Transforming the theater into a highschool dance was just the foundation for our production team, who wanted to ensure we include supernatural elements that would seamlessly tie in the film’s key themes throughout the guest experience.

Ouija boards were placed across high top tables for a subtle touch, while a graveyard of tombstones for the characters from the film were placed as decor around the medium’s reading station. Decorated lockers and painted signs with chants like “If You Got It Haunt It” were placed as accents to the concessions table. For a final touch, a Darby and the Dead title logo neon sign took center stage as a part of the Dj booth installation, surrounded by groovy disco ball decor.

Disney tapped IHC to curate the guestlist of creators, models and industry insiders to join the film's talent for this special evening. Over 100 IHC invitees including Jenna Davis, Bryce Xavier, and Diamond White joined stars Riele Downs, Auli’i Cravalho, Asher Angel, and Chosen Jacobs for an unforgettable evening.

The tunes were blasting as guests danced the night away under the neon lights, indulging in an overflowing buffet of treats and delicious horderves and spiked punch from the open bar (those of whom were of age, of course). Viral Tik Tok Sensation and physic medium Phill Murray hosted private esoteric readings with individuals who were up for channeling messages from the other side (a node to Darby’s character in the film), and the film’s director Silas Howard was joined by the USC drumline and Cerrito’s cheerleaders for a lively introduction of the screening in the venue’s main auditorium.

We couldn’t let the high school charm stop at lockers and cheerleaders, as guests needed a special take away to remember the night!

The first photo moment was a School Picture themed set up ala a classic Yearbook set up, taken against a vibrant laser backdrop. Guests got in on the fun for solo portraits, as well as a few group shots with friends.

Drawing inspiration from the Smiley mascot so heavily seen throughout the film, we tapped Disney for the actual costume to help bring its charm to life at the premiere screening.

A second photo moment was built in front of a Smiley’s Donut Shop banner, where guests joined the infamous donut for another instantly shareable picture. For an additional perk, we built a wall that displayed an array of editable dough flavored goodies that guests could grab from all night! A special attendant was placed near the set to ensure the donuts were never ending.