Empire was proud to help Unfinished Live deliver the third of four, livestreamed episodes of its digital series to an international audience. This episode focused on technology and humanity and asked the fundamental question “Is technology driving progress or chaos?”

Writer, artist, and activist, Baratunde Thurston, again served as host live from Los Angeles and explored the topic with a cast of technologists, impact leaders, change-makers, artists, and the viewers.

The audience was guided through a fast-paced hour of live segments, dynamic films, and provocative performances to showcase lived experience, creative expression, and real-world candor. Through conversations, exchanges, and roundtable discussions, experts joined everyday voices in a nuanced exploration of possibility and discovery.

From the tech industry to public policy to the technology itself, episode three included 2020 Presidential candidate and Founder of Humanity Forward, Andrew Yang; Host of the TED Radio Hour at NPR, Manoush Zomorodi; Co-Founder and President of the Center for Humane Technology, Tristan Harris; Axios Chief Technology Correspondent, Ina Fried; President, Color Of Change, Rashad Robinson; Artist and Senior Technical Training Specialist, Contentful Amelia Winger-Bearskin; Co-Founder & Co-Director of the AI Now Institute, NYU, Meredith Whittaker; Political activist and Founding Member of Pussy Riot, Nadya Tolokonnikova; Executive Director, Aspen Digital, Aspen Institute Vivian Schiller; Professor and Director, Georgia Tech Center for Music Technology, Gil Weinberg; Founder, Code for America, Jennifer Pahlka; artist and filmmaker, Lynn Hershman Leeson; CEO of Genetic Alliance, Sharon Terry, and Shimon the Robot.

Unfinished Live has partnered with an unparalleled, impact-driven partner network to create both the series and the impact platform (see below), including The Aspen Institute, The Shed, For Freedoms, Imperative 21, Ashoka, Georgetown, MilM2, McCourt,and PolicyLink.

Empire is proud to serve as producer of this important series, managing the development and production of each episode as well as the overall project.

About Unfinished

Unfinished ​is an impact network and media platform devoted to the simple idea that if we open our minds and create the space for possibilities, we can advance powerful solutions to the most critical challenges of our time. By tapping into the power of communities, creative media, and new technology, we connect thought leaders, culture-shapers, policy-makers, and innovators to provoke ideas, elevate unheard voices, and pursue collaborations for greater impact.

To learn more and to RSVP for an upcoming episode visit: https://unfinished.com/​

Empire was thrilled to make it snow in two cities for advance drive-in screenings of the series premiere of Bravo’s highly anticipated The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Held just two days apart, each event featured real snow and a huge glowing marquee sign at the entrance where VIP guests, press, and close to a thousand fans queued to enter the pop-up drive-in theaters.

The consecutive drive-ins were held in Los Angeles on a grass lawn outside the Rose Bowl and presented by AT&T, then in downtown Salt Lake City across from the Vivint Smart Home Arena and presented by Dish. All attendees were treated to complementary Bravo snack boxes filled with multiple flavors of popcorn, candy, a beverage, and a branded face mask. As an added bonus, each event featured a drive-up photo booth experience for sharing snaps instantly on social media, #RHOSLC.

The Salt Lake City screening was attended by many of the hometown Housewives themselves including Jen Shah, Heather Gay, Lisa Barlow, and Whitney Rose, who brought along their own entourages (aka party squads) for the big premiere event.

An après ski theme was featured throughout the event from the big entry statement to the photo booths and screen content with prop skis, snow-capped mountains, and giant snowflakes.

Both attendees and staff were kept safe with strict social distancing measures and mask-wearing in place from load-in to load-out and enforced by security personnel. Covid-19 Safety Guidelines were also communicated to all attendees during online registration, follow-up emails, and via onsite event signage and pre-show screen content.

Empire had so much fun creating these drive-in premiere screening events and is a proud producer of live and virtual events in accordance with Covid-19 Health and Safety Protocols and Guidelines.

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Empire was proud to help Unfinished Live deliver the second of four episodes of its digital, livestreamed series to an international audience. Focused on big societal issues and how conversations can lead to impact and positive change, Unfinished Live is a new kind of intelligent digital programming that combines storytelling and content with live audience interactivity and calls to action.

One week after the U.S. presidential election, the second episode topic was Democracy and Voice and examined the urgent questions about the future of democracy.

Writer, artist, and activist, Baratunde Thurston, served as host guiding the audience through a fast-paced hour of insight discussions, films, and artistic commissions that invited the audience to participate and ask how do we citizen?

Bringing together a wide range of disparate voices and perspectives, episode two included artists Yo-Yo Ma, Carrie Mae Weems, Alfredo Jaar, and Hank Willis Thomas, artist and Co-Founder of For Freedoms; the preacher Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, Co-Chair, Poor People's Campaign, architect, Forward Together Moral Monday Movement, as well as the innovators, Eric Liu, CEO & Co-Founder, Citizen University; Krista Tippett, Host and Creator, On Being; and David Bornstein, journalist, author and Co-Founder, Solutions Journalism Network. Additional attendees included academics Kristen Soltis Anderson, author, speaker, commentator, and Co-Founder, Echelon Insights; Arthur Brooks, Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School & Arthur C. Patterson Faculty Fellow at the Harvard Business School.

The program consisted of live host segments, dynamic films, and thought-provoking performances to showcase lived experience, creative expression, and real-world candor. Each conversation reminded us: Who is the “we” in ‘we the people?’ What do we owe each other? When can the healing start? Where do we go from here? What is the democracy of the future? Through conversations, interviews, exchanges, and roundtable discussions, experts joined everyday voices in a nuanced exploration of possibility and discovery on the episode’s topic.

Unfinished Live has partnered with an unparalleled, impact-driven partner network to create both the series and the impact platform (see below) including The Aspen Institute, The Shed, For Freedoms, Imperative 21, Ashoka, Georgetown, MilM2, McCourt, and PolicyLink.

Empire is proud to serve as producer of this important series, managing the development and production of each episode as well as the overall project.

About Unfinished

Unfinished ​is an impact network and media platform devoted to the simple idea that if we open our minds and create the space for possibilities, we can advance powerful solutions to the most critical challenges of our time. By tapping into the power of communities, creative media, and new technology, we connect thought-leaders, culture-shapers, policy-makers, and innovators to provoke ideas, elevate unheard voices, and pursue collaborations for greater impact.

To learn more and to RSVP for an upcoming episode visit: https://unfinished.com/

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Empire was honored to work with The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists to successfully translate their annual meeting and gala into a virtual version—a recalibrated event commemorating the Bulletin’s 75th anniversary.

The event was truly a unique and interactive virtual experience that allowed guests to engage with the Bulletin’s global audience of thought leaders. Through carefully curated “virtual tables,” leading experts in the fields of nuclear risk, climate change, and disruptive technologies hosted intimate conversations throughout the evening: one during the virtual dinner course, and another over a virtual dessert.

In addition to the intimate “table”-style conversations, the event included speakers and an audience from around the world including South Korea, Israel, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and elsewhere.

Program remarks were delivered from the Bulletin’s President, Rachel Bronson; keynote speaker, Yoriko Kawaguchi; Rieser Award recipient and co-author of "Adults Won’t Take Climate Change Seriously. So We, the Youth, are Forced to Strike.", Haven Coleman; and Governor, Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown. The Bulletin community gathered to toast the Bulletin’s 75th anniversary with a special message from William J. Perry who served in the Clinton administration as the 19th Secretary of Defense for the United States.

Table experts included Award-winning journalist, historian, and New York Times bestselling author, Lesley Blume, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Beatrice Fihn.

George Church, the Robert Winthrop Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and a pioneer of today’s "Genomic Era"; Lynn Eden, a senior research scholar (Emeritus) at Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation; Laura Holgate, Vice President of Materials Risk Management at the Nuclear Threat Initiative; and Asha George, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, where she plays a leading role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, were also in attendance. Joining directly from Australia was the Honorable Gareth Evans, a distinguished honorary professor at the Australian National University.

To learn more and to support the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists' vital mission of equipping the public, policymakers, and scientists with the information needed to reduce man-made threats to our existence, while at the same time elevating the role of science in the formation of public policy, visit https://thebulletin.org/

Empire is a leading producer of virtual and digital events. We strive to deliver the same high production value, immersive and interactive qualities we are known for in live events to virtual audiences.

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Empire was proud to partner with BOMB Magazine to produce their 39^th Anniversary Virtual Gala on October 2nd, 2020. The program was livestreamed directly to BOMB’s website and focused on emphasizing BOMB’s theme, The Artist’s Voice, bringing together the close community that BOMB has supported during their 39 years.

BOMB Magazine’s gala featured artists and collaborators previously interviewed or featured in their magazine editions. Empire worked closely with BOMB to develop and produce an original pre-recorded video production and run-of-show for the program. It featured remarks and performances by Betsy Sussler, BOMB’s Editor in Chief, Jibz Cameron aka Dynasty Handbag, Wallace Shawn, Deborah Eisenberg, Claudia Rankine, Eric Bogosian, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, and many more. Artists like Katherine Bernhardt, Kenny Scharf, Dindga McCannon, and Lee Quinones showcased some of their art pieces for auction on Artsy, while contributors like Frederic Tuten, Jonathan Lethem, Linda Goode Bryant, and Monica De le Torre participated in a fun zoom call together recounting their incredible experiences with BOMB over the years.

The show honored Rachel Harrison, Henry Taylor, and Lawrence Weiner with a toast to Ugochukwu-Smooth Nzewi, and a highlight performance from Rufus Wainwright of “Only the People That Love".

Empire Entertainment is honored to have the opportunity to work with BOMB Magazine to help fundraise and support their message especially during these unprecedented times. https://bombmagazine.org/

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Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) celebrated its annual Crown Awards virtually this year. Empire was honored to produce the first-ever virtual benefit program dedicated to honoring Columbia’s front line heroes who valiantly responded to the COVID-19 pandemic: doctors, nurses, physicians, researchers, administrative, and support staff.

The evening program was hosted by VP&S alumna and ABC News Chief Health and Medical Correspondent, Dr. Jennifer Ashton. It also featured remarks by Lee C. Bollinger, President of Columbia University, Dr. Steven M. Corwin, President and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian, and included contributions from Dr. P. Roy Vagelos and Mrs. Diana Vagelos, expressing thanks to the partners, friends, and supporters of Columbia.

Accepting the 2020 Crown Award was Dean Emeritus of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine (VP&S) and Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, Dr. Lee Goldman, whose leadership was transformational for the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The award paying tribute to his 14-year tenure was presented by Anil K. Rustgi, Interim Executive Vice President and Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine, and Director of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC).

The program also featured musical performances by VP&S students. Brian Stokes Mitchell and his pianist, Tedd Firth, closed the night with songs such as “The Wheels of a Dream,” “Feeling Good,” and “The Quest” to highlight the evening’s uplifting theme and occasion.  

Empire worked closely with the Columbia team to create the overall event, implement design and run-of-show, coordinate and record all speakers and talent (safely in-person and remote), and oversee the technical production and livestream.

Empire also created the microsite with elegant textures to host the livestream. The site featured a colorful, clean format with digital program and donate link above the program player window.

Empire is a leading producer of virtual awards ceremonies and fundraisers, special feature video productions, and more. We are proud to support Columbia’s COVID-19 Response Fund.

To learn more and donate, please visit ColumbiaCrownAwards.org

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Empire was proud to help livestream the first of four episodes of the Unfinished Live digital series on the web, YouTube, and NowThis to an international audience. Focused on big societal issues and how conversations can lead to impact and positive change, Unfinished Live is a new kind of intelligent digital programming that combines storytelling and content with live audience interactivity and calls to action. The topic of the first of these groundbreaking episodes was Economy & Justice.

Writer, artist, and activist Baratunde Thurston serves as host of the series, guiding the audience through a fast-paced hour of insight discussions, films, and artistic commissions that invite the audience to participate and imagine ​what’s possible now.

The first episode explored questions including whether capitalism is working for us all and whether we can reimagine a better economy together. Bringing together a wide range of disparate voices and perspectives, the first episode featured ideas and artistic contributions by documentary photographer, Aaron Huey; Founder & CEO of Coalfield Development, Brandon Dennison; Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary Julián Castro; Ford Foundation President, Darren Walker; JUST Capital CEO, Martin Whittaker; Filmmaker Abigail Disney; New York Times writer, David Leonhardt; Executive Director and Co-Founder of GreenWave, Bren Smith; PayPal CEO, Dan Schulman; as well as workers, activists, small business owners, and social innovators.

The program consists of live host segments, dynamic films, and thought-provoking performances to showcase lived experience, creative expression, and real-world candor. Through conversations, interviews, exchanges, and roundtable discussions, experts join everyday voices in a nuanced exploration of possibility and discovery on each episode’s topic.

Unfinished Live has partnered with an unparalleled, impact-driven partner network to create both the series and the impact platform (see below), including The Aspen Institute, The Shed, For Freedoms, Imperative 21, Ashoka, Georgetown, MilM2, and PolicyLink.

Empire is proud to serve as producer of this important series, managing the development and production of each episode as well as the overall project.

About Unfinished Live

Unfinished ​is an impact network and media platform devoted to the simple idea that if we open our minds and create the space for possibilities, we can advance powerful solutions to the most critical challenges of our time. By tapping into the power of communities, creative media and new technology, we connect thought-leaders, culture-shapers, policy-makers,and innovators to provoke ideas, elevate unheard voices, and pursue collaborations for greater impact.

To learn more and to RSVP for an upcoming episode visit: https://unfinished.com/

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Shibuya is known for its epic (and often rowdy) Halloweens, when hordes of costume-clad revelers flock to the area around the world famous Scramble Crossing. This year, in order to allow for a safer and more socially distanced Halloween, Empire co-produced the “Virtual Shibuya au 5G Halloween Festival”.

Taking place on the “Virtual Shibuya” platform, authorized by Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward under the slogan #StayVirtual, Tokyo’s famous high streets of Shibuya were transformed into a Halloween entertainment showcase. The use of 5G and the latest cutting-edge technology connected the real Shibuya to a virtual space, combining digital and real worlds into an immersive experience.

Viewers tuning into “Virtual Shibuya au 5G Halloween Fes” with their own avatars had a chance to experience a variety of online events: a mystery-themed game with the virtual mayor of Shibuya, “HACHIKO”, designed by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto; a virtual costume contest; shopping for limited edition goods; and more.

Additionally, the stage hosted performances and talk shows from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Kento Mori, BiSH, Rinne, Nulbarich, and international DJs Ellen Alien (Berlin), Surgeon (Birmingham), Dasha Rush (Berlin), and Ken Ishii. The event also featured collaborations with NHK's Bit World, KidZania, and Netflix. “Virtual Shibuya au 5G Halloween Fes” hosted over 400,000 viewers from all over the world.

Empire is a leading producer of virtual, digital and hybrid events. Please contact us for more information on Virtual and IRL Events and to request a copy of the Empire Virtual Events Guide.

Official Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSA9H_TGgAQC6ANogSiNa5Q

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Empire was honored to produce the Center for Hearing and Communication’s Virtual Gala, “Communication Without Limits.” This inspirational lineup of speakers and entertainment helped raise money to provide comprehensive services to those affected by hearing loss, deafness, or listening challenges.

The Gala honored Alex Lacamoire, award-winning music director, arranger, orchestrator, and composer best known for his work on Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and In the Heights. Actor, singer, and songwriter Joey McIntyre emceed the program, sharing a personal story about his son who was born with a hearing loss and the way CHC transforms the lives of so many families like his who are coping with the challenges of hearing loss.

Heather Baker, CHC board member and recipient of CHC’s services, shared a personal and moving story of how CHC impacted her life, while CK Swett, the auctioneer, encouraged all to donate throughout the night, raising over $700,000 to date! Other highlights include hearing health messages from ABC Anchor, Bill Ritter; actors Richard Kind and Kassie DePaiva; Grammy award-winning trumpeter, Chris Botti; singer Caroline Vreeland; and NBC Weather Anchor, David Price. The CHC kids sang a special tribute of Hamilton’s “My Shot” and held a fun and inspirational Zoom call with Alex and CHC kids, where they shared their experiences and celebrated their limitless abilities.

There were special appearances by Hamilton cast and crew, Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbueler, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Kurt Crowley, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and others, with surprise messages for Alex and performances by ELEW and a beautiful finale of Alex and Joey singing “You Will Be Found,” from Dear Evan Hansen.

Empire worked closely with the CHC team to create the overall event and run-of-show and video packages; oversaw technical production, livestream, and speaker and talent logistics; and facilitated captioning and interpreting for all guests.

Empire is a leading producer of fundraising virtual 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/

BALMUDA, Japan’s award-winning appliance & computer accessories manufacturer, held a product launch event for their "BALMUDA The Cleaner", a hover-style cleaner that delivers "a whole new cleaning experience."

The launch event was held at the KASHIYAMA DAIKANYAMA, a modern glass gallery, cafe, restaurant & bar complex in Tokyo, where the product was announced and showcased to the media, emphasizing its style, cleaning power, and usability.

Empire was tasked with the venue design, event direction, and management.

Empire is proud to work with BALMUDA once again and to continue our live event work as a leader in executing innovative, consumer-faceing brand marketing projects around the world.​

BALMUDA Site: https://www.balmuda.com/jp/