I'm Blake Larsen

I create story-driven content that builds communities, moves emotions, and drives results.
From HBO to The Patriots, from podcasting to brand campaigns.

I turn audiences into believers.

THE EVENT THAT PROVED PRESENCE DOESN'T NEED A BALLROOM (LIVE EVENT)

🎉 Case Study: Outlander Cast – Virtual Finale Party (Season 5)


🎯 The Challenge:

How do you transform a beloved in-person fan event into a meaningful, shared experience during a global pandemic? Our goal was to maintain the emotional connection and excitement of our annual Outlander finale party—without a physical venue, and with a global audience stuck at home.


💡 My Role & Process:

As co-creator and executive producer, I led the concept, production, and promotion of a fully virtual event across YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter—turning crisis into creative opportunity.

  • Pivoted quickly from a 300+ person live event in Rhode Island to a multi-platform livestream watched worldwide.

  • Coordinated exclusive interviews with cast members Lauren Lyle, Tim Downie, and Duncan Lacroix, plus bloggers and superfans.

  • Directed real-time audience engagement through live Q&A, fan predictions, and emotional countdown moments from our home studio.

  • Engineered a show flow that balanced fan celebration, exclusive access, and authenticity—with emotional honesty about the year’s challenges.

This wasn’t just a livestream. It was a fan-first, community-driven experience at a time when connection was needed most.


📈 The Result:

  • Reached over 60,000 fans live and on replay across platforms within the first week.

  • Garnered comments like, “This made me feel like I wasn’t alone—thank you for giving us this night.”

  • Became a template for virtual fan events for other TV companion podcasts navigating pandemic pivots.

  • Reinforced the brand's emotional trust with fans: real people, real love for the show, real community.


The Outlander Cast Virtual Finale Party -- PRE-SHOW (SEASON 5 | Episode 5.12 - Never My Love)



The Outlander Cast Virtual Finale Party is a dynamic live-streamed event hosted by Mary and Blake Larsen, transforming their traditional in-person finale gathering into a global virtual experience due to COVID-19. 

Normally hosting hundreds of fans in Rhode Island, the pandemic forced them to reimagine their annual celebration. This innovative virtual party brings together Outlander fans from around the world, creating a sense of community despite physical distancing. The pre-show features exclusive interviews with cast members, behind-the-scenes insights from the Outlander Cast blog staff, and fan predictions. With special guests like Lauren Lyle, Tim Downie, and Duncan Lacroix, the podcast offers an engaging look at the show, its characters, and the passionate Outlander fandom, proving that connection can transcend physical boundaries.

Also in this episode: 
  • COVID-19 Adaptation: Transformed traditional in-person finale party into a global virtual event, connecting fans worldwide through YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
  • Cast Insights: Special guest appearances from Lauren Lyle, Tim Downey, and Duncan Lacroix provided behind-the-scenes stories and season highlights.
  • Community Focus: Emphasized the importance of maintaining fan connections during challenging times through podcasts, blogs, and social media interactions.
  • Season 5 Highlights: Cast and staff shared favorite moments, including emotional scenes with Jamie, Claire, Brianna, and Roger.
  • Blog and Social Media Contributions: Recognized the hard work of writers, editors, and social media team who create comprehensive Outlander content.
  • Clan Moderators Appreciation: Highlighted the crucial role of volunteer moderators in maintaining respectful and engaging online fan communities.
  • Finale Anticipation: Built excitement for the season finale with fan theories, predictions, and a collaborative viewing experience.



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BLAKE LARSEN
508.294.9131
Cranston, Rhode Island

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