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  1. Production & Strategy
  2. Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships

Get a Peek Inside the Wonderfully Wacky ‘Poor Things’ Salon of Seduction Experience

The five-day activation combined storytelling, immersive theater, and culinary artistry to capture the enchanting feel of the movie.

Michele Laufik
January 4, 2024

The “salon” was adorned with taxidermied creatures, mementos from Bella's journey, and portraits from the film.The “salon” was adorned with taxidermied creatures, mementos from Bella's journey, and portraits from the film.Photo: Courtesy of NVE Experience AgencyNEW YORK—To celebrate the release of the new movie Poor Things, Searchlight Pictures presented the “Salon of Seduction” immersive experience at Maison Premiere in Brooklyn Dec. 6-10.

[FYI: The film focuses on Bella Baxter (played by Emma Stone), a young Victorian woman who, after being resurrected by a scientist (Willem Dafoe) following her suicide, runs off with a lawyer (Mark Ruffalo) to embark on an odyssey of self-discovery.]

Inspired by the director’s cinematic world, the venue, which already had an ambiance and decor reminiscent of the look and feel of the film, was transformed into a Victorian-inspired peep show theater. The “salon” was adorned with taxidermied creatures, mementos from Bella's journey, and portraits from the film. Guests were invited to participate and interact with the "madame," host, and dancers.

Upon entering, they were provided with special Poor Things currency to exchange for surprises throughout the event, which was produced by NVE Experience Agency. Additional branded cash was provided to guests for tipping the actors upon entering and exiting the main salon.

As the guests were guided to their individual booths, the show unfolded in three distinct acts—science, pleasure, and beauty. Each act offered a theatrical interpretation of the film’s major themes, complemented by a culinary experience that included an oyster tasting, sweet pastries topped with gold flakes, and a handcrafted cocktail from Fords Gin. 

Attendees took home personalized photos and curated gift bags including Poor Things sunglasses and lipsticks from Pat McGrath (the same shade, Forbidden Love, worn by Stone in the film).

Over 1,200 guests attended over the course of the five-day event.

Keep scrolling to see key vendors and more from inside the Poor Things Salon of Seduction experience...

VENDORS
Event Production: NVE Experience Agency
Fabrication: Light Up The Night
Photo Booth: The Bosco
Prop Rentals: Acme
Venue: Maison Premiere

The “Salon of Seduction” immersive experience was held at Maison Premiere in Brooklyn.
The “Salon of Seduction” immersive experience was held at Maison Premiere in Brooklyn.
Photo: Courtesy of NVE Experience Agency
The “salon” was adorned with taxidermied creatures, mementos from Bella's journey, and portraits from the film.
The “salon” was adorned with taxidermied creatures, mementos from Bella's journey, and portraits from the film.
Photo: Courtesy of NVE Experience Agency
Guests were invited to participate and interact with the 'madame,' host, and dancers.
Guests were invited to participate and interact with the "madame," host, and dancers.
Photo: Courtesy of NVE Experience Agency
Over 1,200 guests attended over the course of the five-day event.
Over 1,200 guests attended over the course of the five-day event.
Photo: Courtesy of NVE Experience Agency
Upon entering, guests were provided with special Poor Things currency to exchange for surprises throughout the event.
Upon entering, guests were provided with special Poor Things currency to exchange for surprises throughout the event.
Photo: Courtesy of NVE Experience Agency
The show unfolded in three distinct acts—science, pleasure, and beauty.
The show unfolded in three distinct acts—science, pleasure, and beauty.
Photo: Courtesy of NVE Experience Agency
The venue, which already had an ambiance and decor reminiscent of the look and feel of the film, was transformed into a Victorian-inspired peep show theater.
The venue, which already had an ambiance and decor reminiscent of the look and feel of the film, was transformed into a Victorian-inspired peep show theater.
Photo: Courtesy of NVE Experience Agency
Each act offered a theatrical interpretation of the film’s major themes, complemented by a culinary experience.
Each act offered a theatrical interpretation of the film’s major themes, complemented by a culinary experience.
Photo: Courtesy of NVE Experience Agency
During the first act, guests enjoyed oysters on the half shell topped with ruby mignonette that was dispersed using a metal injector to emulate a science experiment and culinary fusion.
During the first act, guests enjoyed oysters on the half shell topped with ruby mignonette that was dispersed using a metal injector to emulate a science experiment and culinary fusion.
Photo: Courtesy of NVE Experience Agency
Act two featured a miniature French pastry dusted with edible golden sugar, which was inspired by Bella’s trip to Paris and her curiosity for pleasure.
Act two featured a miniature French pastry dusted with edible golden sugar, which was inspired by Bella’s trip to Paris and her curiosity for pleasure.
Photo: Courtesy of NVE Experience Agency
The final act of beauty was represented with a Fords Gin cocktail, a unique take on a French 75 poured from a teapot and adorned with a spritz of rose from an antique perfume bottle.
The final act of beauty was represented with a Fords Gin cocktail, a unique take on a French 75 poured from a teapot and adorned with a spritz of rose from an antique perfume bottle.
Photo: Courtesy of NVE Experience Agency
Attendees took home personalized photos and curated gift bags including Poor Things-exclusive sunglasses and lipsticks from Pat McGrath (the same shade, Forbidden Love, worn by Stone in the film).
Attendees took home personalized photos and curated gift bags including Poor Things-exclusive sunglasses and lipsticks from Pat McGrath (the same shade, Forbidden Love, worn by Stone in the film).
Photo: Courtesy of NVE Experience Agency
From Dec. 8-10 at movie theaters in New York and Los Angeles, Food Truck Promotions partnered with Searchlight Pictures to promote the premiere of the film. The team customized two identical tuk-tuks that popped up in the two locations, where movie fans could enjoy Portuguese pastries and hot chocolate inspired by the movie. There were also swag bags filled with official movie merch. Ultimately, more than 4,500 servings were handed out.
From Dec. 8-10 at movie theaters in New York and Los Angeles, Food Truck Promotions partnered with Searchlight Pictures to promote the premiere of the film. The team customized two identical tuk-tuks that popped up in the two locations, where movie fans could enjoy Portuguese pastries and hot chocolate inspired by the movie. There were also swag bags filled with official movie merch. Ultimately, more than 4,500 servings were handed out.
Photo: Courtesy of Food Truck Promotions
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