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FROM LOS ANGELES With the Primetime Emmys coming up this Sunday, September 20, the calendar is bustling with related events following on the big show's heels, with only one significant dropout. Here's a roundup:

In what has been a tough year for the publication, TV Guide will not host its traditional big party this year. Event Eleven, helmed by Tony Schubert, who has produced the event in past years, will work on the Entertainment Weekly party at the Sunset Marquis on Thursday night. For the magazine's seventh annual event, Entertainment Weekly has partnered with Women in Film's new TV and media committee. Maybelline New York's new Colorsensational Lip Color will sponsor, and organizers will infuse the brand’s color palette throughout all the details of the decor. PMK/HBH is handling PR.

Among the other big pre-parties is Family Guy's event, which will take to Avalon Hollywood on Friday night to celebrate its nomination for best comedy. Night Vision Entertainment is producing the event, which is set to include a 45-foot inflatable Peter Griffin character out front. Inside, conductor Ron Jones will lead an orchestra. And instead of a standard photo booth, guests' photos will go into flipbooks (simulating a cartoon—get it?). DJ Rick Rude will spin ambient tunes upstairs in Bardot. Entertainment Fusion Group is handling PR. MORE >>

Emmys, Award Season, Women in Film, Family Guy, Maybelline New York, Niche Media, Los Angeles Confidential, Gift Suites, Entertainment Tonight, People, Entertainment Weekly, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Governors Ball, Comedy Central, HBO, Fake Bake, T-Mobile, Save the Children, Susan G. Komen Foundation

NEWS 09.16.09 1:53 PM

In the News: Fed Says Recession "Over," Kanye Stunt Prompts Suspicion

Federal Reserve Thinks Recession Is Over: Talk of the recession's end has been just about everywhere since the latter half of the summer, and now that assessment has been given another shot of credibility—from the Federal Reserve. This week, in his first speech since being reappointed, Fed chairman Ben Bernanke claimed the recession is "very likely over." And though he also said it won't be a short road to complete recovery, the worst is over. Event professionals seem to agree. [CNN]

Conspiracy Theorists Question VMA Snafu: There's mounting speculation that Kanye's obnoxious turn at Sunday's Video Music Awards wasn't entirely off the cuff. Though many voiced skepticism over whether or not it was planned by MTV—much like its Movie Awards confrontation between Brüno star Sacha Baron Cohen and Eminem—a few are now gathering evidence to support the farce theory. Exhibit A? Some think that the bottle of Hennessy Kanye was throwing back on the red carpet had the cap on the whole time. [Movieline] MORE >>

Federal Reserve, MTV, MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West, HBO, BBDO

EVENT REPORT 09.16.09 11:29 AM

HBO's Bored to Death Premiere Stages Brooklyn Hipster Look in Manhattan

Detective office lighting at the Bored to Death premiere
Photo: Ira Lippke Studios

Last Thusday's busy lineup of events included something New York doesn't often see these days: a full-scale television series premiere and after-party. Held at Clearview's Chelsea Cinema and Tribeca Rooftop, the launch of HBO's hipster detective series Bored to Death brought out 350 guests, including stars Ted Danson, Jason Schwartzman, and Zach Galifianakis, for dinner and games.

A collaboration between two HBO staffers, director of special events Cindy Tenner and vice president of events and media relations Angela Lomascolo, Bored to Death seemed like an appropriate premiere to give a New York treatment. "We frequently do premieres in Los Angeles—so much of our industry is out of here—but Bored to Death is based here and shot on location all over Brooklyn," Tenner said. "Keeping it in the city and having the party off of a cobblestone street in Tribeca really fit the show." MORE >>

HBO, Bored to Death

EVENT REPORT 09.15.09 9:00 AM

From the Archive: Photos From Emmy Parties Past

Daryl Latter's table arrangements at the 2006 Emmy Governors Ball
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography

FROM LOS ANGELES In anticipation of the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards this Sunday, September 20, here's a look at highlights from Emmy parties from the past three years. MORE >>

Emmys, Award Season, Governors Ball, TV Guide, HBO, Grey Goose, Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Tonight, People Magazine

EVENT INTELLIGENCE 08.03.09 8:00 AM

Marketers Share Insights on Successful Event Partnerships

HBO and Virgin Atlantic's Entourage Air
Photo: AP Photo/Virgin America, Bob Riha Jr

Playing well with others hasn’t been strictly enforced since kindergarten, but companies looking to maintain or increase the impact of their events could do well to pay heed to that notion. Brand partnerships for events, campaigns, or long-term initiatives can produce more desirable results than tackling a project solo in any economy, but these days—when people are asked to do more for less—pooling resources can help marketers get more for their buck.

But before you jump into bed with another brand, make sure to confirm you and your partner are looking for the same thing. Six months of trying phone conferences and constant concessions may not be worth a few dollars saved or a mention in Us Weekly. To get an idea how successful pairings come together, we talked to marketers who recently teamed up to share production responsibilities and generate more media impressions, higher attendance, or stronger buzz than each probably would have on their own. The bottom line: They’re all open to doing it again. MORE >>

HBO, Virgin Atlantic, Entourage, The Fader, Levi's, Belvedere Vodka, Bustle Clothing, Consumer Electronics Show, iLounge

NEWS 06.18.09 11:52 AM

Emmys Move Back to September 20 to Avoid Conflict With MTV VMAs

Just a few weeks after announcing a date change to September 13 to avoid broadcast competition with the NFL, CBS and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences have backed down on their move, opting to go with the original plan of a September 20 ceremony for the 2009 Emmy Awards. The partners cite a conflict with MTV's Video Music Awards as the reason for switching back.

"After we announced plans for September 13, MTV informed us they were locked into the same day for the Video Music Awards, with venue and sponsorship agreements in place," CBS executive vice president of specials, music, and live events Jack Sussman told Variety. "We had the flexibility to move; they didn't. It's best for the industry and the audience that these events not compete against each other."

CBS and MTV are corporate cousins of a sort; although CBS is no longer owned by Viacom, MTV's parent, both are controlled by Sumner Redstone. MORE >>

Emmys, CBS, MTV, MTV Networks, MTV Video Music Awards, Viacom, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, HBO, Comedy Central

NEWS 06.03.09 4:37 PM

In the News: Emmys Move Up, Suffering Book Expo Mulls Changes

Fairly Late Notice for Emmy Move: The recently announced N.F.L. schedule prompted CBS and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to move the live broadcast of the 2009 Emmy Awards from September 20 to a week earlier, on September 13. Variety reports this won't affect party and event hosts, many of whom hadn't even selected venues for Emmy-related festivities and promotions yet. And those who had already picked venues are apparently being accommodated. HBO's party planned for the Pacific Design Center will go ahead on the new date. [Variety]

Racy Korean Axe Stunt Campaign Gets International Attention: A Korean advertising agency wrapped a women's dormitory at an undisclosed university with a calendar page, each day picturing an attractive female looking out of her window, for Axe deoderant. The firm responsible said they "aimed for the expression that a new female can be met on a daily basis." Accusations of sexism abounded on blogs earlier this week, but the stunt's extension outside its intended marketplace speaks for itself. [Gizmodo] MORE >>

Emmys, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, HBO, Axe, Book Expo, MTV, MTV Movie Awards

NEWS 04.23.09 1:06 PM

As Hollywood Slogs Through Recession, Studio Events Go On—Cautiously

A flaming car served as eye-popping decor at the premiere for Hancock last summer.
Photo: Line 8 Photography

FROM LOS ANGELES “Hollywood is recession proof.” That old, familiar sentiment dates back to the Great Depression, when the unemployment rate was greater than 25 percent, but the movie industry endured as people still seemed willing to spend what little they had on entertainment—also known as escapism. The popular theory is that the entertainment industry can survive any economic hiccup, including the current recession; so far this year, domestic box office numbers are up from 2008.

But how about the events that support and promote Hollywood’s movies and shows? They’re plodding along in the current economy, too—but more thoughtfully and less flamboyantly—according to their organizers and producers. “We are busy, but like with everybody else, it's really about corporate responsibility,” said Warner Brothers Studios special events director Hillary Harris, indicating that putting forth a targeted message and being mindful of perception are the keys these days. “What it boils down to is putting your money where the focus of your project is. The message is the most important thing. If you do that, you'll not only be successful, but you'll be politically correct.” MORE >>

Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, Budgets, Fox Searchlight, Warner Brothers, Juno, Slumdog Millionaire, HBO, Grey Gardens

EVENT REPORT 04.20.09 12:56 PM

HBO Recreates Beales' Heyday and Decay for Grey Gardens Premiere

A Health Department-friendly take on decay and neglect
Photo: Gabor Ekecs

FROM LOS ANGELES More than 1,200 guests carried on amid tableaux of rack and ruin at HBO’s hard-times bash for Thursday’s Hollywood premiere of Grey Gardens. After a screening at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the crowd celebrated at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where the party echoed the structure of the film, which depicted Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ aunt and cousin in their wealthy heyday during the '30s and in their impoverished dotage among cats and clutter in East Hampton 40 years later.

The cable channel’s West Coast events team, led by vice president of special events Lauren McMahon, and designer Billy Butchkavitz borrowed liberally from the eccentric charm of cult figures Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale, portrayed by Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore in the new film. Recreating scenes from the documentary about the Beales by Albert and David Maysles, it debuted on HBO on Saturday. MORE >>

HBO, Grey Gardens

NEWS 01.20.09 10:23 AM

Today in Inaugural News: Finishing Touches, Hints at Michelle's Entertaining Style, and a Wine-Stocked White House

President-elect Obama is just a few hours from dropping the "elect" from his title, and last-minute details for the celebrations all falling into place. Here's what's on our radar the morning of the inauguration:

Producers put the finishing touches on the Capitol Building stage for this morning's inauguration last night, lighting it up so everyone could catch a sneak peek. [Gawker]
Yesterday's lines to pick up tickets to the inauguration ceremony were predictably exhausting. [NYMag]
Many balls, including the Hawaii State Society Inaugural Ball and the Inaugural Purple Ball, will donate flowers used to Flower Power, an organization that delivers flowers to wounded soldiers. [Flower Power]
As first lady, Michelle Obama may delegate such duties as food tastings and china selection to her staff, and envisions hosting picnics with local children as well as state dinners, in order to make the White House more accessible to ordinary Americans. [NYT]
George W. Bush's farewell party, dubbed “Crossing the Finish Line," was held in Maryland Sunday night and featured casual attire, BBQ, and cheap domestic beer. [Slate]
Planners hoping their inaugural events will be the talk of the town for weeks to come might want to think again. Some believe the party atmosphere in Washington will be forgotten before tomorrow's cleanup is even over. [CQ Politics]

MORE >>

Inauguration 2009, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, White House, State Dinners, HBO, Muhammad Ali, George W. Bush, John McCain

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