During her 17-year tenure at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Alison Bossert produced hundreds of events while leading the team responsible for creating premieres, award show parties, and gatherings for the studio’s motion picture division: Highlights included all of the Spider-Man 3 openings around the world, partner summits for James Bond films, The Da Vinci Code debut in Cannes, France, the Men in Black bashes, and blowouts for Michael Jackson’s This Is It, among many others.
Bossert also produced an array of less-visible memorial services for big names, and she says it was assisting the loved ones of the deceased through those events that impacted her the most in her role at Sony.
That's why Bossert has launched her own new company, Final Bow Productions. The Los Angeles-based company specializes not in glitzy premieres—but rather in funerals, memorial services, and so-called “celebrations of life” of all types.
Bossert shared details about how she chose the niche for her new company and why it made sense with her entertainment pedigree.
What were the circumstances surrounding your departure from Sony?
I was laid off during one of Sony’s annual downsizes. I was lucky to have worked there during an amazing time when my talents and expertise were highly valued. While I thoroughly enjoyed my 17 years at the company, I knew it was time to move on and start a new chapter in my life and career.
Why was this particular niche your next calling?
I’ve actually been thinking about it for more than 10 years now. I started researching this idea when I realized that as a society we celebrate births, weddings, and anniversaries—but not the final celebration of one’s life.
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Then, while at Sony, I was given the opportunity to produce memorial services for Heath Ledger, [studio executive] John Calley, [agent, producer, and executive] Gareth Wigan, [Pretty Woman and Oscars producer] Laura Ziskin, and Ronni Chasen [the Hollywood publicist who was murdered returning from a premiere]. By combining my love for events with my desire to help people, Final Bow Productions was born.
Why do you feel there was a market opportunity to support your new business?
The research I’ve done over the past few years has shown me there’s a market for this type of service. Baby Boomers started turning 65 in 2011 and represent roughly 20 percent of the American public. It’s a huge group of society grappling with their mortality.
Also, we live in a time when people want to have control of every aspect of their life, but death is the one thing that no one can predict. What I can do is help people realize they have an opportunity to have a say in how they are remembered. Joan Rivers and Nora Ephron had planned out their services before they died. There’s a sense of control along with some relief knowing your wishes will make a difficult time a bit easier for those left behind.
How are you marketing and getting new business?
Aggressive outreach via social media and through agents, publicists, and managers in the Hollywood community. Also money managers, trust lawyers, and funeral providers.
How have your Hollywood event planning skills and relationships benefited Final Bow?
My strong work ethic and standards for excellence have certainly helped open many doors for me. My longstanding relationships are paramount in helping me start this business. Over the last 20 years, I’ve been able to assemble an amazing team of specialists who will be part of the Final Bow Productions team.
How would you like to see the business grow?
I hope that it becomes more socially acceptable to discuss, plan, and organize for your final bow. I hope I can grow the business to a point where I can help as many people as possible.
