Say Hello to Gina!

Negroni Sbagliato, Descendants, and Lizzie McGuire

"Pretty Silly Slambook” - a profile series where we ask our favourite artists, scientists, musicians, and more. It's a bit of a cultural time capsule project.

The idea is to move away from the usual Spotify playlists and Netflix recommendations, and instead, let everyday people like us share their favourite discoveries without any fancy algorithms or influencer stuff.

Today, it's all about Gina Wurtz

Gina Wurtz, a fantastic writer based in New York. She’s got a BFA in Screen Studies from The New School and has been rocking the entertainment journalism scene ever since. But let’s be real, her heart belongs to the film world—Hollywood, watch out!

Gina’s pride and joy? Her Substack newsletter. She’s all in, writing weekly gems and a special monthly edition for just $5 a month (that’s less than your fancy coffee!). Right now, she’s on a mission to revamp that monthly newsletter and reel in more paid subscribers, so she can deliver even more awesome content.

ACT I

1. You’re at a bar, what’s your drink of choice?
   A negroni sbagliato with prosecco in it? I honestly don't drink much but if the bar happens to have Loverboy then certainly that. Otherwise, I would probably just order water!
   

2. What’s your hot take?

   Something that feels very relevant right now is whether or not influencers should be allowed as red carpet interviewers. I've seen so many hot takes on this, but mine is that as long as someone is educated and professional, they shouldn't be barred from that experience. Reece Feldman got his start on social media, and I think he does a great job interviewing!!
   

3. Favorite form of potato?

   Sweet potato in souffle form, which I eat every Thanksgiving.

4. What would your last meal on earth be?

   A plate full of Thanksgiving food, including the souffle I mentioned in the potato question!!

5. Which fictional character do you relate to the most?

   Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi for sure!

ACT II

1. If your life was a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack?

   Oh I love this question. You're On Your Own, Kid by Taylor Swift, I Am What I Am by Gloria Gaynor, Stronger by Britney Spears, and Dancing Queen by ABBA would certainly make the cut.
   

2. What's in your bag?

   As of right now: my wallet, chapstick, hand sanitizer for my germ phobia, hand cream, a pack of gum, a mini buddha, and magnets my dad bought me because he believes they help to keep a positive mindset throughout the day.
   

3. If you could invite three people, living or dead, to a dinner party - who would it be?
   Taylor Swift, Walt Disney, and Rita Hayworth. I think we would all have a really good time together!
   

4. What movie or show do you keep rewatching?

   I revisit the Disney Channel Descendants franchise quite a lot. I just think there are so many powerful messages hidden in there that probably go over most people's heads.
   

5. Anything cool you stumbled upon - an article, a song, a book, a recipe, or literally anything.

   I was watching Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin and they used Only You by Yazoo, which I somehow had never heard before, in one of the scenes. I instantly loved it. It sounds like something Jack Antonoff would produce for one of todays' top pop girlies!

ACT III

1. What brings you joy?

   My dog. He's a siberian husky named Leo who I got when I was 15 and he's the best boy in the whole world.
   

2. Be an influencer - give a shoutout to a product you genuinely adore.

   I recently started using the Illuminating Glow Serum by Keys Soulcare and it makes my skin look so shimmering. 10/10 I would highly recommend!
   

3. What's your favourite nostalgic TV show, cartoon, or video game from your childhood?

   Lizzie McGuire!! I loved growing up in the 2000s and every time I rewatch it on Disney+ it brings back so many of those happy memories. First of all, Hilary Duff walked so the next generation of Disney actors turned pop stars could run. But I also loved that the show touched on some serious topics, like the episode when Miranda develops an eating disorder. Growing up with those earlier Disney shows during my most formative years really shaped me and later Disney shows seemed to steer away from that even though it could have really helped kids growing up with those shows.
   

4. If you were a tour guide for a day in your city, what are the top three must-visit spots you would recommend?

   First thing that came to mind was the Gershwin Theater at 222 West 51st Street for a performance of Wicked The Musical. I think Ellis Island is a must see too and for anyone who's up for it, they have a really cool tour of the abandon hospitals. Lastly, so many movies were filmed in Central Park for a reason. It's beautiful and if I were a tourist I wouldn't leave the city without seeing it in person.
   

5. Share a random picture from your gallery.

   

   That's a picture of me from October 2023 during my Disney World birthday trip. I was sitting at the Germany Pavilion in Epcot, eating a giant pretzel and saying, "Guten Tag!' every 10 seconds. No worries, no stress, just wholesome vibes. Few pictures spark as much joy in me as this one does.

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