Social Diary Magazine

(This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed) (Any breach of this copyright will result in liquidated damages ($500 and up per usage ) plus any attorney fees to collect those damages. These liquidated damages will not limit any other remedy available.)

The Brandes Halloween Ball....

A Night in 'The Dark Forest' of Tanya and Charles Brandes

'Crafted for the Most Daring Souls'

(You are on Thursday & Friday Preview/ Rehearsals)

More Links page 1 ....page 2 ......page 3 ....page 4 ......page 5 .......page 6 ......page 7 ......page 8..... page 9......... page 10......page 11 .....Thursday & Friday Preview / Rehearsals

( A 'Taste' of Preproduction - With Photos from Thursday & Friday Before )

The Brandes Halloween Ball Production & Event Details

Artistic Director - Tanya Brandes

2 years in the making, 10 months of full time production with a main crew of 70. Tanya teamed up once again with Janice Dodge, Sr. Event Designer for ShowTec, Inc. Janice also Produced The Brandes Halloween Balls of 2007 and 2008. Janice Co-Produced this event with Jon Martin.

Everything was customized to make a unique experience for guests.

The TIMELINE
Creative began in January
Several phases of blue sky, storyboarding, renderings, research, etc.

Story outline written in March
Mock Ups in May
Website live in May
Build of sets began in June
Save the Date sent out in June
Invites sent out in early Sept
Casting in August
Costume Design in August-September
Sound Design in September-October
Scripts written in September-October
Pre Filming Video and Voiceover FX Design in September
Hair/Makeup consultations in September

Install lasts 20 days
Load out takes 10 days

PROCESS
3D Site Surveys to map out all landscaping and interior spaces so that sets could be created exactly to fit
Tangible mock ups of all spaces, sets, lighting, audio, floral, fabrics, costumes
Custom script developed for 6 Theatrical Scenes
Soundscores with SFX and time code control system used for 8 areas
4 Days of Cast Rehearsals - with cue to cue lighting, audio, blocking - to produce (6) 2.5 min Haunted House scenes

PERFORMERS
Assembled a cast of 65 performers for all event spaces -- from Southern California, including ballet, contortion, dance, SAG card actors, specialty musicians, models, animals, and more
World class headliners
Theatrical Team of 30 to custom craft Wardrobe, Hair, Makeup, FX Makeup, Choreography, Scripting, and cast styling

STAFF
Core team of 75 designers employed to produce the project over 10 months: Designers in the fields of Production, Lighting, Audio, Video, FX, Scenic, Floral, Theatre, Project Management and Catering
Daily show site personnel up to 80 people per day for install
Each Show Day requires more than 200 staff/performers to produce and manage the event for 300 guests

More Details

Performers were from L.A. San Diego, Italy and Mongolia. This included actors, dancers, aerialists, contortionists and animal wranglers.

Costuming - Tanya and Charles originally contemplated having John Galliano of Dior design their costumes. Timing issues made this impossible... Instead they went to the very talented designers who were costuming the performers, Jennifer Brawn-Gittings and her team.

Janice Dodge add these insightful details. "The costuming process is really fun. Tanya and Charles brought us some visuals as inspiration of the mood they wanted to capture with their costumes – magazine clippings, internet finds. Our lead costume designer, Jennifer, created sketches to ensure we were properly capturing their vision. Both Jennifer and I sourced fabric selection and detail accents from LA to find “just the right look.” We then brought in our lead Makeup Artist, Claire Young, Wig designer, Maria Gallegos, and FX Makeup Artists, Kevin Marks and Joseph Treter to consult with ideas. Finding wolf ears for Charles, animal tails for Tanya’s Red Riding Basket = these are the fun shopping excursions we love!"

For the costuming timeline Janice adds this. " We started costume design discussions with Tanya in February. She gave us direction related to color palette, era focus, styling accents and more…. So that we could develop a look that was distinct to each scene and character."

Wardrobe - 20 people for Costume, Hair, Wigs, Makeup, FX Makeup and Body Painters.

Led by Jennifer Brawn-Gittings, Lead Costumer

Claire Young, Beauty Makeup

Maria Gallagos, Wig Designer

Joseph Tretor, FX Makeup

Choreographers

Nights One and Two - Meli Charman, choreographer & lead dancer provided sexy Go Go dancers, costume styling, and beautiful body painting makeup within the forest theme. Night Two performances (choreographed by Meli) included custom choreographed hip hop routines, and Aerial acrobatic scenes to add additional showcase for the Military Benefit event.

For The Sleeping Beauty Ballet Vignette - Maxine Mahon, Director of The California Ballet, personally choreographed the custom routine for this scene. Ballet Mistress Judith Sharp assisted us in assembling a cast that included principle dancers, international and child dancers from their troupe.

Musical Performers

MASS Ensemble, which stands for Music, Architecture, Sight and Sound

MASS is an internationally renowned performance group that combines the creative forces of artists, musicians, composers and choreographers. Through an exciting blend of sculpture, dance and visual arts, their styling of original and traditional music creates a kinetic performance that delights and inspires audiences throughout the world.

MASS is known for their one of a kind, large-scale long-string and percussive instruments, designed and created by Artistic Director, William Close. The Earth Harp, "The World's Largest Stringed Instrument," places the audience inside the instrument, as the golden strings span out from the stage to use the architecture of the event space to create a harp 200 feet in length.

DJ's

Night One = DJ Gusto, who headlines in LA and Las Vegas
Night Two = DJ Kiss, our beautiful female DJ who works with our dancers

Headliners

Night One - The one and only Christina Aguilera!! Grammy Award Winning, and star of Burlesque!

Night Two - The sensational Chris Daughtry!

Production / Technical Crew

Haunted House Theatre Director & Tech Team: 25 people

Lead by Janice Dodge/Producer, George Ye/Director, Anjanette Mayara-Ramey/Casting, Maxine Mahon, Ballet Director

Also included Asst Dir (AD), Show Caller, Asst Stage Mgrs (ASM), Cast Mgmt Prod Assts (PAs), Choreographers, Audio Designers (A1/A2/A3), Lighting Designers (LD/ME), Video Designers, and FX Team)

Production Designers (overall event): 60

Producer Janice Dodge, Technical Director Steve Thurston, Headliner Management Jonathan Martin & Brent Walla, Lighting Designer Mike Tomaselli, Audio Designer Peter Carpentier, Scenic Set Designer Carrie Sefcik, along with Rachael Campbell and Forrest Aylsworth, leads, Decor Managers Anna Lee and Halley Parsons, Multiple Carpenters and Set Builders, Floral Designers Linda Brown and Tricia Veprovsky, leads, multiple more, Set & Fabric Decorators Cathy Lee Maynard-Miller, John Bruckner, and Cory Garcia, leads, multiple more, Dockmaster Doug Fairfield, Production Support,

Logistics, Rentals, Trucking, Staging, Support Crew: 100 people

Web & Invitation Designers - 10 people led by Bobby Buchanan, all under Tanya's creative direction.

Food & Beverage: 85

Led by Andrew Spurgin, Executive Chef of Waters Fine Catering, and Saul Paniagua. Servers were trained on specifics for this event.

Menu Highlights

Drinks -

Five Pence - Hendrick's gin, Lillet Bllanc, housemade sage leaf syrup, fresh grapefruit juice, crisped sage leaf

Lost Generation - Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Velvet Falernum, fresh grapefruit and lime juice, housemade pomegranate reduction with aromatics

Little Red Cap Clover - Ketel One Vodka, sweet orange-hibiscus infused house vermouth, blood orange blossom water, fresh lemon juice

Fairest of Them All - Ketel One Vodka, pressed apple-demerara reduction, black pepper infused apple liqueur, fresh lime juice

Canton Heart - Ketel One Vodka, ginger liqueur, fresh lemon juice

Hors d'oeuvres -

The Fairest of Them All? - Mano de Leon Diver Scallop Crudo, Tomato Water “Caviar”, Micro Citrus Mix, Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dust, Brittany Gris Sea Salt, Served on a Chilled Silver Spoon

Sleep My Beauty, Sleep - Apple and Smoked Cheddar Croquette with Honey Crisp Apple, Grafton Village Maple Smoked Cheddar, Yukon Gold Potato, Crisped Panko-Parmesan, Fennel Crème Fraîche

White as Snow, Dark as My Heart - White Parsnip, Potato and Leek Soup, Red Pepper, Smoked Paprika Coulis “Heart,”

Who’s Been Taking Some of My Bread? - Prime Brandt Beef Carpaccio, Shaved Zanetti Parmesan, Truffled Aïoli, Micro Arugula, Black Cyprus Sea Salt, Crisped Pumpernickel Croustade

Club Plates -

Sleeping Beauty - House Made Weiser Farms' Spice Seasoned Roasted Kabocha, squash Filled Heart Shaped Black Ravioli, Lemon-Thyme, Sauce, Saffron "Caviar", 23 Karat Painted Gold Needle, Smoked Paprika "Blood" Oil

Rapunzel - Hay Roasted Poussin Breast with Thyme, Bay and Rosemary, Buttermilk–Lemon Spätzle with “Rampion”, Snipped Chives, Carrot Purée, Micro Carrot Greens and Chervil

Cinderella - Ruitz Farm’s Baby Bear Pumpkins Filled with “Stew” Fit For a Prince, Braised Brandt Beef with Burgundy Wine and Aromatics, Roasted Ron's Burgundy Fingerling Potatoes, Grilled King Trumpet Mushrooms, Cipollini Onions, Spiced Pumpkin Seeds, Pumpkin Sprouts, Served on a Bed of Straw

Little Desserts Hänsel and Gretel

Sweet Poison Apples - Crimson Gold Heirloom Apples, Caramel Dipped, then dipped in Valrhona “Ivorie” White Chocolate, and dusted with Cinnamon

Gingerbread Men - Demi Dipped in Valrhona Extra Noir Chocolate, Dressed with “Pearl” Buttons

Pumpkin Macaroons - Pumpkin Spice Butter Cream, Pecan Macaroon, Dusted in 24K Gold

~~~~~~~~

Janice Dodge summed up the experience. "I am so fortunate to work with a client that has much passion about artistic experience as I do... And a production design team that is focused on perfection... This is an endeavor of the heart. We get the pleasure of working with Tanya & Charles for so many months, to create memories for a lifetime. How could I not love what I get to do? Its amazing!!"

Amazing too is the joy that The Brandes Halloween Ball created for so many, whether it was a much needed job, or for a guest.

Tanya and Charles' Philanthropic Focus

Tanya and Charles believe in giving back as a way of living.

"We are passionate about the arts. San Diego is a beautiful city; we delight in bringing world class art to our community.

We do this in conjunction with organizations: As a wedding gift, our friends underwrote the Robert Irwin exhibit at MCASD. Last year, we were proud to underwrite the Georgia O'Keefe exhibit at SDMA. We co-sponsored the production of Madama Butterfly at the San Diego Opera. This December, we are working with the San Diego Symphony to bring Yo-yo Ma to San Diego. We support numerous visual and performing arts organizations in the US and abroad, including MoMA and the Louvre.

Once per year, we create a private event in celebration of the arts. Created in our own vision, and held at our home, this event allows us to express our own artistic vision, and retain creative control. We are privileged to share our art with family, friends, and members of our local and international community. Halloween is the perfect venue to incorporate fantasy, theater, and multi-disciplinary arts."

Additionally, "we donate, re-purpose or recycle everything possible** building materials, floral arrangements, any unused catering, etc. This is a priority for the hosts and the producers.

This event creates jobs. 75 core designers work for 10 months creating this event. approximately 350 actors, dancers, performers, costumers, technicians, and members of the production team work to bring this project to fruition."

THE SOCIAL DIARY applauds Tanya and Charles Brandes for their creativity and their generosity. We thank them for allowing us to cover a very unique, and artistic experience.

Please enjoy the snapshots of Thursday and Friday before the first event. Tanya very kindly invited families of crew members so that they could see what their family member had been working so very hard at.

Be advised strictly no downloading, publishing, broadcasting, printing, or copying of photos or content. Please email purchase requests of photos you are in.

Thursday Before - The Walk Through/ Rehearsals

Janice Dodge.... a terrific tour guide full of organized, creative detail

Down the ivy walkway we go...

Behind the scenes - Wigs, Makeup

The Rock 'n Roll Band in the Production Room

Tanya with one of the drawings for the Snow White Vignette

The Hansel and Gretel Set

Blocking, rehearsals for Sleeping Beauty

Getting the technical cues just right

Still unloading equipment for The Conservatory Ballroom

Above and Below, Part of the Technical machinery and crew that goes on behind the scenes

Tanya!!

Friday Before - The Walk Through/ Rehearsals

Mary Bloom with Tanya Brandes

Yeah .... Tanya, You and Your Team did it!

Andrew Spurgin of Waters Fine Catering going over details

The Lighting on the Dance Floor - The Dark Forest

Mary Bloom and Tanya Brandes

Nicole Martin, daughter of Co-Producer Jonathan Martin pictured here with Tanya - The little girl was very excited to have a preview tour!

Above and Below, more of the technical side of the production

The Detailed Schedule!

The Wizards of Costuming, Hair, Makeup, Wigs and FX Makeup

'And the Band Played On' in Production!

Production has a sense of Halloween Humor too!

Behind the Set with Cinderella's 'not so evil now' Stepsister and Stepmother

Nicole Martin aka Snow White ..... who had a great preview tour!

THE SOCIAL DIARY 'Batman Car'

Thank you's to the Hostess Tanya

Janice Dodge and Tanya Brandes with their Halloween "Avatar" necklaces. Jon Martin gave one to each crew members, and it was a great team-builder.

A great team it was!!

More Links page 1 ....page 2 ......page 3 ....page 4 ......page 5 .......page 6 ......page 7 ......page 8..... page 9......... page 10......page 11 .....Thursday & Friday Preview / Rehearsals

advertisements

reported by Margo Schwab

photoshopped by Scott Johnston

Please join us for fun informative updates on Twitter and Facebook

Home

Email Commentary to be added

Party Archives

* Margo Schwab, more formally known as Margaret E. Schwab, has produced, written, interviewed and photographed for various media organizations since 1989. Schwab attended Holton Arms School, La Jolla Country Day School and La Jolla High School. Schwab has a B.A. from Scripps College, spent a business internship with S.A.I.C., Science Applications International Corporation, and earned a Masters of Business degree, M.B.A., from the University of San Diego by way of Claremont Graduate School . Schwab additionally took college courses from Harvard University, and Syracuse University. Schwab volunteers for numerous charity organizations. She also continues to support animal organizations and the prevention of people and animal abuse. Schwab is the editor of The Social Diary.

Margo Schwab and Scott Johnston of The Social Diary are pleased to announce partnerships with the Arthritis Foundation of San Diego County, Country Friends, the San Diego American Heart Association, and the San Diego Humane Society.

Margo Schwab and Scott Johnston are both members of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club (Margo Schwab since 1974) and both are new members of the University Club.. Margo Schwab and Scott Johnston are also credentialed by the Chief of Police, William Lansdowne.

San Diego's The Social Diary would like to say a special thank you to our advertisers.

Valerie and Harry Cooper supporting the San Diego Opera

Valerie and Harry Cooper supporting The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Giuseppe Restaurants and Fine Catering

Jacqueline Warfield of Warfield Fine Art

Carol Bader Designs / Del Mar Hat Company

Yigal Azrouel

Nancy's Nails on Pearl Street in La Jolla

H. Moradi Fine Jewelers on Prospect Street in La Jolla, now 2 locations!

Pamela Pogue of Juelerie

Diana Cavagnaro of Designer Millinery

Jordan of Jordan Art Couture and Animal Fashions by Jordan

Lizz Russell of The Lizz Russell Collection

Gary Parker of WineSellar & Brasserie

Owner and Chef Pasquale of Cafe Milano

Kevin Smith of Extreme Pizza in La Jolla

Jeremiah Sullivan of Neptunic Sharksuits

Drs. Sue and John Morizi of The Animal Hospital of La Jolla

Eugene Ladopoulos of Mistra Estates Olive Oil

Warning ** photos, video and writing on this site are the

no reproduction of any part or parts is allowed without written permission by The Social Diary

WineSellar & Brasserie

858-450-9557

Restaurant, Gary Parker's Wine Club,

Wine Store and

~ Wednesday & Saturday wine tasting's ~

Check out Gary Parker's Pick... a 2007 Clos de la Roche, Grand Cru...for $54 WineSellar Club Price, this Pinot Noir is STELLAR!

Click Ad above for Special Promotions!!

_________________________

For Advertising, please

your inquiry.

Ask about our new mini & front page maxi ads!

_________________________

Ralph Starkweather

World Class

Commercial and Portrait Photographer

credits include:

Photographing Ansel Adams

at Ansel Adam's Home.

Cassius Clay aka Mohammed Ali

....need we say more

SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY AND SPCA
GAINES STREET CAMPUS
5500 GAINES STREET
SAN DIEGO, CA 92110
(619) 299-7012
www.sdhumane.org

Kima would like to thank her supporters, who helped raise over $130,000

'The Social Diary is a delight to partner with!

As a result of their contributions to our organization, our 2009 Arthritis Walk event revenue increased by 50%!! I am very much looking forward to our continued partnership.'

- Andrea Muir, Development Director, Arthritis Foundation

WineSellar & Brasserie

858-450-9557

Restaurant, Gary Parker's Wine Club,

Wine Store and

~ Wednesday & Saturday wine tasting's ~

Jordan Art Couture

Animal Fashions by Jordan

909-534-1495

Where the locals go

for Homemade Pastas, Raviolis, and Sauces

Cafe Milano
711 Pearl St, La Jolla
858- 454-3806

The Social Diary

Team

Scott Johnston, Margo Schwab and Kima!

Click Ad above for Special Promotions!!

MY PERFECT PET.NET

Kima's choice:

FRESH FROZEN REAL FOOD

FOR REALLY HEATHLY EATING

FOR YOUR DOG

ALLERGAN FREE

HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE

_________________________

For Advertising, please

your inquiry.

Ask about our new mini & front page maxi ads!

_________________________

Ralph Starkweather

World Class

Commercial and Portrait Photographer

credits include:

Photographing Ansel Adams

at Ansel Adam's Home.

Cassius Clay aka Mohammed Ali

....need we say more

SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY AND SPCA
GAINES STREET CAMPUS
5500 GAINES STREET
SAN DIEGO, CA 92110
(619) 299-7012
www.sdhumane.org

Kima would like to thank her supporters, who helped raise over $130,000

'The Social Diary is a delight to partner with!

As a result of their contributions to our organization, our 2009 Arthritis Walk event revenue increased by 50%!! I am very much looking forward to our continued partnership.'

- Andrea Muir, Development Director, Arthritis Foundation

WineSellar & Brasserie

858-450-9557

Restaurant, Gary Parker's Wine Club,

Wine Store and

~ Wednesday & Saturday wine tasting's ~

Jordan Art Couture

Animal Fashions by Jordan

909-534-1495

Where the locals go

for Homemade Pastas, Raviolis, and Sauces

Cafe Milano
711 Pearl St, La Jolla
858- 454-3806

The Social Diary

Team

Scott Johnston, Margo Schwab and Kima!

Photoshopping and Photography Services

available by The Social Diary

619-384-7333

email TheSocialDiary.com