immersive experience DESIGN for BBQ FILMS

BBQ Films is an event production company in NYC that began as a casual rooftop BBQ + movie night in Harlem among friends and evolved into elaborately conceived, pop-up screenings in extraordinary locations. Today, each BBQ Films event draws unique audiences ranging from 200 to 1,000 ticketed guests using meticulous storytelling as a vehicle to build community and a nostalgic vibe around our cult favorites including The Fifth Element (Holiday on the Phloston Paradise), American Psycho (Patrick Bateman's 27th Birthday), Back to the Future’s (Enchantment Under the Sea Dance (above) or Empire Records for Rex Manning Day (below).

Twenty years – to the day! – since the original Rex Manning Day, BBQ Films BBQ Films transformed Williamsburg’s Rough Trade NYC into the legendary Empire Records for three nights–including all the staff and characters you’ve come to love (and hate). Attendees joined Lucas and his couch cushion, boss Joe (and his not-to-be-touched drum set!), Gina, AJ, Warren, Corey, Debra, Eddie, Mitch, and, of course, the man of the hour, Rex Manning. Party guests could watch a screening of the film, pose with Rex Manning in a “Say No More” photo booth, make their own snarky buttons to wear, veto DJ songs, and even shave their heads just like Debra. A few guests even ventured into the break room to glue quarters to the floor with AJ and attended their own mock funeral with the cast. Complete with a live brownie-fueled intermission featuring Gwar–yes THE Gwar!–Ethan Embry (Wednesday, Thursday) and Johnny Whitworth (Wednesday, Friday) awarded “experience” raffle prizes, of which a portion of proceeds went to Opening Act, a nonprofit that creates free after-school theater programs for under-served NYC public high schools. All three sold-out evenings featured locals bands and DJs playing 90s covers, including a rendition of “Sugar High” where a lucky guest was invited on stage to live out her own “Gina” moment. At the end of three nights, one thing was certain: We surely damned the man. And we definitely saved the Empire.

WHAT WE DO AT BBQ

With live entertainment, curated brand partnerships and interactive installations, BBQ's all-volunteer led "film crew" bring an element of surprise and excitement to an engaging moviegoing experience unlike like any other for attendees. Whether I was art directing custom swag or getting into full character as a costumed actor, it is a passion project for which I have been proud to play a part. As Visual Brand Director, my role extended to set fabrication, design, and the introduction of limited-edition illustrations created by handpicked artists (of which I often was) at each event.

CREATIVE Gallery

ABOVE (in rotation) - Limited edition event posters by The HR. Dept. include a double-sided print for Griswold Family Christmas (a triple feature for the holidays which included Gremlins, Elf and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation), a double-sided print for Patrick Bateman's 27th Birthday (American Psycho), print for Holiday on the Fhloston Paradise (The Fifth Element), as well as Monzorro created double-sided prints for Foot Clan Tryout (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and a single print for The Enchantment Under The Sea Dance (Back to the Future).

BELOW (from top left to right) - Promo piece for American Psycho, a typical audience at Griswold Family Christmas, Patrick's "business card" from American Psycho, a promo graphic for Griswold Family Christmas, Senior Girls at Dazed and Confused, free popcorn at every screening, a promo piece for Back to the Future, HR as The Clocktower Lady in Back To The Future.

TEAM BBQ Films Directors and Film Crew Gabriel Rhoads, Lauryn Lickus, Lenny Platt, Leah Taylor, Katherine McMahon, Marley Magaziner, Naomi Piercey, Alex Dunbar, Staton Piercey, Hayley Mace
ROLE Director (company) visual design, illustration, set styling, fabrication