An Acceptable Loss Movie Screens at the 2018 Chicago International Film Festival: New Political Thriller Stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Tika Sumter and Ben Tavassoli Coming to Theaters 2019

Tika Sumter and Ben Tavsolli with
members of the producing team

An Acceptable Loss, the new film by Director Joe Chappelle (Chicago Fire, Fringe, The Wire) and Colleen Griffin of CorradoMooncoin Productions is screening for the first time at the Chicago International Film Festival 2018. This film, a fictional political thriller, stars Tika Sumter (The Haves and the Havenots, SouthSide with You, Nobody's Fool), Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween) and Ben Tavassoli (New Blood, No Offence). It is a female-driven plot centered around the fallout of something the United States does in a time of peace.

The movie was shot in various location around Chicago last year, home of the filmmakers.

Also featured in this film are a bevy of talented actors including Jeff Hephner  (Mars, Chicago Med), Alysia Reiner (Orange is the New Black, Equity, Egg) , David Eigenberg (Sex and the City), Alex Weisman (Chicago Med, Chicago Fire), Clarke Peters (The Wire, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) and  Deanna Dunnagan (The Exorcist)

As The World Turns and General Hospital's Trent Dawson Working on New Short Film Called The F Starring CBS Instinct's Alejandro Hernandez - Video Interview with Trent about his Film and Crowdfunding Campaign

Trent Dawson, best known for his role as on Henry Coleman on As The World Turns and most recently as on General Hospital as Huxley Lynch, is busy at work on his first short film, The F. The F is a drama with some very funny moments about a very vibrant couple battling with uncertainties while waiting for a subway train in New York City.

UPDATE: The new name for The F is The Six

Trent has announced the actors for this film, which they all actually filmed in a NY City subway on one hot summer night. The lead actors are Alejandro Hernandez (CBS' Instinct) who plays the boyfriend, NY and Chandler Rosenthal who plays the girlfriend. NY actress Lily Davis plays an onlooking subway rider.

Trent had a reading of the play in the Village this past summer, which was attended by a bevy of his soap friends including  Austin Peck, Terri Conn, Anne Sayre, Eric Sheffer-Stevens and Martha Byrne .

Review: The Color Purple at NJ's Paper Mill Playhouse Directed by John Doyle: A Powerful, Heartwarming and Beautiful Musical Adaptation of Alice Walker's Famed Novel

By Beth Abramson Brier, My Thoughts Exactly!

Hell Yes!

Number 1 on your “to do” list this October: Get tickets to see “The Color Purple” at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey. Even before you buy your Halloween candy and scary Lindsey Graham mask, come see this powerful performance. John Doyle directs this production of Marsha Norman’s screenplay based on the novel by Alice Walker. Set in rural Georgia in the early part of the 20th century, it is perhaps more timely than first intended. Read on.

Actor Interview: Adrianna Hicks and Carrie Compere of Paper Mill Playhouse's The Color Purple Dish About Their Roles in this Iconic Story

 Hell More!- Interview by Beth Abramson Brier

After the stunning opening night performance of “The Color Purple” at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, I had a chance to informally chat with Adrianna Hicks (Celie) and Carrie Compere (Sofia) at the after party between photo shoots.  In sharp contrast to Celie, who must spend hours in make-up and wardrobe to look so shabby and downtrodden, Adrianna (in a fabu purple jumpsuit) is beautiful and radiant.  Carrie is just gorgeous and as sparkling as her character Sofia. Both Adrianna and Carrie were authentic and forthcoming and I thank them for taking time to talk to me before they even had a chance to get some dinner. 

What was the first performance you saw that inspired you to pursue theater?

Adrianna:  I saw a high school production of “Guys and Dolls” and I just knew.  We cannot underestimate the power and importance of the arts in school.

Carrie: I never considered a career in theater until I saw “Betsey Brown” at McCarter Theater in Princeton.  It was an all-black cast and I saw myself on stage.

Movie Review: Netlfix's Hold The Dark: Not much Darkness Held Back in this Disturbing Yet Beautiful Film by Jeremy Saulnier

Review by Connor Moriarty


There’s no government, no civilization, no laws, and no common power. Humanity is in a war of “all against all.” So, writes English philosopher Thomas Hobbes in his 1651 book, Leviathan. This particular sentiment refers to Hobbes’ theory on the “state of nature.” A state in which he would famously quote, that human life is “nasty, brutish, and short.”


Apart from being a centerpiece of every university’s freshman seminar class, Hobbes’ philosophy has also found itself the subject of American filmmaker Jeremy Saulnier’s, ever-growing body of work. While the motivations for violence differ between the two films, they both borrow themes from Hobbes’ writing.

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.

Interview: Actress Natalia Livingston Produces a Touching Documentary "In Their Shoes" About Men in a Prison Re-entry and Addicion Recovery Program - A Strong Message about Struggles, Society and Hope

A documentary on men in prison
by Natalia Livingston and
Cheryl Buchanan

Natalia Livingston, best known for her roles on the daytime dramas General Hospital, Days of Our Lives and Tainted Dreams  is not just an actor, an acting coach who owns an acting school but also a producer, having on her resume several shorts and shows. Far from the romance and typically light-hearted fare on daytime drama, her new documentary tackles a tough and disturbing subject, men in prision. And it seeks to send a message - showing us the human beings behind the bars. This documentary follows the lives of men in a prison reentry and addiction recovery creative writing program called Writers Without Margins. I had the opportunity to interview Natalia about this important and meaningful project.

Natalia first explained how this film seeks to understand - not glorify - those who have struggled with addiction, turned to crime to feed their addiction, served long prison sentences, and are now reentering society, struggling to recover from their addictions, and working to carve new paths in life. She hopes that this film helps people see the reality of the drug crisis, up close and personal, from the perspective of those who have lived it, thus the title "In Their Shoes." 

Interview: Writer/Director Caytha Jentis' Series The Other F Word Gets Picked up on The Girlfriend Platform: This Sex nd the City-ish Comedy About Life Over 40 stars Judy Gold, Steve Guttenberg

Caytha Jentis is a filmmaker, a writer, director and overall creative person who just never stops thinking, dreaming, doing and forging ahead. Prior to her latest project, The Other F Word, she wrote and directed three feature-length movies, Bad Parents, The One and Then Came Love. She was recently named to Good Housekeeping Inspiring Women to 50.

Her latest venture, or rather adventure, was creating The Other F Word, a series about life after 40. Use your imagination but the "F" can mean anything, and after the show started airing, she realized from viewers that the F can mean forty, fifty, fun, fearless, and more.

NJ Event Review: The Wedding Singer at Long Beach Island's Surflight Theater is a Joy for Any Fan of the Film but the Dancing and Singing Will Amuse Even a First-Timer

I am a huge fan of the Wedding Singer, well, almost any Adam Sandler movie. So when it was coming to the Jersey shore in a play version, at the Surflight Theater on Long Beach Island, I had to go see it.

It was a sunny beach day so the theater was not that packed but it was worth taking a few hours off the beach to see this. First, I did not expect it to be a true musical, you know, the kind with solo performers singing about what's going on and feelings and what not, so when it started I was a bit suprised. I was suprised because the Wedding Singer already had a lot of songs in it without adding more.

New Filmmaker: Bae Short Film Made by Jersey Talent Premieres At Jersey Shore Film Festival 2018

Bae Short Film

Bae is a short film made by Jersey talent. It's premiering at the Jersey Shore Film Festival in Asbury Park. Bae is a fun, lightheared short with a surprising twist. The film is about a woman looking forward to enjoying a quiet night at home with her Bae. It was shot in Keyport, New Jersey. The cast and crew spent two long nights preparing the location and shooting the film. 

The Creative Team Behind It

The creative team for Bae is Feyza Cakici, Anthony Janz, Gina Ziegler, Ryan Cervasio, Anna Tobia Pierotti and Jeff Naviello. Feyza plays a character named Anna who's looking forward to enjoying a quiet night at home, Anthony Janz plays a character named Vinnie and is one of the writers and camera operators. He is also the sound editor on the project. Gina Ziegler is one of the writers, set decorators and camera operators. Anna Tobia Pierotti is one of the set decorators and the script supervisor. Jeff Naviello is one of of the writers and camera operators as well as the cinematographer. Ryan Cervasio is the director, producer, editor and one of the writers.

Movie Review of Puzzle: Kelly Macdonald Fits Perfectly into this Female-Driven Drama about a Women Rearranging the Pieces of Her Life

Review of The Puzzle by Suzanne Ordas Curry

It’s 2018 and all over the news it’s been about the lack of females in certain jobs, especially in entertainment. One of the most curious statistics is the lack of female movie reviewers.

This movie, Puzzle, needs to be reviewed by a female because I think, a female will understand this movie on a deeper level.

The movie starts with a birthday party for the main character, Agnes, played superbly and believably by Kelly Macdonald. We see a birthday cake. Right off the bat, any woman can tell that this woman baked the cake for herself. We see her cleaning up during the party. Already as women we understand this scenario, we get a glimpse of her life.

Then we learn a little more about her. She gets a new Iphone as a gift, not that unusual, she gets a puzzle. We know already these are key elements in the movie, indeed they set the stage for the transformation of this character.

Casting: Casting Call for Extras for NJ-Based Movie A Case of Blue for NY and NJ Scenes

Want to Be in a Movie?

Casting Call for Extras for NJ-Based Movie A Case of Blue

Ridgewood, NJ  - A Case of Blue is seeking extras for two scenes. A Case of Blue, a full-length feature film,  is a drama revolving around a man, his wife and young artist. It is currently being shot in and around North Jersey and New York City. It is written and directed by Ridgewood's Dana H. Glazer. A Case of Blue stars Stephen Schnetzer (Another World, Billions, As The World Turns, Homeland), Annapurna Sriaram (The Blacklist, Billions), Tommy Beardmore (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Shamless),  Ursula Abbot (Brooklyn Rules, Chapter 27), Tracy Shayne (Law and Order, Broadway) and introducing Natalie Foley (Shades of Blue).

Interview: Meet Model/Actress Messalina Morley - How She Started Her Career and Why She is Now an #InBetweenGirl

I met Messalina Morley onset of The Other F Word. Speaking to her about her career, I noted that her ability to talk about the world of modelling stood out as a brave attribute for a millenial. Read on to see how she got her start in the ferocious and exciting world of modelling.

What did you want to be when you were a little girl?

When I  was really little, I wanted to be a ballet teacher. I was obsessed with ballet! I couldn't think of a better way of spending my life than wearing a pink tutu every day. 

How did your modelling career start?

Indie Rock Band Zoochie Announces Summer Lineup - NYC's Bitter End, Soulsational Festival, Buffalo Ifnfringement Festival, Connolly's NYC and More

Zoochie, the indie rock band out of New Brunswick, NJ announces their summer lineup. The band will be playing throughout the tri-state area.

During the summer, Zoochie will be debuting its new songs, Look Back on It and Oil on Canvas.  Currently, two of their most popular songs, Matador and Three Missed Calls, are available on Itunes, Spotify and other streaming platforms.

The band is comprised of lead singer Libby Kallins, guitarists Shane Curry, Tyler Brick and Ray Young. Matt Ciliberto is on drums.

Review: Escape to Margaritaville on Broadway - Leave Your Port of Indecision, Sail On Over for Last Call and You'll Leave Happy

by Suzanne Ordas Curry

It's Hamilton for Parrotheads.

But even if you don't know what a Parrothead is,  you'll enjoy this escape.

I must start by saying I don't care for musicals. Musical movies, yes, Broadway no. I almost left after 5 minutes of Spongebob the musical, which critics love. I think I am the only one in the world that did not like that one. I did like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I need a real story and dialogue along with the music. WIthin the first few minutes of Escape to Margaritaville I knew I was in for a treat.

Interview: Actress and 9-11 Widow Iliana Guibert Talks about Life After 9-11 and Her Continuing Pledge to Live Each Day Fully

Iliana Guibert  is an inspiring woman, actress, writer, mother and 9-11 widow who one might says has made lemonade out of lemons. Embarking on a career in acting later in life, she is making her mark in the business with acting and writing, including being in documentaries on 9-11. A New York- based actress, who trained at NYU's Tisch, she has had roles on Blue Bloods, Quantico, Law and Order: SVU and many other series and films. She lives by the motto that "life is too short". Read more about her in this interview and catch her film Twice Upon a Time.

Update: To watch Twice Upon a Time visit: https://www.facebook.com/TwiceUponATime.TheMovie/

As The World Turns Trent Dawson Hosts Fun Fundraiser for His New Short, The F with a Bevy of His Soap Friends.. Martha Byrne, Michael Park, Anne Sayre, Terri Conn, Austin Peck, Colleen Zenk, Eric Sheffer-Stevens & More

"It will be a really fun night" said Trent Dawson, about his fundraiser for his new short film, The F. On June 22nd at the Freeman Studio in NYC at 6:30pm he and a bunch of his good friends from the soap world will get together for a night of nostalgia about As The World Turns (though Trent was recently on GH) and more.There will be a performance, music, a silent auction and a short montage featuring ATWT bloopers.

Trent wrote a play, and now he wants to make it into a short film. Without giving away what the "F" is - you'll have to come Friday to find out- we know the play takes place in a NYC subway station, and in one of those, anything can happen! I talked to Trent about his new play when I saw him at Cady McClain's play in NYC, and he promised the evening would be a good time.

NJ Event: Review of Half Time at Paper Mill Playhouse Starring the Mary Tyler Moore Show's Georgia Engel: Gotta Dance! Gotta See It!

Review by Beth Abramson Brier

They got sizzle. They got style.  But most of all, they got swag!  I’m not talkin’ ‘bout Beyoncé and her bae Jay-Z.  I’m talking Seniors (yeah, like the AARP card carrying  kind) and the east coast premiere of Half Time now at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey through July 1, 2018.  While a show about geriatric dancers may seem an unlikely theme, “this is not your father’s Oldsmobile®”!

Paint Made Flesh: A New Play by Howard Meyer, Directed by Cady McClain Premieres in New York City

Paint Made Flesh is a new play coming to New York City for a limited engagement June 12th, 14th and 15th at The Cell, 338 West 23rd Street in New York City.

The play is written by Howard Meyer and directed by Cady McClain (Seeing is Believing: Women Direct and Actress most well-known for All My ChiIdren). The play is a production of Evolutionary Media Group, Amanda Quinn Olivar, Eva Paris Cicinyte and the Axial Theater.

Interview: Playwright Howard Meyer Talks His New Play, Paint Made Flesh Premiering in NYC

Howard Meyer has a new play, Paint Made Flesh premiering in New York City in June 2018 at the Cell Theater. It's about Willa, a transplanted NYC painter that now teaches at American University in Washington, DC.  After ending a long and passionate relationship with a rising NYC star performance artist she is now about to marry a seemingly “normal guy” and “settle down.” Keir, her husband-to-be, is a Washington DC politician from a good DC family who is diligently working his way up the political ladder. He loves Willa and thinks he can create a stable life where she will be happy, but also has a huge secret from his college years that Willa is confronted with. I asked Howard about his new play and  what he's up to next.

Meet Houswares Designer Nora Fleming: Nora Fleming To Sign Her Stoneware and Accessories at Mango Jam in Ridgewood, NJ

Nora Fleming comes to Mango Jam 41 N. Broad Street in downtown Ridgewood, NJ on June 8, 2018. For those who purchase one of her pieces, she will sign it and the purchaser will also receive a special edition orange butterfly ornament for their piece. Refreshments will be served. The event is from 12:00 - 2:00.  

If you cannot attend, you may pre-purchase a piece and Mango Jam will have it signed for you.Signed pieces are collectables.

Nora Fleming is a line of home goods including platters, kitchen accessories and boards which have interchangeable ornaments. Her line includes stoneware, melamine as well as other types of homegoods.

Opinion: Twinkies and Tweets in the Age of Ambien - An Open Letter to Roseanne Barr

My Thoughts.....Exactly! Today's Topic

"Twinkies and Tweets in the Age of Ambien® "

By Beth Abramson Brier

Dear Ms. Barr,

As I suspect you have very few other offers as of late, you might want to continue reading before you discard this letter. Ever since Sanofi, the makers of Ambien®, have gone on record that “racism is not a known side effect of any of [their] medications”, it seems you are in need of a new (plausible) legal theory to defend your outburst on Twitter. Coincidentally I once practiced law in the pharmaceutical field and have some thoughts about alternative theories of jurisprudence*. Obviously some fall under the category of “legal fiction” but who can tell these days, right?

Interview: Actress Holly Fulger Whose Roots Are on the First Ellen Show Now On a Mission to Teach Young Women the Real Meaning of Beauty - GoFundMe Campaign for True Beauty Detective Underway

You may recognize actress, writer, and producer Holly Fulger from some of the shows she's been on. She played Ellen DeGeneres' friend, Holly Jamison on Ellen's sitcom way back when before Ellen was THE Ellen. She's also been on an impressive number of shows, including Thirtysomething, 7th Heaven, CSI, The Practice, John Larroquette Show, Dweebs, Anything but Love, Sable and more.  As of the past few years, Holly has been running the company True Beauty Detective. It s a media company and movement all about inclusivity, diversity and creating broad views of beauty. Having been an actress, who are often judged on their looks, she sees a need to change the beauty standard.  

Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival Wraps Up 2018 Festival with A Real Housewife of New Jersey, A Hollywood Producer, and Many Talented Filmmakers - 40 Exclusive Photos and List of Winners

Tony Damiano, RHONJ Dolores Catania
and Brad Forenza a the RGIFF 2018

The 8th Annual Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival was home to over 200 films over it's 8 days. The festival started with a a Human Rights Film Festival for 2 days, a 2 day Foreign Film spectacular and two nights of shorts, student films, docs and films by new and established filmmakers from the US and abroad at the Bowtie Cinema Theater in downtown Ridgewood NJ.

Hundreds of people attended the festival and its activities. Of special note during the festival was a highlight reel and then talk and Q & A by Hollywood Producer Scott Rosenfelt (Home Alone, Teen Wolf,  Mystic Pizza). This presentation was given as part of the Ridgwood Arts Council Artist Talk Series. Attendees heard inside scoop on some of his most iconic movies, including how Michael J Fox was almost not cast in Back to the Future and what MaCauley Culkin was like on set as a kid.

Crowds also enjoyed seeing Real Housewife of New Jersey Dolores Catania and her family on the Red Carpet and then starring in the film Breaking Points by NJ filmmaker Brad Forenza.

Film Review: Brad Forenza's Breaking Ponts is A Short with Big Meaning - Features RHONJ Dolores Catania

Brad Forenza

By Connor Moriarty

You’re at each other’s throats, but you’re on the same team, experiencing the same pain. Comradery in grief can be difficult to perceive and that’s exactly what affects the characters in Brad Forenza’s new film, Breaking Points.


Anthony and Devin have just lost one of their best friends to suicide. Devin wants only to forget the tragedy and move on as quickly as possible, even going as far as to condemn their friend for making, what he thinks, was a selfish choice. Anthony vehemently rejects this and wants nothing more than for his friend to be remembered and acknowledged.

UPDATE: In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and LGBT Pride Breaking Points has been released for free via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMyEZVjHEFA

Behind the Scenes Goes to London for the Royal Wedding: Our Exclusive Pip Pip!! Awards for Those Who Can't Get Enough Harry and Meghan and Still Want to Read More About it

By Beth Abramson Brier

[Author’s note: Yes, I know you have been bombarded with articles about the Royal Wedding. And yes, you may even have “Tiara Fatigue” but I did not cash in my air miles, travel 3500 miles to London and crash the Queen’s garden party for you to scroll down. So Stay Calm and Read On.]

This ceremony shattered box office records everywhere. Nearly two billion people* tuned in to see the American actress Megan Markle star in the role of a lifetime. (And one thing we Americans know is how important crowd size is.) It had everything- intrigue, backstabbing relatives, spectacular scenery, shocking twists and romance, romance, romance. The cameo appearances alone were enough to make audiences swoon. Yes, the Royal Wedding is deserving of its very own award show.

And the nominees for the PIP PIP!! Awards are:

How to Crash the Queen's Bash - An American Writer Comes Close to Being a Proper Englishwomen for a Day

By Beth Abramson Brier

By sheer happenstance I had a chance to be in London last week for The Royal Wedding.  In this case happenstance was defined as cashing in some air miles and glomming on to my husband’s business trip, determined to not only write about the nuptials but procure a proper hat worthy of the event.   We landed early Tuesday morning and decided to go for a stroll to conquer the jet lag.  This is how I came to be outside of Buckingham Palace a few days prior to the wedding just as a crowd of elegantly dressed people moved closer to me.  

I was so excited to be part of all the festivities (and find the right hat) that I literally accosted three women walking toward The Palace gates.  Before my husband could stop me I broke away, scooted under an iron guard rail (I’m rather short) and introduced myself to the women as a contributor to the entertainment blog, Suzeebehindthescenes.

Behind the Scenes Goes to the 45th Annual Daytime Emmys 2018 - Plus 50+ Exclusive Photos from the Red Carpet to the After Party

Eric Martsolf,. Kassie DePaiva and Thao Phenhglis
of Emmy-Winning Days of Our Lives

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

The 2018 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards took place on April in sunny Pasadena California at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Mario Lopez and Sheryl Underwood were the emcees. I went as part of the team of the Emmy-nominated Tainted Dreams, nominated for Best Digital Series.

The cocktail reception started at 2pm in the hall attached to the auditorium, but the action at that time was at the Red Carpet. The Red Carpet was well-organized. Actors and Emmy-nominated people were able to choose to walk it or not, and they had to wait in line for their turn. I really only saw one or two able to skip the line. All the actors posed for pics on the Carpet. Fans, even without a tickets, were able to view the actors on the RC at the beginning of the carpet or while they were waiting on the line, but for the rest of the RC the view was blocked by all the media.

Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival 2018 Highlight Reel - Features Home Alone Producer Scott Rosenfelt, Soap Star Cady McClain, RHONJ Dolores Catania and Young Filmmakers

The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival 2018 ran for 7 nights. This year's theme was "The Impact of Film". Headlining the festival was a Q & A with Hollywood Producer Scott Rosenfelt (Home Alone, Mystic Pizza, Teen Wolf), a Panel Discussion on Females in Film with Emmy Winner Actress/Director Cady McClain (All My Children) who screened her two latest films and the premiere of Breaking Points by NJ Writer/Director Brad Forenza which starred RHONJ Dolores Catania who brought her family to the premiere. View the reel to see the talented filmmakers who attended  this growing festival.

View the Highlight Reel Here:
https://vimeo.com/270144374

You may also like -
Interview with RHONJ Dolores Catainia: https://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2018/05/interview-rhonj-dolores-catania-on-her.html

Interview: Actor Taylor Purdee Talks His Role on Batman and What's Next

By Suzanne Curry

Taylor Purdee, son of actor Nathan Purdee, is making a name for himself in the entertainment biz. He's written and directed a new movie due out next year and has been getting roles in webseries, other movies and now a role on one of his favorite TV shows, Fox's Gotham. In this interview he talks about his role and thoughts on the Batman phenomenon.

Interview: Meet Writer/Director Dana Glazer - Getting Ready to Shoot His New Film A Case of Blue with Home Alone Producer Scott Rosenfelt

Dana Glazer

By Elizabeth Murphy

He bounces into the restaurant for this interview like a kid home on college break, slides into a booth  across from a friend eager to hear his story and orders a glass of apple juice. He has a friendly grin on his face. He always seems to have a grin on his face. especially these days when things are going well for this young writer-of-movies. This particular morning, it's also reflecting a feeling of relief after his son has snapped back from an appendicitis operation. Dana Glazer is doing what he wanted to do since he was nine years old.

Interview: RHONJ Dolores Catania: On Her Second Acting Role as A Heartbroken Mother in Brad Forenza's Breaking Points Premiering at Ridgewood Guild Film Festival

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

Interview with Real Housewife of New Jersey Dolores Catania, on her latest role in the NJ based-movie  Breaking Points by Brad Forenza and how she got there, 

On Being A Tomboy and  Why she Doesn't 

Consider Herself a TV kid.

I wasn't a TV person growing up. we watched a lot of documentaries  or old movies. Growing up, there wasn't a lot of time. I I wasn't a TV kid growing up. I'm a tomboy I played outside a lot. I was either playing outside or when I got old enough I was working after school. I was also playing with the boys, I played a lot of football!

Film Review: The Blockbuster Avengers Infinity War: Merging Marvel Toward an Action-Packed Franchise Where Women Rule

By Kelly Byrne

After shattering box office records in a matter of hours, Avengers: Infinity War has everyone talking. It was a colossal effort by Disney’s Marvel to bring together superheroes from across franchises and planets (Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy alike) to tell a story that brought fans to speechlessness. Averaging roughly five plot lines at any given point without making it feel like drinking from a firehose is no small feat for writers Christopher Marcus and Stephen McFeely, and directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo.

Film Review: Cady McClain Directs Butterflies Written/Starring Carlotta Summers: See this Short with A Big Message About Bullying at Ridgewood Guild Film Festival

Review by Beth Abramson Brier

Thirteen short minutes. A significant amount of time- adolescence perhaps-in the short few weeks of a butterfly’s lifespan. Enough time for a metamorphosis. Adapt. Evolve. Survive.

Butterflies captures and pins under glass for all to see the effects of bullying. There is limited dialogue. Little is needed. It is visually poetic and lyrical. The stunning cinematography depicts the painful transition from beauty and innocence to the scarred and profane. I was struck by images of blushing peonies so vivid they were actually fragrant and, later, skin scratched so raw it was painful. I looked down at my own arm.

The story line is all too familiar. A young girl, Melanie, enjoys carefree childhood days playing in the sun with her best friend. They each wear half a butterfly necklace that together make one. And then they become teenagers separated by the omnipresent “mean girls”. The girls who dismiss Melanie with stinging racial slurs. The girls who claim they are the ones who are misunderstood. The girls who tell Melanie she is not enough. The once best friend who tells Melanie that she is to blame.

Killian and the Comeback Kids Trailer Is Official Selection at Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival: New Folk Rock Film Stars Kassie DePaiva, Nathan and Taylor Purdee

Kassie DePaiva (Center) stars in Killian
and the Comback Kids     Photo Suzanne Curry

The trailer for the new Killian and the Comeback Kids movie  has been selected as as Official Selection for the Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival.  The video will air on Thursday, May 10 in a block of films beginning at 8:10pm. The festival takes place at the Bow Tie Cinema in Ridgewood, NJ. There will be a panel discussion after with one of the film's producers. A ticket for the screening, which will get you into all the films that night, is $10. Tickets can be purchased at the box office that night or through the festival's website at www.RidgewoodGuildFilmFest.com.

Killian and the Comeback Kids tells the story of a group of millenials struggling to find themselves and jobs after returning home from college to a rural town in Pennsylvania. In an attempt to raise money and find some success and hope, they form a band. The film is filled with original folk-rock music and features actors from TV, movies and stage. Kassie DePaiva (Days of our Lives) plays the mother. Veteran Soap and stage actor Nathan Purdee plays the father. Taylor Purdee, who wrote and directed the film, plays the son, Killian. Also in the cast are NY-based actors including Shannon O'Boyle, who starred in Kinky Boots on Broadway.