Virtual Events
Like many producers, I spent 2020 & 2021 diving into the world of online events, including successfully transforming two annual fundraising galas into high-end virtual experiences, and bringing an online Q&A program into existence within weeks of a festival cancellation.
SFFILM Awards Night
December 2020 - Producer & Director
SF Chronicle: “SFFILM Gala goes virtual to honor Aaron Sorkin, Glenn Close”
As producer & director of Awards Night, SFFILM’s annual fundraising gala and award show, I Ied the SFFILM team in the strategic, creative, and logistical reconfiguration the traditionally live event, creating a multi-layered online experience.
Hour-long show broadcast combining live and pre-recorded content, including brand-new video pieces, award presentations, and Fund-a-Need with live on-screen giving.
Talent including Amy Adams, Sacha Baron Cohen, Glenn Close, Regina King, Aaron Sorkin, Chloé Zhao, and the cast of One Night in Miami.
All-in-one event platform build out on Socio platform, with tiered VIP experience including pre-show breakout rooms, talent conversations, and press rooms.
Working with McCalls Catering & Events on artisanal food boxes delivered to guests throughout the Bay Area on show day.
Alonzo King LINES Ballet Gala
April 2021 - Producer & Director
SF Chronicle: “Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s spring gala offers hope for bursting ‘COVID bubble’
I was hired as a consultant to bring on my team and replicate SFFILM’s virtual gala success for LINES Ballet, working with the staff and board to guide event vision, strategy, and execution — resulting in audience acclaim and record-breaking revenue.
Hour-long show broadcast including the premiere of dance films shot in SFMOMA, appearances by Debbie Allen, Mayor London Breed, Misty Copeland, musical performance by Lisa Fischer & Jason Moran.
Live auction and fund-a-need via OneCause, with audience bidding from home and live in-studio auctioneer.
Pre-show donor experience with breakout room “tables” featuring conversations with LINES dancers and Alonzo King and gourmet gift box delivery.
Worldwide audience of more than 800, record-breaking $700k in revenue.
Screenings & Conversations
I have produced numerous online Q&A’s, screenings, and master classes on Zoom webinar, both in-house at SFFILM and as a consultant, including:
A Tribute to Sienna Miller
A Conversation with Michael Winterbottom
Crip Camp Q&A with Oscar nominees Jim LeBrecht & Nicole Newnham.
For the US Department of State Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs: Willie documentary screening and Q&A with Willie O’Ree, featuring live translation into seven languages and a worldwide audience of 800.
For the SF Silent Film Festival: MasterClass on silent film scoring with Rodney Sauer.
Full video recordings available upon request
SFFILM photos by Pamela Gentile
LINES Ballet key art photo by RJ Muna
SFMOMA artwork credit: Julie Mehretu, “HOWL,” eon (I, II) 2016-2017, ©Julie Mehretu / Courtesy of the artist and Marian Goodman Gallery.