What Were Producing

Empire Delivers Comedian Rob Schneider For A First-Ever 5-City Tour of India

Empire Delivers Comedian Rob Schneider For A First-Ever 5-City Tour of India

India

November 2011

When E18 & L'Experience, both highly-respected producers of live and corporate events in India, sought an internationally known comedian to perform a 5-city tour, they turned to Empire Entertainment to deliver Rob Schneider, star of films such as "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo", "Grown Ups", and "50 First Dates".The event sponsor, Black Dog Scotch Whisky, have built a reputation for hosting India's top comedy events and raised the bar with Rob Schneider's recent visit to Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Gurgaon (New Delhi), and Mumbai/Bombay.One of India’s top comedians, Mumbai-based Sorabh Pant, was the opening act throughout the tour. His 20-minute performance each night got the audience revved up for the evening's headliner.When Rob Schneider took the stage he was greeted by a roar of applause from the 600-1000 audience members, complete with fans shouting catchphrases from his various films. His set of 60-75 minutes began with 15 minutes of humorous observations and jokes on India and his experiences during the trip which he tailored to each city's unique culture. His material on what it's like working in Hollywood and more universal topics such as marriage cut though culture barriers and resonated strongly with the Indian audiences who roared with laughter throughout all performances.This first-ever visit by Rob Schneider included extensive press coverage from every major newspaper in India, including Times of India and Malayala Manorama, as well as television interviews with CNN/IBN and CNBC.Empire is a leading advisor and partner to international producers and talent buyers on every continent and a gateway to world-class entertainment. Empire is proud to partner with E18 & L'Experience in India and similar organizations throughout the world who have contributed to our work history of projects in 65 countries to date.

Coalition for the Homeless 17th Annual Artwalk NY Art Auction

Coalition for the Homeless 17th Annual Artwalk NY Art Auction

New York City, NY

November 2011

On November 15, 2011, Empire Entertainment once again served as producer of the Coalition for the Homeless’ 17th annual ARTWALK NY – New York'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 from Andy Warhol, Shepard Fairey, Wade Guyton, Invader and Yoko Ono. All of the biggest names in the art world were represented and up for auction, all benefiting the Coalition’s efforts to end homelessness in New York City and beyond.The evening began with hors d’oeuvres by Canard and cocktails graciously provided by Star Vodka, Beck’s, The Odeon and Sud de France. Food was provided by several of New York’s best restaurants, including Macao Trading Company, Michael’s and Edi and the Wolf.In the live auction room, co-chairs Alec Baldwin, Carey Lowell, Richard Gere and honorary chair Coco Rocha took the stage to acknowledge the important work and various projects of the Coalition for the Homeless. When the live auction bidding began, Phillips de Pury auctioneer Aileen Agopian auctioned off a Shepard Fairey original painting as well as works by Andy Warhol, Wade Guyton, Ed Ruscha, 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 works from established artists like Yoko Ono, Leonard Rosenfeld, 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 could relax on lounge furnishings between bidding sessions. Working closely with Coalition for the Homeless’ events team, Empire Entertainment served as overall producer of the event and was responsible for aspects ranging from event design, selected art solicitation (including the Andy Warhol piece), layout, production and logistics to décor, restaurant coordination and music.ARTWALK NY raised over $850,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless and reached the highest attendance in the event’s 17 years. Empire Entertainment 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 www.coalitionforthehomeless.org

The 2011 Gotham Independent Film Awards

The 2011 Gotham Independent Film Awards

New York City, NY

November 2011

The Gotham Independent Film Awards is an elegant dinner gala staged every year by the Independent Filmmaker Project. The funds raised by the event are channelled to independent filmmakers through the IFP's many programs and services. The Gothams are held at Cipriani's iconic Wall Street location, and are the marquee event of New York's prestigious independent film world.

At the 2011 Gotham Awards, tribute presenter and pint-sized comedian Patton Oswalt delivered one of the most memorable lines of the night as he stood at the podium with freakishly tall Charlize Theron draped on his left shoulder: "Yeah, this is what people really want to see. Charlize Theron with a bag of flour." Theron was one of four Gotham Awards tributees, along with Gary Oldman, director David Cronenberg and producer Tom Rothman, and one of many celebrities attending the star-studded 2011 Gotham Independent Film Awards. Ang Lee, Jim Jarmusch, Edie Falco, Alec Baldwin, Oliver Platt, Tilda Swinton and many others were out in force to support independent filmmakers and kick off the Oscars award season. This was Empire Entertainment 's fourth year producing the event.

Microsoft Debuts Their Latest Windows Phone 7.5 With a Six-Story Mobile Device in Herald Square

Microsoft Debuts Their Latest Windows Phone 7.5 With a Six-Story Mobile Device in Herald Square

New York City, NY

November 2011

On November 7, 2011, Microsoft publically released their new Windows Phone 7.5 software in a BIG way by building a six-story mobile phone in Herald Square, and activating it with a full day of interactive performances, free food, and a headline performance by Far East Movement.For this large undertaking, Empire was engaged by Microsoft to work closely with Seattle-based creative agency, Wexley School for Girls, and The Production Network to make sure that the five hour event went flawlessly. Empire worked closely with the Mayor’s Office and a variety of NYC agencies to secure the various event location permits for Broadway between 34th & 35th Streets, plus the surrounding streets for production vehicles and equipment to support the nearly week-long production. In addition to location permits Empire acquired additional permits from the Department of Buildings, Department of Transportation, Department of Health, FDNY and NYPD.Next up was talent: For a rocking lunch time concert, Empire booked and secured the Far East Movement to perform a 15-minute headline set, including their international hit, “Like a G-6”. Returning at the end of the day was the Far East Movement’s own, DJ Vermin, who spun hits for over an hour, turning Herald Square into an impromptu, outdoor dance club! Once the band was secured, it was on to securing local celebrities, actors, singers, and dancers to perform a series of vignettes created by Wexley that brought the phone applications to life throughout the day. These included: The voice of the phone, Cortana, Reporters from Accuweather, dance performances by “Zombies vs Aliens,” a “Fruit Ninja,” “Chefs,” onstage mini-makeovers, a Fitness Expert, The Humane Society, with live kittens for adoption, a real life marriage proposal, among others! Additionally, Empire secured all of the costumes and props, including Original Ray’s Pizza and popcorn, which were dispensed to the crowd. The full day event was a huge success, with locals and tourists alike, visiting the phone structure that combined huge LED displays with live stages. For more information, and a video mashup, please visit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PitGqCeJF8chttp://www.bizbash.com/microsoft_debuts_new_windows_software_with_six-story_mobile_device/newyork/story/21851Empire is a leading event marketing agency that supports clients and partner companies with innovative event marketing events in New York City and around the world.

Empire Helps the Happy Hearts Fund Raise over $1 million to Rebuild Haiti at the Land of Dreams Gala Featuring Josh Groban and Wyclef Jean

Empire Helps the Happy Hearts Fund Raise over $1 million to Rebuild Haiti at the Land of Dreams Gala Featuring Josh Groban and Wyclef Jean

New York City, NY

November 2011

The Happy Hearts Fund, an organization founded by model Petra Nemcova and dedicated to rebuilding sustainable schools in areas devastated by natural disasters, held their annual Land of Dreams event at the Metropolitan Pavilion on November 5th, 2011. This year’s event focused on Haiti and the tremendous need following the devastation of the 2010 earthquake. Empire was engaged to help produce the multi-faceted evening and to transform the Metropolitan Pavilion into an authentic environment that showcased the best of Haiti. On the evening of the event. Guests traveled over a mango carpet, past a projected departures board and were checked in for their journey to Haiti by stunning stewardesses in full uniform who handed out boarding cards and passports to all of the Haitian sites inside.Once inside festive music from a traditional Haitian band and specialty rum cocktails welcomed guests to the warmly lit reception in the expansive event space. Surrounding the room, a series of Haitian vignettes showcased highlights of Haiti. In the Iron Market Guests sampled mango, pineapple, bananas and Haitian coffee beans displayed in large wooden bowls and baskets. In the Pirate Bar, costumed bartenders served rum concoctions and Caribbean specialties in front of an authentic recreation of a pirate ship. In the Haitian School, guests read hand-drawn phrases in Creole on a blackboard and also wrote their own names on individual bricks symbolizing their individual commitment to provide the bricks needed to build new schools. In the Haitian Art station guests admired colorful paintings by Michel Brudent, a renowned Port au Prince artist. In the Urban Zen space Donna Karan’s team created a visually sumptuous display of Haitian housewares and crafts including handmade ironworks, carved wooden candelabras, papier-mâché sculptures, and horn jewelry. In the Beach Shack Haiti’s beautiful coast came to life around an aged wood structure outfitted with swaying palm trees, a projection of the water lapping Caribbean shores and a real live Macaw parrot. In the final station, Empire recreated Haiti’s iconic Citadel, where volunteers shared facts about the legendary fort and important Haitian history alongside a full size cannon, cannonballs and Haitian flags. After the cocktail reception, guests moved into the North Pavilion for the seated dinner and program. Bloomberg Television’s Margaret Brennan, the emcee of the evening, introduced the founder of the Happy Hearts Fund, the stunning Petra Nemcova and Executive Director, Phil Caputo who welcomed guests and set the tone for the evening to come. The dinner program also featured remarks by honorees Rene Haugrud and tireless Haiti relief activist Sean Penn who has lived and worked for much of the past year in Haiti. Grammy Award-winner Josh Groban and his band gave a heart-felt performance of three songs including his famous, “You Raise Me Up.” After dinner auctioneer Simon De Pury, of Phillips de Pury & Company, raised over $1 million dollars in an action packed live auction that included lots ranging from use of a Caribbean villa and an insider’s Victoria’s Secret Show experience to a custom James Bond mission and an exquisite Damien Hirst artwork entitled Mantra that sold for $100,000. For the grand finalé of the evening, Haitian musician and global sensation Wyclef Jean and delivered a high energy party performance that drew Petra Nemcova, Sean Penn and the rest of the guests out of their seats, onto the stage, and past midnight as they danced on chairs and tables in their black-tie attire. In addition to the evening events, Happy Hearts Fund hosted 300 children at the Metropolitan Pavilion earlier in the afternoon for an array of educational, interactive and kid-friendly activities all focused on Haiti. The Children learned traditional Haitian dances, painted their faces, created Haitian jewelry, learned to draw with a renown Haitian artist and even talked to the parrot.Working closely with Happy Hearts Fund, Empire served as Producer of the Land of Dreams, managing elements including décor, technical production, performing talent and stage management. To learn more about the efforts of the Happy Hearts Fund or to donate, please visit happyheartsfund.org. Empire is proud to serve charitable organizations like the Happy Hearts Fund and to help support their important work in Haiti, Indonesia, India and Peru.

Keep A Child Alive's Black Ball Featuring Alicia Keys, Usher, Norah Jones, Richie Sambora and will.i.am

Keep A Child Alive's Black Ball Featuring Alicia Keys, Usher, Norah Jones, Richie Sambora and will.i.am

New York City, NY

November 2011

On November 3, Empire Entertainment was once again proud to serve Keep a Child Alive as Producer of their 8th annual Black Ball Gala at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Graciously sponsored by Sachin & Saurabh Foundation, this year’s event featured extraordinary performances and collaborations by Alicia Keys, Usher, will.i.am, Norah Jones, Jay Sean, Richie Sambora, Gary Clark Jr, Midival Punditz and Karsh Kale.

A star-studded guest list of over 700 came to support Keys and Keep a Child Alive, an organization providing life-saving support to children and families affected by HIV/ AIDS in Africa and India. Clive Davis, Serena Williams, Queen Latifah, Tyra Banks, Keys’ husband, producer Swizz Beatz, Russell Simmons, and Padma Lakshmi were among many others who came to show their support in the fight against the global AIDS pandemic.This year’s event focused on India, marking Keep a Child Alive's new presence there. Guests entered the venue and were immersed in a stunning decor reminiscent of an old opulent India designed by Creative Director of Keep a Child Alive, Earle Sebastian, and designer Bruce Thompson. Hanging marigold entryways, tufted fabric walls with antique framed images, and backlit bars featuring traditional Indian patterns created a majestic setting for the evening.

Following cocktails, the guests moved into the main hall of Hammerstein Ballroom into a breathtaking candlelit oasis where they enjoyed a delicious Indian-inspired dinner menu served by Creative Edge Catering. All wine and spirits for the evening were generously donated by Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits. Powerful emotive graphic messages and a series of films about the work and impact of Keep a Child Alive in India were projected onto multi-leveled projection screens.Like every year, The Black Ball honors individuals whose remarkable acts of giving have helped to transform lives.

This year’s Ball honored New Yorker, Anthony Scaramucci the managing partner of SkyBridge Capital who pledged that he and SkyBridge would raise $1 million for KCA next year.This year KCA also honored the late George Harrison for his spiritual, musical and philanthropic legacy throughout the world. Olivia Harrison, George’s wife, told the audience, “Tonight we’re all here because of the compassion and courage of two people who never met,” and pledged a donation to Keep a Child Alive. Alicia went on to say that George’s love of India’s philosophy, culture and people helped raised consciousness of the world and helped give rise to music’s first large scale rock & roll benefit concert, The Concert for Bangladesh, that took place in 1971 in New York City. The spirit of the late George Harrison was felt at the event as Keys honored him for helping "people change their view of how to act as humanitarians."

After a touching program, a Sotheby’s auctioneer and KCA advocate Tyra Banks worked together onstage to auction a series of incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The duo worked in unity to auction an adventure to India, private tennis lessons with Serena Williams, a dinner party for 10 with Naomi Watts and Ed Norton, an America’s Top Model makeover experience with Tyra Banks and Fred Leighton bracelets worn by Ms. Keys herself. The auction raised over $300,000.

The concert program for which the Black Ball is renowned began led by Alicia Keys and her incredible band. Keys orchestrated an evening of tributes where all artists covered one of Harrison’s most remembered songs as well as their own material. Indian fusion musicians Midival Punditz and electronic composer Karsh Kale opened the set with “Within You Without You,” followed by Jay Sean and Keys sultry R&B duet of hit ballad “Something.” It was then blues–rock guitarist Gary Clark Jr.’s turn who jammed with Alicia on “My Guitar Gently Weeps” and brought the audience to their feet. Norah Jones then came onstage to deliver a sweet solo rendition of “Don’t Know Why” and a duet of “Isn’t a Pity” with Alicia Keys. Usher again brought the audience to their feet with his high energy “OMG,” later joined by Bon Jovi Guitarist Richie Sambora.

The evening concluded with a pop performance of Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am, singing “Where is the Love,” into Harrison’s “Got my Mind Set on You,” and a crowd pumping version of “I Got a Feeling.” All told, the 2011 Black Ball raised over $3 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. 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.

Empire Produces the Innaugural Russia Business and Investment Summit in New York

Empire Produces the Innaugural Russia Business and Investment Summit in New York

New York City, NY

October 2011

On October 27th and 28th 2011, Empire Entertainment produced the first Russian Business and Investment Summit at the New York Stock Exchange. This summit was created to jumpstart American and foreign participation in Russia’s economic growth and to boost activity of listings and trading on the NYSE Euronext. In addition to production management, Empire created outreach materials that activated powerful sponsorships such as Ernst & Young, Russian Standard Vodka and Terex Corporation.CEOs of major Russian corporations, American investors and government officials were invited to meetings and panel discussions to impart valuable perspectives on the current state of Russia’s business and economy. Topics included a broad range, from policy-making trends to environmental regulations. Key speakers included Stuart Lawson, Executive Director and Senior Adviser at Ernst & Young, Congressman Bob Turner and esteemed officials, Deputy Minister Stanislav Voskresenskiy of the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Economic Development and James D. Wolfensohn, Former President of the World Bank.For the first day of the summit, Empire helped to bring together major players of Russian business by organizing one on one meetings between public and private Russian companies and investment funds at the Flatotel in midtown Manhattan. Attendees were provided with private meeting rooms to discuss valuable opportunities in their future relationships and to provide in-depth insight into the state of their businesses. After a day of business meetings, participants were invited to an Opening Gala reception that evening at the Ana Tzarev Gallery. Empire coordinated the cocktail reception complete with a fashion presentation of Russian couture fashion. Guests indulged in drinks sponsored by Russian Standard Vodka, Dozortsev & Sons, and Zhiguli Beer and lavished over Russian influenced hors d’oeuvres provided by Tatiana Restaurant. Roaming models showcased fashions designed by Oksana Remi Couture, Alex Teih, Helen Yarmak and accessories by Alex Soldier Jewelry and M.Y. Accessories. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed each other’s company against the backdrop of Ana Tzarev’s vibrant and richly colored paintings.The second day of the summit took place at the New York Stock Exchange where Empire produced a series of panel discussions concerning the full breadth of the Russian market. Panels included speakers from key Russian companies in telecommunication, pharmaceuticals, energy, and more. That afternoon, VIP participants were invited to ring the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange. The summit was closed with evening drinks and reception at the New York Stock exchange’s illustrious boardroom.The two-day summit was a great success for businesses and investors alike. A leading organizer of corporate meetings, Empire set the stage for valuable business connections and truly meaningful networking.

Lincoln Center Presents an Evening with Ralph Lauren Hosted by Oprah Winfrey

Lincoln Center Presents an Evening with Ralph Lauren Hosted by Oprah Winfrey

New York City, NY

October 2011

On Monday, October 24, Lincoln Center recognized Ralph Lauren’s indelible mark on the cultural landscape and his leadership in the fight against cancer with an unprecedented evening which jointly benefitted the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

This one night only evening with Ralph Lauren was hosted by Oprah Winfrey, who led a personal and intimate on-stage conversation with Mr. Lauren offering a rare look into the life of an intriguing public, yet very private, cultural icon.

At the conclusion of the discussion, which featured visual projections and multimedia elements presented within a uniquely Ralph Lauren set, the screens flew out to reveal a huge stage set and an unexpected reprise of Ralph Lauren's Spring Runway show with dozens of models in his most luxurious creations.

The multi media on stage conversation was preceded by a champagne reception in Alice Tully Hall and followed by a gala dinner in the David H. Koch Theater produced by KCD.

This landmark event was the most successful fundraising event in the history of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, raising over $7 million.

For this singular fashion event celebrating this true fashion icon, Empire Entertainment was proud to Co-Produce the evening’s stage presentation in collaboration with Producer Darren Bagert.

Empire is a leading producer of noteworthy events for the fashion world.

Empire partners with CAAF and KCA to produce Dream Halloween Los Angeles

Empire partners with CAAF and KCA to produce Dream Halloween Los Angeles

Santa Monica, CA

October 2011

Partnering with Children Affected by Aids Foundation (CAAF) and Keep A Child Alive (KCA), Empire Entertainment produced Dream Halloween Los Angeles on October 29th. Now in its 18th year, the annual kids-oriented fundraising event attracts over 1500 guests from all over Los Angeles. Proceeds from the event benefits children and families affected by HIV/AIDS.Taking place in the historic Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport, guests drove onto the taxiway and walked a 300’ red carpet to enter the space. The evening’s host, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Ribbon of Dreams Award recipient, Josh Duhamel, were among the attending celebrities.Earle Sebastian, Creative Director and Richard LaSalle, Production Designer had guests entering through a haunted forest. Waiting behind every bend were costumed forest dwellers ready to frighten unsuspecting trespassers. In keeping with the tradition of Dream Halloween, children trick or treated for toys instead of candy, made possible by custom windows built into the forest for distribution. Leaving the narrow, winding forest, guests walked into the transformed cavernous hangar. The main stage was packed with children’s entertainment all night with acts ranging from Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Japanese Drummers to the child performers of Le PeTiT CiRqUe. No Halloween party would be complete without a 20-person rendition of Michael Jackson’s thriller, which was later taught step by step to any eager attendee. Other features of the event included Ghost City, a maze of black light drawn walls further enhanced by the 3D glasses given out.There was never a dull moment as kids enjoyed arts and crafts and face painting by MAC artists. Walk around characters treated guests to photo- ops throughout the evening. Outside the hangar, a teen tent pumped music all night courtesy of Nickelodeon’s own, DJ J Boogie.The fun filled night culminated in a live auction of a one-of a kind Barbie doll made in the likeness of Alicia Keys made by the Mattel design team that was won by one lucky guest and a performance by Disney Channel’s Roshon Fegan from Camp Rock and Shake It Up.Working closely with CAAF and KCA, Empire Entertainment served as overall producer of the event.To learn more about Dream Halloween visit www.dreamhalloween.org or to make a donation to the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, please visit, www.caaf.org.To learn more about Keep A Child Alive or to donate, please visit, keepachildalive.org.

Empire Entertainment President & CEO J.B. Miller wins Biz Bash Event Producer of the Year!

Empire Entertainment President & CEO J.B. Miller wins Biz Bash Event Producer of the Year!

New York City, NY

October 2011

BizBash, the leading trade magazine for the event industry, announced the winners of the 2011 Reader's Choice awards during the 2011 BizBash New York Expo. Empire's President & CEO, J.B. Miller was honored to win the award for Event Producer of the Year.This prestigious award recognizes an individual event producer who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to execute all aspects of technical and creative corporate event production. With an unprecedented catalog already under his belt for 2011, J.B. is honored to be recognized for his dedication to creating and producing exceptional events in NYC and around the world.J.B. and his team at Empire Entertainment are hard at work on an impressive roster events for this Fall and Winter, continuing to produce the exceptional content that has been recognized by industry curator, BizBash. About our President:J.B. Miller, president and C.E.O. of Empire Entertainment, is an Emmy Award-winning producer with more than 25 years of experience as a producer in the entertainment industry. Born and raised in New York, Miller began making movies with his brothers Bennett and Teddy in his early teens and has continued producing ever since. Over the years, Miller’s career has included work in concerts, comedy, theater, radio, festivals, television, and motion pictures, as well as event production. For the past two decades, his New York City- and Tokyo-based company, Empire Entertainment, has provided the platform, team, and resources to marry his passion for producing events and managing creative enterprises with his widely diverse interests. The result is a prodigious track record of producing thousands of events in more than 65 countries for clients ranging from the White House, Microsoft, and Google to the XIV Dalai Lama and Keep a Child Alive. Miller believes he has the greatest job on earth and is honored to bethe winner of BizBash's Event Producer of the Year.

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