Space Themed Party Featuring itCoinz

Disclosure: I received itCoinz from Tryazon in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. I may collect a share of sales from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them.

         ItCoinz are magnetic battle coins that are a super diverse toy.  Not only can you collect these cool looking coins, but you can also turn them into game pieces to challenge opponents with or play on your own. For example, spinning them on top of a spinner or flinging the coins onto a surface.  Since the back of the coins are magnetic, most metal backdrops can be turned into a makeshift game board. For instance, a metal locker at school would be a perfect place to set up an impromptu round of tossing the coins during recess. The set up and game play time can be pretty quick. The game board fits easily in a backpack, and it has a magnetic backing. Therefore, the set up on a locker is quite easy.  Just attach the magnetic side on the surface and have fun lobbing the coins at it. If you do not have a game board, then make a game out of throwing the coins directly onto the locker to have just as much fun.

            The itcoinz come in a mystery pack of five. Hence, this is just enough to engage in a rapid battle. If you love the collecting aspect, then there are currently sixty Itcoinz that make up the Series A collection. My favorite part is that This includes holographic ones that are rarer to find inside of a package.  

            There are several game boards to choose from. I got the planet game board, so I thought it would be fun to invite my friends over for a Space themed game night. Additionally, I decided to incorporate a circular theme as a homage to the round shaped Itcoinz.  Once my friends arrived, we watched the first episode of the space themed anime, Wandaba Style. I served a helping of homemade cheddar herb quiche, that I had baked the night before using a round cake pan, for dinner. After enjoying a relaxing movie and quiche meal, we switched to a livelier activity by engaging in several rounds of hurling the ItCoinz at the numbers on the game board. We found it to be a game of strategy because after throwing one ItCoinz on the magnetic game board, it can be repelled when another ItConiz is tossed. Since, two magnets do not typically stick together.  Although I had gained the highest score, I awarded the second-place winner a gift bag filled with Nutrient Survival packs as they are practical to take on a trip to outer space because they just require water. As a competitive closure to end our tournament, we participated in the Spaceland version in the Mario party video game. Overall, my friends and I had a blast playing with ItCoinz. as an added bonus, I gave them each a Starter Pack, so they can continue the fun we had together collecting and battling on their own.

itcoinz: https://www.itcoinz.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-itCoinz-Site/default/Stores-Find?showMap=true&horizontalView=true&isForm=true&fbclid=IwAR0LhWFmEAirte1CZnnmjTBXG4t-Du7et78rb9GpqZcZwh4m8TW2c-BVleA

Cheese: https://amzn.to/45RxqXa

Nutrient Survival: https://alnk.to/ge4m2n1

Additionally, I am wearing my own design. The Queenie4ever Wongwear Crest men's t-shirt. If you are interested in purchasing one of these t-shirts please send us an e-mail at info@queenie4ever.com for pricing and size information

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No One Ever Sleeps at Slumber Parties: Featuring the Bestway Tritech Air Mattress

Disclosure: I received a Bestway Mattress from Tryazon in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. I may collect a share of sales from the link on this page if you decide to shop from it.

    Since my friends and I have all been pretty busy working this summer, I thought it would be fun to host a no one ever sleeps slumber party. We took a break from job obligations and just had a relaxing night, at my place. No one could really spend the night, since they had to wake up early for work. However, my guests were willing to enjoy hanging out in their lounge wear whilst reclining upon the Bestway Tritech mattress. We watched a surprisingly good anime called Ruin Explorers, while munching on my homemade mini raspberry German jelly tarts and vegan nuggets.

            The Bestway tritech mattress made the perfect furniture for my friends to hang out upon. Since, it is a full-size bed it was big enough for four people to stretch out comfortably without feeling claustrophobic. What I really love about this product is that it was quite simple to set up, before my slumber party guests arrived. To my shock and delight, it inflated super-fast. The bed is easy so I was able to take a quick nap in my living room, then move it out of sight after it had deflated. The built in pillow also makes for a swift clean up. On the other hand, the mattress may be left blown up for an extended period of time. Not only will it stay firmly inflated, but also the antimicrobial layer ensures it will remain sanitary. The cord has a little door that it can retract into, keeping it safely out of the way from someone tripping on it. The storage bag makes it portable, so you can pack the bed away. The bed can be taken on visits to a relative's house or camping trips where an extra place to sleep on comes in handy. Even though my friends were unable to actually sleep over at my no one ever really sleeps slumber party, they definitely got in some relaxation time on my super comfy new Bestway tritech mattress.

Mattress: https://amzn.to/44ZL1LJ

Joggers: https://t.co/Y4rf63TJyh

Jelly mix: https://amzn.to/3qhLn1o 

Additionally, I am wearing my own design. The Queenie4ever floral thermal waffle knit long graphic sleeve shirt. If you are interested in purchasing one of these t-shirts, please send us an e-mail at info@queenie4ever.com for pricing, color, and sizing availability.

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Azul Board Game with Themed Snack Ideas

Disclosure: I received this Asmodee game from Tryazon in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. I may collect a share of sales from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them.

            Since my friends enjoy playing board games & tasting new recipes, I thought it would be fun to invite them over to play the Azul Board Game. They were able to munch on tasty themed snacks based on the game's tiles, which are the colorful playing pieces. The lemon bars were a big favorite among my guests. Not only did they admire the way the lemon bars resembled the square shaped tiles, but they were similarly decorated with chopped pistachios to mimic the tile's patterns. Additionally, I served sliced cucumbers. They were cut up in circles, as a homage to honeycomb mosaic patterns.

            The Azul Board Game is intended for 2-4 players. If you really love art and are good at math, then you are in for a fun time.  The object of the game is to imagine that you are an artisan placing colorful tiles on a wall. Players must make patterns using the least amount of tiles possible. Azul is a super strategic game; since, your moves will be affected by what the person who goes before and after you do. For example, if you had planned to take 2 red tiles from the factory, but someone takes them before you do, then This could cause you to get 4 red tiles from the center of the table. Therefore, at least 1 tile would have to be placed on the floor line resulting in a 1-point minimum loss.  note that the main goal of competing to complete the beautification of the wall of the Evora palace is a big win for fans, like me, of the royalty genre.

Game: https://amzn.to/476qjeS 

Eggs: https://amzn.to/44FFhql 

Butter:  https://amzn.to/44QbNG2 

Ranch: https://amzn.to/3QjgTX4 

Additionally, I am wearing my own design. The Queenie4ever kids blue panda ice cream t-shirt that was exclusive to CheatDayLand in LA. There are still a few left in stock, so if you are interested in purchasing one of these t-shirts please send us an e-mail at info@queenie4ever.com for pricing and size information.

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Animation director Dan Riba Interview: Superheroes are his special directorial power

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I may collect a share of sales from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

            Some kids grow up just pretending to be their favorite superheroes.  Fortunately, animation director Dan Riba took it a step further and actually decided to draw his childhood action figure toys on paper. His love for the superhero genre began developing at a very early age, as he spent hours building an imaginary world around his action figures. This would become the foundation of the incredible visionary director who basically works on all the globally known and iconic Superheroes animated television series. The beauty of being an animator creator is that your artwork can be transformed from a still drawing to moving footage with voiceover. Dan's job as director is likened to being the Captain of a crime fighting Superhero Team except these heroes are armed with animator power. As Captain Animator, what makes the production team work seamlessly together under his creative vision is his leadership abilities to capture the audience's attention. Being a three time Daytime Emmy Award Winner recipient for Freakazoid, The New Batman/Superman Adventures, and Batman Beyond is certainly proof that Superheroes are his special Directorial power. 

1.   How would you describe your fashion style for promotions events vs personal everyday wear?

 

I wear what is comfortable. I used to wear a red shirt & black pants most of the time when I was back at Warner Bros. My convention attire is usually a show or character themed T-shirt or crew shirt with a loose Hawaiian or solid color short sleeved shirt. I wear a fanny pack so much that it is my signature. I picked up the habit of using them while I was in Japan in 1985. That was where the trend started, I think. People mostly use them now for jogging. I wear them because I have an attachment to things.  I think it is my way of honoring Batman's utility belt.

 

2. What recent fashion trend have you noticed and considered trying, even though they may be a little out of your comfort zone? (During our conversation we spoke about if I had seen the new red boot trend. I recall you mentioning that you were not sure if you would wear them yourself, but you seemed pretty fascinated by these then.)

 

I think that inflated pants trend that the fashion shows were showcasing a year ago or so. I think they look incredibly stupid….and yet a part of me wants to try them on and wear them around.

 

3. Which theme song from anything you worked on is your favorite?

 

I love so many of the theme songs. The Justice League & Justice League Unlimited are great but, the one that I love the most is the Batman Beyond theme.

 

4. What was your favorite toy or activity from your childhood? Were you an avid comic book reader?

 

I loved my toys as a kid & my hands down favorite was the Captain Action figure. We didn’t call them dolls. He could be dressed up as any hero. I had Captain America and the Flash Gordon and Aquaman that first Christmas, then later on the released Spider-man. I was able to recreate my favorite scenes from the comics with him. I got Superman later on and put the Dr. Evil tunic on him & drew a moustache & grey temples and made him into Dr. Strange.

 

5.  Were you an avid comic book reader?

 

Yes. I started with Donald Duck & Richie Rich & graduated to the superheroes, both Marvel and DC. I loved Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko’s work, Wallace Wood, Al Willamson, Jim Steranko, Neal Adams, Berni Wrightson, & Jack Cole. Later on, I discovered Will Eisner’s work and that was my biggest inspiration.  It blew my mind that I got to go to School of Visual Arts and Eisner was my teacher. And then on my first in house job in animation, Doug Wildey the creator of Jonny Quest and Jack Kirby were both freelancers and showed up every week. I actually got to ink Jack Kirby’s presentation art!!!!

 

6.  What character do you wish fans cosplayed as more often?

 

There are so many that have been done so many times but, I only saw ONE Freakzoid at a con a few years ago and he was wild…it made me very happy. So, more Freakzoids would be fun to see.

 

7. What makes you feel like a superhero? What everyday talent do you have that could be similar to having a superpower?

 

Helping people. Whether giving a friend a ride or donating to a shelter.  Any time I do something for somebody I feel like a superhero. 

 

8. What everyday talent do you have that could be similar to having a superpower?

 

 I’m told I listen well so, that could be a power. I think it’s my fanny pack or pouch. It really is my utility belt. I keep everything I need in it.

 

9. . What item in your fanny pack/utility belt have you found to be most useful?

 

Phone chargers. I also used to carry a small Swiss army knife type device with pliers and screwdrivers in case of emergencies. I also used to carry a lighter even though I don't smoke.

 

10. What reference in Freakazoid did you find to be the most humorous?

 

My favorite Freafazoid  reference is the way he pretends to fly while running. I used to do that as a kid and it is still so much fun to do. I even came out on stage doing it.

 

11. Since I am a fan of anime and Japanese culture, I really enjoyed hearing about your travels to Asia, in particular the short time you spent in Japan, working on Freakazoid. Besides watching the avant-garde band The Residents perform on a rooftop rockin' giant eyeballs and dapper tuxedos. Was there anything that you did there that caught your attention enough to influence you?

 

In general, seeing how the Japanese work was inspiring to me and affected me. I saw young people sleeping under their desks from the crazy schedules.  I saw how the backgrounds were painted & the cameraman’s setup with all of the special tools used for effects, all obsolete now because of the digital inking.

 

12. What advice do you have for an aspiring director?

 

Try to be open to your storyboarder’s ideas. Some directors have a narrow vision of what they want to see and if they don’t communicate that well to the board artist, they don’t deliver that vision exactly. But I try to be receptive to input. Animation is a collaboration. If people don’t feel they are contributing creatively they won’t give you their best efforts. When I talk to young people starting out, they all think that they are going to be the next big creator, like Pen Ward or Rebecca Sugar. It usually doesn’t work out that way. It is important to have dreams. But, for a long career it is just as important to be able to graft your taste & skills to someone else’s dream and to be versatile.

 

13. What film or TV series made you want to become a director?

 

So many shows inspired me as a child. Astroboy, Jonny Quest, Speed Racer, The Fantastic Four, Spiderman, &  Space Ghost. But I don’t think I was inspired to direct until I was watching the Japanese shows while in college, Cyborg 009 and Captain Harlock. I was also inspired by comic books, Will Eisner’s The Spirit was a big influence, that more than anything.

 

14. How much input do you get in regard to costume design?

 

The costume design depends on the project. I used to have a little when I was in design at Batman but, it was less and less as the shows went on. I put a WW1 flight cap on the Penguin for an episode I directed & drew it myself. Because the crew was so overwhelmed with making the Batman Beyond DVD while we were still making the show, I have to do rough designs for incidentals and some villains. But mostly we have an art director that calls the shots.

 

15. Of those not already adapted into a live action version, which one of your animated works would you love to see become a live action movie?

 

 I usually think that live action adaptations aren’t really better than the cartoon versions, so I don’t think cartoons needs to be adapted to be legitimate. BUT, I have wondered what a Batman Beyond live action would be like. I would be very curious to see how a live action Freakazoid could possibly work. It would have to be completely freeform like Monty Python…nutty. I don’t know it would work as a series or a movie but, maybe as a short or a commercial.

 

16. Do you have any upcoming appearances?

I do commission covers from time to time, & may be setting up another cover signing & commission session with CGC this year.

Dan's website: https://danriba.com/?page_id=373

Wig: https://amzn.to/43bwqfk

Wig extensions: https://amzn.to/3C3G5Zl

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Happy Feet With Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest

Disclosure: I received adjustable travel foot rest for free from Everlasting Comfort in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. I may collect a share of sales from the link on this page if you decide to shop from them using the discount code.

              My family has been going to the drive in movie theater at least once a month recently. And I really like to get super comfortable while sitting in the back seat. One way to relax is by putting my feet up. So I really like that Everlasting Comfort's adjustable travel foot rest allows me to place my feet in its' hammock. Thus, it helps take the pressure off of my back as it elevates my feet to a more comfortable position. Also, I like how the memory foam material conforms to my feet, acting  like a second skin.  Another feature that makes the foot hammock such a great product are the adjustable straps that allow you to make it any height you desire. You can get 20% off, any product from their website, using the discount code: venicemusiclawyer 

https://www.everlastingcomfort.net/discount/venicemusiclawyer

                Most recently, we planned a road trip, because I really wanted to see Coming to America 2. The closest drive in theater it was playing at is located 2 hours away from our home. It's not easy sitting in a car for such a long amount of time. Usually my body begins to ache a little, but luckily I had installed my new foot hammock in the back seat.  I noticed that resting my feet in it for the car ride helped my body relax,  as well as my feet didn't feel as cramped. I was so glad that I arrived feeling eager to see the film, thanks to my comfy foot rest, so I could continue to sit back with my happy feet up and enjoy watching the talented costume designer Ruth E. Carter's incredible costume designs come to life as they were revealed larger than life on the big screen. I was excited to see how she was able to incorporate all the research she did for Black Panther, into making stunning costumes for another movie.

Additionally, I am wearing my own design, The Queenie4ever slip on sneaker. If you are interested in the sneaker please send us an e-mail at info@Queenie4ever.com

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Spa Night

Disclosure: I received a free sample pack from Tryazon in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. I may collect a share of sales from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them.

      I love a relaxing spa day. Nail art is one of my favorite ways to get really creative. I also love playing around with creating different hairstyles.  After a busy week of self tape auditions and working at my parents entertainment law firm as their talent scout,  I decided that the weekend would be a great time to just kick back and pamper myself with a fun mini spa night at home.  

          I'm a really big fan of Harry Styles fashion choices. Using the Go Glam Nail Salon,  I painted a multi-colored mani using the provided polish. Then I added the cheetah print and butterflies stamps. This look was inspired by Harry's Gucci Cruise 2020 fashion show arrival manicure which were painted pretty shades of pink and green.  I really liked how vibrant the stamps' designs looked applied on top of the nail polish. What the image stylist in me would really love to see is Harry wearing  a similar bold design on his nails. Not only would the bright pattern stand out in photo and video shoots, but it would also perhaps become a new Harry Styles nail art trend.  

       For the Hollywood Extension Maker, I enjoyed using the markers to draw different patterns on the hair extensions.  I usually incorporate a bit of my own personal style, which is based off of my love of cosplay fashions into my daily looks.  So, I thought it would be cool to do my hair in that manner by  creating a cute buns & hairclip hairstyle inspired by the anime character Roko from Ochikobore Fruit Tart. She has long purple hair with a hairclip & wears a blue patterned jacket. Thus, I chose the purple and blue extensions as a homage to her color scheme. 

     No spa day could be complete without a pedicure. This time there was a twist.  Instead of a pre-pedicure soak  in plain old water,  I placed my feet in a fun sensory experience known as the Orbeez Soothing Spa. It was entertaining to watch the Orbeez's ,which are multi-colored balls that look just like popping boba tea pearls, expand in the water. Finally I indulged in a pedicure using the Orbeez sheer pink glitter nail polish which was the hint of sparkle I needed to feel girly and glam.  What a perfect way to end my spa session with a feeling of being pampered head to toe.

   Additionally I am wearing some of my own designs, The Queenie4ever "Queenie Bubble Bath" T-shirt and Kimono Project Leggings. If you are interested in the leggings please send us an e-mail at info@Queenie4ever.com  The shirt can be purchased at Cafepress, there are a few color and shirt style options.

TUBQUEENIE-FINAL3T-Shirt: https://www.cafepress.com/queenie4ever.18935565

                The Go Glam Nail Salon, Hollywood Extension Maker, Orbeez Soothing Spa are for sale at Target & Walmart. Click below for Amazon links.

Nails: https://amzn.to/3vkC7q2

Hair: https://amzn.to/2PyNyv5

Orbeeze: https://amzn.to/2PyNyv5

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Disney Descendants 3 Actress Jadah Marie Interview: Her Personal Fairytale Fashion Style from Street Wear to Red Carpet Worthy Outfits

             Once upon a time, 14 years ago, a beautiful little girl was born in Fontana, California to an actor, dad and mom. She's the youngest of 9 siblings. Little did the Johnson family know, or perhaps it was written in the cards, that their daughter would grow up to play the role of the Dr. Facilier's fortune card telling daughter Celia in the Disney Descendants Movies. From her past interviews, it appears her descent into the acting  world was magical as she mentions sitting with her dad in his agent's office when the agent  asked  what about her? Being discovered by an agent is every actor's fantasy.  But that is when the fantasy ends,  and the reality of working hard to prove you are talented and bookable begins. And, Jadah Marie has done just that! Please do read on to see what other exciting film and TV projects she has been cast in and when they will be released.

Photo Credit Vulcan Magazine

Photographer ROB ECHANIQUE @robechanique
Creative Direction KARASAUN @kara_saun
Styling PARRISH MCKNIGHT @thatdudebarry
Hair KENDRA @kendragarvey
Makeup SAISHA BEECHAM @saishabeecham
Production @BELLOMediaGroup x @Maisonpriveepr_la x @bonnetalex18

Photo Credit Vulcan Magazine

Photo Credit Vulcan Magazine

Photo Credit Vulcan Magazine

            Jadah Marie also is continually building up her image branding empire to inspire her young fans to follow their dreams.  She invites everyone,  no matter who you are, to join her tribal family to support one another and take a positive journey to the place that makes you happiest. As a positive role model, she is best known for her fairytale story of acting, fashion, and singing.  A young  fashion icon, she is always seen in public rockin' her stand out personal fashion style. Whether she's dressed up in cool street wear, casual clothing, or her fairytale princess glamorous red carpet outfits, one thing stays consistent: Her affinity for age appropriate styles along with her love of accessories.  It is those eye catching personal touches that creates a style her fans can easily recognize and have fun recreating for their own wardrobes. I have always loved participating in fashion challenges, where you get dressed up in your favorite stars outfits. So, I challenge you to dress up in your favorite Jadah Marie outfit, so you too can feel the magic of her fashion. Please enjoy Jadah Marie's interview and be sure to check out which outfits of hers she'd like to see you mimic, then post it and tag her on her social media.

1.     How would you describe your everyday clothing style?

My go-to easy picks are cute chains with sets and Jordan’s! Street Wear is my new style that I've been wearing during this quarantine. I’ve really loved this style!

Jadah Marie's personal style.

2.     What makes you feel like a princess?

When I dress up for different events. I have Jordan's or heels and a pretty dress.

3.     Do you prepare any differently for working on a commercial in comparison to a movie role or a television show?

Commercials are very different, more like improv and being yourself, depending on the commercial. TV and Movies or more of being someone else, stepping into and embracing that character.

4.     Who is your biggest inspiration acting wise?
 
Zendaya and Joey King

5.     Who would you love to musically collaborate with?

One day I would love to collaborate with Ariana Grande.

6.     What do you want people to take away from listening to your music?

My album is called "One Tribe".  It's not about One Culture, One Tribe, it's really about all of us coming together and all cultures being one tribe. I also talk a lot about true friends, or the tribe you create to face the world with and just being yourself. Always making sure that you are you. 

7.     Which of your TikTok’s are you most excited for people to watch? 

My dance Tiktok's! 

8.     At home fashion recreation challenges are very popular right now. Which of your looks would you most like to see people make at home?

I would love for them to recreate my "Call of the Wild" Premiere look or my D3 Premiere look!

Jadah Marie's red carpet look for the Call of the Wild premiere.

9.     What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

I would tell them to be themselves, have faith in themselves and work hard. This business is not easy. But one thing you can do is always do your best and that’s what matters. 

10.  What’s next for Jadah Marie?

Excited for my EP Album "One Tribe", my Netflix Musical Series "Julie & the Phantoms" where I play Flynn a DJ/Rapper/ Poet/Deep Thinker and fashion It girl and Collaborating on my own FASHION LINES, LIP GLOSS KITS ETC... I’m excited!

Instagram: @thejadahmarie

Tiktok: @thejadahmariee

Twitter: @JadahmarieJadah

Thank you so much Jadah Marie for a great interview! I'm looking forward to your future projects.

Enchantingly Yours,

Tatiana Mclane

Twitter: Queenie4ever 

My rendition of Jadah Marie's request for an outfit inspired by her Call of the Wild premiere dress.

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MEET AND GREET WITH STAN ZIMMERMAN THE GENIUS MIND BEHIND GOLDEN GIRLS TO GILMORE GIRLS AND BEYOND

There's a hilarious comedy play "Meet and Greet" showing in Los Angeles that I was invited to see by my good friend Brendan Robinson (Lucas from "Pretty Little Liars") who plays the casting assistant along with four amazing actresses who play actresses competing for the same TV Show role. As a fellow actress, I appreciate the way a script is written and how the lines are delivered as it is this combination that determines its' success with an audience. I quickly looked up who wrote the script and found out it was a guy named Stan Zimmerman with a laundry list of credits that included one successful sitcom after another. I was lucky enough to first meet this genius screenwriter, director, and producer of such hit sitcoms such as "Golden Girls" and "Gilmore Girls" after the show and then later found myself greeting him at my parents' entertainment law offices to sit down for a personal interview about his success story. Some people do not find their calling that early in life, but Stan was obviously an early bloomer as he was already creating complete television programming in his room by age ten and trying to compete with the major networks. These obvious signs of an entrepreneurial spirit from a youngster shows he was well on his way to succeeding in show business. His passion was not just a hobby like building a train set in his room for fun. Just the opposite, he was creating a soundstage within the confines of his boyhood bedroom for his future screenwriting debut in the real world as a young adult fresh from NYU eager to enter the entertainment world now as an educated  professional. And, the millions of viewers who this visionary has breathed life into characters they identify with, chuckle, even double over from side splitting laughter at the humor he hums into their lines. including myself, can claim Stan is the man with the gift of gab and guffaw that anyone with a sense of humor can find relatable and relaxing after a hard day. "Even when tough things happen, try to find the humor in the situation" - Stan Zimmerman

Brendan Robinson (Lucas from Pretty Little Liars) (L) standing outside Theatre-Asylum-Elephant Space located at 6322 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, California 90038 with Tatiana Mclane (R) where Brendan is starring in "Meet and Greet" (a new comedy play) written by Stan Zimmerman and Christian McLaughlin and directed by Stan Zimmerman. Go see Brendan along with his 4 leading ladies Daniele Gaither (MADTV), Teresa Ganzel (Tonight Show),Carolyn Hennesy (General Hospital) and Viki Lewis (News Radio)! It will leave you in a fit of giggles!
Photo Credit: Venice Wong 

1. Describe your personal clothing style. Does it differ from when you are working in your creative mode vs. your daily life?

I don’t know why, but I really like wearing other people’s clothing. Especially vintage. I like mixing and matching vintage with current trends. I will always be wearing some kind of vintage piece. When I was working on "Rita Rocks", for the live audience shows, I would dress up. I was known for my vintage ties and cardigans. I have a walk in closet and people are always like, you have so many shoes. I can’t bring myself to get rid of my clothes because I hope that I can someday bring them back if it becomes in trend again. Right now, I’m more into the classic style. I also really like vintage patterns but not so much the comical ones even though I’m a comedy writer.  

2. It seems like your success story as an entertainment entrepreneur began at a very early age when you began creating your own TV Network in your bedroom at age ten. How do you think that experience prepared you for working in the entertainment industry today?

I was nuts. I was unpopular and wouldn’t play sports, so I would stay in my bedroom making this TV network. Even though it was all in my head. I would draw my own ads. I would see what the other networks were running so I would make a block of shows, such as sitcoms, to compete with them. I wasn’t that good in English class, but I knew I wanted to be a writer for TV and I knew I wanted a writing partner.

3. Are there any other talents that you have that have turned out to be an asset to seeing your creative vision come to life?

I’m a big drawer. I do set design since it’s in my head already. I always pick out the nicest fabric, such as for my house. Yet, it somehow always turns out to be the most expensive. I added a two room addition to my house. They said it would take seven months, but it took seven years. I envisioned it being done and beautiful and it happened. Just like the play, I envisioned great actors in the parts and it happened. 

4. If you were only allowed to watch one Television channel for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

I know this is so cliché but, "Bravo". I actually did a reality show for them. It was to make a sitcom from script to screen. I liked being on camera. It was fun. I was also producing "Gilmore Girls" during this time. I had a crazy schedule that somehow everyone tolerated. Somehow, I did feel energized because I was just getting to do what I love.

5. I noticed that a lot of your projects that you have worked on have been geared towards a demographic of older women. Was this intentional on your part or were you hired to specifically write for these types of shows?

I was just hired to write for them. There are so few shows that are geared towards more mature women. It's not as difficult to come up with dialogue for them since they’re more in touch with their feelings, as men just shrug their shoulders as an expression of emotion.

6. Do you think you have a clear sense of humor to the point that someone can tell you wrote a specific joke or line?

People have come to the show and say, “Oh, I can so hear you in your work!” I think I like to write witty, smart lines that come out of a character. I don't think of myself as a joke writer. 

The amazingly funny comedic screenwriter of your favorite sitcoms, Stan Zimmerman (L)  sharing some of his career's funniest moments with Queenie4ever celebrity blogger Tatiana Mclane (R) during his interview which took place at Tatiana's parents' music and entertainment law firm (Mclane and Wong) located in the NoHo Arts District North Hollywood, California.

Photo Credit: Venice Wong

7. It says on your website that you DJ. As a big fan of music, I find that really cool. What is your DJ name and what is your playlist like?

Z Man, DJ Z, I haven’t quite found the perfect name. I just started doing it for people’s birthday parties. I did do a club once called the Falcon. I love old school funk and R&B. Where there was a Hollywood party in the basement of the Max Factor Museum. It has the props from the Silence of the Lambs in it. I DJ’d the party from inside the freight elevator that the guests had to take to get to the party. It had a disco ball in it. I wore a costume of a tight muscle t-shirt and a hat. No one recognized me. 

8. What was the casting for "Meet & Greet" like?

We had table reads as my version of auditions at my round coffee table at home.

9. How did the sets differ from the first show until now?

At the Fringe Festival, we had a very small set. Because we were only given 15 minutes  between plays we could only quickly set up a couch, cheap table for the casting assistant and hang three movie posters.  But the next time we did it, we had a real set that did not include an Ikea table.  

10. What is the cast of "Meet & Greet" like?

Doing this play, we have become like a little family, with no infighting. It’s such a great tight ensemble. Everyone has their shining moment. They really enjoy being up there. Maybe a Tony award would change that. I hope not, but a nice ensemble award would be nice. We don’t see each other during the week but on the weekend. We’ll be like oh my God, how was your week? I love hearing their stories.

11.If you were going to add another female character to the cast of "Meet and Greet", who is auditioning for the part of Andrea, what type of actress would this character be typecast as?

A drag queen, transsexual, or YouTube star. Someone came to the show who was a telenovela star. They said they would like to do an all Latin cast in Miami. It might also be fun to have the whole cast be drag queens.   

12. Was "Meet and Greet" written with plans to try to pitch it as a sitcom in the future?

No. I never wanted to write a play only sitcoms. When I direct, I like doing preexisting works so that the lines are the same. I was told by Larry Hirschhorn to write about my life, but I wrote about something in my life. I think it’s horrible what we put actresses through. They are waiting in a room with their competition and are expected to go in and land the part. 

A last glimpse of Queenie4ever celebrity blogger Tatiana Mclane (L) with one of Hollywood's most successful screenwriter/producer/director Stan Zimmerman(R) hanging out on the vintage red velvet settee in her parents' music and entertainment law firm (Mclane and Wong) located in the NoHo Arts District North Hollywood, California.

Photo Credit: Venice Wong

13. What do you want the audience to take away from watching "Meet & Greet"?

I just want them to have a good time for an hour and twenty minutes. I think it’s an interesting subject to explore, people wanting fame and if you do get a taste of fame would you be willing to give it up? When people are laughing I think they take away more of a lesson. I pick the playlist before the show. It’s all songs about fame and fortune.

14. What is your advice to someone who aspires to be in the entertainment industry?

What I tell my acting students is that there is success on the back wall. If you want to get to success you need to push the obstacles away, so you can get to the wall. Sometimes we’re our own obstacle, and sometimes your obstacle is someone that you have allowed to get in your way. You need to say no I have somewhere to be and push them out of the way. If you really want it, visual a clear path. You have a unique perspective on the world. Everything you listen to and experience shapes who are. Even when tough things happen, try to find the humor in the situation. 

15. What is next for Stan Zimmerman?

My weekday writing partner is, James Berg. We’re currently finishing up a pilot for Jessie McCartney for ABC Family. It’s called, "Piece of Work". It's a cross between the movies, "Devil Wears Prada" and "The Proposal". My Weekend writing partner is Christian McLaughlin, who co-wrote "Meet & Greet" with me. We got the rights to do a musical using 40 TV show themes such as, "I Love Lucy" and "True Blood" with my weekend partner. Christian wrote meet and greet with me. I am also working on my dream of directing a movie. It will be called "The Homecoming Queen is Going Down". The storyline is that they have a revote for homecoming queen 20 years later. The cheerleader won the 1^st time, but she has gained weight. Yet, she doesn’t want to lose. It’s in the mode of "Bridesmaid".

I highly recommend that you round up a bunch of friends and go experience this super hilarious play with an all star cast guaranteed to have you laughing in your seats, then go have coffee and have a gab fest about all the lines that make you giggle with glee!!!

AS OF NOW,  ONLY 11 MORE SHOWS OF "MEET AND GREET" !!!!

CLICK THE LINK FOR TICKETS: www.theatreasylum-la.com

To Learn More About Stan Zimmerman: www.zimmermanstan.com

Princess Kisses! xoxo

Tatiana Mclane Queenie4ever

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