Friday, March 30, 2007
Phil Carey leaves OLTL
Phil Carey leaves One Life to Live after 28 years on the show after his contract expries next month. He refused to take the recurring contract. Well this has been a hell of a year so far.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
I won, I finally won Do you take Visa, MasterCard, American Express?
In a really tacky and belt tightening measure, the Daytime Emmies are now starting to give out one free Emmy. The ones who win multiple (writing, costume, etc.) will have to cough up $350 for it. More on it at the TV Guide website.http://community.tvguide.com/thread.jspa?threadID=800011467
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Is Brian Frons smoking the crack pipe?
A recent interview with Brian Frons about ABC daytime. http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6425815.html
Anne Becker: Did anything surprise you about the nominations?
If I had a disappointment it would be that General Hospital did not get a nod for best show and it’s interesting because the writing was nominated, Tony Geary, Genie Francis and Julie Berman were featured in the November episode the show submitted for best show and were all recognized and so was the director somehow the show wasn’t. It’s just one of those things were it’s a headscratcher, but you can’t get too upset about these things.
I’m very pleased particularly for One Life to Live and The View. It’s One Life to Live’s first Best Show nomination since Frank Valentini took over in early 2003. And I’m glad the Academy recognized that. Rosie has added an enormous bolt of energy and creativity to The View and I’m glad to see that was appreciated. I’m hoping the tenth time is the charm.
-Frons is surprised that General Hospital wasn't nominated for best show? Gees I wonder why that is? First there is the mob violence that makes the sopranos look like the boy scouts, second there are centered around the same characters that are not even likable. The episodes in which Genie Francis briefly came back were one of the best shows General Hospital had all year. That doesn't mean the show should be nominated for Best show, It should be for a whole year of good shows not just for sweeps.
Anne Becker: Why did you have such a good sweeps?
The ratings speak for themselves. We had four of top five shows in the sweep. The View grew because of Rosie’s arrival to the program. General Hospital took a very unique creative approach and the audience recognized that. They showed a standoff between police and a band of criminals who had taken over the Metro Court Hotel. They showed the front of the hotel blowing out and then flashed back 16 hours over 16 episodes to show how that happened and how the characters had gotten to that point and followed the aftermath and the audience went, ‘wow, we have never seen that before.’ GH led in every major female demographic from teens, 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54 women. Since the start of people meters, that’s the first time General Hospital has ever done that and the second time I think it’s ever been done that at all. So, it’s nice to see that when somebody takes a chance, the audience rewards them for it.
-"A very unique creative approach and the audience recognized that." If that unique creative approach pertains to hostages, criminals, explosions and coping "24" then GH is unique indeed! Look at the message boards from any soap website and see the majority of the fans are not happy about the way General Hospital is going. Does Frons really think that explosions and criminals taking hostages makes good TV? Don't forget the sadistic way that Alan Quartermine(Straut Damon) suffers a heart attack for a week before dying. That's not a unique creative approach, its just disgraceful.
Anne Becker: All My Children’s head writer was recently fired reportedly because of crazy stunts she wrote – did the show go too far?
Children took a lot of risks in the last couple of years. At a time when the country was debating whether gays should be married, we were telling story of a lesbian whose child had been kidnapped and the whole country was rooting for her to get her child back and be a mom. She was relatable and warm and the character has become a beloved character. There’s a case of risk-taking that really was embraced by the audience. Conversely, there were a couple of stories where if had chance to go back and redo them, I’m not sure we’d do them. Somewhere in middle is Zoey/Zarf transgender story we’re telling right now. Part of the audience is passionately approving what we’re doing and there’s a portion that aren’t embracing it with the same excitement. That story was conceived with a finite ending. We wanted to introduce the character and explore the issue and create a relationship with Zoey and Bianca and we’ve had a chance to do that. The storyline will be over by end of April. Megan was somebody who took great risks and was innovative yet at the same time very true to the heart and soul of All My Children. Turning out 250 hours of television a year was a grind and she had been doing it for a while. I’ve actually told her that after she takes a little time off, I would be more than happy to hire her as a story consultant.
-I think Frons is overestimating the popularity of All My Children at the time of the baby switch story. Megan Mctavish taking great risks and was innovative. No she wasn't, I admit she had her good moments but all that she did was write gimmicky storylines and dumb down characters. The Zoe/Zarf storyline was launched at the same time that the horrible serial killer storyline and I think that it killed any chance of Zoe/Zarf to be embraced fully because many people saw it as a way of AMC to get mainstream press to help there sagging ratings. Frons announced that the storyline will be over by the end of April, which means that it didn't work and are cutting their losses, which is sad because I had hope that the storyline would help people understand transgendered issues.
Anne Becker: Did anything surprise you about the nominations?
If I had a disappointment it would be that General Hospital did not get a nod for best show and it’s interesting because the writing was nominated, Tony Geary, Genie Francis and Julie Berman were featured in the November episode the show submitted for best show and were all recognized and so was the director somehow the show wasn’t. It’s just one of those things were it’s a headscratcher, but you can’t get too upset about these things.
I’m very pleased particularly for One Life to Live and The View. It’s One Life to Live’s first Best Show nomination since Frank Valentini took over in early 2003. And I’m glad the Academy recognized that. Rosie has added an enormous bolt of energy and creativity to The View and I’m glad to see that was appreciated. I’m hoping the tenth time is the charm.
-Frons is surprised that General Hospital wasn't nominated for best show? Gees I wonder why that is? First there is the mob violence that makes the sopranos look like the boy scouts, second there are centered around the same characters that are not even likable. The episodes in which Genie Francis briefly came back were one of the best shows General Hospital had all year. That doesn't mean the show should be nominated for Best show, It should be for a whole year of good shows not just for sweeps.
Anne Becker: Why did you have such a good sweeps?
The ratings speak for themselves. We had four of top five shows in the sweep. The View grew because of Rosie’s arrival to the program. General Hospital took a very unique creative approach and the audience recognized that. They showed a standoff between police and a band of criminals who had taken over the Metro Court Hotel. They showed the front of the hotel blowing out and then flashed back 16 hours over 16 episodes to show how that happened and how the characters had gotten to that point and followed the aftermath and the audience went, ‘wow, we have never seen that before.’ GH led in every major female demographic from teens, 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54 women. Since the start of people meters, that’s the first time General Hospital has ever done that and the second time I think it’s ever been done that at all. So, it’s nice to see that when somebody takes a chance, the audience rewards them for it.
-"A very unique creative approach and the audience recognized that." If that unique creative approach pertains to hostages, criminals, explosions and coping "24" then GH is unique indeed! Look at the message boards from any soap website and see the majority of the fans are not happy about the way General Hospital is going. Does Frons really think that explosions and criminals taking hostages makes good TV? Don't forget the sadistic way that Alan Quartermine(Straut Damon) suffers a heart attack for a week before dying. That's not a unique creative approach, its just disgraceful.
Anne Becker: All My Children’s head writer was recently fired reportedly because of crazy stunts she wrote – did the show go too far?
Children took a lot of risks in the last couple of years. At a time when the country was debating whether gays should be married, we were telling story of a lesbian whose child had been kidnapped and the whole country was rooting for her to get her child back and be a mom. She was relatable and warm and the character has become a beloved character. There’s a case of risk-taking that really was embraced by the audience. Conversely, there were a couple of stories where if had chance to go back and redo them, I’m not sure we’d do them. Somewhere in middle is Zoey/Zarf transgender story we’re telling right now. Part of the audience is passionately approving what we’re doing and there’s a portion that aren’t embracing it with the same excitement. That story was conceived with a finite ending. We wanted to introduce the character and explore the issue and create a relationship with Zoey and Bianca and we’ve had a chance to do that. The storyline will be over by end of April. Megan was somebody who took great risks and was innovative yet at the same time very true to the heart and soul of All My Children. Turning out 250 hours of television a year was a grind and she had been doing it for a while. I’ve actually told her that after she takes a little time off, I would be more than happy to hire her as a story consultant.
-I think Frons is overestimating the popularity of All My Children at the time of the baby switch story. Megan Mctavish taking great risks and was innovative. No she wasn't, I admit she had her good moments but all that she did was write gimmicky storylines and dumb down characters. The Zoe/Zarf storyline was launched at the same time that the horrible serial killer storyline and I think that it killed any chance of Zoe/Zarf to be embraced fully because many people saw it as a way of AMC to get mainstream press to help there sagging ratings. Frons announced that the storyline will be over by the end of April, which means that it didn't work and are cutting their losses, which is sad because I had hope that the storyline would help people understand transgendered issues.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
The Best and Worst of 2006
It's almost April but oh well, let's get on with it.
The "Wow what a bitch" award goes to: Lynn Marie Latham for firing Jack Smith, just months after he buried his son, who died of cancer. It would have been much worst if she fired him by text message.
Best Slamming of the TPTB: Julia Barr, rather than take a recurring role, she decided to leave but not before she said what everyone else was thinking.
Worst Recast: Spencer Grammer as Lucy on ATWT. She went from a rebellious, stands up to her father woman to a ho bag who was trying to seduce Dusty five minutes after Jennifer died, it was painful to watch.
Best Guest Casting: B&B, for casting Betty White as Stephanie's mother who was in serious denial about the abuse she suffered by the hands of her father.
Best Return: Laura, GH just watch the videos to see why.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5oz1Bgdgh4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eutEPDRSPvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpYRtr5aCFk
Worst Return: Dixie, AMC. This was anticipated comeback for AMC's most beloved heroines and what did we get? A Dixie who gave up her daughter and then spent five years pretending to be dead, came back and didn't let her family know that she was alive and well, was trying to get a married man and acting like she was dumb. Cady McClain's talent was wasted.
Best episode: Guiding Light's 70th anniversary special. GL has a lot to be desired but this episode when the whole cast dressed up like the 1930's through 50's for the story about how GL got started. It was well written and acted by all.
Worst Plot: Who killed Greg Madden/Josh is Erica's son. These two are entirely stupid, stupid ideas to begin with. One took too long and when the murderer was finally revealed, Tad Martin, it ruin the character. The other was just a slap on the face of history. For those who don't know, in 1973 Erica decided to get an abortion because she wanted a modeling career not motherhood, this was controversial and groundbreaking at the time. Having the aborted fetus being the one who drugged you and tried to take other your show is just stupid.
Biggest Trend: Shocking plots. Murders, rapes, psychos, killer viruses, sexual violence, evil twins, disasters. Just another day in soapland.
The WTF show: Young and the Restless. Nazis, Carmen Metza, Victor become soft and new agey. Too many lame storylines to count for this award.
The Most Disappointing: ATWT. Lame plots centered around the same people who have few redeemable qualities. Don't forget the Oakdale Slasher while Maddie's secret was just background for the story.
Most Improved: DAYS. After several years of bad writing and acting, it got back to what it did best, supercouples, families and villains. Soap's comfort food show is slowly coming back.
Worst Show: AMC. see worst plot
Best Show: Fashion House. While 2006 saw the beginning for the destruction of AMC and other trying to shock the viewers with lame plots. This all to brief show was the one show that I couldn't what to see day after day. Soaps at its best, there is still hope after all.
Well there you have it. The first Best and Worst. Next time I won't take so long.
The "Wow what a bitch" award goes to: Lynn Marie Latham for firing Jack Smith, just months after he buried his son, who died of cancer. It would have been much worst if she fired him by text message.
Best Slamming of the TPTB: Julia Barr, rather than take a recurring role, she decided to leave but not before she said what everyone else was thinking.
Worst Recast: Spencer Grammer as Lucy on ATWT. She went from a rebellious, stands up to her father woman to a ho bag who was trying to seduce Dusty five minutes after Jennifer died, it was painful to watch.
Best Guest Casting: B&B, for casting Betty White as Stephanie's mother who was in serious denial about the abuse she suffered by the hands of her father.
Best Return: Laura, GH just watch the videos to see why.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5oz1Bgdgh4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eutEPDRSPvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpYRtr5aCFk
Worst Return: Dixie, AMC. This was anticipated comeback for AMC's most beloved heroines and what did we get? A Dixie who gave up her daughter and then spent five years pretending to be dead, came back and didn't let her family know that she was alive and well, was trying to get a married man and acting like she was dumb. Cady McClain's talent was wasted.
Best episode: Guiding Light's 70th anniversary special. GL has a lot to be desired but this episode when the whole cast dressed up like the 1930's through 50's for the story about how GL got started. It was well written and acted by all.
Worst Plot: Who killed Greg Madden/Josh is Erica's son. These two are entirely stupid, stupid ideas to begin with. One took too long and when the murderer was finally revealed, Tad Martin, it ruin the character. The other was just a slap on the face of history. For those who don't know, in 1973 Erica decided to get an abortion because she wanted a modeling career not motherhood, this was controversial and groundbreaking at the time. Having the aborted fetus being the one who drugged you and tried to take other your show is just stupid.
Biggest Trend: Shocking plots. Murders, rapes, psychos, killer viruses, sexual violence, evil twins, disasters. Just another day in soapland.
The WTF show: Young and the Restless. Nazis, Carmen Metza, Victor become soft and new agey. Too many lame storylines to count for this award.
The Most Disappointing: ATWT. Lame plots centered around the same people who have few redeemable qualities. Don't forget the Oakdale Slasher while Maddie's secret was just background for the story.
Most Improved: DAYS. After several years of bad writing and acting, it got back to what it did best, supercouples, families and villains. Soap's comfort food show is slowly coming back.
Worst Show: AMC. see worst plot
Best Show: Fashion House. While 2006 saw the beginning for the destruction of AMC and other trying to shock the viewers with lame plots. This all to brief show was the one show that I couldn't what to see day after day. Soaps at its best, there is still hope after all.
Well there you have it. The first Best and Worst. Next time I won't take so long.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Your Daytime Emmy Nominations
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES:
The Bold and the Beautiful
Guiding Light
One Life to Live
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR:
Michael Park (Jack Snyder, ATWT)
Anthony Geary (Luke Spencer, GH)
Ricky Paull Goldin (Gus Aituro, GL)
Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott, Y&R)
Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin, Y&R)
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS:
Maura West (Carly Tenney, ATWT)
Crystal Chappell (Olivia Spencer, GL)
Kim Zimmer (Reva Shayne, GL)
Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor, Y&R)
Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers, Y&R)
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Trent Dawson (Henry Coleman, ATWT)
Rick Heart (Ric Lansing, GH)
Dan Gauthier (Kevin Buchanan, OLTL)
Greg Rikaart (Kevin Fisher, Y&R)
Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters, Y&R)
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Lesli Kay (Felicia Forrester, B&B)
Genie Francis (Laura Spencer, GH)
Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber, GH)
Gina Tognoni (Dinah Marler, GL)
Renee Elise Goldsberry (Evangeline Williamson, OLTL)
Heather Tom (Kelly Cramer, OLTL)
OUTSTANDING YOUNGER ACTOR:
Van Hansis (Luke Snyder, ATWT)
Jesse Soffer (Will Munson, ATWT)
Tom Pelphrey (Jonathan Randall, GL)
James Stevenson (Jared Casey, PS)
Bryton McClure (Devon Hamilton, Y&R)
OUTSTANDING YOUNGER ACTRESS:
Leven Rambin (Lily Montgomery, AMC)
Jennifer Landon (Gwen Norbeck, ATWT)
Alexandra Chando (Maddie Coleman, ATWT)
Julie Berman (Lulu Spencer, GH)
Stephanie Gathschet (Tammy Winslow, GL)
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES WRITING TEAM:
The Bold and the Beautiful
General Hospital
Guiding Light
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES DIRECTING TEAM:
As the World Turns
General Hospital
Guiding Light
One Life to Live
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION/SET DECORATION/SCENIC DESIGN FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
All My Children
As the World Turns
The Bold and the Beautiful
One Life to Live
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN CASTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
As the World Turns
The Bold and the Beautiful
General Hospital
Guiding Light
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
All My Children
As the World Turns
Guiding Light
Passions
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MULTIPLE CAMERA EDITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
Guiding Light
One Life to Live
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN HAIRSTYLING FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
All My Children
As the World Turns
Days of our Lives
Passions
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN LIGHTING DIRECTION FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
As the World Turns
Days of our Lives
Guiding Light
One Life to Live
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKEUP FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
As the World Turns
The Bold and the Beautiful
General Hospital
Passions
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC DIRECTION AND COMPOSITION FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
Days of our Lives
Guiding Light
One Life to Live
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG:
* Can You Love Me (With The Lights On) - Guiding Light In A Moment -
Guiding Light Love is Ecstasy -
Passions It's A New Day, Today -
Today Show Carry On - The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN LIVE & DIRECT TO TAPE SOUND MIXING FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
As the World Turns
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN TECHNICAL DIRECTION/ELECTRONIC CAMERA/VIDEO CONTROL FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
All My Children
As the World Turns
Guiding Light
One Life to Live
The Bold and the Beautiful
Guiding Light
One Life to Live
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR:
Michael Park (Jack Snyder, ATWT)
Anthony Geary (Luke Spencer, GH)
Ricky Paull Goldin (Gus Aituro, GL)
Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott, Y&R)
Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin, Y&R)
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS:
Maura West (Carly Tenney, ATWT)
Crystal Chappell (Olivia Spencer, GL)
Kim Zimmer (Reva Shayne, GL)
Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor, Y&R)
Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers, Y&R)
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Trent Dawson (Henry Coleman, ATWT)
Rick Heart (Ric Lansing, GH)
Dan Gauthier (Kevin Buchanan, OLTL)
Greg Rikaart (Kevin Fisher, Y&R)
Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters, Y&R)
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Lesli Kay (Felicia Forrester, B&B)
Genie Francis (Laura Spencer, GH)
Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber, GH)
Gina Tognoni (Dinah Marler, GL)
Renee Elise Goldsberry (Evangeline Williamson, OLTL)
Heather Tom (Kelly Cramer, OLTL)
OUTSTANDING YOUNGER ACTOR:
Van Hansis (Luke Snyder, ATWT)
Jesse Soffer (Will Munson, ATWT)
Tom Pelphrey (Jonathan Randall, GL)
James Stevenson (Jared Casey, PS)
Bryton McClure (Devon Hamilton, Y&R)
OUTSTANDING YOUNGER ACTRESS:
Leven Rambin (Lily Montgomery, AMC)
Jennifer Landon (Gwen Norbeck, ATWT)
Alexandra Chando (Maddie Coleman, ATWT)
Julie Berman (Lulu Spencer, GH)
Stephanie Gathschet (Tammy Winslow, GL)
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES WRITING TEAM:
The Bold and the Beautiful
General Hospital
Guiding Light
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES DIRECTING TEAM:
As the World Turns
General Hospital
Guiding Light
One Life to Live
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION/SET DECORATION/SCENIC DESIGN FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
All My Children
As the World Turns
The Bold and the Beautiful
One Life to Live
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN CASTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
As the World Turns
The Bold and the Beautiful
General Hospital
Guiding Light
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
All My Children
As the World Turns
Guiding Light
Passions
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MULTIPLE CAMERA EDITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
Guiding Light
One Life to Live
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN HAIRSTYLING FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
All My Children
As the World Turns
Days of our Lives
Passions
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN LIGHTING DIRECTION FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
As the World Turns
Days of our Lives
Guiding Light
One Life to Live
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKEUP FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
As the World Turns
The Bold and the Beautiful
General Hospital
Passions
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC DIRECTION AND COMPOSITION FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
Days of our Lives
Guiding Light
One Life to Live
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG:
* Can You Love Me (With The Lights On) - Guiding Light In A Moment -
Guiding Light Love is Ecstasy -
Passions It's A New Day, Today -
Today Show Carry On - The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN LIVE & DIRECT TO TAPE SOUND MIXING FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
As the World Turns
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN TECHNICAL DIRECTION/ELECTRONIC CAMERA/VIDEO CONTROL FOR A DRAMA SERIES:
All My Children
As the World Turns
Guiding Light
One Life to Live
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Megan McTavish is FIRED
Just today the Soapcentral website reports that Megan McTavish is fired from Head Writer duties for All My Children. For more information http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2007/0305-mctavish.php
Let the Celebrations begin.
Let the Celebrations begin.
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