The entertainment industry turned out in force last night in support of the Motion Picture & Television Fund's (MPTF) second annual “Reel Stories, Real Lives” event, a unique evening of powerful readings which told the stories of industry members and their families who have benefitted from MPTF’s services over the years.
The event, held at Milk Studios, featured video remarks from honorary host Robert Downey Jr and readings by renowned Hollywood actors including Russell Brand, Anna Faris, Jon Favreau, Jon Hamm, Armie Hammer, Chris Pratt, Keanu Reeves, Jeremy Renner, and Olivia Thirlby, as written by some of Hollywood’s leading feature and television writers including Will Beall, Greg Berlanti, Peter Craig, Phil Lord & Chris Miller, Craig Mazin and Billy Ray.
MPTF President and CEO Bob Beitcher said, "My love affair with MPTF began 12 years ago at an event just like tonight’s ‘Reel Stories’ hosted by Kevin Spacey. Witnessing Hollywood’s finest tell the amazing stories of how MPTF takes care of industry members in their time of need made me proud to be part of the entertainment community, led me to step up my financial contributions to MPTF, and screamed to me ‘get involved.’ And thankfully I did!"
The evening drew approximately 400 industry insiders, entertainment leaders and celebrity guests including Casey Affleck, Will Beall, Julia Jones, Josh Radnor, and more. The event, which was produced by A. Scott Berg, Guymon Casady, Bill Gerber, Kevin McCormick, Karen Rosenfelt, and Courtenay Valenti, also featured a special animated photo exhibit including collections by DreamWorks Animation, Walt Disney Animation, Warner Bros., and more.
“There is no one better to introduce the next generation of Hollywood to the importance of MPTF to this industry than the creative talent brought together to tell the real stories of MPTF,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chairman of MPTF Foundation. “My thanks to Robert Downey, Jr., Russell Brand, the writers and the actors who have given of their time and talents to bring to life the MPTF mission of caring for our own in such a meaningful and elegant way as in these stories.”
CEO of MPTF Foundation Ken Scherer said, “MPTF Foundation is truly fortunate to have the force of nature that has become what we affectionately call Team Valenti – my thanks to Scott Berg, Guymon Casady, Bill Gerber, Karen Rosenfelt, Kevin McCormick and Courtenay Valenti – for channeling their individual passion into creating this event that has built awareness and motivated engagement with the next generation of Hollywood with such great success in just one year.”
The evening was generously sponsored by IWC Schaffhausen, Audi and The Hollywood Reporter.
For over 90 years, MPTF (Motion Picture & Television Fund) has served as a beacon of hope for entertainment industry members in their time of need. As a charitable organization, the MPTF provides financial assistance and services essential to the wellbeing of the community and is a leader in the development and implementation of services and programs for seniors and those who care for them. MPTF is supported by the generosity of corporate donors and fellow entertainment industry members who contribute their time and money because they believe in the critical importance of Hollywood Helping Hollywood.
