Screen Time: HMS Media Connects Performing Arts Organizations With Audiences
WDCB’s Gary Zidek sits down with the co-founders of HMS Media, Scott Silberstein and Matt Hoffman, for a conversation about the company’s origins, the art of capturing live performances, and what the future of presenting performing ars might look like.
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“People always turn to the arts for healing, for direction, for community, in that sense this is no different. The main difference is there weren’t theaters to commune in, but there were screens. So, very quickly, we realized, you know what, let’s talk to everyone we work with, and remind them, there are new theatrical experiences,” - Scott Silberstein, HMS Media co-founder, talking about the pivot to virtual programming that took place as the pandemic ramped up last year.
HMS Media co-founders (left) Scott Silberstein & Matt Hoffman at their Des Plaines office.
Last year around this time, many performing arts organizations were dealing with some very challenging questions. As the realities of the pandemic began to set in, theaters, dance ensembles, opera companies and music groups began shifting their short term thinking into longer term planning. Many arts organizations began taking a closer look at what it goes into creating work for the virtual realm. Some of those organizations picked up the phone called HMS Media. Founded by Matt Hoffman and Scott Silberstein, HMS Media has been providing video production services to some of the country’s most prestigious performing arts companies for over three decades.
The company, which has won 20 Emmy Awards, handles everything from creating promotional material for theaters to producing televised specials and documentaries, and lots of things in between.
HMS Media performance shoot of a Chicago Shakespeare Theatre production
HMS Media’s skillset has been in high demand since the start of the pandemic as arts organizations look to increase their virtual offerings. And while we’re slowly moving toward a return to our pre-pandemic lives, both Silberstein and Hoffman believe arts organizations will likely utilize some type of hybrid approach to presenting work in the short term.
Behind the scenes of a Chicago Blues Network concert produced by HMS Media
