As American Jewish World Service prepared to celebrate their 25th Anniversary, they looked to Empire Entertainment for a creative idea to reach a wide audience with a young demographic to help them develop a new generation of donors and supporters. Empire’s solution? Produce a short film to premiere at their 25th Anniversary Celebration designed to go viral in a big way. AJWS loved the concept. Empire approached one of the world’s best-known comedy directors & producers, Judd Apatow. Apatow, whose credits include the 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up and Forgetting Sarah Marshall among many others, quickly responded, suggesting the following creative concept: “How about this idea—a bunch of people saying, I am not Jewish and I support the American Jewish World Service.” I think people sometimes hesitate to give to organizations if they are religiously titled and this could help break that barrier. Super waspy people. Someone who is so clearly Jewish saying they are not Jewish then admitting they are at the end. Muslims. Chinese people. An animal who talks. All living things. Something in that area could be weird and fun and informative. Who’s with me!?!”

Empire brought in comedy writer and standup comedian Jordan Rubin to flesh out the script and begin the production process. Over the period of several weeks Empire, Judd Apatow and Jordan engaged in an extensive talent outreach process, ultimately securing twenty of Hollywood’s hottest actors and comedians including Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, Ben Stiller, Helen Hunt, Tracy Morgan, Don Johnson, Ken Jeong, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Danny Trejo, Lindsay Lohan, Patrick Stewart, Andy Samberg, Susan Sarandon, Denis Leary, John Mayer, Donald Glover, Lisa Edelstein, Keifer Sutherland, Brian Williams, and Gilbert Gottfried. Even Triumph the Insult Comedy Dog made it into the film.Talent on board, Empire worked with Los Angeles-based production company 13 Keys to book the crews, equipment, editors and studio spaces for shoots in both Los Angeles and New York City. Two weeks later, with nearly 12 hilarious hours of footage recorded, Judd and Jordan worked to edit the piece into a short, viral testament to the incredible work of AJWS that would resonate with youth audiences.

The resulting video premiered live at Jazz @ Lincoln Center, NYC on Thursday, October 28th for almost 1000 guests.

The results? Just over two weeks following the premier, website traffic and AJWS’ online activity continues to exceed all of the client’s wildest expectations. The video has been viewed over 900,000 times on YouTube, over 300,000 times on Funnyordie.com, and has been posted by over 100 other blogs and websites including The New York Times, Entertainment Tonight online, NY Magazine, Huffington Post, Comedy Central, & Jewcy.com with countless postings, repostings and shared views.

Moreover, the video was nominated for and won YouTube's DoGooder Non-Profit Video Award in the Large Organization category.Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of all forms of video, film, television, and media projects for our clients and a key partner in helping our clients achieve their objectives and exceed their goals.

On October 27, 2010, Empire produced the ONEXONE Foundation's 3rd Annual Gala which included appearances by Matt Damon, Patricia Arquette and Mia Hamm, and performances by Collective Soul, Matisyahu, and other talent.Matt Damon is the ambassador of ONEXONE, and the organization's mission is to preserve a basic quality of life for children locally and globally. ONEXONE had previously had great success with fundraising efforts in Canada and California, and the Foundation turned to Empire to produce a first-ever New York City gala that would surpass all previous efforts.Empire recommended several potential venues and then led ONEXONE staff on a full day of walkthroughs to determine the best space for the project. Capitale was eventually selected as the ideal event space, and Empire was then able to start work on the event production in earnest.

On the evening of the event guests entered the stately venue past a large step & repeat backdrop assembled on the permitted sidewalk. Once inside guests enjoyed an elegant cocktail reception in the foyer surrounded by tables displaying silent auction items. These included a guitar signed by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, and dozens of other fantastic items donated by Matt Damon, Josh Groban, New York Rangers' star Chris Drury, and others.After cocktails ended, there was a reveal into the main ballroom that was surrounded with flown banners featuring oversized close-up photos of children from around the world. This visually striking treatment not only decorated the already-ornate room but also served as a constant reminder as to what the event was really all about.

The stage program also started with a perfect fit for the event, children's chorus PS22, which has garnered millions of YouTube hits, singing Matisyahu's song "One Day" which is heard as soon as you log onto http://www.onexone.org. An even greater surprise came when Matisyahu himself joined the 60 kids onstage to sing along with them.After some very funny opening remarks by host Jay Bilas of ESPN and CBS Sports fame, ONEXONE’s President Marc Joubert took the stage along with the organization's founder Joey Adler. They provided some moving words about the organization and the cause at hand, and then turned the podium over to Matt Damon who spoke passionately about the good work accomplished by ONEXONE in many countries, and also about the tremendous amount of work still to be done. Matt also presented the 2010 ONEXONE Difference Award to Patricia Arquette for her tireless work on behalf of the Give Love Foundation.Marquis Jet co-founder Jesse Itzler then brought his incredibly high-energy, larger-than-life personality to the stage, conducting a live auction that raised over $150,000 for the organization while keeping the attendees completely entertained. Other speakers included soccer superstar Mia Hamm and United Nations Deputy Special Envoy to Haiti, Paul Farmer.

During a spectacular dinner break in the action, guests were amazed by 9-year old piano prodigy Ethan Bortnick who handled the stage like an old pro, joking that he was "really little" when he first performed at a ONEXONE event a couple of years earlier. The incredibly talented youngster then had guests out of their seats and singing along to universal classics such as "Piano Man" and "I Will Survive".Next came a headline performance by K'naan, a Somalia-born recording artist whose sound channels Bob Marley and Michael Jackson with a very sophisticated and political protest lyricism. Having seen firsthand the damage done to children in a war-torn country, K'naan was yet another ideal fit for the event. And if that wasn't enough, the evening concluded with an acoustic headline set by Collective Soul, a band with seven #1 mainstream rock hits. The band did not disappoint, opening with "Shine", and also performing "Breathe", "December", "Better Now", "Staring Down", and others. Empire managed nearly every aspect of the gala, including site selection, step & repeat, registration, silent and live auctions, staging, sound, video, and lighting design, stage management, technical direction, florals, signage, and more. Empire was honored to be called on by ONEXONE. Learn more about this worthy organization at http://www.onexone.org/

In 1960, the birth control pill, now known simply as “The Pill” was introduced to the world in what is now acknowledged as one of the most important inventions of the 20th century. In celebration of this momentous achievement, Empire partnered with State of the Art Events to bring to life the strategic vision that Communications Strategies, Inc. created for this historic event in the form of a gala event at the Pierre Hotel. The gala program honored those women and men who have made major contributions toward ensuring that future generations will continue to have access to education and employment opportunities and level the playing field through advances in women’s health.

The event's Honorees included Kate White, editor in chief of Cosmopolitan Magazine, the National Institute for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Profamil Haiti, a member association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation – Western Hemisphere Region, Jehmu Greene, former head of the Women’s Media Center, Alexander Sanger, grandson of the founder of the Pill, Margaret Sanger, and finally – the Gloria Steinem who was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.Cybill Shepherd was host for the evening, often invoking personal stories of her own experience with The Pill. The Daily Show’s Samantha Bee lightened the mood by poking fun at Cosmo: "The GQ of the G-spot, the Newsweek of nookie, the Harper's of hitting it." Grammy nominated singer Jazmine Sullivan brought the evening to a close with her rendition of Natural Woman.

Empire was thrilled to join with State of the Art Events and Communications Strategies, Inc. to help produce this event program celebrating this historic milestone.

When a private client wanted to deliver a special surprise for a family member’s 50th birthday, they turned to Empire Entertainment to book and produce an unforgettable concert. The intimate birthday event, for just under 100 guests, would take place in a tent on a tennis court situated on the grounds of the family’s newly-completed waterfront home in the Northeastern United States. The entertainment initially requested was Steely Dan. Steely Dan was not available but fortunately Empire was aware of an extraordinary new tour featuring principal performers: Donald Fagen (Steely Dan), Michael McDonald (Doobie Brothers) and Boz Scaggs. Entitled the Dukes of September Rhythm Revue, the tour featured these three musical legends performing with a band composed largely of musicians from Steely Dan’s band. Empire was able to quickly book this tour and worked closely with their road and production management to create a production scenario that could be achieved in the intimate backyard space in a residential neighborhood.

The event featured a cocktail reception, seated dinner and a series of toasts and speeches. During the final speech at dessert, the evening’s host introduced the band and a scrim was drawn aside revealing the band to a completely surprised birthday honoree and audience. The band then launched into an 80 minute set of hits from all three of the principals that included “Reeling in the Years,” “FM,” “Taking it To the Streets,” “Lowdown,” “Shakedown Street,” “What a Fool Believes,” “Rock Steady,” “Peg,” and “Love Train” among others. Knowing that the client loved Steely Dan’s music growing up, Empire worked with the band to ensure that several of their hits and those of Donald Fagen’s solo career were included in the set list.The audience stood and danced throughout the concert and during the final encore the band invited the birthday honoree onstage to join them for their bows. The client was ecstatic. In addition to booking and logistics, Empire handled all technical production and stage management of the project working closely with event planners D&R Events and Stamford Tents to ensure a smooth experience from load-in to load-out.

Empire is a leading producer of unique, private events.

Empire Entertainment Japan was called upon to support the production of a popular teenager fashion magazine's promotional event.The event featured a fashion show starring top models, live musical performances from popular Japanese artists, and a special appearance by DJ Hello Kitty.Over 10,000 Japanese teenage girls converged on the Yoyogi National Gymnasium to participate in what proved to be a night full of "GAL" energy.Empire was called upon to Stage Manage the four hour event, that included fireworks, special effects, specialized stage props and a multitude of staff, musicians and models.Empire Japan is a leading producer of live events in Japan and Asia.

On September 28th, the number one name in Wine & Spirits, Pernod Ricard sponsored a VIP party promoting one of its subsidiaries Perrier Jouet. The party took place at ARGO, a modern French restaurant located in the Hanzomon Area of Tokyo.Empire Entertainment Japan was called upon to deliver entertainment for the evening that would both augment the luxurious feel of the evening while also providing a perfect backdrop for the champagne party.Empire proposed and produced the female string trio "rush!" and working together with the client developed a customized show that began with a familiar tune, but quickly branched out to more modern music to thematically support the event concept.Empire is a leading provider of entertainment and branded experiences throughout Japan and Asia.

On September 30, 2010, Empire Entertainment was proud to continue their partnership with Keep a Child Alive as producer of their 7th annual Black Ball Gala at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC. Graciously sponsored by Covergirl and Bing and hosted by Dave Wirtschafter, the event featured extraordinary performances by Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Janelle Monae, and Sade and remarks by Deepak Chopra Uma Thurman and others. A star-studded guest list of over 750 included Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, Whitney Houston, Usher and Clive Davis among others who came to show their support in the fight against the global AIDS pandemic.

The evening began with a cocktail reception and gallery-like exhibit launching a new cutting-edge “Buy Life” campaign conceived by ad agency TBWA/Chiat/Day. The campaign featured a bar code that when scanned on a smartphone, directs potential donors to a donation site. Within the event the barcode appeared on several surfaces including the step-and-repeat, tickets program, and even enlarged on the facade of the bars, providing a call to action everywhere guests turned. Following cocktails the guests entered a breathtaking candlelit oasis where they enjoyed a delicious dinner menu served by Creative Edge Catering. All wine and spirits for the evening were generously donated by Sherry-Lehmann. During the meal, powerfully emotive graphic messages and a series of films about the work and impact of Keep a Child Alive were projected onto multi-leveled projection screens. During dinner, Phillips de Pury auctioneer Alexander Gilkes and KCA advocate, Uma Thurman worked together to auction a series of incredible experiences and unique pieces of art. The duo worked in unity to auction an adventure to India, a retreat to Turks and Caicos, and authentic signed portraits by infamous street / grafitti artist, Mr. Brainwash, raising $260,000 on the spot alone.

At the end of the auction the audience were enticed to stand and pledge $1000 each to “Buy Life.” It was a magical moment when over 100 guests got up from their seats committing a further $160,000. After desserts and remarks by Deepak Chopra, the concert program for which the Black Ball is renowned began led by an eight and a half month pregnant Alicia Keys and her incredible band.Rising superstar Janelle Monae sang “Cold War” and “Tightrope” bringing the audience to their feet with her high energy set. Next up the legendary Sade, performed “Soldier of Love,” “Moon and the Sky” and duet with Alicia on classic “Love is Stronger than Pride.” Her mesmerizing presence and smooth as silk voice gripped the audience from the first note to the last. Alicia then welcomed Jay-Z to the stage with the Dead Presidents intro. After performing “PSA,” Jay-Z was joined onstage by Alicia Key’s husband Swizz Beats for a high energy version of “On to the Next One” which got everyone up and out of their seats.

As the finale to the evening, Alicia Keys returned to the stage to join Jay-Z by channeling Frank Sinatra with an impromptu performance of “New York, New York,” before closing with the New York anthem “Empire State of Mind.”With the concert portion of the evening over, Swizz Beats then took the helm as DJ and spun the rest of the night away while guests danced on their seats celebrating the afterglow of an amazing evening filled with inspiration and support for Keep a Child Alive. All told, the Black Ball event raised $2.4 million for AIDS affected children and families in Africa and India.Once again, Empire Entertainment served as overall event producer for the Black Ball and managed aspects of the event including site selection and contracting, logistics, catering, décor, talent coordination, technical production, security and onsite management. Earle Sebastian was the Creative Designer of the evening responsible for elements including the screen content and overall look & feel, while Amanda Davis and Empire provided design & implementation of the event’s décor elements. Empire Entertainment is proud to serve as partner of Keep a Child Alive in saving lives and raising awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. To learn more and donate, please visit www.keepachildalive.org or scan this barcode to become a BUY LIFE partner. Because the more you buy, the more you save. KEEP A CHILD ALIVE.

2010 was the third consecutive year that Empire was tapped by a NYC based investment bank to produce their annual gala. With a limited number of venues with the capacity for a dinner for more than 1400 guests, as well as substantial staging for a headline concert performance, Empire made a novel recommendation of working in two spaces rather than one for the event. The cocktail reception and dinner was held in the garden of Rockefeller Center as well as the surrounding restaurants, The Sea Grill and Rock Center Café. In close consultation with the client regarding the overall design, Empire transformed the garden/ice rink area into a black & white Art Deco mecca, creating lush and comfortable lounge seating areas with 1920's-era inspired furnishings, such as white-leather tufted couches, sectionals, and chaises, slipper chairs, complemented by mirrored and beveled cocktail tables and highboys, as well as oversized, grandiose white-feathered umbrellas throughout the space.

Each of the restaurants was designed with it's own unique feel and vibe, the Sea Grill as a "King Kong Lounge", and the Rock Center Café as a dark-hued speakeasy. Empire also covered the entry steps to the space in a lush black carpet, branded with a Deco-inspired client logo, created especially for the event. As guests walked down the steps into the garden, they were greeted by 10 statuesque models, dressed in authentic Deco-era beaded gowns, wavy, bobbed 1920's hairstyle wigs, and all manner of accessories carefully selected by Empire to mimic the fashion of the times. The models initially greeted guests with specialty cocktails, and then walked among the guests distributing candies and treats that also fit the look and feel of the event, such as Necco Wafers, Abba Zabbas, and Lucky Strike candy cigarettes.

Guests were also treated to the sounds of the Deco era, as Rob Scheps' All-Star 19-piece big band performed on a stage built directly over the beautiful Rockefeller Center fountain. The stage allowed the fountain to run as usual, providing a beautiful backdrop for the tuxedoed band's fantastic performance. Empire created a custom Deco facade for the stage, and also used the client's Deco logo as a vinyl transfer that was affixed to the bandstands onstage, providing some additional sophisticated branding that fit in with the overall theme. After a spectacular dinner that included succulent items such as Colossal Poached Shrimp in a Spiced Gin Cocktail Sauce and Flame Seared Beef Tenderloin in a classic Béarnaise Sauce, guests were escorted one block to world-renowned Radio City Music Hall where they were joined by another 1500 or so attendees. After enjoying another drink in Radio City's storied Grand Foyer, guests entered the Theatre where legendary comedian Robert Klein performed a hilarious opening set which included piano accompaniment for a side-splitting song Robert had written about the middle-aged man's nemesis, the colonoscopy.

The crowd was then completely awed as global icon, Janet Jackson took the stage with a full band and 10 backup dancers, and set the stage on fire with a greatest hits set that included pop classics including "Nasty", "Rhythm Nation", "Control", "What Have You Done for Me Lately", and many, many more. The fully-choreographed show was electric, and utilized Radio CIty Music Hall's immense 90' x 40' LED screen as a backdrop, allowing for a jaw-dropping video and light show that complemented Janet Jackson's energy and four costume changes. Janet then also graciously met with 20 of the client's VIP's, posing for photos and mingling with the guests. Empire again provided oversight of nearly every element of this event, including site selection, staging, audio, video & lighting designs, tenting, talent booking consultation, stage management, signage/branding, catering, décor, registration, staffing, and more.

Empire prides itself in our ability to flawlessly execute complex events with large audiences in some of the most incredible event venues in the world such as Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall.

When Jerry Seinfeld took the stage to deliver one of his legendary stand-up comedy performances, it was the culmination of a yearlong effort to help children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Seinfeld’s 45 minute stand-up performance was the centerpiece of a Celebration of Courage, a night of comedy benefiting the Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund, a non-profit organization at Columbia University Medical Center.The evening was sponsored by The OctoberWoman Foundation and was underwritten by Action Carting Environmental Services and other sponsors. The overall project was managed by Elizabeth Rose Consulting along with OneSource Worldwide.

Empire Entertainment was proud to be the production company and entertainment producers responsible for delivering Jerry Seinfeld and opening comedian Tom Papa.The event, which took place at New York’s Rose Theater in Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, featured a cocktail reception, speaking program, headline entertainment and VIP afterparty.The evening was hosted by James Gandolfini, formerly of The Sopranos, and included special appearances by television star and cancer surviving author, Fran Drescher. The evening’s menu was designed by critically acclaimed chef, restaurateur and author Mario Batali. The evening also featured a silent & live auction and a lounge-style after party in the spectacular Allen Room that looks out on Central Park. Tenor, Michael Amante performed between DJ sets at the after party, which also featured aerial performances and music by Music Fusion. In addition to booking Jerry Seinfeld and Tom Papa, Empire served as the overall event production company handling elements ranging from décor and technical production, to screen graphics, talent logistics and stage management.The sold out evening raised substantial funds for Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund.

Empire is a leading producer of not for profit events worldwide.

Clive Davis is known throughout the world for discovering some of the most talented musical artists of our time: Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, and Bruce Springsteen are just a few of the superstars that Clive David has helped achieve worldwide success.When Clive Davis and Sony BMG / RCA Music wanted to launch legend Carlos Santana's brand new album, “Guitar Heaven The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time” they called on Empire Entertainment to produce a unique launch event. Empire’s long standing relationship with Hard Rock Hotel and Santana’s residency at the HRH Joint made the Hard Rock the perfect place to host this special event.

At the newest nightclub inside The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Vanity - 100 members of media, industry leaders and special invited guests gathered together for an intimate VIP listening event.The audience was a whose who of music including guest vocalists on the album, Chris Daughtry, India Arie, and Gavin Rossdale. Other attendees included NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton; Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Olivia Harrison (wife to the late Beatles member, George Harrison); and other music industry VIPs. Following the listening party at Vanity. Santana treated fans to a special performance of Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits at the Joint. Guest vocalists, Chris Daughtry had fans on their feet when he performed "Photograph," Gavin Rossdale entertained the crowd with his rendition of "Bang A Gong," and "India Arie took the stage first to sing the album's first single, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” an amazing collaboration with Yo-Yo Ma.Empire assisted with venue selection, coordination of catering, managing production, sound, stage, lighting, audio and HD video record for the listening event at Vanity as well as Santana performance at the Joint.

Empire was proud to work with Sony BMG / RCA Music again to produce another successful and legendary record release event.