Los Angeles – CA 06/21/2024 .- Marcelo Gama, CEO of Thinking Lion, renowned for his International Emmy Award-winning multi-camera direction, will lead the 24th BET Awards on June 30th at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. Promising a celebration of cultural diversity and creativity, Gama’s direction is set to elevate this year’s event to new heights. Follow #BETAwards for updates.
Photo courtesy of Monica Schipper / Getty Images for THE RECORDING ACADEMY
Los Angeles – CA 02/03/2024 .-Jon Bon Jovi was celebrated at the 33rd annual MusiCares Person of the Year gala on February 2, 2024, in Los Angeles. The Bon Jovi frontman found himself surrounded by an impressive lineup of musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Shania Twain, and others, under the production expertise of Joe Lewis and R.A. Clark.
For Marcelo Gama, CEO of Thinking Lion, who has directed the MusiCares gala for the third consecutive year, it was an immense honor. He conveyed, “What made it special was witnessing different generations singing Bon Jovi’s songs, which remain remarkably relevant. From the gospel touch of The War and Treaty to the rock delivered by Van Halen’s ex-frontman Sammy Hagar, and Eddie Van Halen’s son bringing a fresh perspective to a classic, along with the spectacular performance by Italian Damiano David, the frontman of Måneskin, it was truly unforgettable.”
The night commenced with Bon Jovi setting the tone, opening with the band’s new single, “Legendary.” Amid the celebration, he introduced Bruce Springsteen, expressing gratitude for his presence despite personal loss. Springsteen and Bon Jovi delivered spirited renditions of classic hits.
The star-studded lineup continued with performances by Melissa Etheridge, Pat Monahan, Sammy Hagar, and others. New artists, including Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and Damiano David, injected fresh energy into Bon Jovi’s iconic tracks.
The gala concluded with a grand finale featuring Bon Jovi, Springsteen, McCartney, and other artists performing the iconic anthem “Livin’ on a Prayer.” The event raised awareness for MusiCares, emphasizing its essential support for musicians in need.
Overall, the MusiCares tribute to Jon Bon Jovi was a memorable evening filled with powerful performances, heartfelt tributes, and a celebration of Bon Jovi’s enduring impact on the music industry. Marcelo Gama’s directorial touch added an extra layer of magic to this extraordinary musical journey.
Photo courtesy of Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
Los Angeles – CA 12/11/2023 .- In a groundbreaking achievement, the Recording Academy, in collaboration with Jesse Collins Entertainment and CBS, orchestrated a remarkable historic concert – the Grammy Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop – at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA, on November 8. This high-energy and celebratory event, recorded on that memorable night, was broadcast to viewers on CBS on Sunday, December 10, delivering a show that resonated with the very essence of hip-hop.
Under the masterful direction of Marcelo Gama, the spectacle showcased an eclectic lineup of artists, ranging from iconic trailblazers like Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff, who etched their names in history as the inaugural recipients of the “Best Rap Performance Grammy,” to undisputed hip-hop legends such as Queen Latifah, Rakim, Common, De La Soul, and many others. Together, they wove a musical narrative that paid homage to a culture leaving an indelible mark on both music and society.
The executive producers behind this groundbreaking event included notable figures such as Shawn Gee, Dionne Harmon, Claudine Joseph, Fatima Robinson, Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, and Gladys Fumia as Associate Director, alongside the Thinking Lion team.
This wasn’t merely a commemorative event marking half a century of hip-hop existence; it served as an emotive reminder of its enduring impact on the music industry. The blending of generations and styles underscored the continuity and lasting influence of this vibrant culture on the global music scene, solidifying its status as a phenomenon that transcends time.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Seville – 11/17/2023.- Seville witnessed a historic event with the celebration of the 24th edition of the Latin Grammy Awards, a hispanic cultural event that illuminated the city and brought Spanish music back to its origins. In this majestic spectacle, superstars such as Juanes, Andrea Bocelli, Shakira, Rosalia, POTY Laura Pausini, and also joined by younger generation performers BZRP, Peso Pluma, Feid and many more, delivered their best. All under the masterful direction of Marcelo Gama and his talented team at Thinking Lion.
For many months Gama has immersed himself in preparation for this event. In collaboration with an exceptional production team from Univision, led by Omar Fajer, and working hand in hand with Tony Parodi of Acme Production Services, the creative team from House of Sam, amongst many talented professionals, they successfully brought to life the first international Latin Grammy Awards.
The night of Thursday, November 16th 2023, will be forever etched in Seville’s memory, as a magical evening where music and art seamlessly merged to celebrate an unforgettable cultural milestone.
Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone en Español
Miami – 10/28/2023.- On October 26, 2023, the inaugural edition of the Rolling Stone Awards in Spanish took place, marking a celebration dedicated to talented Latin artists. This groundbreaking event, held in Miami, stood out for its distinctive approach, aiming to acknowledge the quality, innovation, and cultural impact of Spanish-language creations.
Under the guidance and production led by Marcelo Gama, alongside the executive producer Tony Parody, and supported by their teams at Thinking Lion and ACME, this first installment of the awards shone a spotlight on its emphasis on creative diversity and artistic excellence. This recognition transcended conventional metrics, offering a well-deserved tribute to the cultural and creative richness within the Latin community in the entertainment world.
Photo courtesy of Globo/Léo Rosario
Brazil – 08/08/2023.- In a spectacular display of unity and innovation, Brazil’s “Criança Esperança” live show has etched its name in history by breaking fundraising and audience records.
With the brilliant utilization of Thinking Lion’s groundbreaking CuePilot technology, the broadcast achieved an unprecedented level of coherence and reliability, elevating the entire production.
Under the direction of Marcelo Amiky, the event graced the screens of TV Globo, leaving an enduring imprint on the Latin American live entertainment landscape. This showcase of the harmonious fusion of technology and creativity reaffirms the power of collaborative endeavors.
Photo courtesy of Univision
San Juan, PR 07/21/2023.- Premios Juventud 2023, skillfully directed by Marcelo Gama from Thinking Lion, created an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and youth. The event was a spectacle of captivating screens and lights that left the audience in awe.
Talented executives Uji Fulgueira and Ulises Chang led as executive producers, while House of Sam infused their creative touch, making this edition truly extraordinary. ACME ensured flawless production execution, ensuring everything ran seamlessly.
Lighting directors Tom Kenny and Ronnie Skopac, crafted a magical atmosphere, heightening the excitement within the hearts of the audience, embraced warmly by Puerto Rico’s spirit. With Univision’s steadfast support and Cuepilot’s technical expertise, the broadcast reached every corner of the globe flawlessly.
The night’s biggest winner was Shakira, and the stage sparkled with extraordinary performances by Danna Paola, Angela Aguilar, Camila, CNCO, Tiago PZK, Farruko, and many more, each leaving an indelible mark on the event.
Premios Juventud 2023 transcended being a mere awards ceremony; it transformed into a jubilant celebration in every sense of the word.
New York, NY 07/08/2023.- Combining technology and a passion for creating extraordinary experiences, Thinking Lion’s CEO, Marcelo Gama, took the helm in directing the iconic 4th of July event in New York and Nashville. As the largest summer celebration in America, this spectacular show, produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment, NBC, and Macy’s, enthralled thousands of attendees for over two hours.
With live musical performances, a magnificent orchestra, and a breathtaking display of over 60,000 fireworks lighting up the Manhattan sky from 5 barges, the event was truly unforgettable.
Being part of this incredible occasion fills us with pride, and it reinforces our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional events and crafting magical moments that leave a lasting impression.
Photo courtesy of Justin Sullivan/GETTY IMAGES
Mountain View, CA 05/12/2023.- In a spectacular display of innovation, Google’s annual grand presentation at Google I/O left audiences in awe as groundbreaking advancements in both software and hardware were unveiled.
Spearheaded by the renowned production company Done and Dusted, the event was flawlessly executed with an added touch of precision from CuePilot, the leading provider of multi-camera control and live streaming solutions.
Thinking Lion, the company behind CuePilot, played an integral role in ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.
As industry leaders, CuePilot continues to set new standards in live production and broadcasting, catering to a wide range of events, including corporate gatherings of this magnitude.
Photo courtesy of Billboards Mindy Small/GI
Las Vegas, NV 04/22/2023.- The 2023 Latin America Music Awards, a prominent ceremony in the Latin Music Industry, took place on April 21st, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Broadcasted for the first time by Univision, its eighth edition reached a much wider audience in both the US and Latin America.
Attendees and viewers were left with their jaws dropped as the night carried on with a spectacle of a perfectly synchronization of lights, visual effects, and top notch performances.
CuePilot was the director’s best pal on this show. Like Univision, it was the first year that Marcelo Gama directed the show. His valuable contribution and professionalism, together with the magic of CuePilot took the show to the next level. It was all impeccable.
The performers never ceased to amaze the audience from the very beginning as Pitbull opened the show. David Bisbal, Olga Tañón, Becky G, Natti Natassha, Wisin, Anuel, were just some of the names performing on stage and receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
The Latin AMA Legacy award was presented to Carlos Vives for his splendid career and the show reached an emotional moment as Mexican singer Pepe Aguilar was presented with an award by his very own, his daughter Angela. Pepe then took the mic to thank his fans, followed by a masterful performance with Rubén Blades.
The LatinAMAS 2023 was, indeed, an unforgettable night in Latin music. Our team of Thinking Lions is proud to have contributed to the making of a show of this magnitude that carries the the power of Latin Music in the international music scenario.