In this week's "Indie Soap Beat" feature, we take a look at the latest happenings from around the world of independent soap opera production.
GOTHAMThe biggest indie soap news this week camem from Martha Byrne who announced her new series, GOTHAM, would go into production next month and debut in November. In a story preview, the show has revealed that Richard Manning (Michael Park) and Catherine Prescott (Byrne) cross paths at a fundraiser in the suburbs of New York after not seeing each other after many years. Anne Sayre also stars as Tina Havens.
IMAGINARY BITCHESThe talented team behind IMAGINARY BITCHES released a special Emmy episode on Thursday that was hysterical and was filled with current daytime soap references. We Love Soaps made a guest appearance and witness one hell of a catfight between Eden Riegel and Jessalyn Gilsig. If you haven't watched it, check it out here.
VENICEThe VENICE producers continue to do everything right. Gina Tognoni is the latest Emmy winner to join the cast. She will play Owen's (Daniel Cosgrove) love interest, Sami.
In addition to Tognoni and Cosgrove (formerly Kelly and almost Joey on ONE LIFE TO LIVE), VENICE has cast Crystal Chappell as Gina, Jessica Leccia as Ani, Hillary B. Smith as Guya, Jordan Clarke as The Colonel (Gina's father), Michael Sabatino as Alan, Elizabeth Keener as Lara and Michelle Carter as Michele.
EMPIRESeason one of Greg Turner and Brian Hewson's EMPIRE has wrapped but another season is on the way in early 2010. Will everyone return? Will there be some exciting new faces added to the cast? Stay tuned for more information soon.
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RELATIONSHIPSRELATIONSHIPS delves into the lives of the residents of fictional Parkside USA, where everything seems so idyllic but intrigue, rivalry, jealousy and much, much more lies just below the surface. The show is multi-platform and will be available on conventional TV with exclusive clips inline and an interactive website with a community feel. Watch the trailer here. Look for more details as the show prepares to launch in early 2010.
REALITY BYTESTristan Rogers, not one to sit on his laurels, is always in motion and working on new project ideas. One project that is getting his attention these days is a proposed web series called REALITY BYTES. RB is a serialized drama that takes an in depth look at the dual realities found within both the public and private lives of soap stars.
In a recent posting on his website, Rogers discussed the advantages of a web series: "More than anything else the format of 5-10 minutes dictates a different way of writing and getting to the heart of the subject material. In a 30-60 minute format you have the need of 'filler'. In a 10 minute format there is virtually none. Every line pushes the story. I personally like this type of pace and structure. As to what RB will do? I wont go into to much because we are still evolving. We have a few production ideas that will be explored and gathering a team of open minded production types is most important. I have said for some time that the Web will be where it's happening. Network already realizes this and monitors what's going on very seriously."
FAMILY DINNER
Lauralee Bell's web series, FAMILY DINNER, is back with an all new episode. Cloris Leachman guest stars. Be sure to vote for the show at FunnyorDie.com.
EYE OF THE STORMIf you haven't listened to Episode #26 of J.R. Benight's radio soap yet, you can do so below in two parts.
FANTASY OVER REALITY
FANTASY OVER REALITY is a web-friendly sitcom that revolves around a group of guys (and a few choice girls including Y&R's Vail Bloom) in their fantasy football league. Episode #2 is now online.
no, Daniel Cosgrove never played Joey on OLTL. he was Scott Chandler on AMC and Bill lewis on GL.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct. The word "almost" got deleted somehow. Added it back in.
ReplyDelete