We Love Soaps: Relationships

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

INDIE SOAP BEAT: December 9, 2009

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.

VENICE premiered on Friday night to mostly rave reviews. There were some issues with the website, much discussion about the $9.99 subscription price and lots of hype but in the end the show did a pretty good job of delivering. And it was also a "ratings" success. The show has been viewed over 86,000 times, received numerous YouTube honors and is still receiving them. The next episode will air Friday night and it will be interesting to see the response as the seasonal subscription kicks in. It will also be interesting to see how quickly the show is pirated around the web and how the show handles and prevents that. If you thought coming up with a workable business model was hard... UPDATE: VENICE has moved their second episode to Friday, December 18. The show will air a new teaser and behind the scenes footage this Friday instead.

GOTHAM aired its second episode on Monday night and we saw the debut of Maeve Kinkead as Dinah and Margaret Reed as Sheila. Both ladies are looking better than ever. Do they ever age? There was a bit more story development as Catherine and Richard had a brief encounter before Dinah swept them and Tina into the heard of the St. Jude party. Martha Byrne and Anne Sayre still have the same dynamic chemistry as Catherine and Tina that they had playing Rose and Mitzi on AS THE WORLD TURNS. Look for the next new episode on Monday, December 21. If you missed the We Love Soaps announcement that the amazing Melanie Smith is joining the cast, you can read it here along with our exclusive interview.

We Love Soaps attended a read through for season two of EMPIRE over the weekend. The script is excellent and the show is sure to be bigger and better when it returns in Spring 2010. Production begins next month. Toby Levin (Jake) previewed: "I'm very excited about the second season. The Haven family is a fun thing to be a part of and I'm excited to dig in deeper into their lives." Look for several interviews with the cast in the coming weeks.

The fourth episode of PPP, "Dirty Little Secrets," is now online. We Love Soaps recently spoke with the show's creators Tai Fauci and Jack Monroe. You can read our interview here.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

INDIE SOAP BEAT: October 28, 2009

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. We Love Soaps now has a shortcut to all our Indie Soap cover. You can view those posts by clicking the "Indie" option at the top of the page or by visiting IndieSoapBeat.com. You can get to any of the show's websites by clicking their logo.

In breaking casting news, Nadia Bjorlin's character has been changed. She was originally cast to play Jenna but due to Elizabeth Keener's illness, she took over the role of Lara. Keener will appear on the series as a different character in the second season. We Love Soaps was on the set of VENICE on Wednesday and will be bringing you videos interviews soon with Crystal Chappell (Gina), Jessica Leccia (Ani), Gina Tognoni (Sami), Harrison White (Jamie) and others. Look for a report on WE LOVE SOAPS TV on Monday.

We Love Soaps was on the set of GOTHAM recently with Lisa Brown directing. It's hard to believe this amazing actress has not won a Daytime Emmy. I'm hearing the footage is looking good and it's hard to believe that Martha Byrne's vision is going to be anything but successful. This woman has listened to the fans for years and knows what a soap fan wants. Look for the show's official website to debut soon.

Producers Tristan Rogers and Kate Lang appeared on the latest epsidoe of "We Love Soaps Radio" to discuss REALITY BYTES. The folks behind RB are taking a different approach than some of the other web series by lining up sponsors in advance and trying to create a sustainable long-term business model. Things are fluid at the moment but the tentative plan is to air the 8-minute show three days a week. You can listen to interview here. Look for a full transcript with other tidbits from Rogers and Lang later this week.

We Love Soaps recently caught up with WED-LOCKED producers and stars Lawrence Saint-Victor (Robert) and Karla Mosley (Denise). If you missed our video interview, you can watch it in three parts here, here and here.

The second season of EMPIRE is coming in early 2010. Look for some exciting casting news soon from producers Greg Turner and Brian Hewson.

Episode #10 of WORKSHOP, "Shake Your Money Maker," is now online. The comedy was created by Nate Golon and Kimberly Legg and stars former PASSIONS actor Phillip Jeanmarie. In the episode, Jeff is shooting his Sparkle White Gum commercial, Sarah and Vivian are competing for the same role, Matthew's causing a ruckus on set, and Kaitlyn is taking a workshop. The show is having a screening in L.A. to celebrate the first season on November 16.

The IMAGINARY BITCHES Emmy special featuring We Love Soaps continues to be a YouTube hit surpassing 24,000 views and still going strong.

The RELATIONSHIPS website has been updated and the show has just launched a Facebook page. There is a new Vicky's World page as she goes to a fashion show. It is all about her of course!

The latest episode of Lauralee Bell's web comedy, FAMILY DINNER, is now playing at FunnyorDie.com. As with Episode 3, this family dinner features guest star Cloris Leachman, who plays Bell's mother. The episode has over 5,400 views as of today.

Episode #5 of FANTASY OVER REALITY, the web sitcom that revolves around a group of guys and their fantasy football league, is now playing on the show's website. Y&R's Vail Bloom has significant screen time in this one and is quite funny. Bloom, a Patriots fan, plays Sarah Smith in the series.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

INDIE SOAP BEAT: October 6, 2009

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.

REALITY BYTES
In case you missed it, an initial set of characters for REALITY BYTES was revealed last week including Trevor Rains (same initials as producer Tristan Rogers), who is described as "The Rainmaker - hired to save the show that made him famous from cancellation." RB is asking fans to name their dream cast on the show's Facebook page. The latest "We Love Soaps Radio" podcast included RB in the list of Hot Topics for the week.

VENICE
The first V Pod, VENICE podcast, was held with stars Crystal Chappell (Gina) and Jessica Leccia (Ani) on Tuesday. Leccia on her VENICE character: "Ani is in touch with her own truth and who she is. She's light years ahead of who poor Natalia was. She happens to know exactly what she wants which is very different and fabulous." Chappell added her her character: "Gina is very confident in who she is and comfortable with her sexuality. When it comes to her being more intimate, she's so far behind where Olivia was when we left the show."

GOTHAM
Stars Martha Byrne and Anne Sayre were fitted for their Nicole Miller wardrobe on Monday. The other announced actor on the show, AS THE WORLD TURNS star Michael Park, shot a behind the scenes video on Tuesday which is expected to be released on Friday. Production on GOTHAM is set to begin on October 17. A website for the new soap will be rolled out soon.

FAMILY DINNER
The next new episode of Lauralee Bell's web series, FAMILY DINNER, is scheduled to be released on October 12. Bell told We Love Soaps she hopes to film two more episodes by year's end: "We've talked about doing two more by the end of the year. Max [Knight], the little boy, just got a pilot that may move to Toronto in January. We may lose him, so I'd like to shoot two more with him. But our family is so crazy, we could just not even acknowledge he's isn't there anymore. But I think we'll go with a completely different direction for the dinner guest next time." If you haven't read the new We Love Soaps interview with Bell, check it out here.

IMAGINARY BITCHES
The IMAGINARY BITCHES Emmy episode has now reached 19,000 views in less than three weeks. The show was also featured on an episode of BUCK FACTOR last week. We Love Soaps made a guest appearance so if you haven't watched the Emmy special, check it out here.

FANTASY OVER REALITY
FANTASY OVER REALITY is a web-friendly sitcom that revolves around a group of guys and their fantasy football league. Y&R's Vail Bloom is feartured in the show. Cam Tilton, Bruce Gants, Rudolph Valentini and Winston Sturvitz are among the other stars. Episode #3 is now online.

EMPIRE
If you are in the New York City area, try and see EMPIRE creator Greg Turner's new musical, "All Fall Down," which is premiering this week at the New York Musical Festival. "All Fall Down" is the story of Ben Little, a perfect and popular 19-year-old who goes away to college and seemingly inexplicably jumps from his sixth story dorm room window. Surviving the fall, Ben returns home to his parents and grandmother. As his family tiptoes around the incident, the question quickly becomes not why did he jump, but why is nobody talking about it.

EYE OF THE STORM
EYE OF THE STORM is a radio soap written and produced by J.R. Benight. The show is currently playing Episode #26, "Taking the Reins," and is expected to release the next episode, "Mind Over Matter," soon. If you're a fan of the classic radio soaps but want a fresh take on it, check this one out.

WORKSHOP
The eighth episode of WORKSHOP, a new comedic web series that was created by Nate Golon and Kimberly Legg and which stars former PASSIONS actor Phillip Jeanmarie, is now online. The episode is titled "Somebody's Watchin' Me" and was direct by Andre Welsh. 13 episodes are currently planned.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

INDIE SOAP BEAT: September 29, 2009

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.

REALITY BYTES
Tristan Rogers' REALITY BYTES web series has released some new information this week on their Twitter page. The show is planning a storyline for a "romantic, balanced lesbian couple" who will be played by two "great actresses." The show has also cast a "very sexy young man" to play the character of Ben Anderson. Stay tuned!

GOTHAM
Martha Byrne has announced that designer Nicole Miller will be providing wardrobe for GOTHAM. The production team met on Monday and the show is scheduled to begin taping on October 17 with a launch in November. The show has previously announced Byrne, Michael Park and Anne Sayre in the cast, and that Lisa Brown would be directing the first three episodes.

VENICE
We Love Soaps spoke with Jessica Leccia (Ani) at the Broadway Flea Market on September 27 and she revealed more details about VENICE: "VENICE is going strong. Crystal is working really hard on it. I'll be working on it and people will be seeing it soon - I believe November. Crystal's character, Gina, has a large circle of friends, she's a social butterfly. My character happens to be part of that social group. There's a relationship between them that will be interesting to see. She's got all these other interesting relationships on there. It's really real, the kind of things audiences want these days."

Menwhile, Emmy winner Jeff Branson has assumed the role of Owen, which had previously been announced would be played by Daniel Cosgrove (who is unavailable when the show is taping in November).

FAMILY DINNER
Lauralee Bell's web series, FAMILY DINNER, is back with an all new episode. Bell told We Love Soaps: "This is a good gig because we had three cameras this time instead of two, and in today's market, this is exactly what can be done in a quick and inexpensive form. Our numbers for the third episode have surpassed our viewership from the second one already." If you haven't read the new We Love Soaps interview with Bell, check it out here.

Cloris Leachman guest stars on Episode #3. Be sure to vote for the show at FunnyorDie.com.

IMAGINARY BITCHES
The talented team behind IMAGINARY BITCHES released a special Emmy episode 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 (who was just brilliant on last week's GLEE). If you haven't watched the Emmy special, check it out here.

EMPIRE
Season one of Greg Turner and Brian Hewson's EMPIRE has wrapped after ten episodes but another season is on the way in early 2010. Be sure to watch the entire first season on the show's website or on YouTube. The project has a lot of potential so support these indie soap makers! Stay tuned for more information soon.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

INDIE SOAP BEAT: September 22, 2009

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.

GOTHAM
The 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 BITCHES
The 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.

VENICE
The 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.

EMPIRE
Season 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.

Continue reading...

REALITY BYTES
Tristan 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.

Family Dinner Episode 3

EYE OF THE STORM
If you haven't listened to Episode #26 of J.R. Benight's radio soap yet, you can do so below in two parts.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

INDIE SOAP BEAT: September 15, 2009

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.

VENICE - THE SERIES
VENICE creators/producers Hope Royaltey and Kim Turrisi discussed the show in a wonderful interview at mindschmootz.net.
Turrisi: "Each webisode will feature different actors. So you're going to get to focus on them. It's not going to be the entire cast in a webisode. It will be very focused."

Royaltey: "We shot ourselves out of a cannon and we're getting this together at at really fast rate, so we're trying to do it in a way and still have fun. And we're not trying to bite off more than we can chew for season one."

Meanwhile, catch producer/star Crystal Chappell on CNN's CONNECT THE WORLD this week.

Continue reading...

FAMILY DINNER
The trailer for Episode #3 has been released. The full episode will premiere on September 21.

EYE OF THE STORM
Episode #26 of J.R. Benight's radio soap is now online. Listen below.
Part 1:

Part 2:

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. The next episode was scheduled for Sept. 13 but has been delayed. On the show's official Twitter page, producers tweeted: "Episode 2 is in the can, but we have been asked not to release it yet as we have an interested distributor. Fingers are crossed!"

EMPIRE
The first season finale of Greg Turner and Brian Hewson's new indie web soap, EMPIRE, is now online.

WORKSHOP
The sixth episode of WORKSHOP, a new comedic web series that was created by Nate Golon and Kimberly Legg which stars former PASSIONS actor Phillip Jeanmarie, is now online. Watch it below.

RELATIONSHIPS
RELATIONSHIPS 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 BYTES
Tristan 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. This riveting story is told through unique production methods which enhance the look and feel of both realities that unfold as the story develops. In short, this fresh and unique script is something that is overwhelmingly difficult to put down once you pick it up, and something worth developing.

RB is the brain child of writer and web designer Kate Lang, who watched the golden era of GENERAL HOSPITAL and followed its rich history for many years. She stated that RB is "a direct result of my exposure to this hilarious, exasperating, and sometimes ludicrous world that surrounds daytime dramas." Six months ago, she literally dreamed up the story and presented it to Tristan who thought it worthy of his attention. "I forget how she originally presented this to me" Tristan said, "but the idea was a balanced look at what goes on behind the scenes of a soap. It endeavored to address many of the elements that are overlooked today and have always been part of the soap tradition. I felt it was a good place to start, and so it evolved."

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

INDIE SOAP BEAT: September 8, 2009

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.

RELATIONSHIPS
RELATIONSHIPS 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.

VENICE - THE SERIES
Elizabeth Keener has been announced as the latest cast member. She will be playing Lara. Among Keener's previous roles are Celia on 3WAY and Dawn on THE L WORLD.

If you missed Part 2 of the fan Q&A with Crystal Chappell and Kim Turrisi, check it out here.

Continue reading...

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. The weekly show (malleable 6-10 minute episodes) will span the course of the NFL regular season as our characters, ranging from mildly to morbidly obsessed with fantasy, vie for the league championship and somehow find time to live in the real world. The pilot has aired and the next episode will air Sunday, September 13th. New episodes will air every Sunday following.

EMPIRE
The ninth episode of Greg Turner and Brian Hewson's new indie web soap, EMPIRE, is now online. Another shocking twist at the end of the show. The series will go back in production on a second season in January. Meanwhile, the season finale will air this Sunday.

WORKSHOP
The fifth episode of WORKSHOP, a new comedic web series that was created by Nate Golon and Kimberly Legg which stars former PASSIONS actor Phillip Jeanmarie, is now online. Watch it below.