Founded over 60 years ago with the purpose of making great opera available to a modern, wide-reaching audience, the New York City Opera is one of New York’s leading cultural institutions. In April 2013, the New York City Opera chose the occasion of the premiere of La Périchole for its annual gala and Empire was honored to serve as the Gala producer.

La Périchole is a madcap comic opera loosely based on the life of a Peruvian street-singer who maintains a love triangle between the Spanish viceroy and her true love and fellow street-singer. The gala began with a Peruvian-themed pre-show cocktail reception at New York City Center.

The reception featured a gallery of printed images of Peruvian textiles and Peruvian floral arrangements and linen patterns. Following the performance, guests made their way to the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel for a French-themed dinner dance. In this grand space, Empire worked with the Plaza Hotel and Great Performances catering to create an elegant environment to complement the French menu. The Avalon Jazz Band played onstage throughout the evening. At one point New York City Opera’s General Manager and Artistic Director George Steel took the stage to deliver remarks and to introduce performances by some of the evening’s lead performers which included a rendition of Edith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose. The evening’s gala was generously sponsored by American Airlines, Van Cleef & Arpels, Clos du Val and Bellavista.

Empire was responsible for venue coordination, technical production, décor and design, coordination of catering, ground transportation, security, staffing and stage management for both events.

Empire is proud to serve many of New York’s leading cultural institutions including the New York City Opera.

For the fifth consecutive year Empire Entertainment was chosen to produce the Film Society of Lincoln Center's annual Chaplin Award Tribute. This year's Gala, the 40th annual, honored one of the motion picture industry’s most celebrated and enduring superstars – the incomparable Barbra Streisand.The Film Society's Tribute Gala began in 1972 and honored Charles Chaplin – who returned to the United States from exile to accept the commendation. Since then, the award has honored many of film's most visionary talents, including Alfred Hitchcock, Sir Laurence Olivier, Federico Fellini, Elizabeth Taylor, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks among others.With a sold out house, frenzied media attention, and Streisand’s own legendary attention to detail in the pursuit of perfection, the stakes were high to deliver a flawless evening.

The evening began with an elegant cocktail reception in the promenade before the guests moved inside Alice Tully Hall for the program. The all-star tribute began with a video of previous Chaplin Award honorees, followed by remarks from the Film Society of Lincoln Center Board Chair Ann Tenenbaum and Executive Director, Rose Kuo.The tribute included a series of remarks interspersed by film clips of Streisand’s motion picture work, both in front of and behind the camera. The presenters for the tribute included past Chaplin Award honorees Catherine Deneuve & Michael Douglas, George Segal, Alan Bergman (who offered a musical tribute to the tune of “The Way We Were”), Kris Kristofferson, Amy Irving, Pierce Brosnan, Blythe Danner and Fockers Co-Star, Ben Stiller.This year’s Tribute also featured a series of extraordinary musical tributes including Wynton Marsalis performing “Hello Dolly,” Liza Minnelli performing "What Did I Have That I Don't Have Now," and Tony Bennett performing “Smile” which was composed by Charlie Chaplin himself and used in the soundtrack to his 1936 film “Modern Times.”

As the final presenter of the evening, President Bill Clinton, who attended with his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, delivered heartfelt remarks and then presented Barbra Streisand with the Chaplin Award. Barbra Streisand then delivered her acceptance remarks while all of the evening's presenters stood by her side.The program was followed by a seated dinner at the David H. Koch theater's spectacular second-floor promenade overlooking the fountain in the Plaza of Lincoln Center. The evening raised over $2 million for the Film Society, easily breaking the previous record. At the dinner, Barbra Streisand was asked by cabaret singer Ann Hampton Callaway to sum up the evening in one word. Her choice – “Glorious.”For this year’s tribute Empire served as the producer, working with director Richard Jay-Alexander, Writer Jon Macks, Musical Director Kevin Stites and Lighting Designer Matt Berman. Empire was responsible for creative and production design, talent & presenter coordination, technical production, television facilities, script, stage management and overall oversight of the production of the Tribute.To learn more about the Film Society of Lincoln Center Chaplin Award and its programs, visit www.filmlinc.com.

Empire is a leading producer of high-profile award and tribute programs and is honored to have had the opportunity to work with one of the world’s greatest talents – Barbra Streisand.

AMC hosted its first-ever Upfront event at the 69th Regiment Armory in a format that was anything but ordinary. As a reflection of the newly-launched tagline “Something More,” AMC and Empire collaborated to create something much more than a typical upfront experience. Opting for an immersive, interactive experience, rather than a typical presentation format, the network and Empire created an environment that literally transported guests inside the worlds of its groundbreaking shows.

A forest full of Walking Dead-like zombies, a functioning meth lab akin to Breaking Bad, and a Venice Beach freak show full of the sword-swallowing, fire-breathing stars of Freak Show were just a few of the experiences within the labyrinthine event. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with champagne and walked down a meandering hallway of illuminated show posters displaying AMC’s extensive slate of original programming. At the end of the hallway, fog rolled out from a draped doorway, and guests stepped into a chilling nighttime forest scene - on one side an overrun campsite, on the other, a rattling shack full of moaning “walkers.” Hunting parties of disheveled survivors would run by suggesting guests go left or right to safety helping to determine the pathway of their experience. Stepping through the next draped opening, guests found themselves in a tent town on a vast prairie, a space designed to echo the 1867 setting of the series Hell on Wheels. To the left, three surly men played a round of poker, while prostitutes in a tent across the way cat-called at passersby. Sounds of blowing wind, and the occasional train whistle along with smells of whiskey, hay, and dirt rounded out the experience.Through another palate cleanser, and another draped entryway, guests walked into a local talent competition set in a YourTown, USA theater. Here, variety acts performed all manner of humorous and inspiring acts, demonstrating the look and feel of AMC’s new unscripted show, “Showville,” where small towns hold local talent competitions and award the winner $10,000 prizes.

Continuing on, guests found themselves walking down a long hallway with fluorescent overhead light and ceiling tiles. Reminiscent of the hallways of Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Price from Mad Men, advertisements from the late 1950s and 60s adorned the walls, and every so often, a secretary dressed in period attire would rush down the hall warning “Mr. Swanson is in a terrible mood today!” Around the corner, guests found themselves in the bustling creative office of a 1967 advertising agency. Creative Directors dressed in period attire stood smoking, brainstorming period campaigns and offering guests whiskey from the bar cart. Continuing on, around the next corner, guests entered into a carnival-esque room, wrapped in red velvet drape and topped with a striped black and white ceiling. Large banners adorned the walls, warning of the “Great Spider Woman,” “Gorilla Girl,” and “Voodoo Mysteries.” From a drum stage, actual cast members of “Freak Show” performed phenomenal acts of sword swallowing, fire breathing, and contortion, while America’s tallest man, George Bell, who is 7’8” tall stood by to meet and greet attendees.

The final stop through the AMC network brought guests in to a “functioning” meth lab, where workers in yellow Tyvek suits prepared the drugs on an industrial scale and then smashed up and bagged blue “meth” rock candy for guests to take home with them. In between each space, guests were served cocktails and hors d’eouvres, and had the opportunity to enter the main, central party space to mix and mingle. Here, the message was simple: AMC, Something More. Tufted black leather couches with gold detailing, black carpet, and 100’ high ceilings with dramatic uplight set the tone of the affair. An abundance of food stations from steak carving to dim sum offered guests a multitude of delicious culinary options. In this main space, AMC President and General Manager, Charlie Collier led a brief presentation stating: “We just have two goals in mind—celebrate (our) brand and thanking you with a real AMC experience.” Following the presentation, the stars of each show descended upon the crowd to converse with guests and partake in numerous photo ops.

As guests left smiling, it was clear that AMC had succeeded in its mission to present the AMC brand in an original and unexpected manner. An industry veteran, working in events for 10 years stated: “Hands down, this is the coolest event I have ever seen!” Empire worked closely with the AMC Ad Sales Marketing and Communications teams as well as executive management for over six months to develop and refine this ground-breaking upfront concept. Empire was responsible for details including venue acquisition, layout and room design, design and décor for each of the spaces, staging, sound, lighting, furnishings, carpet, catering, technical production, casting, costuming, script development and the curating of each space to accurately reflect each series represented.

Empire is a leading producer of innovative Upfronts and other critical business-to-business events.

On Friday, April 19, Empire Entertainment produced the annual Fragrance Foundation Awards Finalists Breakfast. Taking place in the beautiful ballroom at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at the Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle, the newly blossoming Central Park foliage set the backdrop for the morning.Kicking off the announcements and hosting the event was Christine Baranski, known for her work in The Good Wife, Mamma Mia, and The Birdcage. Adding some morning humor and her own flair to the event, Christine announced finalists for several categories, including Perfume Extraordinaire of the Year and Bath and Body Line of the Year.Guests dined on delicious breakfast offerings from the Mandarin Oriental catering team while eagerly anticipating the announcement of the finalists for the premiere category of Fragrance of the Year. The winner of this category was announced at the 2013 Fragrance Foundation Awards on June 12, 2013, which Empire Entertainment also produced.During the stage presentation, the Empire team swiftly worked with a display merchandiser to transform the ballroom foyer in to a chic and surprise display of the Fragrance of the Year finalists bottles. Upon event departure, guests were encouraged to sample the select and esteemed fragrances.Empire Entertainment served as the overall production company for the Finalists Breakfast, managing all aspects of the event including stage decor, AV management, decor supervision, stage and show management, script writing, signage, and catering management.

When event designer, Thomas Noel received a request from his Russian client for an internationally-known musical performance at his upcoming wedding in Monte Carlo, he turned to Empire Entertainment to secure the perfect artist.Taking place at the Sporting Club of Monte Carlo, facing the Mediterranean, the wedding performance would have to be a magical experience equal to the spectacular setting. With that vision in mind, Empire set about securing the always-elegant superstar, Seal, to perform to this very special celebration.With talent secured, Empire worked closely with the EDI team, Seal, and local vendors to ensure that all international logistical and technical elements were advanced properly. This included working out the timing of the performance perfectly, to follow a precisely-timed fireworks display.As guests marveled at fireworks overhead, their attention was diverted while Seal took the stage and began his extraordinary set for the delighted wedding guests, bride and groom.

Throughout the 90 minute performance, Seal sang his hits such “Kiss From a Rose,” “Don’t Cry,” “Crazy,” “My Vision,” and “Love’s Divine,” frequently wading into the dancing audience, and inviting guests up to the stage to dance along the band, and the happy newlyweds.Another highlight of Seal’s performance were songs from his two recent Soul albums, including classic’s such as Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” and “Here I Am (Come And Take Me)” and Teddy Pendergrass’ “Love TKO.” Immediately following his set, Seal participated in a meet & greet with close friends and family of the bride and groom. For this incredible event, Empire was responsible for proposing, negotiating, contracting, and advancing all logistical elements for Seal, as well as working with the design team to coordinate all production elements, schedules and layouts. Empire Entertainment is a leading provider of talent for private events and celebrations around the world and has presented events large and small throughout the French Riviera.

Earlier this year, Japan's No.1 beer, "Asahi Super Dry", wanted their new advertising campaign to reflect the power and dynamism of the brand. To accomplish this they turned to Empire Entertainment Japan as their producer and Empire enlisted award-winning action filmmaker John Woo to direct the commercial campaign. Woo is the director of such action movies as "Face Off", "Mission Impossible II" and "Red Cliff."The campaign would feature one of Japan's biggest artists, Masaharu Fukuyama, and his newly released single "Get The Groove" - which shot to number one on the single charts in Japan following the release of the campaign.John Woo's production team on this project included Japanese set designer Yohei Taneda, well known for his work on films such as “Kill Bill”, and cinematographer Mauro Fiore, who won the Academy Award for his cinematography work on “Avatar.”Empire Entertainment produced this major project - under the guidance of Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer Theodore Miller - in collaboration with Hakuhodo and Ridley Scott Associates.Empire Entertainment is a leading provider of notable directors, actors and creative resources for advertising, industrial video and brand marketing projects worldwide. In addition to John Woo, Empire has delivered directors including Michael Bay, George Lucas, Judd Apatow, Spike Lee, and Bennett Miller (Capote, Moneyball) for past projects.

When the BMW Group needed to launch the MINI Paceman vehicle in Japan, they turned to Empire’s growing, Tokyo-based Asia division to produce this important launch. The launch took place in Tokyo at the chic "R-Gallery", and was kicked offwith a press conference led by BMW Group Japan President Mr. Alan Harrisand MINI Division Director, Mr. Andreas Wecke.The launch included several elements including vehicle displays, live entertainment, and innovative food presentation to members of the automotive press. In addition to being responsible for the production of the press conferences, Empire organized a series of exclusive party events in Tokyo and Osaka attended by top names in fashion, design, architecture, and various well-known celebrities.Empire is responsible for a wide variety of launches, press conferences and event marketing activities through Asia.

The Bravo Upfront Party has become one of the most highly anticipated upfront events in the industry. Bravo once again enlisted Empire Entertainment to produce their Upfront Party, held at SIR’s Stage 37. After check-in, guests were whisked into a room and met with a 16-ft wide curved LED video screen. To their surprise, a popular "Bravolebrity", Curtis Stone, appeared in the room to welcome them to the event and to introduce a short sizzle video of Bravo’s upcoming programming.

The video also featured a look at the past “Summer by Bravo” promos and an introduction to this year’s Summer promo and Upfront Party theme, desert island. Doors then opened to reveal a fantastical desert island paradise party filled with luxurious thatch roof lounge cabanas, 14’ high palm trees and Bravolebrities galore, including the ladies of every "Real Housewives" franchise, each member of "Shah’s of Sunset", "Vanderpump Rules", "Top Chef" hosts Tom, Gail & Padma, Andy Cohen, Patti Stanger, Tabatha Coffey, Jeff Lewis and Jenni Pulos.

It was truly an amazing turnout of Bravo star power. In keeping with the evening’s desert island theme, giant stone “Bravo Island Heads” were carved in the likeness of "Flipping Out" design maven Jeff Lewis and "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Nene Leakes. Sand mansions were sculpted for properties featured on "Million Dollar Listing" and "Flipping Out."

Guest interactions included a custom "Real Housewives" video for which guests recorded their own sassy voiceover and video to be craftily edited into the opening credits of "The Real Housewives" city of their choosing. Guests could also get their hair and makeup done under the watchful eye of Tabatha Coffey, consult with Patti Stanger on their love lives, upload a gif of themselves styled by Brad Goreski and shot with the Shah’s, or get a drink served by Jax and Tom, the bartenders from "Vanderpump Rules." Pinch Catering passed hors d’oeuvres throughout the night and set up stations with a delectable assortment of rice paper rolls suspended on copper wires, fresh cut sashimi and juicy bao-style buns filled with salmon, beef or vegetable tempura.

DJ Earworm, known for video mashups including “United State of Pop,” spun music throughout the evening and cut in video clips of Bravo’s most memorable on-air moments, expertly sliced into pop music. Empire Entertainment worked closely with Bravo’s Trade Marketing, Creative and Press teams and served as overall event producer and designer for the program. Empire’s responsibilities included overall design & management, coordination of custom scenic, decor, audio/visual, catering, activities, venue, red carpet, travel coordination for talent, graphic design, printing, permits and security.

Each year TIME publishes the TIME 100: A list of the 100 most influential people in the world. To celebrate its highly anticipated release, TIME hosts an exclusive Gala event in New York City attended by current and past TIME 100 honorees. With its extraordinary mix of world leaders, innovators and celebrities, the TIME 100 Gala is recognized as one of the world’s most high-profile annual events and for the 5th consecutive year Empire was proud to serve as the event’s producer.

The 2013 TIME 100 Gala took place at the Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Participants and performers included Christina Aguilera, Vice President Joseph Biden, Jimmy Kimmel, Senator Rand Paul, Gabrielle Giffords & Mark Kelly, as well as Time Warner Chairman and CEO, Jeff Bewkes, and TIME Managing Editor, Rick Stengel.

The Gala was also attended by a global who’s who of icons from industry, culture, sports, fashion and politics including Steven Spielberg, Justin Timberlake, Lena Dunham, Jimmy Fallon, Instagram’s Kevin Systrom, Jennifer Lawrence, Padma Lakshmi, Daniel Day-Lewis, Frank Ocean, Amy Poehler, Claire Danes, Harvey Weinstein, Aziz Ansari, Michael Kors, Fareed Zakaria, and Ricky Gervais.

The TIME 100 consisted of red carpets on three floors, an elegant cocktail reception, a seated dinner & program that combined keynote remarks, musical performances and toasts by the evening’s honorees, and an after party. The event was sponsored by Chivas Regal 25 and Citi.

As one of the world’s most high-stature events, the TIME 100 draws extensive global media coverage which this year included the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, the Today Show, Huffington Post, FOX, Forbes and many others. BizBash Media named the Gala the #1 Media Event of the Year.

With the world watching through such extensive coverage, the production of the TIME 100 requires precision execution. Empire was proud to work closely with the TIME team to deliver a flawless evening.

Empire’s responsibilities as producer included event design & décor, talent booking & coordination, venue and catering logistics (provided by Great Performances), technical production, broadcast and Internet stream facilities, stage management, staffing, front of house logistics and security.

Empire is one of the world’s leading producers of high-profile events and is proud to again have been chosen to produce the TIME 100.

On April 24, 2013, Empire delivered legendary rock and roll band Foreigner for a financial services company’s annual incentive program in San Diego. With 2,000 guests in attendance, it was all about the hits and Foreigner delivered. With more than a dozen major radio hits to their name, there was no need for the band to start slow. They opened with the one-two punch of “Double Vision” and “Head Games” and had the entire crowd on their feet from the opening chords. There was no let-up in the entire set, which also included classics “Cold As Ice”, “Feels Like The First Time”, and “Jukebox Hero”. The band was having so much fun with the crowd that they invited several of the attendees up onstage to be the backup “choir” on the blockbuster #1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is”. With the crowd roaring for one more, the band didn’t disappoint, breaking out “Hot Blooded” as the final encore of the evening. Empire also arranged a private meet and greet with some of the client VIP’s and the band, where guests were able to meet the stars, and get autographs and photos as well. As a final gesture, the band also autographed a guitar and presented in to the client’s event planner.Empire has been recommending, contracting, and producing headline entertainment since its inception in 1993. We pride ourselves on delivering the best possible artists for our clients based on their budgets and their audience demographics. Foreigner was yet another tremendous success in this regard.