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.
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.
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.
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.
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.