May 08th, 2020

New On the Scene is here! Part one in this series takes a look at some new voices you know, maybe some you don't . . . yet. Think of the band you just know you are the only one that you have heard of- it's a fact — and you want to tell everyone about. I will also take a look back at some debuts and former members of team New On the Scene, even if one is Francis Ford Coppola' daughter. Sit back, remember those flicks that gave you a moment to pause and ask, 'Who made that? Can't wait to see what's next.' Sometimes we are disappointed. Sometimes, it is beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Morgan Cooper
Our first look is at Morgan Cooper — a guy that we've been promoting quite a bit, doing a fascinating take on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with a modern-day twist. He has gained momentum with that work, connecting with Will Smith coming off the short, a new series with Gabrielle Union and just recently won two awards at the Tribeca Film Festival. Quality content is easy to recognize and I cannot wait to see what comes next from him.

Sofia Coppola
The Virgin Suicides is a melancholic, trip of a movie that announced Sofia Copolla's talent - on her own terms. Sustaining momentum and continuing to ascend is no easy feat and with her next effort, she again brings the goods with Lost In Translation. The toughest part of a debut is there has to be a follow-up, the dreaded sophomore slump can rear it's ugly head. Some rise to the challenge and others succumb to always chasing that first swing out of the gate — a fate not destined for Sofia Copolla.

Zach Braff
Another aspect of New On the Scene is look at debuts and beginnings that I might not have ever expected. A prime example of this, is Zach Braff's 2004 Garden State. At the time, Zach Braff was in the middle of Scrubs — fun, genius TV by the way — but to jump out of the TV sitcom box and deliver a neurotic, empathetic, and assured look at coming back to life in New Jersey and revisiting the people you once new, all to figure out who you are is further away than those you left behind.

What's For Dinner?
This week it's time to try something new. Google a recipe with a main ingredient you don't normally go for - love meat, go vegan; pasta person, go with veggies and a lean protein. You never know when something new can become a favorite.