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Hi, I’m Philana Marie Boles. A writing powerhouse and media-savvy storyteller, I have 23+ years of experience creating impactful content across film, television, publishing, and pop culture.
My work blends editorial insight with authenticity and cultural relevance. Whether I’m covering a buzzy new release, unpacking pop culture narratives, collaborating on book projects, or interviewing award-winning artists, I deliver stories that resonate with readers and creatives alike.
I’m the author of multiple novels (some adapted or optioned for screen) as well as a ghostwriter for projects published by the Big 5 houses.
As a journalist and book collaborator, I am currently focused on features, women’s health, and culture. My bylines and interviews have reached audiences in the millions with past interviews including icons such as Judy Blume, Ellen Hopkins, Rachel McAdams, and James L. Brooks.
With a background in IP development, branding and marketing concepts, and adaptation pitches under NDA, I also bring a strategist’s eye to digital, lifestyle, and entertainment media.
Based in Los Angeles with solid roots in Ohio, I’m driven by cultural relevancy, wellness, and a passion for storytelling.
On this page you’ll find a curated collection of features, reviews, and interviews that reflect my voice, versatility, and commitment to journalistic excellence.
by Philana Marie Boles Author Ellen Hopkins Introduction Ellen Hopkins is a New York Times best-selling and multi-award-winning author, a celebrated literary force whose courageous storytelling has enthralled readers like me for over two decades. She is perhaps best known for her raw and poignant novels written in verse.
by Philana Marie Boles FSG Executive Editorial Director Joy Peskin Joy Peskin's personality is so unassuming that it can seem at odds with the magnitude of the rank and importance of her current role as Executive Editorial Director for Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers.
Despite his representative's initial apprehension, Luis Guzmán took on the role of Luis in Story Ave. Now, he explains why it was so important to him.
In an exclusive interview with MovieWeb, Judy Blume spoke about her work over the years, a new documentary, and life lessons she learned from readers.
Actor Asante Blackk explained his approach to seeing the beauty and complexities of Story Ave's anti-stereotypical lead role.
Actress Alba August explains how the universally relatable need for belonging leads her character in The Congregation into the trappings of a cult.
Rachel McAdams and Abby Ryder Fortson spoke about their starring roles in the screen adaptation of Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
In an exclusive interview, director Tom DeNucci reflected on the importance of letting women be "the bad guy" and what he learned from Tyrese Gibson.
Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story takes established and potentially new fans on a real-life journey to musical stardom against impossible odds.
Madonna: With over 335 million records sold, the best-selling female artist of all time also had at least two timeless acting performances.
In an exclusive interview with MovieWeb, director Thaddeus O'Sullivan reveals why he was drawn to direct The Miracle Club.
In an exclusive with MovieWeb, filmmaker Aristotle Torres discusses Story Ave, a film that depicts familiar characters in remarkably fresh ways.
In an exclusive interview, Delante Desouza, who plays NBA legend Michael Cooper in Winning Time, shares his start, and near miss, to an acting career.
Shooting Stars is a charming story about LeBron James and the four best friends he grew up and also made history with in Ohio.
Theater Camp is a comedy about the eccentric world of thespians with the universally appealing theme of finding a place to be seen and to belong.
The predictable horror trope is that the Black person will die first. The Blackening is a hilarious anomaly - all of the characters are Black.
What happens in The Clearing is every parent's nightmare, and Guy Pearce and Julia Savage reflect on why they were drawn to exploring it.
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster works as a unique horror fIlm adaptation of Frankenstein. But, dig deeper with Chad L. Coleman: there's more.
Caleb McLaughlin, Marquis Cook, Avery Willis Jr., Khalil Everage, Sterling Henderson and Dermot Mulroney discussed the basketball film Shooting Stars.
TLC, one of the bestselling American female music groups, influenced a whole generation and survived unimaginable odds; now they are talking about it.
The Miracle Club is an uplifting film about three close friends in search of personal miracles who ultimately find something far more important.
Josh Duhamel, Kevin Dillon, and Dan Bakkedahl spoke about their new movie Buddy Games: Spring Awakening, a friendly comedy for these lonely times.
And Just Like That seems a lot more comfortable in its own stilettos in season 2. Here is what fans hope to see more of.
Miranda Otto and Teresa Palmer spoke about their characters the dark psychology of their new Hulu show, The Clearing.
by Philana Marie Boles Philana Marie Boles Since its inception in 2014, I have applauded the refreshing "We Need Diverse Books" initiative. Yet internally, as a multi-published author, I've also whimpered a weary cry whenever I see those words. I've wanted to remind anyone who will listen, "But we're here.
For scaredy-cats, the good news is that the scariest part in The Boogeyman happens in the first act. After that, it's all about fearing less.
Filmmaker Kelly Fremon Craig and producer James L. Brooks shared their thoughts on important decisions made for their film adaptation of Blume's book.
Dermot Mulroney shines in his role in Shooting Stars as Coach Keith Dambrot and champions an important win for race relations.
Grammy and Emmy Award-winning director Chris Robinson reflects on the slam dunk LeBron James movie, Shooting Stars.
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster reimagines Frankenstein in an urban setting, and Denzel Whitaker discussed his role as a drug-dealing villain.
The Blackening is a hilarious horror film that started with a viral sketch, and Tim Story, Tracy Oliver, and Dewayne Perkins spoke about its creation.
Jay Pharoah, Sinqua Walls, Jermaine Fowler, X Mayo, Antoinette Robertson, and Grace Byers all spoke about the new hit horror comedy.
Set in the 1970's, Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret, is delightful and sure to be a classic adaptation of the best-selling novel by Judy Blume.
With 7 million viewers in the franchise, Lifetime has added another installment to the Seven Deadly Sins movie series, Pride, with Stephanie Mills.