Interview: Filmmaker and Now Graphic Novel Author Tina Fine Talks about Building Sand Castles, A New Career and The Unusual Powers of A Superhero Called Off Girl - Coming To New York Comic Con 2018

New Yorker Tina Fine changed her career as her kids were getting older. Going from a 9-5 job as an economist she decided to turned to filmaking, and most recently, she's created a new graphic novel about a FEMALE superhero. Her first short film, Sand Castle, is available online and is a heartwearming, poignant story of a little girl. Contrast that with her new comic book which also features a heroine, and without giving away too much, is about a heroine with a very special power. Read on to find out more about Tina and the birth of Off Girl.

I just watched Sand Castle, and had to wipe away the tears. Was that your first foray into entertainment? 

Tina Fine: I wrote my first script when I was between jobs.  That was way back when I was working as an Economist.  Nothing came of that script ... I got a job and got busy with work and family.   Fast forward to when my kids were 8 and 13 and had more time on my hands and I got an idea for a story and I just started writing.  I took a class at NYU - Screenwriting I  and thus began my honing the craft.  

Movie Review: Searching - A Movie on a Computer Screen is Still A Solid and Entertaining Mystery Thriller

Review by Connor Moriarty

Usually when I review a film, I like to go into the history surrounding it. What its influences are, how it fits into its genre, and the like. With 2018’s Searching, I’m at a bit of a loss. If you haven’t seen any trailers or other marketing materials, the film takes place entirely on a computer screen. Of course, there’s the two Unfriended films, but as far as mainstream movies go, this style of filmmaking is still in its infancy. Where Aneesh Chaganty’s debut differs from its contemporary’s, is in its well-executed narrative and sympathetic protagonist.

John Cho (Star Trek) is a wonderful actor and his talents are utilized well here. From the film’s opening scenes, the audience is shown how damaged his character is and how his wife’s death has fractured his relationship with his daughter. We also see how, in spite of his hardships and flaws, he’s remained a passionate, loving father. One who definitely missed a calling as a detective or FBI investigator.

Jersey City Fashion Week 2018 Kicks Off: Fashion Rebellion, Rebels on the Runway Showcases Tri-State Fashion, Honors Assemblywoman McNight, Fay Southerland, Paula Mornpeller, Joe Budden and Salvation Army of Jersey City

Jersey City's Fashion Week is now a four-day event which starts on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at the Maritime Parc in Jersey City, NJ at 6pm.  The theme this year is Fashion Rebellion, Rebels on the Runway. The event showcases a myriad of designers, boutiques and retailers from throughout Jersey City and the tri-state area. 

This year JCFW continues its committment to honor local influencers. This year the 2018 JCFW People of Influence Award is going to Assemblywoman Angela V. McKnight, Fay D. Southerland, Paula Mornpeller, Joe Budden. They are also honoring the Salvation Army of Jersey City for its excellent work and dedication to the people of Jersey City. Desha Jackson, Fashion Week Coordinator, states,
"We look forward to a great season of business, networking, fashion and giving back!"

Casting: Call for People, Businesses for Upcoming Reality Shows From Explorers to Detectives to Brady Bunch Families

Want to be on TV? Reality TV is still going strong. Here's a listing of some opportunities from Twins Talent Casting in NYC. Visit their website for more options. And stay tuned to BehindtheScenezz.com for more opportunities.

NEW FILMMAKER SERIES: Interview wieth Writer/Director Kyle Dubiel about His Short Film Romance From A Distance: Premeires at Jersey City's Golden Door Festival

Romance From A Distance is young filmmaker Kyle Dubiel's first short accepted to a film festival. This NYU Tisch student who hails from NJ and has been making videos on YouTube since he was a kid, is premiering this short about a tumultuous relationship at the Golden Door International Film Festival in Jersey City, NJ. Read on to find out more about the film and the influences of this young writer/director, who grew up as YouTube established itself, giving a whole generation of budding videographers itself a new outlet and inspiration for creativity.

From the Big Screen to the Big Apple: Sex and the City's Cynthia Nixon Campaigns for Governor of New York in NYC's Meatpacking District

At many points in history there has been a crossover between Hollywood and politics. Now there's a popular female entertainer entering the realm of politics, and it's almost surreal. Cynthia Nixon was well-known as a die-hard New Yorker in the Sex and the City series and movies, an intelligent, driven professional and mother who cared about the city and it's people. Though that was scripted, upon meeting Cynthia at a recent campaign event for her quest for the Democratic Gubernatorial position on the ballot in New York State, one could say that much of what she spoke from her own script could have been coming from the character she played.

In real life, Cynthia Nixon is also a strong, determined woman who wants to make a difference in the world. I kept remembering one episode of Sex and the City when she was fighting to be heard as a women attorney at a board table of mostly men. This was the same person here tonight. VIdeo:

New Season of Marvel's Iron Fist Now Up on Netflix: We Chat with Actor Taylor Purdee About this Superhero/Kung Fu Series

In case you still haven't had your fill of superheroes and villians, Iron Fist is now available on Netflix. We sat down with Taylor Purdee, one of the actors is this new season.

For those who do not know about this show, what is it about?

Well if you haven’t gotten around to Iron Fist yet you’ve definitely come across some corner of it’s larger world at least. It’s a Marvel MCU series, so it links in with Iron Man and Thor and their gang. To me, it’s the story of a massively wealthy kid who, through a series of unfortunate events finds himself immersed in a culture not his own, and that kind of forces him to find a wider perspective of our world. That change allows him to see some of the darker corners and inequities of life he might have missed had his wealthy white American privilege continued.

Music Festival to be Held in Ridgewood NJ Features Local Bands: Thursday Evening Collective, Eugene Thomas and No Big Deal, Amped, Soul'd Out, Declan Power Band and Sherma Andrews Band

Ridgewood, NJ will be host again for Music Fest, a day of food, fun and music at Van Nest Square on Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood, NJ on September 9, 2018.

Playing this year at the 5th Annual MusicFest are:  Thursday Evening Collective, Eugene Thomas and No Big Deal, Amped, Soul'd Out, Declan Power Band and Sherma Andrews Band. The bands start at 1:00pm and end at 7:00pm. The bands cover a wide arrange of genres, covers and original songs.

The cost is $5.00 per person to enter. You can pay at the entrance. There will be food available for purchase from local vendors including.  Raymonds, Roots Steakhouse,  Steel Wheel Tavern, Tito's Burritos, Jack's Lobster Rolls, Ben and Jerry's, Broad Street Cafe, Santoni's Pizzeria and Carlo's Bakery.