'To The Beat!' Interview with Eric Martsolf, Martha Madison, Lilly Melgar, Marie Wilson & Jillian Clare

Fans have been anxiously awaiting the release of teen/family movie To The Beat! since the trailer was first released in July. The movie releases across multiple platforms on March 13, and it is worth the wait. The script is lighthearted, with relevant lessons about family, friends and following your dreams. First-time director Jillian Clare deserves kudos for bringing a movie to life that delivers something for everyone - dance, drama and fun!

In To The Beat!, fourteen-year-old twins Mackie (Laura Krystine, Instructions Not Included) and Mia Castillo (Brisa Lalich) have been dancing since they were toddlers. They support each other's passion through competitions and rehearsals, even though they prefer different styles: Mia loves tap and Mackie loves jazz. When their favorite pop star (Chris Trousdale) launches an online contest to find the most unique dancers for his new music video, the twins each form their own team to compete. With the help of their family and friends, Pauly (Jaheem Toombs, 100 Things To Do Before High School) and Doug (Trevor Larcom, Fuller House), they campaign for the most votes on social media. Meanwhile, their arch-rival and neighbor Avery, (Jayden Bartels, Dance Moms, Musical.ly Star), uses her charm and resources to gain the upper hand in the competition.

In addition to being directed by Clare, who once played Abigail on Days of our Lives, the cast includes a number of other familiar faces to soap opera fans.

Marie Wilson (Camila), the soft-spoken, widowed mother of the twins, is perfect as the mom who keeps her family unit together. Indie Series Award winner Lilly Melgar (Ana Sophia) delivers an enchanting performance as the fashionista aunt of the twins. As Avery's (the rival) parents, Emmy winning Days of our Lives star Eric Martsolf (Michael) and Martha Madison (Clare) embrace their characters and deliver hysterical performances especially when Clare's obsession about Paula Abdul creeps into the conversation (and the dance contest)

We Love Soaps asked these current and former soap stars to share their thoughts on To The Beat! Check out our exclusive interview below.

Laura Krystine stars as Mackie in To The Beat!  Brisa Lalich,
tapping in the background, plays Mia Castillo.
Photo courtesy of Leonian Pictures.

WE LOVE SOAPS: What was your favorite scene in the film?
ERIC MARTSOLF: Having never had a daughter in real life, I truly enjoyed the one on one “parental discussion” with Jayden. It was an interesting glimpse into what fatherhood with a girl would have been!
MARTHA MADISON: I love the scene where you get to meet Michael and Clare for the first time. Eric is pitch perfect and getting to sing Paula Abdul songs loud (and very badly) was so fun. I laughed all day that day!
LILLY MELGAR: It has to be my kitchen scene with the girls. We had so much fun it's ridiculous! Jillian gave me a direction and I took the note and committed to it 100% and it was oh... sooo.... "too much"... that I completely startled the actress (Veronica St. Claire). It was the most amazing moment. I'm literally laughing out loud right now as I type.
MARIE WILSON: I loved watching the teens' characters interacting with each other....too many funny scenes between them.....and of course, the dance choreography was so well done!
JILLIAN CLARE: My favorite scene was probably the stand off between the two teams in the twins driveway. I loved watching all the girls fire back at each other. They’re all so talented and it was fun seeing these future stars all work together to create a fun scene.

WE LOVE SOAPS: Have you ever been in a "teen movie" before?
ERIC MARTSOLF: This would mark my first.
MARTHA MADISON: Nope. This is definitely a first, and I hope it won't be the last. It's so exciting to work with young, talented actors and actresses. This group of kids are incredible so it was a daily dose of inspiration for us old folks.

Jayden Bartels (right) plays Avery in To The Beat!  Also pictured
(left to right): Avery Hewitt, Martha Madison and Eric Martsolf.
Photo courtesy of Leonian Pictures.

LILLY MELGAR: No! I have not! I'm a child stuck in an adult's body so it was my very own personal Disneyland shoot. Again, ridiculous fun! When we weren't on camera shooting the film, we were shooting our own videos behind the scenes. Jaheem Toombs taught me the 'correct' way to do the Beyonce strut. LOL ... Can we please go back and do it all over again?
MARIE WILSON: This is my first teen movie so it was an entirely new experience for me.....learned a few things from them :)

WE LOVE SOAPS: Have you ever danced on camera before?
ERIC MARTSOLF: I dance around probably more than I casually walk in real life. I spent three years on the Joseph tour in a Pharaoh costume wiggling in front of thousands.
MARTHA MADISON: I have a really extensive dance background including decades of formal training and teaching, but I don't think I've ever done it on camera. I might be scared to do it at this stage in my life, but I'd always be open to trying! Can't promise success though! Ha!
LILLY MELGAR: Yes! Martha and I did an episode of Soap Box with Lilly & Martha where we had a "Celebrity Dance Off" with real Dancing with the Stars judges and a live audience. ... I also had a scene on General Hospital with Maurice Benard where our characters "Lily & Sonny" danced during a romantic date ... or two.... I had a salsa dancing scene recently on The Bay The Series Season 3 and lastly, my career began as a VJ on Univision so I danced around all the time when introducing new videos
MARIE WILSON: I did dance once but it shall remain nameless ;))

Days of our Lives stars Eric Martsolf and Martha Madison play
siblings on the small screen and a couple in To The Beat!
Photo courtesy of Leonian Pictures.

WE LOVE SOAPS: You've worked with Jillian Clare as an actor, but how was it working with her as your director?
ERIC MARTSOLF: She's just begun her directorial journey, and if her handling of future projects reflects this one, she will have stellar projects on the horizon.
MARTHA MADISON: Jillian is a natural! This business so clearly runs through her veins. It's ingrained in her DNA. I've always been so impressed with Jillian's deep knowledge of the industry, her grit, her fearlessness and her ability to communicate so clearly with any type of person. These are the traits that separate the talkers from the do-ers. She's going to have a very bright future!
LILLY MELGAR: Jillian's level of calm under extraordinary circumstances is awe inspiring! Truly a talent to be respected and admired. Her laser focus and calm inspired trust and set the foundation for a positive set experience. I am so proud of her and look forward to working with her again.
MARIE WILSON: I was so impressed that she took on such a project for her directorial debut since a dance film has so many challenges, but she did it with grace, ease and focus. I couldn't have done that at her age!

WE LOVE SOAPS: Martha and Eric, you play half siblings on Days of our Lives, and now you're playing husband and wife? How was that transition?
ERIC MARTSOLF: Completely awkward and I enjoyed every second!
MARTHA MADISON: Luckily, it's all G-rated! Ha! I do think we have great chemistry no matter what relation we are playing. I consider Eric a great friend and a terrific actor. I'd feel lucky to work with him any day, anywhere, under any circumstances.

Ladies of the Lake stars Marie Wilson and Lilly Melgar reunite
in To The Beat! Photo courtesy of Leonian Pictures.

WE LOVE SOAPS: Lilly and Marie, you played partners in crime on the Amazon series Ladies of the Lake, how was it being part of the same family in To The Beat!?
LILLY MELGAR: Working with Marie Wilson is seamless. Having that kind of connection with another actor is half the work. I get to just show up and be present and live it. ANYTHING with Marie Wilson .. ANY TIME ... ANY DAY.
MARIE WILSON: Having worked with Lilly before made it ideal to be playing family members.....it was just so easy and authentic.....I love Lilly!!

WE LOVE SOAPS: Jillian, what was your biggest challenge as a first-time director?
JILLIAN CLARE: I don't think I really encountered "challenges" per se. I always think of hiccups as a puzzle, and I love puzzles. I guess the most time-consuming and puzzling things to film were the dance scenes and the finale since there were so many dancers, actors, and background! Thankfully, my Director of Photography, Broderick Engelhard, and I had put in a ton of time thinking about the finale and shot-listing. We were able to get everything I had wanted and more!

Award-winning actress Jillian Clare stepped behind the camera
to direct To The Beat!  Photo courtesy of Leonian Pictures.

WE LOVE SOAPS: Did you ever think about acting in the movie too?
JILLIAN CLARE: I never thought about being in the film as well. I think to really excel in a craft you need to have 100% focus on it. I know there are a lot of successful directors who also star in the films they are directing, but many have been solely a director before. When you start in a film and direct it, a lot of the take-to-take stuff falls onto the 1st AD and DP to tell you that they think it's good. It's very time consuming to watch every single take right after it's been filmed. I wanted to fully dive into and indulge in the responsibilities of the director this time. Maybe one day in the future, when I feel I have reached the level I want to be at, I'll be able to star and direct a film!

WE LOVE SOAPS: What was it like to direct your co-stars from Acting Dead and Ladies of the Lake?
JILLIAN CLARE: It was so fun! I love them all very much and it was cool to be able to creatively work with them in a different way. They're all such stellar actors to begin with, and we had a blast being together again!

***

The story was created by Susan Bernhardt and Jillian Clare. The screenplay was written by Susan Bernhardt. The movie is produced by Ryan Armendariz, Susan Bernhardt and Jillian Clare.

You don't have to wait until the movie releases across multiple platforms on March 13! Pre-orders are now available on both iTunes and Amazon.

'Ladies of the Lake' Now Streaming on Amazon

Ladies of the Lake, the much-anticipated digital four-part mini-series featuring an all-star soap opera cast, is now streaming on Amazon and Amazon Prime. The show tells the story of the glamorous residents of the Southern California community of Avalon, and the dark secrets they hide behind their perfect facades.

"It's pure glamour," says Indie Series Award winning Michael Caruso, who wrote the script and executive produces. "The novel is the kind of fun poolside read that people crave, and when Ken [Corday] permitted Kyle [Lowder] and I to adapt his novel we thought that the digital medium would be perfect for binge watching, which is why Amazon is the ideal home for Ladies of the Lake."

With a track record of hits that includes the popular dramas DeVanity and Winterthorne, Caruso's streak of successes will surely continue with the enchanting Ladies of the Lake.

The cast includes Martha Madison, Lilly Melgar, Jessica Morris, Marie Wilson, Jillian Clare, Kyle Lowder, Patrika Darbo, Arianne Zucker, Wally Kurth, Ian Buchanan, Gordon Thomson and John-Paul Lavoisier.

"Bringing Ken Corday’s story to life was one of the most exhilarating and rewarding experiences of my career," says Kyle Lowder, who executive produces and stars as Detective Shawn Daniels. "There's a little something for everyone. Mystery, romance, drama, and a visual feast that brings the over the top lifestyles of So Cal to life."

Watch the trailer below.

'Serial Scoop Now': 'The Bay' at the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards

We Love Soaps teamed up with Serial Scoop Now to cover the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In the video below, check out interviews with producers and cast of Amazon Prime drama The Bay at the Creative Arts ceremony. Host Jenna Stone spoke with Nicolas Coster, Jade Harlow, Celeste Fianna, Carolyn Hennesy, Kristos Andrews, Lilly Melgar, Matthew Ashford, Ronn Moss and Devin DeVasquez.

Mary Beth Evans, Lilly Melgar, Jillian Clare & Lauren B. Martin Among First Group of Indie Series Awards Presenters Revealed

Mary Beth Evans is nominated for her work on the hit web series The Bay.

The 8th Annual Indie Series Awards ceremony is less than three weeks away, and the evening's lineup of stars is starting to take shape. Among the names released in the first batch of presenters are current and former soap opera stars Mary Beth Evans (Kayla, Days of our Lives), Lilly Melgar (ex-Lily, General Hospital), Jillian Clare (ex-Abigail, Days of our Lives) and Lauren B. Martin (ex-Camille, As the World Turns). All four are nominated for ISAs this year for their work on some of the independently produced web series the event honors each year. The Indie Series Awards will be presented on Wednesday, April 5 at 8 p.m. PT at The Colony Theatre in Burbank, California.

The first presenters revealed are:

* Anthony Anderson (Anacostia)

* Kristos Andrews (The Bay)

* Mary Bonney (Break: The Musical)

* Andrew Burlinson (Grip and Electric)

* Jillian Clare (Fame Dogs)

* Mary Beth Evans (The Bay)

* Will Farrell (The Other Will Farrell)

* Jill Knox (Keith Broke His Leg)

* Lauren B. Martin (Pride The Series)

* Lilly Melgar (The Bay)

* Keith Powell (Keith Broke His Leg)

* Rob Raffety (Muck)

* Thandi Tolmay (#Adulting)

* Monica West (Best Thing You'll Ever Do)

In addition, all seven of the Best Original Song nominees will be performed during the ceremony.

Founded in 2009, the Indie Series Awards celebrate the best in independently produced scripted entertainment created for the Web.

Check out the complete list of nominees here.

Jillian Clare To Make Directorial Debut on 'To The Beat!' Film Cast Includes Marie Wilson, Lilly Melgar, Eric Martsolf

Jillian Clare played Abigail Deveraux on Days of  our Lives in 2003-2004.
Her career has since included much success in TV, film and the Web.
Photo Credit: Albert L. Ortega

Days of our Lives alum and Indie Series Award winning actress Jillian Clare is stepping behind the camera with her directorial debut of To The Beat! a fun, family feature film which begins filming next week in Los Angeles. The dramedy tells the story of 14-year-old twin sisters who enter a contest to be dancers in their favorite pop stars music video, which leads to a battle with their rival, across the street, the best dancer of all, who wants to win the contest as well.

Portraying Camila, the soft-spoken, widowed mother of the twins, is Marie Wilson (As the World Turns, Port Charles, Days of our Lives), who is joined by Emmy and Indie Series Award winning Lilly Melgar (The Bay, General Hospital) playing their fashionista Aunt, Ana Sophia – the sister of their deceased father. Also in the cast is Emmy winner Eric Martsolf (Days of our Lives, Passions), playing Michael Adams, the father of the spoiled neighbor (who she has tightly wrapped around her finger), and Martha Madison (Days of our Lives) as Clare, her very Southern mother, that's slightly obsessed with Paula Abdul.

“I'm so excited to be directing some of my favorite co-stars including Martha, Marie and Lilly, whom I worked with on Ladies of the Lake, and Eric, who I've known forever and worked with many years ago on Miss Behave," said Clare about her directorial debut “It's definitely these four soap veterans like you've never seen them before as they join about 25 teenagers in a fun, family dance movie.”

To The Beat! is being produced by Susan Bernhardt, and her company Leonian Pictures, alongside Clare's own production company, Whimsical Entertainment. Additional cast, including the announcement of all the teen stars, will happen early next week, just prior to cameras rolling. The film is slated for a summer 2017 release.

'Ladies of the Lake' Teaser Poster Released: Wealth. Power. Secrets. Murder. Welcome to Avalon.

The first teaser poster has been released for Ladies of the Lake, the upcoming digital series produced by Indie Series Award winner and Emmy nominee Michael Caruso and Emmy nominated Kyle Lowder. Ladies of the Lake tells the story of four wealthy wives living in the exclusive gated community of Avalon. When their abusive husbands begin to turn up dead, Detective Shawn Daniels (Lowder) launches an investigation, only to discover the many secrets hidden beneath the glossy veneers of Avalon. The script was penned by Caruso, adapted from a novel written by Ken Corday and is being produced through Michael & Barbara Caruso Productions.

Portraying the four mysterious ladies are Emmy and Indie Series Award nominee Martha Madison, in the role of Vivian Montgomery, an intellectual business woman who gave up her career to support her husband, Emmy and Indie Series Award winner Lilly Melgar as Angelica Louis, the quintessential Hollywood Wife with a tragic past, Indie Series Award nominee Marie Wilson as Morgan Firestone, a former pageant queen who became the face of her husband's shipping empire and Jessica Morris who portrays Crystal Amhurst, a barren trophy wife who will do anything to keep her husbands attention.

The talented female leads will be joined by a distinguished group of thesps playing their ill-fated husbands including Emmy winners Wally Kurth, in the role of Hudson Montgomery, a tech giant with a wandering eye and Ian Buchanan as Alphonse Louis, a B List movie star who will stop at nothing to land the next part. Golden Globe nominee Gordon Thomson will be seen as Sheraton Firestone, a shipping magnate whose ruthlessness is unwavering cements when protecting his business empire, and John-Paul Lavoisier will be portraying Jonathan Amhurst, the trust fund millionaire with an inexhaustible sexual appetite.

Three-time Emmy nominee Arianne Zucker is set to star as Clara, an investigative journalist hell bent on revenge with hidden ties to Hudson Montgomery, while Indie Series Award winner Jillian Clare is playing Cassidy Montgomery, the Queen Bee of the Ladies of the Lake children. Also joining the illustrious cast is Emmy and Indie Series Award nominee Patrika Darbo as Dorothy Nolan, a woman with a sordid past hiding behind the resident golf pro and soap veteran John Callahan as Tommy Nolan, her Avalon Golf Pro husband whose get rich quick schemes are finally catching up to him.

Ladies of the Lake will debut late summer.

Lilly Melgar, Melissa Archer Among Winners at 7th Annual Indie Series Awards

Lilly Melgar

WINNERS REVEALED FOR 7th ANNUAL INDIE SERIES AWARDS

'Arthur' Wins Best Drama, 'Keith Broke His Leg' Named Best Comedy

LOS ANGELES, CA, April 7, 2016 – Winners for the 7th Annual Indie Series Awards (ISA7) were revealed on Wednesday night in a star-studded ceremony held at the historic El Portal Theatre, hosted by Jen Lilley and Eric Martsolf, airing on AfterBuzz TV. Switzerland produced Arthur was named best drama series, while Keith Broke His Leg won as best comedy.

The ISAs celebrate the best in independently produced scripted entertainment created for the Web.

In the drama acting categories, winners included Lilly Melgar (The Bay), Adam Henry Garcia (Conversations From the Afterlife), Jodie Hirst (Night School), Raymond Ablack (Teenagers), Kym Whitley (The Bay) and Kevin Spirtas (Winterthorne). EastSiders was named best drama ensemble.

On the comedy side, acting winners included Melissa Archer (Viral), Keith Powell (Keith Broke His Leg), Darcie Siciliano (He's With Me), Brennan Murray (The New Adventures of Peter and Wendy), Stephen Guarino (Life's a Drag) and Cady Huffman (He's With Me). Hunting Season won as the best comedy ensemble.

LARPs and Winterthorne led all series with three awards each, followed by two wins ech for The Bay, The Banks, He's With Me and Keith Broke His Leg.

Martha Madison, Lilly Melgar, Marie Wilson & Jessica Morris to Lead 'Ladies of the Lake' Cast

Lilly Melgar and Martha Madison

Emmy nominated Executive Producer Michael Caruso announced today the esteemed cast for Ladies of the Lake, the upcoming digital series which he, alongside co-executive producer and Emmy nominated star, Kyle Lowder, handpicked to bring the script to life. Ladies of the Lake tells the story of four wealthy wives living in the exclusive gated community of Avalon. When their abusive husbands begin to turn up dead, Detective Shawn Daniels (Lowder) launches an investigation, only to discover the many secrets hidden beneath the glossy veneers of Avalon. The script was penned by Caruso, adapted from a novel written by Ken Corday and is being produced through Michael & Barbara Caruso Productions.

'The Bay' New Season Begins: Sara Garrett Is In The Big House!

In jail, Sara (Mary Beth Evans) meets Big Candi (Kym Whitley).

A new season of Gregori J. Martin's Emmy and Indie Series Award-winning web series, The Bay, kicked off on Tuesday with back-to-back episodes and an all-star lineup that now includes, among other, daytime favorites Patsy Pease and Judith McConnell. There's also a haunting new opening sequence set to "Devil's Bride." As the season begins, havoc reigns as Bay City residents deal with the aftermath of multiple calamities and ongoing scandals.

What tragedy awaits Janice Ramos (Lilly Melgar) at the hands of the despicable Chase Walker (Brian Gaskill)? Charged with murder, can Sara Garrett (Mary Beth Evans) survive prison life? Or do Big Candi (Kym Whitley) and Reya (Sarah Tirado) have other plans? Will concerned son Pete Garrett (Kristos Andrews) be able to help his mother when astute lawyer Cleo Harris (Vanessa Williams) reveals a dire situation? Do Mayor Jack Madison (Nicolas Coster) and Melody Garrett (Judith McConnell) have what it takes to help their daughter? Will persistent reporter Nathan Perkins (Scott Bailey) get answers before a cavalier Steve Jensen (Matthew Ashford) gets what he deserves? Is Vivian Johnson (Karrueche Tran) the first to grow suspicious of Daniel Garrett (Eric Nelsen) when he arrives on the scene? Can Riley Henderson (Brittany Underwood) handle the firery wrath of Lianna Ramos (Jade Harlow)? Will a brooding John Blackwell (Ronn Moss) become an unsuspecting hero?

Continuing in Episode 2, Sara makes a tentative friend when offered advice from odd inmate Lola (Patsy Pease). Jo Connors (Kira Reed Lorsch) offers Steve fair warning as Commissioner Lex Martin (Tristan Rogers) and Zoey Johnson (Taylor Stanley) deal with Blackwell’s shocking revelation. At the roadhouse, Pete relays discouraging news to Daniel, Vivian, and Avery Garrett (Alicia Leigh Willis) before Vivian offers a shocking solution. Lianna and Will Campbell (Derrell Whitt) arrive just in time for an intense confrontation. As Janice prepares to deal with the unthinkable, Sara remembers when a young Lee Nelson (Eric Martsolf) offered her young self (Abby Wathen) comforting words.

Watch the episodes below.

'The Bay' Returns With Back-To-Back Episodes on Tuesday, December 1

The Bay returns December 1.

The Bayhem reaches new heights when Gregori J. Martin's Emmy-winning drama series The Bay returns in December with eight all new episodes. LANY Entertainment has confirmed two new episodes will air back-to-back on Tuesday, December 1 with a third new episode airing on Thursday, December 3. Additional new episodes will be released every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month (Dcember 8, 10, 15 and 17), with the season finale episode airing Tuesday, December 22.

A slick trailer for the new season was released in October. Now facing murder charges, Bay City matriarch Sara Garrett (Mary Beth Evans, Days of our Lives) finds herself behind bars. In an attempt to secure Sara’s freedom, youngest son Pete Garrett (X Games Champion Kristos Andrews) is willing to take the plunge with his former lover Vivian Johnson (Model and Actress Karrueche Tran) while the sultry Janice Ramos (Indie Series Award nominee Lilly Melgar, General Hospital) deals with the aftermath of a brutal rape as well as the rage of her betrayed daughter Lianna Ramos (Jade Harlow, ZOO). An angry John Blackwell (Ronn Moss, The Bold and the Beautiful) is about to pull the trigger as the conniving Steve Jensen (Matthew Ashford, Days of our Lives) plots to take over the Garrett empire.

Special guest stars in the new season include Thomas Calabro (Melrose Place), Heather Langenkamp (Nightmare on Elm Street), and Kym Whitley (Young & Hungry) as Big Candi.

In case you missed it, watch the trailer below:

Rivalry, Romance and Revenge: 'The Bay' Season 4 Trailer Released

Lilly Melgar stars as Janice Ramos on The Bay.

The Bay won a Daytime Emmy Award earlier this year, and the show promises "rivalry, romance and revenge when the bayhem continues" in Season 4 this fall.

Matriarch Sara Garrett (Mary Beth Evans, Days of our Lives) is arrested for murder while attending her daughter's funeral. Golden boy Pete Garrett (Kristos Andrews) was about to fall in the arms of his former lover Vivian Johnson (Model and Actress Karrueche Tran) while the sultry Janice Ramos (Indie Series Award nominee Lilly Melgar, General Hospital) is tossed in the back of Chase Walker's (Brian Gaskill, Port Charles) seedy van. An angry John Blackwell (Ronn Moss, The Bold and the Beautiful) is intent on seeking revenge and bringing Bay City down while the nefarious Steve Jensen (Matthew Ashford, Days of our Lives) attempts to cover up his blackmail in taking over the Garrett empire.

Special guest stars in the new season include Thomas Calabro (Melrose Place), Heather Langenkamp (Nightmare on Elm Street), and Kym Whitley (Young & Hungry) as “Big Candi”.

Watch the just-released released trailer for The Bay's new season below:

'The Young and the Restless' Star Gina Tognoni Visits 'Soap Box' (Video)

Gina Tognoni

Emmy winning actress Gina Tognoni, who plays Phyllis Abbott on The Young and the Restless, was the guest on Thursday's episode of Soap Box with Lilly & Martha.

Hosts Martha Madison and Lilly Melgar asked Tognoni, who previously played Kelly Cramer on One Life to Live and Dinah Marler on Guiding Light, about playing strong characters.

"Dinah at Guiding Light had more of a tendency to be mean sometimes, so I liked getting in there and trying to make her stronger instead of mean," Tognoni explained.

Tognoni assumed the role of Phyllis on Y&R in August 2014, replacing Michelle Stafford.

"When Phyllis came into my life, it was just the right time," revealed Tognoni. "I felt like I get this. I love Phyllis. I love going to work every single day."

Tognoni was recently recognized as "Phyllis" by her doctor after a recent appointment.

"I have to tell you why we love soaps," the doctor explained to Tognoni. "It's because you do the things we wish we could do."

Watch Thursday's complete Soap Box episode below:

THE BAY Director's Cut Released In Memory of David Pregerson (1990-2013)

THE BAY has released a "Director's Cut" featuring the best of its recent webisodes. The new Chapter 11 edit is dedicated to the memory of David Pregerson, one of the head camera operators on THE BAY and star Kristos Andrews' childhood best friend. Pregerson was a victim of a hit-and-run in the early morning hours of Friday, December 27, and passed away from his injuries on New Year's Eve. Local law enforcement officials are seeking the public’s help to find the hit-and-run driver.

THE BAY cast includes Mary Beth Evans, Tristan Rogers, Matthew Ashford, Kristos Andrews, Lilly Melgar, Nicolas Coster, Jacklyn Zeman, Terri Ivens, Scott Bailey, Jade Harlow (who makes her DAYS OF OUR LIVES debut next week), Taylor Stanley, Derrell Whitt and Erik Fellows.

The best of chapter 11 is presented in an 18 minute episode by director Gregori J. Martin. Watch below:

Janice and Peter Heat Up The Latest Webisode of THE BAY (Video)

Lilly Melgar as Janice and Kristos Andrews as Peter.

On this week's episode of THE BAY, Bay City vixen Janice Ramos (Lilly Melgar) and the handsome young Peter Garrett (Kristos Andrews) deal with the aftermath of their sexual rendezvous. How will Pete's mother, Sara (Mary Beth Evans), feel about this?  Janice's daughter, Lianna (Jade Harlow), attempts to vent as the ominous Steve Jensen (Matthews Ashford) gives Orchid (Terri Ivens) a warning.

Meanwhile, Sofia Madison (Jacklyn Zeman) is perplexed by her daughter Tandi Jo's (Emmie Romanovich) relationship with Igor Chambers (Camden Toy) and her husband Jack's (Nicolas) mysterious 3 a.m. phone calls.  Are the streets of Bay City going to be safe if Lex (Tristan Rogers) and Will (Derrell Whitt) let Igor go?

Watch the latest installment from Chapter 11 of THE BAY below:

THE BAY Returns Edgy, Sexier and More Scandalous Than Ever

Nicolas Coster and Jackie Zeman star in THE BAY

Gregori J. Martin's Emmy-nominated and Indie Series Award-winning THE BAY returned today with two brand new installments that move the series three years into the future. Sara has done the unthinkable making Lex determined to uncover the truth. Peter's love life takes a complicated turn, as does a confused Lianna. Steve has little choice but to deal with pesky reporter Nathan, while Mayor Jack is left to do some serious explaining. Igor attempts to deal with Sofia's wrath and his shady reputation.

Edgy, sexier and more scandalous than ever before, the series delves deeper into forbidden love, taboo sex, and riveting political scandals. The much anticipated new chapter includes returning favorites Mary Beth Evans (Sara Garrett), Tristan Rogers (Comm. Lex Martin), Kristos Andrews (Peter Garrett), Matthew Ashford (Steve Jensen), Nicolas Coster (Mayor Jack Madison), Jackie Zeman (Sofia Madison), Lilly Melgar (Janice Ramos), Camden Toy (Igor), Derrell Whitt (Will Campbell) and Lianna Ramos (Jade Harlow).

Watch the new installments of THE BAY below:

THE BAY The Series Shoots TV Pilot

Mary Beth Evans, Kristos Andrews and Lilly Melgar in THE BAY.

Emmy-nominated and Indie Soap Award-winning THE BAY The Series is back! Creator Gregori J. Martin tells We Love Soaps the show just wrapped production on a one-hour pilot that Associated Television International (ATI) will be shopping to cable TV networks.

There were some exciting changes this time around that should help make the show hotter than ever.

RED CARPET INTERVIEW: Gregori J. Martin, Derrell Whitt & Kristos Andrews at the 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards

WE LOVE SOAPS TV caught up with the nominated producers of THE BAY Gregori J. Martin, Derrell Whitt and Kristos Andrews on the red carpet at the 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards. They talk about the differences between indie programming and show's from big studios and more.

Watch our interview below in WE LOVE SOAPS TV Episode 3.64.

RED CARPET INTERVIEW: Lilly Melgar & Jade Harlow at the 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards

WE LOVE SOAPS TV caught up with THE BAY stars Lilly Melgar (Janice) and Jade Harlow (Liana) on the red carpet at the 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards. The actresses shared their thoughts about the show's Emmy nomination, working on a web series, playing mother/daughter and more.

Watch our interview below in WE LOVE SOAPS TV Episode 3.63.

PHOTOS: THE BAY Premiere Party!

I had the profound honor of attending a private industry screening of THE BAY at Martha Madison's fabulous restaurant Henry's Hat in Los Angeles last night.  The energy was festive, hopeful, and very loving, as new friends met and old friends reconnected. The cast and crew watched the first chapter and fans will get their first glimpse today as THE BAY premieres online.

Below are just a few of the pictures that encapsulate the positive feeling in the room.