Tom Whitman
Encyclopedia
Tom Whitman IV is an American
event producer, club promoter, filmmaker and philanthropist
living in Los Angeles, California
. Tom is considered one of the most successful club promoters in L.A.’s gay nightlife scene. He is best known for producing more than 200 events a year in Los Angeles as well as being named one of OUT Magazine’s “100 People of the Year 2008.” He is also known for his work in television at MTV Networks
and his short films The Rape of Ganymede and Sexy.
Born in Hawaii as the son of an Air Force officer, Tom spent much of his younger years moving around Europe. After his family moved to California, Tom attended UCLA where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Communications. Since that time, he has lived primarily in Los Angeles, and part time in New York City
.
Whitman began his career at MTV Networks, working primarily at Nickelodeon
and MTV for eight years, with much of his work focused on live television award shows and concert shows. In 2000, he left to form his own event production company Tom Whitman Presents, and is currently one of the highest profile event producers in the gay community, producing and promoting more than 200 events each year.
, Whitney Houston
, the Backstreet Boys and many others. He has written and directed television segments with people such as Mariah Carey
, Elton John
, and more. Whitman has worked in production on shows which include Nickelodeon’s The Big Help, Kid’s Choice Awards, The MTV Movie Awards, VH-1 Honors.
Tom was also the co-producer of The Facts of Life: The Lost Episode – A parody production based on the popular 1980’s sitcom The Facts of Life with screenplay by Jamie Morris. The show features Brooks Braselman and Jamie Morris and is currently touring major cities in the United States.
His promotions range from weekly events at West Hollywood nightspots to large annual dance and sporting events. His weekly events include the celebrity-frequented Cherry Pop, voted LA Weekly
’s best Gay Bar Event in 2008, to upscale Smack at the Thomas Schoos designed O-Bar to the huge Sunday nightclub event SIZE at Here lounge. TWP also produces a handful of annual events including Wonderland - the largest LA Gay Pride event and ELEVATION -the Mammoth Gay Ski Week in Mammoth Lakes, CA, which is one of the largest gay ski weeks in North America.
Musical performers at Tom Whitman Presents events have included Michelle Williams
(Destiny’s Child), Lady Gaga
, Katy Perry
, Jewel
, Blu Cantrell
, American Idol
’s Kimberley Locke
, American Idol’s Tamyra Gray
, Kristine W
, Thelma Houston
, Kim English
, Frankie J
, Ari Gold, Gioia Bruno
(Expose), Pepper Mashay
, Pat Hodges & The Sweet Inspirations, Levi Kreis
, Debby Holiday, American Idol’s Kimberly Caldwell
, Boomkat
, Shoshana Bean
, Wicked
’s Megan Hilty
and Eden Espinosa
.
Other performers have included Brazilian dance troupe The Girls from Ipanema, performance artist Flava, the Eye of Newt Circus, Stiltworld, Hawaiian dance troupe Flowers of Leilani, aerial group Vertigo Posse, aerial group Hollywood Aerial Arts.
Tom Whitman Presents has produced events with the best nationally and internationally recognized DJs, including superstar DJ/remixer Manny Lehman
, Tony Moran
, Chris Cox & Barry Harris, Brett Henrichsen, Roland Belmares, Escape, Paul Heron, Pagano, Joe Bermudez, Kimberly S, Paulo, Jamie J Sanchez, Josh Peace, Scotty K, Paul Goodyear, Randy Bettis, Wayne G, Dan DeLeon, and DJ Corey Craig.
, The Trevor Project
, GLAAD, HRC
, Outfest and others. He joined the Board of Directors of AIDS Project Los Angeles, the second largest AIDS service organization in the country, in 2006.
2002 Best Short Film - Gay Male for "Sexy" - Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival http://us.imdb.de/Sections/Awards/Philadelphia_International_Gay_And_Lesbian_Film_Festival/2002
2002 Best Short Film Nomination for "Sexy" - Torino International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival http://us.imdb.de/Sections/Awards/Torino_International_Gay_And_Lesbian_Film_Festival/2002
2002 Director's Club Award, Best Short Short for "Sexy" - ReelPride, Fresno Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
2007 Weho Award for Outstanding Circuit Event
2008 OUT Magazine's "Out 100 Winner" - The Men and Women Who Made 2008 A Year To Remember
2008 The Best of Craigslist for ThisIsNotIkea.com
2009 Circle of Hope Award from The Trevor Project
2009 Best Gay Dance Party from the Best of Los Angeles in Los Angeles Magazine
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
event producer, club promoter, filmmaker and philanthropist
Philanthropist
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes...
living in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
. Tom is considered one of the most successful club promoters in L.A.’s gay nightlife scene. He is best known for producing more than 200 events a year in Los Angeles as well as being named one of OUT Magazine’s “100 People of the Year 2008.” He is also known for his work in television at MTV Networks
MTV Networks
MTV Networks is a division of media conglomerate Viacom that oversees the operations of many television channels and Internet brands, including the original MTV channel in the United States...
and his short films The Rape of Ganymede and Sexy.
Born in Hawaii as the son of an Air Force officer, Tom spent much of his younger years moving around Europe. After his family moved to California, Tom attended UCLA where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Communications. Since that time, he has lived primarily in Los Angeles, and part time in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
Whitman began his career at MTV Networks, working primarily at Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon (TV channel)
Nickelodeon, often simply called Nick and originally named Pinwheel, is an American children's channel owned by MTV Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom International. The channel is primarily aimed at children ages 7–17, with the exception of their weekday morning program block aimed at preschoolers...
and MTV for eight years, with much of his work focused on live television award shows and concert shows. In 2000, he left to form his own event production company Tom Whitman Presents, and is currently one of the highest profile event producers in the gay community, producing and promoting more than 200 events each year.
Television production
Tom Whitman worked as a producer/director in television and film for nine years, predominantly with MTV Networks and Nickelodeon. He has produced concert shows with performances by NSYNC, Britney SpearsBritney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
, Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston
Whitney Elizabeth Houston is an American singer, actress, producer and a former model. Houston is the most awarded female act of all time, according to Guinness World Records, and her list of awards include 1 Emmy Award, 6 Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards, among...
, the Backstreet Boys and many others. He has written and directed television segments with people such as Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993...
, Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
, and more. Whitman has worked in production on shows which include Nickelodeon’s The Big Help, Kid’s Choice Awards, The MTV Movie Awards, VH-1 Honors.
Film production
Tom Whitman was the writer/director on the animated 16 mm short film “The Rape of Ganymede” and the award-winning 35 mm short film “Sexy"(Sexy Animated Short), both of which premiered in Los Angeles at Outfest and have played in more than 50 countries on six continents.Theater production
As co-producer of Mommie Queerest, Tom had early success in theater production. The show won the LA Weekly “Pick of the Week,” as well as the winner of an LA Weekly Theater Awards Best Director for Chris Kenney, and 2 nominations for Best Actor (Comedy) for Brooks Braselman and Jamie Morris.Tom was also the co-producer of The Facts of Life: The Lost Episode – A parody production based on the popular 1980’s sitcom The Facts of Life with screenplay by Jamie Morris. The show features Brooks Braselman and Jamie Morris and is currently touring major cities in the United States.
Event production
In 2000, Tom Whitman took his experience as a TV and film producer-director for MTV Networks and translated it into event promotion and production to form his company Tom Whitman Presents, Inc. Since then over 500,000 pairs of feet have danced through the doors of his parties.His promotions range from weekly events at West Hollywood nightspots to large annual dance and sporting events. His weekly events include the celebrity-frequented Cherry Pop, voted LA Weekly
LA Weekly
LA Weekly is a free weekly tabloid-sized "alternative weekly" in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1978 by Editor/Publisher Jay Levin and a board of directors that included actor-producer Michael Douglas...
’s best Gay Bar Event in 2008, to upscale Smack at the Thomas Schoos designed O-Bar to the huge Sunday nightclub event SIZE at Here lounge. TWP also produces a handful of annual events including Wonderland - the largest LA Gay Pride event and ELEVATION -the Mammoth Gay Ski Week in Mammoth Lakes, CA, which is one of the largest gay ski weeks in North America.
Musical performers at Tom Whitman Presents events have included Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams (singer)
Tenitra Michelle Williams , commonly known as Michelle Williams, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actress...
(Destiny’s Child), Lady Gaga
Lady GaGa
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta , better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in New York City, she primarily studied at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and briefly attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts before withdrawing to...
, Katy Perry
Katy Perry
Katy Perry is an American singer, songwriter and actress. Born in Santa Barbara, California, and raised by Christian pastor parents, Perry grew up listening to only gospel music and sang in her local church as a child. After earning a GED during her first year of high school, she began to pursue a...
, Jewel
Jewel (singer)
Jewel Kilcher , professionally known as Jewel, is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, actress and poet...
, Blu Cantrell
Blu Cantrell
Blu Cantrell is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter.-Biography:Tiffany Cobb was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1976. Her father was a Narragansett Native American and Cape Verdean, and played in the National Basketball Association...
, American Idol
American Idol
American Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
’s Kimberley Locke
Kimberley Locke
Kimberley Dawn Locke is an American singer-songwriter and model. She has recorded in the dance, pop and adult contemporary music genres....
, American Idol’s Tamyra Gray
Tamyra Gray
Tamyra Monica Gray is an American actress, singer and songwriter, who finished fourth place on the first season of the musical reality competition American Idol in 2002. Record and television executive Simon Cowell — who judged the show for nine seasons — was disappointed when she was voted off...
, Kristine W
Kristine W
Kristine W, born Kristine Weitz, is an American singer-songwriter. She has released seven albums, three of them through major labels, plus an early recording she sells to fans through her website...
, Thelma Houston
Thelma Houston
Thelma Houston is an American singer-songwriter and actress. She scored a number-one hit in 1976 with her cover version of the song "Don't Leave Me This Way", which won the 1978 Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.-Early life & career:Houston is the daughter of a cotton picking mother...
, Kim English
Kim English
Kim English is an African American electronica, soul, gospel, and house music singer, born in Chicago, Illinois, United States.-Music career:...
, Frankie J
Frankie J
Francisco Javier Bautista, Jr. , better known by his stage name Frankie J, is a Mexican singer and former member of the musical group Kumbia Kings....
, Ari Gold, Gioia Bruno
Gioia Bruno
Gioia Bruno is an Italian-born American popular music singer, most noted as a member of the vocal group Exposé.-Early life and career:...
(Expose), Pepper Mashay
Pepper Mashay
Pepper MaShay is an Urban/Soul music, House music and Club/Dance singer-songwriter who has had success as a touring and studio performer.-Personal life:...
, Pat Hodges & The Sweet Inspirations, Levi Kreis
Levi Kreis
Levi Kreis is an American recording artist and actor from Oliver Springs, Tennessee.-Music career:His debut album was released on November 17, 2005, accompanied by an appearance on a special XM radio edition of NBC's The Apprentice. Four hopefuls were chosen from thousands of submissions...
, Debby Holiday, American Idol’s Kimberly Caldwell
Kimberly Caldwell
Kimberly Ann Caldwell is an American singer, actress, and television hostess, from Katy, Texas who was the seventh place finalist on the second season of American Idol. She used to work as an entertainment correspondent and hosted various shows on the TV Guide Network...
, Boomkat
Boomkat
Boomkat is an electronic and pop music duo, with brother-and-sister Kellin and Taryn Manning. The group released their debut album Boomkatalog.One in 2003, and their second album A Million Trillion Stars in 2009...
, Shoshana Bean
Shoshana Bean
Shoshana Elise Bean is an American stage actress and singer known for her roles in Broadway musicals. She is best known for playing Elphaba on Broadway in the musical Wicked.-Early life and education:...
, Wicked
Wicked (musical)
Wicked is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. It is based on the Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West , a parallel novel of the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz and L. Frank Baum's classic story The Wonderful Wizard...
’s Megan Hilty
Megan Hilty
Megan Kathleen Hilty is an American stage and television actress.- Early years :Hilty was born in Bellevue, Washington and is the daughter of Jack and Donna Hilty. She attended Sammamish High School in Bellevue and the Washington Academy of Performing Arts Conservatory High School in Redmond,...
and Eden Espinosa
Eden Espinosa
Eden Erica Espinosa is an American singer and stage actress, who is best known for her performances as Elphaba for the Broadway, Los Angeles and San Francisco productions of the musical Wicked....
.
Other performers have included Brazilian dance troupe The Girls from Ipanema, performance artist Flava, the Eye of Newt Circus, Stiltworld, Hawaiian dance troupe Flowers of Leilani, aerial group Vertigo Posse, aerial group Hollywood Aerial Arts.
Tom Whitman Presents has produced events with the best nationally and internationally recognized DJs, including superstar DJ/remixer Manny Lehman
Manny Lehman
Manny Lehman is a house music DJ and producer. In addition to his production and DJ work, Lehman is one of the most requested remixers presently, transforming many songs into club hits....
, Tony Moran
Tony Moran
Anthony "Tony" Moran is a remixer/producer and DJ known for remixing popular songs. In 2007, he hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart with "Walk Away" featuring Kristine W.-Career:...
, Chris Cox & Barry Harris, Brett Henrichsen, Roland Belmares, Escape, Paul Heron, Pagano, Joe Bermudez, Kimberly S, Paulo, Jamie J Sanchez, Josh Peace, Scotty K, Paul Goodyear, Randy Bettis, Wayne G, Dan DeLeon, and DJ Corey Craig.
Current events
- WONDERLAND - The largest annual Gay Pride party on the West Coast, featuring more than 3500 attendees each year, fireworks, aerialists, performers, dancers, carnival rides and world class DJs. Wonderland was held at Paramount Studios in 2005, 2006, 2007 and at Sunset Bronson Studios in 2008. Recording Artist Lady Gaga performed in 2008.
- CHERRY POP - The weekly Saturday promotion at the Ultra Suede event space began in 2008. It features dancing and DJs as well as special performances by a variety of artists. Guest appearances have been made by Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.
- SIZE - The weekly Sunday promotion at Here Lounge began in 2001. DJs have included Manny Lehman, Brett Henrichsen, Kimberly S, Paulo, and Scotty K.
- ELEVATION, Mammoth Gay Ski Week - 5 days of events, considered the fastest growing gay sporting event in the country, in its 6th year.
- SMACK - The Thursday night upscale dining/cocktail event began at Felt Restaurant in 2002, and has run since 2005 at the Thomas Schoos designed O-Bar.
- INSTINCT MAGAZINE AND TREVOR PROJECT OSCAR PARTY - An Oscar viewing party and charity event started in 2004 on Robertson Blvd.
Past events
- LUCKY DEVIL BURLESQUE - The all-male burlesque show which premiered at Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce in 2007 and lasted for one year.
- ACTION - A long-running monthly and bi-monthly nightclub dance event produced in conjunction with Manny Lehman at Factory Nightclub.
- D & H - Friday night promotion, opening first at i-Candy in West Hollywood (featured on Logo Network’s Open Bar), then moving to Fubar.
- POPULAR - The Saturday night predecessor event to Cherry Pop, held at Here Lounge for one year.
- SHARK - Monthly billiards event at Hollywood Billiards.
- SMOOTH - Tuesday concert series at here lounge featuring deep house music and vocalists.
- TRASH - Joint gay and lesbian promotion with Fuse Events on Friday at Club 7969.
- SCENE - An annual benefit for OutfestOutfestOutfest is an LGBT-oriented film showcase and festival in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1982 as the "Gay and Lesbian Media Festival and Conference", the name was changed to Outfest in 1994.-Programs:...
, Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
- VARIOUS - The AdvocateThe AdvocateThe Advocate is an American LGBT-interest magazine, printed monthly and available by subscription. The Advocate brand also includes a web site. Both magazine and web site have an editorial focus on news, politics, opinion, and arts and entertainment of interest to LGBT people...
Magazine Oscar Party 2002, GLAAD Oscar Party 2003, , APLA Summer Party, Scene – A benefit for Outfest, Stoli Hotel Music Series.
Philanthropy
Tom Whitman has produced charity events for many LA based charities, including AIDS Project Los AngelesAIDS Project Los Angeles
AIDS Project Los Angeles is a 5013 non-profit organization, "dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by AIDS disease, reducing the incidence of HIV infection, and advocating for fair and effective HIV-related public policy."...
, The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is an American non-profit organization founded in 1998 and the leading national organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Through a toll-free telephone number, it operates The Trevor Lifeline, a...
, GLAAD, HRC
HRC
HRC may refer to:* Human Rights Campaign* Human Rights Commission* Human Rights Committee* Hugo Rafael Chávez* Hillary Rodham Clinton is sometimes referred to by her initials, HRC.* Hawaii Regional Cuisine* Hawaii regional cuisine* Hard Rock Cafe...
, Outfest and others. He joined the Board of Directors of AIDS Project Los Angeles, the second largest AIDS service organization in the country, in 2006.
Community work
Tom Whitman is on the Board of Directors of AIDS Project Los Angeles and has produced events for APLA as well as other local and national non-profit organizations, including HRC, The Trevor Project, The LA Gay & Lesbian Center and organizations involved in the fight against Proposition 8. He also started a grass-roots organization, the Gang of 100, mentioned as “25 Things to Love About Gay LA” in Frontier’s Magazine. The Gang of 100 is a informal group of men and women in the gay community in Los Angeles that utilize their social connections to make a difference through various fundraising events for a variety of Los Angeles based non-profits. The Gang has raised almost $250,000 in 2008 alone benefiting organizations such as AIDS Walk LA, APLA, The Trevor Project and many others.Other entrepreneurial work
In 2008, Tom Whitman and Alexis Hadjopulos started the vintage furniture and accessories company ALTO Furniture, LLC, under the nickname and website thisisnotikea.com. Since then, This Is Not Ikea has opened a retail outlet on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles.Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Rape of Ganymede | Writer and Director | IMDB: Rape of Ganymede |
| 2001 | Sexy (Sexy Animated Short) | Writer and Director | IMDB: Sexy |
Awards
2001 Emerging Film Award: Best Short, Men's category - North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival2002 Best Short Film - Gay Male for "Sexy" - Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival http://us.imdb.de/Sections/Awards/Philadelphia_International_Gay_And_Lesbian_Film_Festival/2002
2002 Best Short Film Nomination for "Sexy" - Torino International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival http://us.imdb.de/Sections/Awards/Torino_International_Gay_And_Lesbian_Film_Festival/2002
2002 Director's Club Award, Best Short Short for "Sexy" - ReelPride, Fresno Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
2007 Weho Award for Outstanding Circuit Event
2008 OUT Magazine's "Out 100 Winner" - The Men and Women Who Made 2008 A Year To Remember
2008 The Best of Craigslist for ThisIsNotIkea.com
2009 Circle of Hope Award from The Trevor Project
2009 Best Gay Dance Party from the Best of Los Angeles in Los Angeles Magazine