It was a dazzling night with Vanessa Hudgens as American Express hosted its Raise the Bar with Business Gold immersive pop-up experience
In the vast landscape of Netflix documentaries, “Life on Our Planet” has emerged as a groundbreaking work of art and science. The series, narrated by the iconic Morgan Freeman, takes viewers on an enthralling journey through Earth’s history, illuminating the incredible story of evolution. Recently, the masterminds behind the show gathered to unveil the intricacies of its creation. During the presentation, key questions were addressed, shedding light on the meticulous craftsmanship and scientific precision that brought this monumental series to life.
Netflix’s gripping documentary series, ‘Life on Our Planet,’ offers viewers a mesmerizing journey through Earth’s four-billion-year history, a story largely untold in the way that the creators have in this series. With cutting-edge science and technology, the series vividly resurrects long-extinct species, shedding light on the epic struggle for survival that has shaped our planet. This eight-part production executively produced by Steven Spilberg, delves into the five mass extinction events that have left their indelible mark on Earth’s ecosystem, while also confronting the present-day environmental crisis, often noted as the ‘sixth extinction.’ Narrated by the the one and only Morgan Freeman, ‘Life on Our Planet’ takes audiences on a captivating voyage from the dawn of life itself, through the emergence of terrestrial creatures, to the catastrophic downfall of the dinosaurs and the rise of humanity. Through breathtaking visuals and animation, the series underscores the crucial role of humans as stewards of the planet, urging us to address the environmental challenges we face today to ensure a sustainable future.
Life on Our Planet” serves as a poignant call to action for audiences worldwide. The series aims to not only inform but also inspire viewers to take an active role in safeguarding our planet. It unfolds Earth’s remarkable history, from the dawn of life to the intricate ecosystems of today, while emphasizing the urgent need to address the environmental challenges of our time. The presentation shed light on how the series meticulously blended cinematic artistry with scientific authenticity.
Upon entering the theater for the “Life on Our Planet” presentation, it was an exciting and anticipatory atmosphere considering it was inside the famous Amblin Theatre located on the Universal Studios Lot. The audience settled into their seats as the panel of experts, including Dr. Tom Fletcher, Justin Falvey, Johnathan Privette, Keith Scholey, Alastair Forthergrill and Dan Tapster took the stage. Their presence added a significant and prestigious element to the event, and it was clear that something remarkable was about to happen. The Q&A session allowed these experts to provide insights into the making of the series, making the audience feel fortunate to be part of this unique experience.
During the event, the Q&A session came to life with engaging discussions and in-depth answers from the experts. The clips from the Netflix show, “Life on Our Planet,” were seamlessly integrated, providing a visual feast that showcased the stunning and realistic recreations of prehistoric creatures. The audience was captivated by the insightful explanations and the intricate process behind the series’ creation. The Amblin Theatre became a hub of knowledge and inspiration, where attendees not only learned about the show but we’re also moved by the urgent message of environmental conservation shared by the panelists. The clips and discussions left a lasting impression, reinforcing the significance of understanding our planet’s history to secure its future. Considering this series will have such an anticpating ending, I decided to ask a question that would answer viewers’ main question after finishing this series.
Question:
Hello. Considering that a lot of documentaries, as you said, don’t have many cliffhangers, and the series took kind of while to make, this is gonna make viewers binge-watch and want another season. When can viewers expect another season when it took so long for the first one?
DAN: [laugh]
KEITH: Oh, we’d have to hand that over to the legal team.
EVERYONE: [laugh]
FEMALE: We’re very thrilled with this series.
EVERYONE: [laugh]
ALASTAIR: You put her on the spot now. [laugh] I’ll tell you tomorrow, though. [laugh]
KEITH: We learned some efficiencies along the way when it came to shooting VFX. There was a long period of R and D just to figure out how we were gonna pull it off. And so, I think if there ever was to be a follow-up, it wouldn’t take us as long.
ALASTAIR: I think we also feel we’ve hit a new [seat?]. You know, in tele world, actually really new ways of doing things, new ideas, new seams are hard to find. And we think with this series, we’ve hit a new seam. It’s got this, sort of this driving narrative that goes through a natural history series, which we worked [indiscernible] a long time. Driving narrative is hard in normal [indiscernible], but this one, it’s just natural and it goes through like a roller coaster. And there’s so many fantastic stories about our past world which we think we can bring to the screen in this way. So, we’re reallyexcited about this series, but also the place it could take us to.
“Life on Our Planet” is a testament to the incredible results that can be achieved through a fusion of scientific accuracy and artistic craftsmanship. The presentation offered invaluable insights into the passion, dedication, and meticulous planning that brought this insightful documentary to life. With educational initiatives in the pipeline, the series promises to not only entertain but also inspire future generations to become staunch advocates for our natural world. As the legacy of “Life on Our Planet” continues to grow, it marks a turning point in the realm of nature documentaries, elevating the genre to new heights of excellence.
With the success of Dateline NBC to Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries, it’s safe to say that America has a “slight” obsession with true crime series.
AFROPUNK x BlerDCon joined forces to host a ‘Halloween House’ Party at The House of Cannabis in NYC.
Daiya Foods hosted a first-of-its-kind pop-up slice shop called Slice Club in New York City.
To me, fall means new beginnings. It’s a sweet reminder to make the rest of the year as incredible as it can be, which starts with feeling my best. As summer comes to a close, new adventures are on the horizon, who isn’t in search of ways to be our best selves this fall? I know I am, and when it comes to wellness, few are more well versed than Hilary Sheinbaum. In her book The Dry Challenge, she provides life changing insight on the benefits of abstaining from alcohol for periods of time, and provides fun ways to tackle the challenge. The challenge promotes a healthy lifestyle, raises awareness about the effects of alcohol, and allows individuals to focus on self-improvement.
Hilary challenges are not only a brilliant way to get back in touch with your body and mind, but they’re also super unique and tons of fun! On Tuesday, we gathered at Rise Nation, the viral fitness studio that has taken the city by storm with its unique approach to working out. The VersaClimber, a versatile vertical climbing machine, is at the core of their workouts. This equipment challenges users to climb to new heights and push their physical limits while engaging the entire body. VersaClimbing is known for its low impact on joints and its ability to deliver a full-body workout, and when done with a fun loving instructor, can feel like a dance party.
If you’ve never seen a VersaClimber before, I’ll admit that it looks a bit jarring. The standing machine is confusing at first, and I found myself unsure of how it would even be used. But after a demonstration from our kindhearted instructor, I was shocked at how easy it was to get into the groove of the machine. The event began with a dynamic warm-up to prepare us for what lay ahead, set to high energy dance music that made the time go by way faster than expected. Our instructor guided us through a high-intensity climbing routine that incorporated ever changing speeds and resistance levels.
The room felt like a party in itself, with the lights constantly changing colors to the sound of the music. The atmosphere and music were both infectious and made for an immersive, high energy experience..Whether someone was an experienced climber or a beginner (me!), the workout was designed to be accessible and adaptable to all fitness levels.
After an exhilarating workout, we were treated to a sweet finale. Martini + Rossi, renowned for its sparkling wines and vermouth, had crafted a selection of mocktails. The alcohol-free beverages were the perfect way to celebrate the Dry Challenge while providing a refreshing and satisfying conclusion to the workout.
The event was more than just a workout class and mocktail party; it was a celebration of health and community. We were reminded that fitness and fun can go hand in hand, and that there are tons of enjoyable alternatives to alcohol for those participating in the Dry Challenge.
Hear more about Hilary and The Dry Challenge here!
Last night PUBLIC celebrated Halloween with a Project Zero party Neptune’s Nightmare at their underground club. All night long guests were treated to beats from Alexandra Richards, Aku + Niks, and The Muses.
The party had attendees transported into the ultimate oceanic dance party. Hosts of the party where Michele Clarke, Bob Barrett, Tyler Burrow, Mei Kwok, Peter Davis, Dianne Brill, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, Dustin Pittman, Ben Pundole, Sophie Sumner, Liz Vap & Tyrone Wood.
Emma Snowdon-Jones, Tyler Burrow, Xeina Alkahina
Notable attendees included Troy Hawke, Drew Jessup, Trevor Sumner, Ted Hildner, Lauren Corcoran, Alexa Dark, Travis Cronin, Indira Cesarine, Lo’renzo Hill White, Dustin Pittman, Xeina Alkahina, Caio Morbin, Mauro Finatti, Derek Kettela,
photographer Jesse Frohman, designers Vin + Omi, Jill Stuart and Ric Pipino and Andrea Piecuch (Miss Universe US Virgin Islands), and Andrea Piecuch.
The spooky affair also was a special night to benefit Project Zero. The organization has set out to secure a global network of ocean sanctuaries to provide resilience to the devastating effects of the climate crisis. Stretching from Antarctica to the Bering Strait, and mapped out by the world’s leading marine scientists, this global network of projects will be able to restore our ocean’s health, and set us on a sustainable path.
Caio Morbin, Mauro Finatti
Like national parks in the water, each ocean sanctuary is a place where no one can drill, mine, fish or pollute to allow the ocean regain its power to mitigate the effects of climate change. In an explosion of biodiversity, fishes and invertebrates in ocean sanctuaries reproduce and grow to full size; this biodiversity is critical to the carbon cycle. Fish and their larvae immigrate to other areas of the ocean, securing a global food source that over a billion people rely on daily.
Derek Kettela, Andrea Piecuch
Each ocean sanctuary is a pearl in the global strand, each with its own unique characteristics, management plan and team on the ground; each requires many of the same processes and funding as their land-based counterparts.
Photos by Miguel McSongwe @ BFA
The Teens for Food Justice 2023 Gala was held at the Lighthouse at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers in New York City, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the organization and support its ongoing efforts to make fresh food more accessible and improve nutritional health within New York City and Denver’s low-income communities through school-based, youth-led hydroponic farming.
(PMC / Paul Bruinooge)
Ariana DeBose and celebrity chef Melba Wilson were on hand along with the Honorees at the 2023 Gala were Randy Stern (Teens for Food Justice Champion) and Alyssa Gardner-Vazquez (Distinguished TFFJ Alumna). The auction and fundraising was conducted by C K Swett.
Notable attendees included Alyssa Gardner-Vazquez, Katherine Soll, Tara Swibel, Erich Bergen, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Alisha Antonetti, Sanniyah Watson, Namar Antoine.
Students construct the hydroponic farms and grow the crops as part of their STEM classes. Each farm can produce up to 10,000lbs of fresh produce per year. As one TFFJ farmer puts it, “Healthy eating should be a right”. TFFJ’s target by the end of 2024 is to operate 10 farms involving 26 schools and feeding some 13,000 students. The 2023 Gala raised almost $950,000 and counting.
TFFJ students use real-world 21st-century science and technology to grow up to 10,000 pounds (per school) of hydroponic produce annually. Through the program, TFFJ’s young farmers develop a meaningful solution to food insecurity, transform their relationship with the food they eat, and develop cutting-edge STEM skills needed in a new green sector economy. For more information, please visit www.teensforfoodjustice.org
Ghosts, ghouls, and the sexiest costumes you’ve ever seen, the MAXIM 2023 Halloween Party was a spine-tingling, heart-pounding extravaganza that left partygoers nationwide bewitched. I had the spine-chilling pleasure of attending the event on Friday, October 27th, at the Nightingale Plaza in Los Angeles. Let me tell you, it was a night to remember! 
Presented by MADE Special and VIP Nightlife, the MAXIM Halloween Party was a two-night spectacle held in cities like Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Houston. These parties brought together the crème de la crème of Halloween enthusiasts and transformed renowned venues into eerie wonderlands.
Los Angeles was treated to a mesmerizing set by the EC Twins, and the beats by DJ COOLWHIP had the dance floor going. The Nightingale Plaza in Los Angeles was the perfect venue for the spooky shenanigans. It was adorned with immersive lighting, and the sound production was bone-rattling. VIP lounges were scattered throughout, offering the ultimate Halloween hideaway.
But it wasn’t just about the music and the venue; it was the people that made this party truly unforgettable. Everyone showed up in their most creative and thought-out costumes. It didn’t matter that Halloween was just around the corner; this was the night to unleash the inner fashion monster. 
Premium open bars, brand activations, and giveaways added a layer of enchantment to the night. The MAXIM 2023 Halloween Party was a devilishly delightful experience that left us all craving more.
MADE Special and VIP Nightlife, the masterminds behind this epic event, know how to craft unforgettable moments that bring brands and people together. Their commitment to curating cultural experiences was evident in every detail of the party.
In the end, it was the MAXIM 2023 Halloween Party’s fusion of top-notch entertainment, captivating venue transformations, and the infectious spirit of its attendees that made it the spookiest, most sensational Halloween bash of the year. It was a night of enchantment, entertainment, and extravagant fun that had us all under its spell.
Photo credit: On behalf of MAXIM, MADE Special and VIP Nightlife
Lights, camera, supernatural chills! The eagerly awaited Season 2 of “30 Coins” took center stage at Vidiots Theater on Tuesday, October 24th, for a special screening that left audiences spellbound. As the curtains drew back, the atmosphere was electric, and the excitement was palpable.
The event was a cinematic spectacle, complete with theater concessions, mini-meals, and various beverages that added a touch of indulgence to the evening. The stage was set for an unforgettable night of spine-tingling entertainment.
The screening kicked off promptly, treating attendees to a double feature with Episodes 1 and 2, setting the stage for a heart-pounding journey into the eerie world of Pedraza. As the story unfolds, the once-tranquil town’s residents find themselves incarcerated in a psychiatric hospital, a sinister prelude to the looming supernatural terror.
But the thrills didn’t stop there. After the spine-tingling screening, the audience was in for a special treat—a Q&A session with none other than the creative mastermind behind “30 Coins” himself, Director, Writer, and Executive Producer Álex de la Iglesia. The discussion was skillfully moderated by KCRW’s Anthony Valadez, providing fans with a unique opportunity to delve into the mind behind the series.
Álex de la Iglesia shared insights into his inspiration, revealing that his childhood TV favorites played a significant role in shaping the show. He also spoke about the joy of witnessing his work on the big screen and the sheer delight of experiencing the audience’s reactions in real time.
“30 Coins” Season 2 promises to bring a malevolent new foe to the forefront, a force so formidable that it sends shivers down the devil’s spine. With a masterful blend of horror and suspense, this series keeps fans at the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting what lies ahead in Pedraza.
The Season 2 special screening of “30 Coins” was a night to remember, filled with tantalizing thrills, a dash of nostalgia, and a close encounter with the show’s visionary creator. It left fans craving more of the supernatural adventures that are sure to unfold in the episodes to come.