Manhattan Transfer                (Reviews)

 Afterparty for world premiere of Sex and the City on 12 May '08

The Organiser
London-based events agency GSP was appointed by client Entertainment Films to design, manage and produce the glossy afterparty for the big screen version of the hugely popular TV series.

The Guests
Attended by over 800 VIP guests and celebrities, including all the cast.
The party took place at London’s Old Billingsgate.

The Brief
To bring Sex and the City's Manhattan style to London.
GSP optimised the stunning backdrop and architecture of the Grade 2 listed building while transforming the venue into two distinct areas – Central Park and a sassy New York-style nightclub.

The Delivery
GSP added transatlantic authenticity with a replica of the imposing “Angel” fountain in Central Park, designed and supplied by Living Props. The Park theme was enhanced by numerous trees, plants and a host of stone animal sculptures. Twinkling starcloth drapes supplied by Blackout created a night sky effect and the tables were all ornately dressed with candelabras.

In sharp contrast the nightclub room fused Sex and the City’s strong brand colours into a sassy, striking environment, featuring contemporary leather furniture and an illuminated dancefloor in front of the main stage. Throughout, spectacular floral displays designed and supplied by Jayne Copperwaite added to the opulent effect.

Scrumptious catering supplied by Rhubarb featured six food stations and  catered for the most discerning palates from Fusion to Little Italy, Catwalk Salad Bars to New York Food Boutiques, Edible Martinis and a "bling bling" Miniature Dessert Bar.

Thousands of Swarovski crystals adorned the food stations, dazzling under the lights above. The backdrop to the main stage was an especially designed Swarovski crystal curtain.

The Entertainment
The main stage hosted entertainment from an eclectic line up of artists that included Organic Jam, Anna Phoebe and the Happy Hour Chandelier.

A special appearance by the Sugababes was followed by DJ sets from Sam Young and the Loose Canons.

Working with set designer, Sonja Klaus, lighting suppliers, Event Concept translated and highlighted the key features and complementary moods of each environment, bathing Old Billingsgate in colour. On the main stage the lights were programmed to rock n roll with assorted beams shooting at the audience for optimum effect when the Sugababes took to the stage.

Green-i supplied the advanced sound which was pitched for impact around the main stage with a diffuse effect in the surrounding environment.

What they said

"Entertainment Films and New Line Cinema were both delighted with our execution of the brief and the feedback from them was that the transformation was magnificent."   Emma Gold, Director - GSP.

RK  _________________________________________