18
Jul
2023
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Director Jennell Renai Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

What do The Rock, Bob Marley, and a run-in with TWO black widows have in common? They’re all right here as the latest addition to the charlieuniformtango directorial roster, Jennell Renai, stopped by for a thoroughly entertaining round of Five Questions with SCREEN. Let’s get to it!

SCREEN: Jennell, if you could be a member of any musical group in history, what would it be?

JENNELL: I would be a member of Bob Marley and the Wailers no question about it. Bob is a huge inspiration of mine and the music they made was so revolutionary. Reggae is my favorite kind of music music. It’s just so positive, nourishing and lightens my soul.

Here’s a Bob Marley classic for Jennell and for you…

SCREEN: Worst job ever?

JENNELL: I spent a summer working as an expedition guide for privileged teenagers in the Appalachian mountains right out of college. I love the outdoors but I felt more Iike a servant to kids who didn’t appreciate the rock climbing, whitewater rafting and other cool shit we were doing. One weekend we were on a three day camping trip where it rained the entire time and on the last morning I woke up to find TWO black widows in my tent. That was my last day.

SCREEN: Most famous person you’ve ever met?

JENNELL: The Rock! He is huge and his smile is even bigger. I was practicing with my college dance team at a local gym in Honolulu when one of my teammates was looking out the glass door of the group fitness room and said, “hey, doesn’t that guy running on the treadmill look like The Rock?” We all stared of course and when the 20 of us girls realized it was The Rock we freaked the hell out, he started cracking up, and of course he came to say hi like the kind gentleman he is.

Here is a mashup of The Rock’s top 25 moments from his WWE days, enjoy!

SCREEN: It’s that time of year so we have to ask: Best Summer Vacation Ever?

JENNELL: Hawai’i Baby! Hawai’i is my favorite place on earth by far. I used to live there and my whole goal in life is to move back there as soon as possible. I’d live on Oahu but I love all the islands.

SCREEN: Your favorite commercial ever?

JENNELL: I don’t know if I have a favorite commercial but I do have a favorite commercial director J.J. Adler. #goals

Here’s a Geico classic from J.J. Adler…

BONUS QUESTIONS!

SCREEN: What is your favorite restaurant on the planet?

JENNELL: Trawen in Pucón, Chile. They had the most mind blowing mouthwatering ravioli you’ll ever try.

SCREEN: What’s inspiring you today?

JENNELL: The National Museum of African American History and Culture. I just got back from visiting it for the second time and I am so blown away by how well thought out, researched and powerful the whole experience is. It inspires me in many ways, breaks my heart in many ways, and motivates me in all aspects of my life.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture. Photo Credit: Smithsonian

Thanks for playing, Jennell! For more from Jennell and the fine folks at charlieuniformtango, click right here.

Check back here at SCREEN for new rounds of Five Questions with SCREEN. You can also click right here to subscribe to our weekly email newsletter.

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