CASE STUDY

Say a Little Prayer: Exclusive Screening Event

San Antonio, Texas

Centro Stage, a division of Unico Communications, curated and produced an exclusive screening to celebrate Say A Little Prayer, a movie set and filmed in San Antonio, Texas. The invitation-only event took place at the historic Charline McCombs Empire Theatre in downtown San Antonio for an audience of over 850.

The Challenge

The event needed to introduce Say A Little Prayer to a select audience of media, industry leaders, influencers, and community members ahead of its wider release, positioning it as a compelling cultural narrative deserving of community support. It also had to honor an all- Latino cast and crew, including global superstar Luis Fonsi, and thoughtfully spotlight representation on and off screen in a way that resonated with the community and attracted local and national media. Every detail, from themed sponsorships to guest experiences, was expected to evoke the charm and nostalgia of a classic romantic comedy, balancing cultural purpose with playful and immersive design.

Box Office Magic

Unico elevated the guest experience while maximizing sponsor visibility through a thoughtfully crafted cinema-themed sponsorship kit, featuring creatively tiered levels such as Marquee Sponsor and Silver Screen Sponsor. Select ticket packages offered premium perks including reserved group seating and table-side drink service, complete with custom drink tickets that added a memorable, personal touch.

To ensure flawless execution from start to finish, our agency managed every aspect of ticket coordination, operating a streamlined advance ticket pick-up and on-site will call process, reinforcing our commitment to an efficient guest experience.

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Rolling Out the Red Carpet

Unico transformed a major downtown artery into a cinematic showpiece, producing a red carpet that was logistically ambitious as it was a first-of-its-kind done in the city. In close collaboration with the City of San Antonio and the theater, we secured permits, developed detailed renderings, and managed all street closures, traffic flow, and safety protocols.

The cast and crew were welcomed with a custom step-and-repeat backdrop featuring the film’s branding alongside partner logos, framed by hedges, and flaming heart motifs imported from Mexico and inspired by the film’s branding. The transformed street became an immersive experience that brought the magic of the movie to life.

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Lights, Camera, Action!

As guests entered the theater, they were greeted by whimsical movie ushers offering complimentary popcorn, while a local nonprofit showcased emerging young Latino talent as vibrant teen DJs who energized the crowd with a setlist featuring top Latin pop songs including tracks from the film’s lead and global superstar, Luis Fonsi.

Before the screening began, guests saw a custom animated video looping on the screens, designed to resemble the opening credits of a classic romantic comedy. The animation featured playful, romance-inspired language to thank sponsors, using phrases like “Our Prayers Were Answered Thanks To...” and “Happily Ever After, Thanks to Our Host Committee.” This approach transformed standard partner recognition into a lighthearted and memorable moment that aligned perfectly with the film’s genre, turning a traditional acknowledgment into a charming and memorable part of the event.

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We coordinated and executed a post-show program designed to enhance the excitement and generate buzz around the film’s upcoming theatrical release. We worked closely with the office of U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro to arrange his attendance and on-stage participation, where he delivered remarks on policy work he is doing within the industry on behalf of this underrepresented segment. Our team also led the outreach and formal request process with the Office of the Mayor. As a result, Mayor Ron Nirenberg presented an official proclamation on stage, declaring the day as "Say a Little Prayer Day" in the City of San Antonio, a highlight of the evening.

To conclude the program, we produced a panel featuring the film’s director, producer, writer, and cast. This moderated conversation offered attendees a deeper look into the creative process and behind-the-scenes aspects of the production.

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The Finale

Following the screening, our agency secured exclusive use of the entirety of the Centre Club, a rooftop private venue whose restaurant name—Cielo, meaning “heaven” in Spanish—served as a fitting nod to the film’s theme. Perched above the city with sweeping skyline views, the venue provided an intimate and elevated setting for an unforgettable and intimate after-party experience for the cast, crew, sponsors, and special guests.

Character actors inspired by the movie created a playful transition between the exclusive screening and the after party. Inside, custom signage, a step-and-repeat photo backdrop, sponsor activations featuring swag and an array of local cuisine kept guests delighted and engaged. Film-inspired touches like principal cast “Prayer Candles” went beyond branded keepsakes—they embodied the film’s themes of cultural identity, community support, and the power of belief, turning a promotional gesture into a meaningful symbol.

With its inventive design, strategic precision, and cultural authenticity, the event underscored Centro Stage’s capacity to produce experiences that not only celebrate Latino stories, but elevate how they’re received and remembered.

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