Blackstone has embraced a playful side as it celebrates its 40th anniversary with a holiday video filled with nostalgic 1980s references. Released on December 7, 2024, the video showcases various executives engaging in lighthearted antics, including a memorable homage to the classic film “Dirty Dancing.” This year, approximately 400 employees participated, a significant increase from just 20 in 2018, highlighting the growing tradition within the firm.
The production of the video is a meticulous process that begins each summer. Blackstone President Jon Gray, head of external affairs Christine Anderson, and head of video Jay Gillespie collaborate to brainstorm ideas. This year’s edition includes a parody of the song “We Are the World,” featuring all of the firm’s global partners. Three executives shared their experiences of being part of this year’s video, emphasizing the fun and camaraderie that comes with participating.
Zaneta Koplewicz, the director and co-president of BREIT, was cast for the iconic Dirty Dancing lift. With a background in ballet from her time at Princeton, Koplewicz felt a mix of excitement and apprehension when asked to perform. “After the shoot happened, I asked, ‘Who would have done this if not me?'” she reflected. Her previous dance experience made her the ideal candidate for the role, and she approached it with a spirit of adventure.
Dan Leiter, who recently joined Blackstone as the head of international for the firm’s credit and insurance arm, described being selected for the video as a privilege. His participation marks his first year with the firm, and he expressed enthusiasm about contributing to this unique tradition. Meanwhile, Mike Forman, head of digital infrastructure for Blackstone Real Estate, received a calendar invite that surprised him with the news of his inclusion. Forman humorously remarked, “I wonder how I’ll be embarrassing myself this year?”
The filming took place in late November and early December, requiring participants to fit their roles into busy schedules. The production team works quickly, with Gray often moving on to other commitments shortly after shooting his scenes. Forman’s role involved humorously firing a fictional character, Ken Burns, which he executed with minimal preparation. The compressed shooting schedule can lead to amusing moments, as noted by Leiter, who played Max Headroom. “They had to retake it twice because we laughed so hard,” he recounted.
Koplewicz successfully executed the lift with the assistance of a professional dancer after practicing by watching tutorials online. While Blackstone did not disclose the production costs, the firm employs over 20 full-time staffers in its video team, which creates around 2,200 videos annually, ranging from social media content to marketing materials.
The holiday video has made a significant impact beyond the office walls. Leiter mentioned that his children became eager fans after watching him perform, asking to see every Blackstone holiday video. Additionally, the video has sparked interest among clients, with some in the Middle East inquiring about its release date during meetings. Koplewicz experienced a similar phenomenon when a friend’s social media post brought her previous role in the holiday video to light among new acquaintances.
This blend of professionalism and playfulness encapsulates Blackstone’s culture, fostering connections among employees and with clients alike. The holiday video tradition not only entertains but also strengthens the firm’s community spirit, making it an anticipated event each year.
