VMLY&R Group Executive Producer Melissa Barany Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

What do Mary Poppins, Van Morrison and the Best Summer Vacation Ever have in common? They’re all here as VMLY&R Group Executive Producer Melissa Barany stopped by for a thoroughly entertaining round of Five Questions with SCREEN. Let’s get to it!

SCREEN: If you could play any superhero in a major motion picture, who would it be? Why?

MELISSA: Not a typical “Marvel” answer, but I consider Mary Poppins the ultimate superhero. She can fly, kids listen to her, she can sing & dance, and that bag is a producer’s dream!

[Editor’s Note: Sounds great to us, Melissa! Let’s take a joyful look at a few of Mary’s memorable moments…]

SCREEN: Summer is right around the corner so we have to ask… what was your best Summer Vacation Ever?

MELISSA: About 5 years ago, my husband and I went to Hawaii for a big anniversary. It was 10 days on Maui full of sun, beaches, hiking, snorkeling, all the Hawaii things, and the best meal ever at Mama’s Fish House. (which answers one of your other questions: One meal, one restaurant, and we’re buying. What will it be?)

SCREEN: Your go-to karaoke song?

MELISSA: Van Morrison’s “Moondance”. It’s in my range, I can belt it, and I love the scatting part.

Ok Melissa, you’re up! Here is your favorite karaoke tune, grab the mic!

SCREEN: If you could fix one thing, what would you fix?

MELISSA: Right now, the war in Ukraine. My daughter was born there. We adopted her at 19 months-old, and spent 5 weeks in Kiev and Odessa during the process. We feel a unique and strong connection to the country. Watching the horror and devastation happening now is beyond heartbreaking.

SCREEN: What’s that TV show you’re a little embarrassed to admit you love to watch?

Ok, don’t judge – 911: Lone Star on Hulu!  “Love it” might be a bit strong. Yeah, it’s pretty bad, but I’m always amazed that Rob Lowe just keeps on keeping on and has morphed so many times in his long career without a single hair out of place. (Another confession: I listen to his podcast “Literally” on occasion).

BONUS QUESTIONS!

SCREEN: Best advice you’ve ever been given?

MELISSA: From my beloved mother, (RIP) “You can’t do better than your best”.

Thanks for playing, Melissa! Click here for more rounds of Five Questions with SCREEN!