Looking for an unusual venue that would be available despite the slew of events taking place for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Showtime opted to host the second-season premiere of its drama series Homeland aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Co-hosted by Time Warner Cable, the screening and its ensuing reception on Friday put nearly 650 guests—including show stars Claire Danes, Damian Lewis, and Mandy Patinkin, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and designer Valentino Garavani—amid the displays of planes and beneath the space shuttle recently acquired by the museum.
"With the incredible buzz on Homeland and given the anticipation of its return in September, we were inspired to throw a unique celebration for our cast, producers, and writers, who all came into town for [the occasion]. Also, knowing it was Fashion Week, we wanted to choose a standout venue that would also provide spectacular views of the New York City skyline," said Shari Kaufman, vice president of talent relations and special events for Showtime, who oversaw the event along with a team from Time Warner Cable. "We were also thrilled that the Homeland event was the first premiere party held in the shuttle since its opening to the public."
"The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum seemed a great fit all around, since Time Warner Cable became an official sponsor of space shuttle Enterprise and of its Space Shuttle Pavilion on top of the museum’s flight deck," added Kristen Malaspina, vice president of partnership marketing and corporate marketing for Time Warner Cable.
Not only did the event give guests the opportunity to see the Enterprise, but its pavilion became part of the premiere's party space, with a bar, buffets, and seating placed beneath the shuttle.
To create a more intimate feel in other areas of the enormous decommissioned aircraft carrier, the producers used dark amber tones throughout the venue and placed illuminated spheres and glowing lanterns on the open-air flight deck. For Hangar 3, the area for the screening, couches, lounge furniture, and high tables gave the room a cozy, home theater feel, while five large projector screens provided views of the show from all angles.
Elsewhere, nods to the show included a political campaign-style banner for its character Nicholas Brody and custom dog tags for the bar staff. And despite Homeland's serious subject matter—terrorism and the Central Intelligence Agency—a mosaic of miniature cupcakes from Baked by Melissa and sweets station from Dylan's Candy Bar added a lighthearted touch to the evening.
