From Pumpkin Smashing to face painting and tarot readings, this immersive experience truly offers something for every age. Open till November 12th, get in the spooky spirit before other horrors get in the way – Booking link.
The widely anticipated and celebrated burger showdown in the heart of New York City continues, where the marriage of beef and buns creates a night of burger indulgence like no other. Now in its 16th year, this iconic event, known for its succulent burger experiences, is a highlight of the Festival.
In a groundbreaking fusion of fashion, music, technology, and culture, Amazon Music recently took the spotlight by hosting an extraordinary runway show.
Fresh from their recently launched Food Network show, “Ciao House,” renowned chefs Alex Guarnaschelli and Gabriele Bertaccini are all set to host a grand Italian-themed culinary extravaganza to kick off our Pier 86 event series.
An exceptionally fruitful scent makes its way to the big apple just in time for Fall.
NEW YORK, NY – On Thursday evening, in the Gramercy Park neighborhood at The Players, WORDTheatre celebrated their 20th anniversary with short stories and musical performances.
Lights, camera, animatronics! Guests gathered at Universal Studios Hollywood for a night of animatronic horrors and endless fun as the world of Five Nights at Freddy’s collided with the Blumhouse Exhibit. As the sun dipped below the Hollywood Hills, attendees were treated to an unforgettable experience, complete with photo ops, exclusive Five Nights at Freddy’s merchandise tucked inside pizza boxes, and an immersive journey into the chilling world of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza.
The event was a testament to the enduring appeal of the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise. Fans of the game series, which has spawned countless jump-scare moments and a dedicated following, were given the chance to step into the shoes of the game’s protagonist, a night guard trying to survive a night surrounded by animatronic horrors.
Guests had the chance to pose with life-sized animatronic characters like Freddy Fazbear, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy. The lifelike details of the animatronics added an eerie touch to the snapshots, giving attendees a taste of the heart-pounding suspense to expect in the movie.
The immersive experience served as a reminder of the enduring appeal of Five Nights at Freddy’s and left guests eagerly anticipating the upcoming movie adaptation. Five Nights at Freddy’s fans and horror enthusiasts alike can look forward to more thrills and chills as they eagerly await the film’s release on October 27th. Universal Studios Hollywood’s Blumhouse Exhibit proved that the legacy of Freddy Fazbear is alive and well, and the nightmares will continue to haunt us all.
Hello Sunshine, a subsidiary of Candle Media, marked a significant milestone in its journey to empower and connect women through storytelling with the inaugural “Shine Away” event.
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: General atmosphere at the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
Wednesday, October 18th, 2023. Hall des Lumieres, Manhattan, New York. — National Geographic, the editorial brand whose legacy is drenched in 135 years of vivid storytelling and exploration, hosted an inspirational gathering to celebrate its renowned explorers, which include a group of bright photographers, scientists, journalists, educators, producers and broad ranges of talent that share their journeys through documentaries at the Hall des Lumieres. The Hall opened its stunning doors to media press, influencers and explorers of the National Geographic family to host “A Night Of Storytelling’‘, an intimate content showcase sharing films and stories across a wide range of genres that include travel, adventure, exploration, science, history, culture, wildlife and much more. The content showcase, featured films to be aired in the coming months. National Geographic and its iconic yellow rectangle is synonymous with groundbreaking research, incomparable journalism and visually spectacular storytelling through pens, lenses of photography and film. Their award winning works are world renowned, taking its viewers into spaces and on journeys that would otherwise be inaccessible. Their trusted name has landed them the spot as the #1 brand on Instagram, further echoing the strength of its legacy. National Geographic credits its success to creating a platform that highlights transparency in storytelling that is only made possible by garnering the best photographers, explorers and creative talents in the world.
The event began with generous offerings of hors d’oeuvres and beverages of refreshing sparkling water, wine and champagne to sip as guests mingled on the ground level of the hall. Low lit and encapsulating, the ground level was illuminated with luminous hues of blue and ornamented a backdrop of transitioning images of wildlife. The space held a relaxing ambiance, preparing the guests for the main event upstairs. Upon entering, I checked in with the event hosts, placing my order for a choice of three available entrees: the Seared Atlantic Cod, served with fall Market vegetables, Marble potatoes and aioli and lemon Pistou; a Truffled Fall Orecchiette, the vegan dish, complemented with roasted butternut squash, shiitake, leeks and crispy sage; or the Grilled Filet, which was my preferred choice of the three and served with a side of rosti stuffed spinach, and red beet soubise.
After moments of mingling, the guests were escorted upstairs in small waves and led into the marble showroom floor. We welcomed by iridescent lights that projected waterfalls and cascaded behind the podium, and two extra long banquet tables, dressed with a white tablecloth, silverware, crystal wine glasses and dining ware. The two banquet tables were separated by foliage that ran parallel to one another, awaiting guests to be seated at their designated spaces. Once seated the media guests and the Nat Geo explorers, both nominated and award winning, sat interwoven at the tables and took the opportunity to share their respective up and coming documentaries.
I had the honor of dining beside Dr. Serena McCalla of “Science Fair: The Series”. Dr. Serena McCalla, ecstatic about her involvement with Nat Geo as a newly named explorer, gushed sharing her background and her excitement for the impact her work makes on education and her students. McCalla dedicates her life to advancing science education and research with the most promising youth in the world and has built the Jericho, New York, High School Science Research curriculum into one of the most preeminent science research programs globally. Her career in research education led her to founding the iResearch Corporation (iRC), a corporation that promotes excellence, inquiry and equity in science. The iRC encompasses a variety of research-centric programs that seek to unlock the potential in every science teacher and student while promoting scientific prowess in underserved communities. Dr. McCalla’s students are lauded annually for their success in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) competitions, as displayed in the National Geographic feature documentary “Science Fair” and the all-new upcoming series. McCalla aspires to support all students to make a difference by discovering something new within themselves and the world. “Science Fair: The Series” which has been nominated and won the Emmy and Peabody awards and premieres Dec. 10 on National Geographic; Dec. 11 on Disney+ and Hulu.
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: Courteney Monroe, President, National Geographic Content attends the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
The opening remarks of the evening were held by Nat Geo’s President Courteney Monroe whose powerful statement reminded us all of the importance of our work and responsibility as media professionals and individuals. She inspired us to be mindful of our impact in our messages in the media and to remain vigilant in expressing the truth of what we offer to our readers and viewers alike,
“We are without question living in an extraordinary time. A time when factual accuracy and credibility in media have never been more essential. A time when optimism feels in short supply.” Monroe continues on to add, “It is in times like these that I believe National Geographic’s storytelling is more vital than ever. It contextualizes the complexities we face and it reminds us that the world is still an amazing and miraculous place, filled with beauty, awe and wonder… [tonight] we celebrate that storytelling and the power of National Geographic,” and with those words a night of storytelling began.
The presentation of Nat Geo’s, “A Night Of Storytelling,” was led by the National Geographic Executive team which included Nathan Lump, Senior Vice President and Editor In Chief; Tom McDonald, Executive Vice President of Global and Unscripted Content and Senior Vice President of Inclusive Content and Engagement, Karen Greenfield; along with Executive Vice President of Scripted and Documentary Films, Carolyn Bernstein.
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: Nathan Lump, SVP, Editor in Chief, National Geographic attends the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
In between presentations, guest were appetizers of Crudite (heirloom carrots, red endives, Romanesco, watermelon radish and dried figs); spreads of Pine nut hummus, Cilantro Tahini, Fennel Chutney and garlic oil toasted baguettes and grilled Naan bread along with refreshing little Gem & blood Orange salads. Choice wines included Cotes du Rhone Mon Coeur, J.L. Chave Selection (Rhone Valley) and Sauvignon Blanc Lieu Dit (California).
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: Peggy Simpson attends the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
Centered primarily on the 2023-2024 Fall/Winter slate and show lineups, the showcase included notable documentaries that piqued many of the guests’ interest, such as the Disney and Pixar inspired, “A Real Bug’s Life” (premiering on Disney+ Jan. 24) narrated by Awkwfina. The film takes an introspective look into nine different micro bug worlds around the globe and the tiny heroines that survive through their own miniature catastrophic scales they likely deem as “forces of nature” to survive day to day life. Other films included “QUEENS” (premiering March 4 on National Geographic; March 5 on Disney+ and Hulu) is Produced and Directed by Faith Musembi and narrated by Actress, Angela Bassett, is a documentary that features matriarchies and female leaders around the world to tell a story of sacrifice and resilience but also of friendship and love. “QUEENS” brings the natural world into focus through the female lens for the very first time. The seven-part series leverages cutting-edge technology to reveal surprising insights into how females in the natural world rise to power. The final episode of the series celebrates the women who have gone to the ends of the Earth and dedicated their lives to documenting and protecting animal queens found in nature.
“Photography” a documentary centered around notable photographers Cristina Mittermeier, Paul Nicklen, Dan Winters, Campbell Addy, Krystle Wright, Muhammed Muheisen and Anand Varma highlight the skilled visual artists who became renowned photographers and their life journeys that led to the inspiration behind their artistic medium. I was tipped by a fellow media professional in attendance to look more into London based photographer, Campbell Addy whose work and narratives highlights the expression of authentic emotions found in nature and casting underrepresented faces. I later became equally intrigued with Anand Varma’s work, whose photobook was given to the guests as gifts upon departure. More films showcased that stirred the crowd included “A Blink of An Eye”, “JFK”, Ceasar Milian’s, “Better Human, Better Dog”, and “Genius: MLK/X”,
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: Gina Prince- Bythewood and Reggie Rock- Bythewood attend the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
created by multi-hyphenate Reggie Rock, explores the formative years, pioneering accomplishments and dueling philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The showrunner of Apple TV+ series, “Swagger” holds notable credits include, “A Different World”, “Get On The Bus” and the film “Notorious” about famed lyricist Christopher Wallace whose life ended tragically in 1997.
Another notable explorer being honored at the event was the empathic Albert Lin of, “Lost Cities Revealed” sat adjacent of me and Serena McCalla. I had the pleasure of speaking one on one with the explorer post presentation. Lin takes a technologist’s approach to uncover humanity’s stories and explores new frontiers while honoring the artifacts and environment of the landscapes he explores. Passionate about the human experience, Lin began his career with the Valley of the Khans project, a technology-enabled search for Genghis Khan’s tomb. What makes his work spectacular is that Lin utilizes tools such as satellite imagery, crowdsourcing engines, machine learning, drones, and ground-penetrating radar permitted to search widely for archaeological sites while respecting the traditional beliefs of local Indigenous peoples. His ethical approach has also led him to survey the the First Emperor’s tomb in China and the Mayan Temples of Northern Guatemala. Lin is featured in the up and coming new season, “Lost Cities Revealed” premiering November 23, 2023
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: Mariana Van Zeller attends the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
Last and certainly not least in the up and coming series, “TRAFFICKED WITH MARIANA VAN ZELLER” (Muck Media) Premieres January 17, 2024, on National Geographic; and January 18, 2024 on Hulu. I had the brief honor of meeting and photographing with the Emmy Award-nominated series host and creator Mariana van Zeller . In “TRAFFICKED,” the courageous journalist takes her viewers on an investigative and dangerous journey, exposing the inner workings of shadow markets, criminal organizations and trafficking networks around the world. In the upcoming season, the award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller investigates new emerging underworlds: the trade in body parts, hired assassins, sextortion and the smuggling of people across the U.S. – Mexico border; and she will meet the players and learn the business behind the dark underworlds. Mariana puts her life at risk to better understand these multi trillion-dollar shadow industries and economies and the people behind them.
The evening closed with bite sized desserts choices of fresh fruit tartlets, pumpkin cheese cake bites, turtle brownies, and mini chocolate cookies; and an after dinner drink of Espresso Martinis (Vodka, Kahlua and simple syrup). Guest left with logo branded gift bags from National Geographic that included an illustrated story of the life of the late John Chaus, a young American missionary, killed on a remote island in North Sentinel Island; SPACE, a special Issue of National Geographic, released October 2023; an enormous 365 page photo-book, “INVISIBLE WONDERS (Photographs of the Hidden World)” by Ananad Varma (of Nat Geo’s original film, “Photography”); and a Home Pod mini, compliments of Apple and Nat Geo.
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: (L-R) David E. Miller, EVP & General Manager, National Geographic, Carolyn Bernstein, Executive Vice President, Global Scripted Content and Documentary Films at National Geographic, Nathan Lump, SVP, Editor in Chief, National Geographic, Courteney Monroe, President, National Geographic Content, Karen Greenfield, Senior Vice President of Content, Diversity and Inclusion, and Tom McDonald, EVP Global Factual & Unscripted, National Geographic attend the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
The most impressive part about the evening was the very idea of the Executive board celebrating their talents and the work they all produced. Not only were the explorers all in solidarity about their joys, respect, admiration and thrilled with the opportunity to work for and with National Geographic as a platform; it speaks volumes in a professional work setting where the human capital that makes a company great, tend to go unnoticed. I have gained so much respect for this brand and organization based on this display of humility and the gratitude leadership has shown for the hands that move this publication and the celebration from Nat Geo leadership than any program or award the platform could ever air. I highly encourage you to tune in and follow this remarkable brand. They are, behind the scenes, everything they present to the world: richness, array of color, depth, substance, appreciation and an ever evolving story that moves our world forward.
This summer, the closest that I got to attending Taylor Swift’s infamous Eras Tour was in fact sitting on my couch and scrolling Twitter to see an array of super cute outfits and eagerly awaiting the nightly surprise song. On top of that, being met with complete devastation when Mexico City received Cornelia Street, my favorite song of all time. That’s not to say that I didn’t wholeheartedly try to receive tickets, but in recent times, obtaining a concert ticket is basically the equivalent to winning the lottery, if the latter required a lot more patience and an internet connection of steel.
So I may not have won the Ticketmaster war, but I still enjoyed the concert from my home, and even had a few friends Facetime me from their seats at the MetLife show. Still, that didn’t stop my longing for getting to experience the full show firsthand, complete with the visual effects and impeccable sound quality. That was, until this last week, when Swift herself announced that the concert would be coming to the big screen, with an immersive concert film experience!
The concert film promised to bridge the gap between devoted fans and those who missed out on the live experience due to factors like high demand, ticket prices, and even technical glitches, and was the perfect way for me to experience what I was missing.
The film quickly became a sensation, breaking records with a staggering $92.8 million in its opening weekend, making it the highest-grossing concert film in history. Swifties worldwide flocked to theaters to relive the magic of the Eras Tour, eagerly anticipating a unique cinematic journey.
The movie-going experience has evolved over the years, with each era (no pun intended) bringing innovation, excitement, and immersion to the audience. In this ongoing quest for an unparalleled cinematic adventure, Dolby Cinemas have emerged as a beacon of excellence, offering a movie experience like no other.
Dolby Cinema allows you to catch subtle details and ultra-vivid colors (courtesy of Dolby Vision) and hear sounds come alive all around you (thanks to Dolby Atmos). So, it was time for us to get ready to be completely immersed in Taylor’s world, where we were promised to pick up on all the easter eggs, be mesmerized by the dazzling, bejeweled costumes that pop on screen, and, of course, be enveloped by her masterful catalog.
One of the most striking aspects of the Dolby Cinema experience is the visual quality. Equipped with state-of-the-art projection systems, Dolby Cinemas ensure the clearest, most vibrant imagery imaginable. Dolby Vision, a high dynamic range (HDR) technology, coupled with dual laser projection, brings out the deepest blacks, brightest whites, and the entire spectrum of colors in between. The result is a picture that is lifelike, immersive, and exceptionally detailed. When you step into a Dolby Cinema, you’re not merely watching a movie; you’re inside the story. This, as you can imagine, made for the ideal viewing experience for the concert film. The curved, floor to ceiling screen and stadium style seating made it feel like you were at the concert firsthand, albiet with way comfier seats.
A hallmark, and possibly the hallmark of Swift’s live shows, is the immersive sound experience, which is the heart of what I missed out on during my Twitter listening sessions. Her music, lyrics, and powerful vocals come to life, enveloping the audience in a mesmerizing audio landscape. Dolby Cinema’s Dolby At
mos technology, with speakers placed strategically around the theater, allows the film’s soundtrack to surround the audience. It replicated the feeling of being at a live concert, where the music reverberates from all directions. For us, the experience was not just about hearing but feeling the music, making Dolby Cinema the perfect place to immerse yourself in The Eras Tour.
In my opinion, the transition from real-life concert settings to a cinema environment can be seamless and tailored to enhance the overall experience. Dolby Cinemas understand the importance of creating the right atmosphere. The transition from illuminated walls and ceilings to the dimmed theater happens effortlessly, allowing you to focus on the film. The ambiance perfectly complements the mood of the concert, enhancing the connection between you and Taylor Swift’s performance.
All in all, I can not possibly recommend Dolby Cinemas for your Eras Tour Film viewing experience, more. To experience the magic for yourself and find the closest Dolby Cinema near you, click here!
