Hillary Harris
Executive director of special events, Warner Brothers Studios, Burbank, California
Big innovation: Bringing the resources of a major TV studio to bear on both studio and non-studio events on the lot. Harris makes use of 70 different craft departments for her events, while working around—and with—sets in a way that benefits both the live events and TV productions.
Launchpad: “In the ’80s, I started a catering firm called Cuisine/Cuisine. Little by little, I began to do more production and design work for clients, so I started Mixed Grille Productions. Warner Brothers was one of my clients, as they didn’t yet have a special events department. In 1993 they officially opened [that] division and brought me on board.”
Claim to fame: The 2000 Democratic National Convention, which included several huge events in one day: a governors’ breakfast, a 1,500-person rally, and a Bill Clinton reception on the West Wing set. Plus: a milestone birthday party for Ellen DeGeneres, the Environmental Media Awards, and the 1,300-guest launch of the CW Network, showcasing 90 stars from 19 television shows.
Style signature: “Large-scale sophisticated fun that is on trend with Hollywood and pop culture.” Hidden talent: “I am a walking Rolodex for off-the-beaten-path food discoveries from San Diego to Santa Barbara, and even a few in other states and countries.”
Best place to get inspired: “In the screening room.”
On Twitter: @WBspecialevents
Big innovation: Bringing the resources of a major TV studio to bear on both studio and non-studio events on the lot. Harris makes use of 70 different craft departments for her events, while working around—and with—sets in a way that benefits both the live events and TV productions.
Launchpad: “In the ’80s, I started a catering firm called Cuisine/Cuisine. Little by little, I began to do more production and design work for clients, so I started Mixed Grille Productions. Warner Brothers was one of my clients, as they didn’t yet have a special events department. In 1993 they officially opened [that] division and brought me on board.”
Claim to fame: The 2000 Democratic National Convention, which included several huge events in one day: a governors’ breakfast, a 1,500-person rally, and a Bill Clinton reception on the West Wing set. Plus: a milestone birthday party for Ellen DeGeneres, the Environmental Media Awards, and the 1,300-guest launch of the CW Network, showcasing 90 stars from 19 television shows.
Style signature: “Large-scale sophisticated fun that is on trend with Hollywood and pop culture.” Hidden talent: “I am a walking Rolodex for off-the-beaten-path food discoveries from San Diego to Santa Barbara, and even a few in other states and countries.”
Best place to get inspired: “In the screening room.”
On Twitter: @WBspecialevents
Photo: Courtesy of Hillary Harris
