2020 Culver City Holiday Tree Lighting

Faced with the challenge of safely carrying on the holiday tree lighting's annual tradition, the Culver City Downtown Business Association tapped Stoelt Productions to produce and live stream the event. The event featured performances from Culver City High School's Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, a specially created world-premiere dance film by Invertigo Dance Theatre, and VOX Femina vocalist Lesili Beard, as well as appearances by Culver City Council members and our special guest, Academy Award-winner Tim Robbins, Artistic Director of the Actors' Gang Theatre. Based on the need to deliver content from several sources, Stoelt used a hybrid model, shooting each segment separately, editing them for the live stream. To make the event as engaging as possible and break away from the typical virtual event format, Stoelt utilized a multi-camera package including a jib and slider to capture the mayor In addition to the tree lighting, motion graphics, editing, and live stream, Stoelt also produced and filmed the Invertigo Dance Theater's dance film. Serving as the film's backdrop was the Los Angeles skyline, filmed at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. Invertigo Dance Theatre founder/artistic director Laura Karlin worked with Stoelt to capture the dancers while maintaining a safe distance and working in post-production to bring them together on screen to maintain safety and compliance. This hybrid approach resulted in the look and feel of a holiday special.