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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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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NEW INTERVIEW FEATURE IN HONOR OF MOTHER'S DAY

New Interview Feature in Honor Of Mother's Day. The Queenie4ever Creators Venice Wong and Tatiana McLane answering questions on what it takes to make this mom/daughter designing duo and business partners a fashion fairytale success!

http://inscribingindustry.blogspot.com/2017/05/familial-fabric-feature-for-mothers-day.html

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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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GEORGE NORTHY G.B.F. MOVIE SCREENWRITER INTERVIEW

GEORGE NORTHY G.B.F. MOVIE SCREENWRITER By Tatiana Mclane

George Northy may have begun his career in advertising, but he recently segued his way into becoming one of America's hottest new screenwriters to hit Hollywood on its' head as a wakeup call to realize that he held the golden ticket to success on the big screen. Yup! A script that was not only filled with a serious LGBT issue taking place on every high school campus from the sunny shores of California to the snowy banks of his east coast home town, but also an important lesson wrapped up in a humorous comedy which shows the ridiculousness of stereotyping gay males as the latest "It" accessory of the season similar to a designer brand logo handbag or pair of high heels with the signature red sole. As an outcast, it may seem cool and exciting at first to be the object of the high school Clique Queens' affections as their new G.B.F., but it comes at a price. The main character, Tanner played by Michael J. Willett, soon finds out as he begins to lose his identity, his real friends, and his dignity. He willingly is re made into these girls' version of what a G.B.F. should dress and act like complete with a personality and wardrobe makeover. The point screenwriter George Northy drives at throughout the funny and quotable one liners between the characters is simple: People are not accessories. Being Gay is not a popularity contest. It is a sexual orientation that deserves societies' respect.

The first time I met George Northy was on the set of G.B.F., it was sort of surreal to actually meet my character, May-Eve's , creator. Just because most screen writers do not hang out on set. I wasn't sure who this guy was as he appeared as if he could have been part of the crew by the way he was walking back and forth while us cast members were waiting for wardrobe. However, he was more smartly dressed than the typical crew member whose uniform usually consists of a band t shirt and shorts which gave me a clue that he was someone special. And, my guess was correct. He turned out to be the writer who penned to life the quirky yet hilarious Gay Straight Alliance member, May-Eve. I feel lucky to have been chosen to bring his vision of this high school misfit to life on the big screen and as part of the G.B.F. family. George made me feel that I was playing a very special character that day as he mentioned in his chipper tone of voice: " May-Eve is the name he would give his daughter if he had one" So, I felt a deep connection to him as if he was my character's father. I hope that my performance made you proud Papa George!

I have seen G.B.F. in its entirety twice. And, each time it keeps getting more and more intriguing as I finally get something one of the characters makes reference to or I notice subtle details in the background that I did not notice before that really starts to help me put this whole GBF puzzle together. It really is like a giant yearbook that you have to keep flipping through the pages over and over again in case you missed yourself hidden in one of the photo collages! Or, you are featured on the Best Hair page and missed it the first flip through because you were so excited to see if your hair looked nice in the GSA Club Photo lol! I could go on and on about how cool this movie is, how all your favorite stars from all your favorite TV Series and Movie Franchises are in G.B.F., how much fashion eye candy is worn by one of the most drop dead gorgeous casts I have ever seen or been a part of,

This is a before and after shot of what Tatiana Mclane looked like before G.B.F. Hair and Makeup and G.B.F. Costume Dept. transformed her into screenwriter George Northy's character May-Eve. Don't you just love the glasses?
Photo Credit: Tatiana Mclane

But enough of that. Just do yourself a favor and take a friend or two because it's that kind of movie experience where it's so much better when you have someone to share in the experience and talk and laugh and believe me you won't be able to stop talking about G.B.F. and hopefully you will recover from your sides splitting for an hour and 32 minutes to realize that you just have to go see it again!

Princess Kisses! xoxo
Tatiana Mclane Queenie4ever

PS: G.B.F. is now in a theater near you as of January 17, 2014 and available on iTunes
Follow George Northy on Twitter:
https://www.twitter.com/georgenorthy
Check out G.B.F. happenings here:
https://www.facebook.com/GBFMovie

1. Since this is also a fashion blog, I am sure that my readers would be interested in hearing about your personal fashion style. How would you describe your clothing style.
I'm not a very fashion-focused person myself. I love to watch runway shows and things like Project Runway and I can appreciate beautiful clothes, but I generally wear simple t-shirts and jeans every day. I do have some more stylish clothes from TopShop though.

Here's G.B.F. Actress Tatiana Mclane with Screenwriter George Northy on the left
and with lead actor Michael J. Willett who plays Tanner still wearing her May-Eve
costume celebrating the last day of filming. It's a wrap! 

Photo Credit: Venice Wong

2. Since you have been attending film festivals to promote G.B.F. so often, how do you chose what to wear on the red carpet? Who helps you pick out your red carpet outfits? Do you have a professional stylist or is there someone such as a friend or relative who helps you pick out your wardrobe or are you a Do it yourself-er in the wardrobe department?
My boyfriend works in fashion so he can help sometimes. But generally I just go to TopShop for my red carpet looks.

3. Is there an item of clothing in your closet that makes you feel like a Prince when you wear it?
Not really!

Look how excited G.B.F.actress Tatiana Mclane aka May-Eve is to get her copy of
the North Gateway High 2013 Yearbook! Go see G.B.F. if you want a peek inside the pages! Find out who won Best Hair? And check out the photos on the big screen of so many more great memories of the year the clique Queens decided to vie for the newest accessory- A Gay Best Friend! 

Photo Credit: Tatiana Mclane

Andrea Bowman who plays 'Shley (L) with Tatiana Mclane who plays May-Eve (R) on the last day of filming G.B.F. Written by George Northy and directed by Darren Stein
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

4. What were you like as a child? How old were you when you decided to become a screenwriter? Why did you choose to Major in Advertising and Sociology as an undergrad instead of concentrating in areas most people would think a screenwriter would study such as attending film school? Do you think that your college experience at Syracuse helped you to become a better writer? If yes, in what way?
I didn't really think I'd become a screenwriter in college. I was more focused on a career in advertising than anything else, which is why I chose those majors. I do think my experiences at Syracuse and the time I spent working in a field outside of film helped to give me outside perspectives on the world of screenwriting, so I can come into things with a different point of view!

Here's a photo taken of Xosha Roquemore as Caprice (L) and Tatiana Mclane as
May-Eve on set still in costume immediately after wrapping filming on G.B.F. Movie
written by George Northy and directed by Darren Stein
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

5. When was the first time you knew that you were meant to be a screenwriter?
I took a screenwriting class in NYC while I was working in advertising. As soon as I started writing in the screenwriting format, it just came so naturally and was so much fun, I knew that I wanted to pursue it full time.

6. When you first began taking a screenwriting class was it with the intention of exploring it as a part time gig or as a possible full time career change from working in the world of advertising?
I really took the class just for fun and to escape the dullness of my day job. I was getting burnt out at work and needed some creative stimulation. I never guessed it would turn into a career .

Having fun at the cast/crew wrap party are Sasha Pieterse who plays Fawcett (L) and
Tatiana Mclane who plays May-Eve (R) in G.B.F. Movie written by George Northy and
directed by Darren Stein @ Boardners Hollywood, Ca
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

7. Is there a little bit of you in the G.B.F. main character Tanner played by Michael J. Willett and how would you describe that similarity as far as what you were like as a teen in high school?
Tanner definitely has a lot of me in him. I was (and still am) an introverted comic book geek who didn't always get into the right stereotypes. I often preferred flying under the radar and riding the coattails of my flashier friends .

8. Why did you chose to work in advertising as your first career choice after college? What was the attraction? Is there something about working in the world of advertising that helped you become the intuitive and entertaining screenwriter today who created a script that has the possibility of becoming an iconic coming of age movie?
I wanted to work in advertising because I wanted to be creative but also have a steady income. The income was always nice, but as the job got less and less creative, I realized I needed a change.

Two amazing actresses Evanna Lynch who plays Mckenzie Price and Tatiana Mclane who plays May-Eve in G.B.F. Movie written by George Northy and Directed by Darren Stein having fun at @ Boardners Hollywood, Ca (G.B.F. Wrap Party)
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

 9. Do you think working on G.B.F. as the screenwriter may have been the key to getting you the job as a writer on MTV's Faking It?
Yes! G.B .F.  was the script that got me noticed at MTV and it's the script my boss Carter Covington read that convinced him to hire me! So it 100% was the key!

10. If you were going to add one more scene to the movie what would it be and why?
Maybe one more scene of just Tanner and Brent, since they're the heart of the movie. 

Molly Tarlov(L) who plays Sophie and Tatiana Mclane who plays May-Eve enjoying a
first time screening of the trailer for G.B.F. Movie written by George Northy and
directed by Darren Stein @ the Wrap Party Boardners Hollywood, CA
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

11. What was the scene that flowed from to pen to paper in its' entirety without you really thinking about it?
Anytime I was writing for Caprice, the dialogue flowed really easily. But all the teen scenes flowed pretty well. I think the harder scenes for me to write were the adult characters and the more dramatic moments.

Paul Iacono who plays Brent Van Camp (L) with Tatiana Mclane who plays May-Eve
having a blast at the Wrap Party for G.B.F. movie written By George Northy and
directed by Darren Stein @ Boardners Hollywood, Ca
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

12. What do you hope that the audience will get out of watching G.B.F.?
I hope they see a film that gives them joy, makes them feel and that they'll want to watch over and over!

JoJo Levesque who plays my GSA Club Leader Soledad (L) and me Tatiana Mclane (R) who plays May-Eve in G.B .F. movie written by George Northy and directed by Darren Stein. The private cast/crew screening @ Downtown Independent Los Angeles, Ca
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

13. If you were going to write a sequel to G.B.F., would you show the characters in college or introduce  new characters in the same high school dealing with similar issues who are aware of what happened to Tanner in the first movie. In other words, G.B.F. the second generation cast who deal with similar LGBT issues.
I think I'd go the second generation route. But if would be quite fun to get the gang back together for college as well! 

Proudly posing in front of the G.B.F. Movie Poster Marquee with my character's creator George Northy! Ah hello I'm Tatiana Mclane and I play the hilarious high school misfit and GSA Club Member May-Eve! I wouldn't exist if George hadn't brought me out of his imagination to the big screen! Now Playing in theaters and available on VOD I present you teen comedy G.B.F. Written By George Northy and Directed by Darren Stein @ Downtown Independent
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

14. What advice would you give to an aspiring screenwriter?
Write as much as you can. And write things you can make yourself, even if it's on an iPhone with a bunch of your friends. You'll learn more by doing it than you'd ever learn in a class. Lots of people write pilots and screenplays, be one of the people who makes something, no matter how cheaply or simply. Don't just be a writer, be a filmmaker.

Check out the official trailer for teen comedy G.B.F. written by George Northy and directed by Darren Stein.

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