphics and audio visualizations tied into the music. To enhance the adjoining VIP lounge, Empire built two shadowboxes into the corners, featuring professional dancers, backlit by green LED lights, creating the effect of sexy silhouettes grooving to the music. Throughout the evening, guests feasted on an entirely vegan selection of passed hors d’oeuvres and sweets, inspired by Russell's personal diet and devotion to animal activism. The customized menu surprised even the most skeptical of carnivores, many of whom remarked that the food was so good they didn't realize it was vegan.

To give party-goers further immersion into the event, guests were encouraged to tweet their experiences to Running Russell Simmons' twitter feed. These comments and shout-outs were displayed on plasmas throughout the space as well as on stage with the DJ. A photobooth was also on hand to capture stylish poses and handsome mugs of guests and celebrities, leaving them with printed photos they could take with them along with their memories of the engaging evening.Empire served as overall event producer and was responsible for technical production, event design, and signage design and production.

Empire is a leading producer of custom events and is a creative partner for companies seeking to deliver original and trendsetting events.