SOAP SYLLABUS
P&G soaps to be released internationally!
Missing Alex Spaulding, Rachel Cory, and Reva Shayne? Well, this great news with make your day: Broadway Video Digital Distribution will be in Cannes this week introducing international broadcasters to a catalogue of U.S. soap operas, including As the World Turns and Guiding Light.
Earlier this year, Broadway Video Digital Distribution scored the worldwide rights, across multiple platforms, to a collection of soaps produced by P&G Productions, a division of consumer-products giant Proctor & Gamble. As the World Turns, with about 7,700 episodes that aired from 1979 to 2010, and Guiding Light lead the slate, with 5,400 episodes spanning 1988 to 2009. "Guiding Light actually is the longest running show in television history but nothing was recorded prior to 1988," says Mark Yates, the company’s president. Together with Another World, Search for Tomorrow, The Edge of Night and the short-lived Texas, the soaps will be showcased to buyers at MIPCOM.
"We’re very excited about bringing almost 21,000 hours of new content to the market in new and different ways," Yates says. "We feel that there’s a tremendous pent up demand [for these titles] because they have not been marketed, they have not been aggressively sold, and there actually are some markets that weren’t even aware that this content was available.”
Yates' sales team has already begun early discussions with broadcasters and "we were surprised at the interest level in places where we didn’t expect it, such as Latin America. They’re fine producers of their own telenovelas, yet there’s absolutely interest in this content."
Yates continues, “They’re nostalgic, I think, for those who watched them in their youth. I think they’re also compelling for a whole new generation who are seeing them for the first time.”
DEEP THOUGHTS:
That Awkward Moment….
… When a fan includes two or more actors who can’t stand each other in the same tweet assuming they’re all buds! Their reaction is always priceless. If only they gave away Emmys for the fakest tweets on Twitter….
SOAP MEME: The Pulse Of The Soapgeist
Michael Fairman to develop soap gaming
From the desk of Michael Fairman: Casual game developer and publisher Entertainment Games, Inc. announced today that Michael Fairman, a leading expert and personality in the field of daytime drama, will join its social game development team. This move is the latest of many key talent acquisitions that support the company's ambitious new social game portfolio. Fairman will provide creative writing, direction and oversight for the soap opera genre of the upcoming social game series. This will be the first soap opera social game of its kind and is being developed on Entertainment Games' proprietary Heyday platform.
Let’s hope that he develops a virtual sex game with our favorite hunks! Or perhaps us unsatisfied soapers can create our own storylines on our soap with our favorite characters.
SOAP SPOOF OF THE WEEK:
Ellen DeGeneres teaches SNL on how to do it right!
This past week, Emmy-winning talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres unveiled a week-long soap spoof titled As The Tide Turns, sponsored by Tide, natch. Perhaps Tide can pony up some money to the existing soaps out there on the dial. Just sayin’. Check it out here:
https://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/ellen-degeneres-premieres-her-new-soap-spoof-as-the-tide-turns/2011/09/26/
https://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/ellen-degeneres-days-galen-gering-in-episode-two-of-as-the-tide-turns/2011/09/27/
THE SPIN CYCLE:
ABC Daytime shows its true colors once again!
The body wasn’t even cold yet! Proving that an anti-soap sentiment and agenda is more present than ever at ABC Daytime, “freelance” Live! With Regis and Kelly publicist caused a Twitter firestorm as a result of her comments about being happy over the ending of soaps, in favor of The Chew. Brittany Forgione resigned from her position after V.P. of publicity for the chat fest Barbara Warren demanded Daytimeconfidential.com take down their story on the controversial tweet but to no avail. Warren claimed Forgione’s twitter account had been hacked (yes, because we soap fans have nothing better to do than hack some low-level Disney employee; try again, ABC). Here's the statement Brittany Forgione sent to Daytime Confidential, who broke the story:
“I take full responsibility for the situation. I wrote that tweet on my personal Twitter account, but it was never for a second meant to be hurtful towards anyone. I grew up watching AMC my mother and though I was sad to see it go, I was excited for the new shows getting a chance to shine. My words were said so quickly and without thought that it ended up creating something I would have never wished for. Seeing those awful reactions and threats online was so shocking and scary for me, and I was so concerned about the reputation of our show, that I was afraid to admit what I had done so I lied to my manager. I’ve held high regard for ABC for years, as they know, and it is only fair to the company and myself that I resign from my freelance PR position.”
First, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. I didn’t want to see the publicity-challenged woman lose her job (I’m sure she’ll get a bonus from ABC for tweeting anti-soap comments). But who wishes an entire genre dead? Especially since Live With Regis and Kelly depends on actors in scripted TV to headline their first big interview in every episode. Add in the fact that Kelly Ripa is an AMC alum and producing E!’s Dirty Soap then you have to wonder who is hiring all these PR geniuses over at ABC (c’mon Jori Peterson; seriously; really?)! Having said that I’d like to shake Forgione’s hand for once again proving that the culture at ABC Daytime — especially in its counterproductive, mismanaged publicity department — has always been anti-soap.
Her inappropriate comments came at a time when the wounds are fresh… especially after AMC’s final episode has aired. Hundreds of people have lost their jobs.. .and soap fans are just beginning the mourning process.
SOAP POLICE: Reviews and Views
Soap Opera Malfunctions! Triumphs! And disasters in the making!
AMC — Objection!
One of the reasons why The Chew’s debut numbers were so high (2.1) could have been because some AMC viewers weren’t aware that their iconic soap had been canceled. When you factor in that cliffhanger, I can easily see fans thinking they’d find out who JR shot in the final show. That’s why ABC was remiss in not writing at the end of the finale: “To Be Continued Online…,” but what do I know?
THE CHEW – Sentenced to Life!
Is ABC Daytime Prez Brian Frons trying to kill the daytime industry — and its audience?! Sure looks like it! So definitely don't follow the examples of cooking celebrity TV show, The Chew. As Washington Post Food Editor Joe Yonan and others noted in several tweets posted during the show, it looked like their chicken prep efforts were cross-contaminating cutting boards with salmonella right and left! Yikes. Also, in a vegetarian chili, a host put in chicken broth! Did Jori Peterson, head of ABC Daytime PR, cast this show, too? And memo to chef Mario Batali: take a shower will ‘ya!
DAYS – Not Guilty!
Kudos are in order for the hardworking and creative PR team over at DAYS! It’s not just enough to produce and write a great soap opera if no one knows about it outside of Soap Opera Digest. Taking a page out of prime-time TV and film, actors, writers and other crew members are heavily tweeting about DAYS during the live show, along with outside-the-box marketing and promotion. Soaps turn over actors and writers like it’s going out of style but most of the publicists in daytime have been employed for decades. DAYS proves new blood is needed in this business — especially as technology advances at warp speed. Who’d have thunk?
DIRTY SOAP – Innocent!
There’s been a lot of brouhaha if daytime viewers should watch reality show, Dirty Soap, because this genre is killing scripted TV. First off, a good show is a good show — regardless if it’s reality or scripted. And Dirty Soap is not only good TV but it’s also good soap. The definition of soap opera means continuing drama. And a lot of r
eality TV works on a continuing narrative. What makes Dirty Soap so addictive is because it provides an inside look in to our favorite soap opera personalities and gives us a sneak peek into the inner workings of a soap opera. I’m glued. It’s rather simple: watch this show… and support soaps. I know, it’s ironic!
ONE LIFE – Charges Dropped!
Color me shocked when I saw Roger Howarth’s handsome mug finally walking towards me in the tired opening One Life credits! It took no time before One Life took out Trevor St. John after Victor died, but the canceled sudser took its sweet time before putting in one of the biggest superstars in its history in its credits. Hey, better late than never, right?
SOAP WHISPERER: This week’s hottest blind items
—Which boring character is headed back to his old stomping grounds?
—Which super villainess is returning to her old show with a new-ish face?
—Expect some major firings very soon!
—Which despised star is cleaning up his or her a-hole act? But co-stars are dubious.
--Which soap actress in major trouble physically, mentally, and professionally?
—--Which new actor is as “gay as a handbag,” says one co-star, but the acting novice thinks he’s fooling people into thinking he’s straight?
iSOAP: Fan of the week
Brittany Stotts on why love —and Crystal Chappell — are more than skin deep
Soap Opera: Uncensored spoke with the 27-year-old fan (and my Twitter wife) and why she’s so passionate about this week’s cover story: Crystal “Candy Cane” Chappell.
How did Guiding Light’s Otalia change your life?
For me personally, Otalia has changes my life in a way I never thought a fictional story line ever could. It taught me that love is love — no matter whom it’s shared between. It opened my eyes to realize that we are not always in control when it comes to whom we love, but that if we are open to real love then something special has room. I learned that real love doesn’t see gender or sexual orientation, real love sees who you are underneath it all.
How has Crystal Chappell inspired you?
Crystal has inspired me to follow my dreams. She is living proof that if you have a dream, and you follow it with dedication and passion, then it can come to fruition! She also has further inspired me to be myself and stay true to who I am. Crystal is one of those rare people who, no matter the circumstance, stays true to who she is.
Crystal Chappell has the biggest heart and kindest soul of anyone I have ever met. Most actors talk about how Chappell comes with a built-in fan base, which may me true, but there’s a reason for that: her huge (and very loyal) fan base didn’t happen overnight. Crystal interacts with her fans like they are friends —and not just “fans” says a lot about her. We matter to her. For this reason alone, I believe this is why she is so successful. It’s called good karma!
Any fave GL/Venice/DAYS moments?
I have so many favorite moments from each of La Chappell’s roles but here is a couple from each:
DAYS: I was 10 years-old when I saw the cabin scene when Bo and Carly finally profess their love for each other — and the impact she had on me was profound. Of course, the Mayan Wedding with Carbo, and during Carly Manning 2.0, it was the breakup with Bo and Carly. Chappell was able to let us feel what Carly was going through in that moment. In my opinion, no daytime actress has ever been able to convey what a character is feeling like CC.
Guiding Light: The moments when Olivia first realized she was falling in love with Natalia. To see he struggle emotionally without even saying a word for all those scenes was brilliant! She didn’t even have to say a word and you knew how she felt. I also loved her moment when Olivia was talking to a then sleeping Emma about her recent news. And I will always be partial to any Bill and Olivia Scenes, the struggles she went through and the chemistry they shared was amazing!!
Venice: Um, the famous letter scene, duh! Simply brilliant. And the end of first episode in season 2 when Gina is going through the pictures and she sees the one of her and Ani. Finally, the roof top dance between Ani and Gina. The longing Gina feels for Ani — without even a word spoken —proves how great of an actress CC really is.
Fave CC performance?
I have to say my all time favorite Chappell performance isn’t one most people would choose. For me, it was when I knew she was not like other daytime actresses… it’s when I knew she was operating on a whole other level. It was when she played Maggie Carpenter on One Life. She had just found out Max was the one who burnt down her school. The raw emotion and level of performance was uh-amazing!
WHOROSCOPE: Astrological Guide for this week's soap journey
Libra: September 23 - October 22
Stay away from any food shows on network television or you’ll find yourself with salmonella poisoning. For certain actors, the prospects of keeping their jobs will be like spending a sunny afternoon in the park.
SOAP PORN: Next Week's Soapgasms
Can’t watch all the soaps this week? No worries — here’s a cheat sheet!
Top Shows to Watch:
1. One Life To Live, ABC
2. Dirty Soap, E!
3. Days of our Lives, NBC
Top Storylines to Watch:
1. Who Killed Victor Lord?, One Life
2. John and Marlena’s Secret, DAYS
3. Got Tina?, One Life
Top Actress to Watch:
1.Barbara Rhoades (Irene, One Life)
2.Andrea Evans (Tina, One Life)
3.Deidre Hall (Marlena, DAYS)
4.Sarah Brown (Madison, DAYS)
5. Amanda Setton (Kim, One Life)
Top Actors to Watch:
1. Roger Howarth (Todd, One Life)
2. Jerry ver Dorn (Clint, One Life)
3. Drake Hogestyn (John, DAYS)
4. James Franco (Franco, GH)
5. Billy Miller (Billy, Y&R)
Top Young Actors To Watch
1.Casey Deidrick (Chad, DAYS)
2.Chandler Massey (Will, DAYS)
3.Nic Robuck (James, One Life)
Top Duos to Watch:
1. John and Marlena, DAYS
2. Tina and Cord, One Life
3. Brandon Beemer and Nadia Bjorlin, Dirty Soap
--tie—JP Lavoisier and Farah Fath, Dirty Soap
5. Maggie and Victor, DAYS
Top Couples to Fast-Forward Through:
1. Sonny and Kate, GH
2. Gen and Jack, Y&R
3. Cane and Lily, Y&R
Top Dream Couples:
1. Carly and Shawn, GH
2. Melanie and Chad, DAYS
--tie—Chad and Will, DAYS
4. Viki and Clint, One Life
Top New Duos to Watch:
1. Jess and Ford, One Life
2. Brady and Madison, DAYS
3. Jack and Little David Vickers, One Life
Top Newcomers:
1. Josh Kelly (Cutter, One Life)
2. Freddie Smith (Sonny, DAYS)
3. Sean Blakemore (Shawn, GH)
Top Rivals:
1. Irene VS.Todd, One Life
2. Jess VS. Natalie, One Life
3. Jack VS. Shane, One Life
Top 3 Equations to Watch:
1. Thomas/Brooke/Ridge/Taylor, B&B
2. Lisa/Patrick/Robin, GH
3. Aubrey/Cutter/Porcupine, One Life
Top Tweeters:
1. Michael Muhney: @michaelmuhney
—tie— Joshua Morrow: @JoshuaMorrowYR
3. Nadia Bjorlin: @RealNadiaB
4. Maree Wiggins: @Spinsvixenella
Top 3 Soap Magazine Covers (based on art direction):
1. ABC Soaps In Depth: GH’s Sonny/Carly/Jason/Sam
2. Soap Opera Weekly: Surprise Romances!
3. S
oap Opera Digest: Y&R Sneak Peek!
Top 3 Best Reads/Buys at the Newsstand:
1. Soap Opera Digest
2. Soap Opera Weekly
3. ABC Soaps In Depth
Top Soap Moments To Watch:
1. Thursday: Tina and Cord have another passionate — and eye-rolling — encounter on One Life! “Where have you been?” asks Cordero. “In L.A. with our daughter, Sarah, who now goes by the name of Amber… and trust me, she takes after her Mama,” reveals Tina.
2. Friday: Tucker reads Kay the riot act on Y&R. “Why are you in every God damn scene on this show?” asks Stephen Nichols. “Even when you’re in a coma?”
3. Sunday: Dirty Soap gets muddier when reality-challenged Jenna Gering freaks out after her hubby Galen has to shoot someone on DAYS as Rafe. “I can’t believe I married a killer,” she sighs.
The next issue of Soap Opera: Uncensored will be out on Friday, October 7, 2011.
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