I met the fearless and talented Tara Bennett years ago when I was working as a publicist and she had just established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment media. One of the most generous professionals I have ever met, Tara is not only a respected and valued colleague, she is one of my favorite peeps.
This has been a big year for my gal pal Tara, and it is so well-deserved. Success is not a random happening. Building a career in our business takes talent, persistence, and a helluva lot of hard work.
Many of you may already be familiar with her books and features. In addition to her work as a regular and prolific contributor to a bunch of major online and print publications, she is also the author or co-author of several movie and TV companion titles including The Lost Encyclopedia, The Art of 300, The Art of Terminator Salvation and 24: The Official Companion Guide: Seasons 1 through 6.
Today I’m having a little celebration in honor of her latest accomplishments. Great gift ideas for friends and family –
Just Released: THE ART OF “EPIC” (the motion picture)
From 20th Century Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios, the creators of Ice Age and Rio, Epic tells the story of an ongoing battle deep in the forest between the forces of good and the forces of evil.
When a teenage girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she must band together with a rag-tag team of fun and whimsical characters in order to save their world — and ours.
The Art of Epic shines a light on the previously hidden world of Epic, with over 300 pieces of concept art, character sketches, storyboards and digital paintings, along with interviews with the key animation talent.
Available at
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Just Released: FRINGE – September’s Notebook (series companion)
Delve into television’s most otherworldly phenomenon! Fringe: September’s Notebook is a uniquely in-world collection that explores the intricate destinies of Walter Bishop, Peter Bishop, and Olivia Dunham. Gathered by the Observer known only as “September,” these pages reveal new truths about the Fringe Division and Massive Dynamic. The book also closely examines the Amber timeline and the alternate universe “Over There.”
Packed with concept art, exclusive photos, and intriguing ephemera, September’s Notebook will satisfy every serious fan’s hunger for details about the Observers, quirks and little-known facts about each character, insight into Fringe Science, and much more. “Easter eggs” throughout build on the many symbols and codes woven into the show’s fabric, uncovering truths never before revealed.
With its layered storytelling, well-rendered characters, and complex overarching narrative, Fringe is the ideal show around which to publish, and Fringe: September’s Notebook provides a totally immersive reading experience.
Available at
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Tara Bennett has written literally hundreds of interviews and features for SpecFic genre and other entertainment publications as well as authored or co-authored more than a half-dozen film and television series companion books.
Before starting her journalism career, Tara worked for almost a decade as a television producer on the east coast for outlets such as CN8 and Comcast. She then used her expertise to transition into writing full-time about the industry with a focus on scripted dramas and genre-related films.
Tara is also an adjunct professor at Rowan University in New Jersey, teaching Film and Television studies. As part of her curriculum, Bennett utilizes programs such as LOST and 24 to teach her students how to write for television.
Want to know more about Tara? Then clickety-click right here.
