About
Less is More
At Illume, we believe your communications should be clear, precise and targeted. Our name speaks to this: a condensed version of the verb illuminate, 'illume' means 'to enlighten.' We opted for the more concise 'illume,' to reflect the direct communication style we apply to the complex world of digital media and entertainment.
Fuel Exposure. Whether you deal in digital media, entertainment, wireless, gaming, or technology, we’ve worked with the leaders, know the language, and have the contacts.
One-on-One Service. Combining the familiarity of an in-house PR team with the professionalism of a large agency, Illume works side-by-side with clients to strategize and execute with unparalleled focus.
Passion. As digital media and entertainment insiders, founders Aurli Bokovza and Debra Benson deliver results with energy, tenacity, and an innate skill for navigating and networking within the revolutionary new media landscape.
Aurli Bokovza: Co-Founder
Aurli co-founded Illume Public Relations as a way to combine her passion for traditional entertainment with her fascination for the new media revolution. An entrepreneur by nature, Aurli sought an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with clients at the forefront of the digital entertainment age as part of a team that creates trends before they happen.
Immediately prior to founding Illume, Aurli directed public relations for Amp’d Mobile, where she led all corporate communications, public relations, and internal communications efforts for the mobile entertainment company, including campaigning and securing industry awards in Advertising Age’s ‘Entertainment Marketers of the Year 2006,’ Wireless Week’s ‘Mobile Entertainment Company of the Year 2007’ and On Hollywood’s ‘Top 100 List.’
Aurli began her public relations career in the television industry at the top-rated cable channel, USA Network. There, she was fortunate enough to work with some of the top production companies in the industry, including Lionsgate Television, Mark Burnett Productions, Reveille LLC, and Mandeville Films, among others. She supervised public relations, talent relations, and awards campaigns for the network’s tent-pole programs.
Aurli holds a Masters of Science in Management from Boston University and a BA with Honors in International History & Politics from Leeds University in the UK.
Debra Benson: Co-Founder
Debra co-founded Illume to work one-on-one with clients at all stages of activity, from developing their initial strategy to seeing it through to its successful implementation, all the while providing a personal, hands-on approach.
Before establishing Illume, Debra was a director of the digital media practice at LA-based mPRm Public Relations, where she led campaigns for some of the agency’s largest accounts. Debra orchestrated media campaigns to support the launch of new digital entertainment companies and to build momentum and drive sales for others. A smattering of her clients included Amp’d mobile, Ceiva Digital Photo Frames, Intercasting Corporation, Magmic Games, National Geographic Walt Disney Internet Group and WorldTV.
Debra joined mPRm from GolinHarris International where she spearheaded national public relations campaigns for Nestle confections, drugstore.com and others. She gained extensive strategic communications expertise while at San Francisco-based public affairs firm Solem & Associates where she serviced clients including Pacific Gas and Electric Company, United Nations World Environment Day and Nielson Media Research.
Prior to relocating to California, Debra held the position of assistant press secretary for U.S. Senator Tom Harkin. From Harkin’s Capital Hill office, Debra developed and implemented statewide communications efforts for the chairman of the LHHS Appropriations & Agriculture Committees.