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Gossip Girl Seasons 2 on HBO Max
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Evan Mock, Emily Alyn Lind, Savannah Lee Smith and More Attend Gossip Girl Season 2 Screening Hosted by NewFest and HBO

by Benjamin Schmidt
written by Benjamin Schmidt

HBO Max’s Gossip Girl, a reboot of the classic mid-2000s teen drama, has already made bright stars of its cast and is enjoying strong support among fans after a celebrated first season. Now T’V’s favorite all-knowing, riddle-loving narrator (the talented Kristen Bell) returns for the second season, along with much of the cast.

In order to celebrate the premiere, Human By Orientation (HBO’s own LGBTQIA+ organization), and NYC’s legendary NewFest (the city’s preeminent queer film festival for over 35 years) traded the Upper East Side for Brooklyn to host a show-stopping advance screening at the Nighthawk Cinema in South Slope. Guests were treated to a pre-show drink and popcorn before having a chance to enjoy the first episode of the second season.

Throwing audiences directly into the magic and chaos of Gossip Girl’s world, the first episode is a brash and fast-moving dive into the rarified (and often, very white) world of debutante balls. Even without having seen the first season, character building is strong and addicting- you want to know everyone. While watching the first season can help enjoy the story more its not a requirement in order to enjoy the episode.

Just one episode will have you indulging in modern slang, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it jokes, and satisfying references to NYC life that are the definition of if you know, you know. It’s always nice to see your city celebrated on the big screen and NYC has always been a bit of a plot point for Gossip Girl, given some of its unique cultural norms and tendencies.

Particularly refreshing is how candid the show is about queer life, where all kinds of relationships are normalized in a healthy way rather than fetishized as rare phenomenons. For example, the topic of a three-way relationship is interesting not because of the arrangement itself, but because viewers are let in on the emotional struggle of the participants. It’s refreshing and serious, but playful and real: a complicated relationship handled with the humor and care.

A post-screening Q&A, moderated by Them editor Michael Cuby, featured Gossip Girl director Joshua Safran and cast members including Emily Alyn Lind, Evan Mock, Savannah Lee Smith, and Grace Duah (who nearly steals the entire first episode with her chameleon-like presence of comforting chaos). The Q&A revealed some clues about the next season, especially around how viewers will learn more about the families of many of the characters. We’re also introduced to a returning teacher who seems to be as meddling as Gossip Girl themself.

After the screening, guests and stars alike descended upon the cinema’s bar for a roaring afterparty featuring custom cocktails, a photo backdrop, passed snacks, and an absolutely blowout DJ set by Kenni Javon.

Gossip Girl Season 2 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes weekly. Stream it here.

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On The Scene: HBO Max ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ Season 2 Premiere

by Claire Kay Hernandez
written by Claire Kay Hernandez

Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble

On Thursday November 10th I attended the premiere event for HBO’s Season 2 of The Sex Lives of College Girls. I missed my alma mater’s homecoming this year, and The Sex Lives of College Girls definitely made up for it! The premiere truly felt like a college homecoming.

The night started off at the iconic NeueHouse Bradbury in Downtown LA. Hosted by HBOMax and Phenomenal, Essex College Career Night was a blast. Upon walking in guests were welcomed with a quick photoshoot. There were signature cocktails at the bar including Jungle Juice and Essex Mules. Stars Pauline Chalamet, Reneé Rapp, and Alyah Chanelle Scott were in attendance.

Renee Rapp, Lolo Spencer, Alyah Chanelle Scott and Chris Meyer

Waiters walked around with trays of finger foods including grilled cheese, mini sliders, and mushroom tacos. While there, guests were able to customize their own Essex College sweatshirts! There was also an interactive wall where attendees could share their own college journey. Attendees were encouraged to pick a colored ribbon and plot life moments that brought them to where they were today. Some of those moments were super goofy, “came drunk to class, did undie run, had $1 in my bank account.”

Creators of the show Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble were in attendance and gave a speech thanking the cast and crew for their hard work, and celebrated everyone’s accomplishments thus far in their careers. Upon leaving guests were given goodie bags packed with all the things needed to conquer a college tailgate. Goodies included @LIVETINTED Hueguard & Hueglow, @CALPAK Water Bottle Holder, and an @YETI Water Bottle, along with a $50 Postmates gift card to enjoy the day of the premiere.

@CALPAK, @YETI, @LIVETINTED

The screening took place at Los Angeles Center Studios where guests got to see episode 1 of season 2. With this new season comes even more chaos and sticky situations for our leading ladies to dive into, together. It will be exciting to see just what’s in store for season 2 as the stakes continue to rise. 

Following the screening was the afterparty directly outside. Music was by ROSEGOLD with a special guest performance from artist Joyce Wrice. Wrice performed music off her latest EP, Motive with Downtown LA as her background. The energy between her and the crowd was beautiful to witness. 

Joyce Wrice

The party included fun interactive games such as beer pong, connect four, table tennis and bean bag tossing. Food trucks such as Coolhaus and Trejo’s Tacos provided delicious food to munch on in between the dancing and playing games. Bumble was taking pictures of guests to update your instagram or dating apps with. 

Safe to say, this was the best Homecoming I’ve ever been to. The Sex Lives of College Girls Season 2 premieres Thursday November 17th on HBO Max. Be sure to tune in!

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The Must Watch HBO Documentary Film: “Say Hey Willie Mays!”

by Danielle Niecey
written by Danielle Niecey 8 Minutes read

Thursday, October 27, 2022, Manhattan, New York. HBO Documentary Films and Urbanworld Film Festival – hosted an exclusive screening for, “Say Hey, Willie Mays!” at the SVA Theater (located at 333 W 23rd Street in Manhattan, New York). The production runs in association with UNINTERRUPTED, Zipper Bros Films, and the Major League Baseball franchise to curate and celebrate one of baseball’s most renowned players, the living legend, and Baseball’s oldest living Hall of Famer, Willie Howard Mays Jr.

The film “Say Hey Willie Mays!” is directed by Nelson George and produced by Colin Hanks, Sean Stuart and Glen Zipper; Executive producers from UNINTERRUPTED include LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, Philip Byron and Major League Baseball’s Nick Trotta. With his career that spanning over 25 years, “Say Hey Willie Mays!” tells the story of the MLB icon, Willie Mays Jr, the discovery of his life calling in Baseball and emphasizes the fulfillment this path afforded him. The film covers Mays’ early career, where he began his profession in the Negro minor leagues; his draft by the US Army during the Korean War (1952 – 1953 ) shortly after being signed to the, then New York Giants; his impressive record setting career stats, that are compared to Babe Ruth’s; the highs (and the self-reflective times) of his life, and how he changed the face of baseball for the world.

Athleticism runs in Mays’ blood. His story begins in Westfield, Alabama; the living legend co-narrates the film which speaks highly of his father, Cat Mays, who raised him after he and Willie’s mother separated. Cat Mays played an integral part in young Mays’ development as an athlete and his sportsmanship. Willie’s father, Cat Mays,  a talented baseball player himself, participated in a local baseball team in Fairfield. His mother, Annie Satterwhite, also a skilled athlete, chose to run track and play basketball while she attended school. As a natural athlete, Mays explored an array of sports from basketball, to even becoming a quarterback for his school’s football team. Ultimately, his heart found its home in Baseball. His professional career as a baseball player began before he finished high school at the tender age of 17 with the Birmingham Black Barons, a minor league that initiated him into the, then, Negro American League. Despite all of the social commotion and cultural norms separating people of color from experiencing a more robust life, it was impossible to hide a light as bright as Mays. On the field Mays shone, and was scouted by several major leagues before he was of legal age to commit to a professional Major league team. Mays eventually signed to the New York Giants in 1950 and it is here that the world begins to take notice of Willie Mays Jr!

As the story continues, the world kept a close eye on this gifted athlete as he literally swept the nation westward; branching his career from the East Coast and playing for teams as far out as California. He even inspired younger athletes, such as his godson, Barry Bonds; to walk in his footsteps. Mays would go on to become the Rookie of The Year (1951); becoming an MVP player after closing in on 41 home runs and leading his team to win the World Series Championship of 1954-1955 thanks to his infamous “Catch” from a fly-ball hit by Vic Wertz of the Cleveland Indians.

The film also highlights Mays as a star off the field. His natural charm and mild-mannered temperament opened doors for him to meet high ranking public officials, political and national figures and receive special honors. Mays was featured in mainstream television, where his early media appearances on “The Donna Reed Show”(1964-1966); “The Colgate Comedy Hour Self”(1954) reaffirmed the benevolent narrative that surrounds him and set the trajectory for his star-studded career in and out of Major League Baseball.

Although the documentary is filled with gems and life principles, one of the most inspiring aspects of this film is Mays’ diplomacy and his work ethic, which he allowed to speak for the man that he was raised to be. He never lost sight of his mission to excel or perform at his best, even when facing discrimination. He never let the outside noises or distractions become the “thing” that branded his career.  He had a gift of not taking things personal, remaining focused, rooted and being noted by his colleagues as a very reserved man, even in the face of personal and career scrutiny. The film makes reference to  fellow MLB icon,  Jackie Robinson, who accused him of “selling out” and “not doing enough for the advancement of black people”. With class, poise and dignity, Mays responded to his statement and made it clear that he successfully led his own quiet revolution for his people and many others. The film backs this evident truth by highlighting community involvement, charitable works, his impact on every community he’s stepped foot in; his accolades and praises from public figures and his dedication to his craft. Mays clearly inspired and opened doors for people of various nationalities to enter the league and never once did he care what the color of their skin was.

 

Willie Mays Jr loved what he did, and played with love. The film does an extraordinary job highlighting these wonderful qualities about him.


Other special film appearances included his protégé, Barry Bonds, the son of baseball legend Bobby Bonds.

Chuck D of Public Enemy Nick Trotta, Colin Hanks, Nelson George, Michael Mays, Sean Stuart and Jamal Henderson. Credit: HBO/GETTY IMAGES

The special guest in attendance for the HBO Documentary screening included film-contributor and Hip Hop Legend, Chuck D of Public Enemy (who I was so thrilled to have met); Nick Trotta, Colin Hanks, Nelson George, Michael Mays, Sean Stuart and Jamal Henderson.

The new HBO documentary for, “Say Hey Willie Mays!” aired on HBO Nov. 8, 2022 and is available on HBO Max.

I highly recommend it!

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On The Scene: “A Tree Of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting” Screening

by Danielle Niecey
written by Danielle Niecey

 

Co-Head of HBO Documentary & Family Programming, Nancy Abraham, introduces the HBO Documentary Film “A Tree Of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting” October 20, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for HBO)

There wasn’t a dry eye in the theater the night of October 20th, 2022; including mine. I can typically bypass the daunting task of processing tear jerking emotions altogether. My avoidance usually works best when I misplace an item of clothing or if something I wanted doesn’t come to fruition and I do my best to not get upset about it. I  rationalize my way around minor, non-life threatening annoyances such as these once I find the logic behind it all. However, there is one annoying experience that I’ve encountered (and unfortunately, still do from time to time) that I’ve yet to find the logic behind.  That major annoyance is Racism. It doesn’t make sense to me at all. It will never make sense to me that the fears and misconceptions about a group of people or persons could incite hate and premeditated acts of violence. 

Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers attends a special screening for the HBO Documentary Film “A Tree Of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting” (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for HBO)

On October 20th, 2022, I attended the exclusive HBO screening in Manhattan, New York for “A Tree Of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting” nationally phrased as, ‘The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting’. The screening opened with remarks by director Trish Adelsic and producer Susan Margolin. Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers led the audience in a moment of silence and thoughtful prayer. On the cusps of the 4th anniversary, the screening was a beautiful event to remember the innocent men and women lost and celebrate their lives. The tragic events of the day unfolded, a little over 4 years ago, on the morning of October 27, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 22 defenseless Jewish worshippers became the targets of a anti-semitist terrorist attack. The lone suspect, Robert Gregory Bowers, armed himself with a Colt AR-15 SP1, semi-automatic assault rifle and 3-Glock .357 handguns, entered into the synagogue during their time of devotional prayer and open-fired on the unassuming congregation. In his wake of destruction, 11 victims of this mass shooting survived, many with injuries and lingering cases of PTSD from the incident; 11 of the victims did not survive the attack of the gunman. 

 

Co-Head of HBO Documentary & Family Programming, Nancy Abraham, introduces the HBO Documentary Film “A Tree Of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting” on October 20, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for HBO)

The documentary film was created by award-nominated and Emmy-winning director Trish Adlesic, a Pittsburgh native, and was Executively produced by Michael Keaton, Billy Porter, and Mark Cuban among others (which include, D.J. Gugenheim, Geeta Gandbhir, Elliott Joseph, Lloyd Myers, Lauran Bromley, Michele Fetting, and Charlie Friday). The documentary film delves into the aftermath of the Squirrel Hill community, a quaint town in Pittsburgh, whose foundation was shaken by this heinous act against humanity. The film highlights the resilience that helped the community band together across the divides of culture, religion and racial differences to mourn the innocent victims who lost their lives.

Special Guests Kate Diaz and Idina Menzel with Director Trish Adelsic

“A Tree Of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting”, alarms the world to the prejudicial violence that threatens our sense of security; and the film takes an expansive look at the hate-based crisis in the United States, stemming from the political climate in our country and it stands up to the ideals that are presently causing the moral decay of humanity. Adlesic does a remarkable job balancing the focus on the impacts of Anti-Semitism in America being as problematic a concern nationally as it is on a global scale; she skillfully illustrates the impacts of Anti-Semetic views, propaganda and how these global issues change the lives of well-meaning people that we interact with day to day. 

 

On a brighter note, the film sends the uplifting message that “love wins”. The documentary film interviews both survivors, their families and members of the community that rose to the occasion to serve as the balm for the healing of the Jewish community in Squirrel Hill. The story of the attack is told through voices from the community, including Carol Black, Dr. Joseph Charny, Anthony Fienberg, Audrey Glickman, Daniel Leger, Wasi Mohamed, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, Brad Orsini, Rabbi Jonathan Perlman, Michele Rosenthal, Diane Rosenthal, Augie Siriano, Ellen Surloff, Andrea Wedner, Stephen Weiss and Barry Werber.

Wasi Mohamed attends a special screening for the HBO Documentary Film “A Tree Of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting” (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for HBO)

Special guests of the screening included HBO Executives, Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller; Idina Menzel and Kate Diaz, who share a song featured in the film; film-featured American Classical Musician and Jazz Trumpeter, Hannibal Lokumbe; and film featured Senior Policy Officer and community advocate Wasi Mohamed, a life-long Pennsylvania resident and community advocate committed to changing systems and structures that perpetuate poverty and inequity.

For me, the most eye opening aspect of this film was the perspective that it afforded me. As a spectator, I was a witness to racism and not as the victim.  Very rarely have I been a witness to racial crimes that weren’t targeted and directed towards BIPOC. Adlesic’s film offered me a unique and freeing insight about racism by educating me on the ongoing struggles of the Jewish communities in America. I was able to experience the vulnerability and helpless feeling of wanting to free a targeted group of people from the experience of being discriminated against, but found myself not knowing how to convince their attacker of the fault in their logic. This film taught me that prejudice and hate crimes all mimic the same behavioral pattern; an the unwillingness of a racist person to see life outside of their own perspective; the spread of misinformation, the continuance of indoctrinating fear-based rhetoric into the next generation; lack of gun-control laws, the lack of mental health and hygiene; and that hatred along with the crimes it inspires are not an exclusive struggle to one race, color or creed, as an experience.  It is my hope that films such as, “A Tree Of life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting” can be a major part of the catalyst that helps our country and the world to stop these attacks and heal us all from our fear-driven, limiting beliefs.

“A Tree Of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting” aired on Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 on HBO and is available to stream on HBO Max. 

 

 

 

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New York Comic Con 2022-Mindy Kaling on the stage to present HBO Max’s Velma

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

During the HBO Max panel at New York Comic Con 2022, Velma’s first episode was screened and its new cast was announced. Among the other voices in the series are Glenn Howerton (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Sam Richardson (The Afterparty), and Constance Wu (Fresh Off the Boat), respectively, who will play Fred, Shaggy, and Daphne. Executive producer Mindy Kaling will voice the titular character

 

TV Guide Magazine’s Damian Holbrook moderated the panel during which the voice actors of The Gang (aside from Howerton and Richardson, who zoomed in) and showrunner Charlie Grandy answered a variety of questions about what we can expect from the 10-episode serialized series.

 

It wasn’t done before for an adult audience, so Kaling found Velma appealing because it was not your typical Saturday morning series. “We just thought these characters would make a great adult version,” Kaling said.

As Kaling describes it, Howerton’s Fred is much more normal than the usual characters he is assigned to play. However, Kaling does not believe that the characters in the original series were defined by their whiteness other than Fred. Due to his comedic chops and humanity, Howerton was perfect for the role.

In addition to exploring the lives of high schoolers, Kaling promised the series will also feature murder mysteries. In addition, Kaling teased that many of the characters will have sexual tension with Velma. Kaling said she was drawn to the project because of Velma’s journey of self-discovery, but she wouldn’t say if Velma and Daphne will hook up.

Velma will debut on HBO max in 2023.

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On The Scene: HBO Max Returns to New York Comic Con with a Titans Themed Activation

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

A themed activation based on the setting of S.T.A.R. Labs was part of HBO Max’s celebration of Season 4 of Titans at New York Comic Con, designed with cult followers and new fans alike in mind to ensure that both will clamor to this mysterious place in the midst of the New York Comic Con. It has been designed for a fan-oriented experience and to provide takeaways for the fans.

There was a clear objective for HBO with the Titans activation as it was to generate buzz and increase attention on the Javits Center floor, especially since the cast of the series were also present at the activation and had a panel during the event. Through a series of interactive fan moments located around the lab, attendees were invited to dress up, play and act like Titans heroes in a variety of ways.

I had the opportunity to witness this activation and speak with some of the creative geniuses behind it. It was explained to me by a spokesperson that the planning, constructing, and design of the facility took a good six to eight months. Their delight at seeing this come to fruition for the attendees to experience was a result of their hard work.

As soon as the activation process was completed, I was given a pin for each pin that was available.There is no doubt that the DC fans are looking forward to the next season of the show coming to the small screen.

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