Out on the Town - April 1, 2008

1 Former SUNSET BEACH and ONE LIFE TO LIVE star Sherri Saum attended "The Visitor" New York Premiere after party at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Actor Griffin Dunne was also in attendance.

Flashback: TV Listings for April 2, 1956

ON TELEVISION (New York City listings) Channel 2..WCBS-TV Channel 4..WRCA-TV Channel 5..WABD Channel 7..WABC-TV Channel 9..WOR-TV Channel 11..WPIX Channel 13..WATV Monday, April 2, 1956 1:30-2-As The World Turns: with Don McLaughlin, Helen Wagner, others; dramatic series about a lawyer (Premiere) - (2). 1:30-3-Film: Afternoon Show: "Four Faces West," with Joel McCrea, Frances Dee, Charles Bickford; Western - (7). 3-4-Matinee Theater: "Singer in the Valley," Betty Lynn plays a compassionate school tacher; in cooperation with the Lutheran Television Associates (Color) - (4). 3-5-Film: Afternoon Festival: "Turn the Key Softly," with Yvonne Mitchell, Terence Morgan, others; the first day of freedom for three women released from prison - (7). 4:30-5-The Edge of Night: John Larkin, Bob Dixon in a series abuot the adventures of a detective lieutenant (Premiere) - (2). And later that evening on the same channel ATWT and EON premiered... 9-9:30-I Love Lucy: with Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz; Lucy suspected as a thief - (2).

SoapNet Picks up MVP

Back in November, I reported that Canadian network CBC was going to start airing a new prime time soap, MVP, in January. Look for the show to now air on SoapNet in US after CBC pulled the plug on its steamy hockey drama. According to today's Globe and Mail, SoapNet has signed a deal to purchase the first season of the show, set to air June 19. "We are thrilled it has found a perfect U.S. home with SOAPnet," MVP creator Mary Young Leckie said. "What this means is we've got a new launch - as an original series - in the States. ABC is taking the cast around to do a number of promotions, as well as the talk-show circuit," Leckie, co-founder of Screen Door Inc., added yesterday. "If it's successful for ABC, it could leave the door open to a second season." Last month, CBC cancelled three series including the 10-episode MVP (which cost about $1.5-million an hour to make). Three weeks ago - soon after learning of MVP's demise - Leckie took the high road, saying, "I think CBC did its best with the show, but I did think they'd stick with us a little longer. This is a tough business and I can't slam anyone. We move on." Yesterday, Brian Frons, president, daytime, of Disney-ABC's Television Group, said they jumped at MVP, which he added is perfectly suited to SOAPnet's audience. "I just think this is a prime-time serial with great production values, a terrific cast and we're delighted to be the premier network in the United States," Frons said. "The series is a perfect fit for SOAPnet's programming mandate to supply high-quality television to the American audience. We're looking forward to developing a successful relationship with Screen Door." Leckie said SOAPnet's thumbs-up for MVP "gives a whole new dimension to the project." Interestingly, a source close to CBC says the broadcaster has held onto MVP's second-season licensing rights. "Presumably, CBC will be keeping a very careful eye on the performance of MVP in the U.S. market," he said. "It if does well, CBC could jump back in for season two." CBC plans to rerun MVP in June, the same time it will launch on SOAPnet. Meanwhile, it has been rumoured that another major Canadian broadcaster has been talking to MVP's creators about partnering for season two. Young Leckie refused to comment on that twist yesterday, which would hinge on the CBC releasing MVP for subsequent sale. MVP, which employed roughly 175 people in Canada, follows the on- and off-the-ice drama surrounding the Canadian Mustangs hockey team and the women in their lives. It will air on SOAPnet Thursdays at 11 p.m. The cast includes Lucas Bryant, Dillon Casey, Matthew Bennett, Peter Miller, Kristin Booth, Anastasia Phillips, Deborah Odell, Natalie Krill and Olivia Waldriff.

WGA East Files Arbitration Over Soap Replacement Writers

The Writers Guild of America, East, has filed separate arbitration cases against ABC and Corday Productions for allegedly violating the guild’s strike termination agreement by retaining writers hired during the writers strike earlier this year. The WGAE alleges that Corday Productions, which produces DAYS OF OUR LIVES and ABC, which produces ALL MY CHILDREN, hired replacement writers during the 100-day WGA strike and has not terminated these employees. Instead, the replacement writers are preventing striking guild writers from returning to their positions, the WGAE said. “The strike termination agreement does not allow the retention of replacement writers in lieu of allowing striking writers to return to their jobs. ABC and Corday Productions are clearly violating this agreement,” said Ira Cure, senior counsel for the Writers Guild of America, East. “They have left us no other option but to file arbitrations to ensure our members will be afforded their rights outlined under this agreement.” The companies have 10 days to respond to the cases. The Writers Guild of America went on strike Nov. 5 over issues including residual payments for online distribution of content. A lack of writers forced numerous shows out of production and cost the Los Angeles economy an estimated $2.1 billion. The strike was resolved in mid-February. Representatives of Corday were not available for immediate comment. NBC, which airs DAYS OF OUR LIVES, had no comment. "We are in full compliance with our contract and the allegation is untrue," ABC said. A network source familiar with the situation said the WGAE was grandstanding because it subverted direct discussion in favor of announcing arbitration straight to the press. Source: TV Week

More on SoapNet's RELATIVE MADNESS

Most families have their own bit of madness. And now, SoapNet wants to tap into that phenomenon, relatively speaking. The network will bow six one-hour specials, counting down the top 25 most over-the-top TV and celebrity family moments. In time and homage to Mother’s Day, SoapNet will bow the first entry, "Mama Drama," Thursday May 8 at 11 p.m. May 8. On display celebrity moms, Dina Lohan and Britney Spears, I LOVE NEW YORK’s New York, ALL MY CHILDREN’s Erica Kane and Sami Brady of DAYS OF OUR LIVES. The series of specials concludes the week of Father’s Day, with Father Knows Less. “We live in a ‘Soap Nation’ and these series recognize this by combining the soapy themes found everywhere today – in daytime, primetime, reality and celebrity-life,” said Brian Frons, president, Daytime at Disney ABC Television Group in a statement. “SoapNet continues to broaden its reach by investing in original programming; this franchise is another step in our ongoing effort to expand SoapNet’s audience while aligning pop culture and celebrity antics with the ‘soapy’ drama it is.” As mentioned, each show will count down the 25 most over-the-top TV and celebrity family moments, blending commentary from a variety of talent and comedians, including Joy Behar (The View), Cameron Mathison (ALL MY CHILDREN), Andrea Bowen (DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES), designer Paige Hemmis, Willie Garson, actress Tatyana Ali and mother and daughter reality stars Lisa and Britney Gastineau. In between the crazed mamas and papas specials, SoapNet will zero in on “It’s a Sibling Thing,” “Brawl in the Family,” “Crazy…In Love” and “Twisted Family Trees.”

COASTAL DREAMS' Kam Heskin on CSI: NEW YORK

You can catch COASTAL DREAMS star Kam Heskin on CSI: NEW YORK on Wednesday night. "This episode was literally blood, sweat and tears, meaning I was sweating, then got hurt, then cried about it. Shot this 4 days after arriving back from Bulgaria and then went back on to PASSIONS before it wrapped, so its been a crazy spring." If you haven't caught Kam as April on COASTAL DREAMS, catch up on NBC.com. She previously played the role of Caitlin Deschanel Richards on SUNSET BEACH until the show went off the air in December 1999.

News Briefe

The Nelson Ratings: March 31, 2008 Nelson Branco's weekly column featuring last week’s soap reviews, this week’s viewing cheat sheet, and top-rated actors! Nickelodeon preps 'Spectacular' musical with Y&R actress 1 Watch out Disney: Nickelodeon is sharpening its notes to create its own high school musical. The Viacom-owned kids network is prepping to shoot the telefilm "Spectacular!" a music-themed comedy set in high school. Robert Iscove ("She's All That") is directing the film, which stars a cast of relative unknowns, including Tammin Sursok from THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Nolan Funk, Victoria Justice and Simon Curtis. Shooting begins April 21. Young Artist Award winners announced Mick Hazen of AS THE WORLD TURNS lost out in the "Recurring Younger Actor" in a TV series category to Connor Price of THE DEAD ZONE. Meanwhile, Jamie Johnston from DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION won as best "Leading Young Actor" in a TV series. DAYS Hogestyn does a car show Thousands of auto enthusiasts crowded into the Winnipeg Convention Centre over the weekend to take in some high-performance sights and sounds. World of Wheels publicist Shelley Ostrove said more than 30,000 people were expected to attend the 34th annual event over the weekend. Along with a wide selection of drag racers, 4x4s, custom motorcycles and vintage cars, the show also featured a number of celebrities, including the likes of Drake Hogestyn from DAYS OF OUR LIVES. ATWT's psycho nanny does Vaudeville When was the last time you experienced Vaudeville? Written and directed by award winning playwright, Eugene H. Butler, "The All Female 1929 Skidoo Revue" is knocking audiences off their seats with laughter and nostalgic memories of an almost forgotten Vaudevillian era. Marian Tomas Griffin, who played Mary Mennihan (Psycho Nanny) on CBS's "As the World Turns", adds a special touch to the cast. As a singer, Marian is a major presence in the Irish Music scene. She delights audiences with a song written by Eugene H. Butler, as the Skidoo girls join in. GH tries new things to stay relevant after 45 years 1 The number of viewers now averages under 3 million, less than a third of the 11.8 million who typically tuned in during the year of Luke and Laura's wedding. In an effort to stay relevant, the daytime soap opera has begun using computer-generated imagery. Kelly Monaco's character, Sam McCall, was recently seen dangling on the edge of an unfinished bridge hundreds of fake feet above a fake raging river after being kidnapped by the Text Message Killer, a mysterious murderer who'd been stalking Port Charles residents for months. 1 "I think we're walking a fine line," Phelps said. "I'm very proud of all of the stuff GENERAL HOSPITAL is doing, especially the CGI. It's very cutting edge. We're trying to give a new look to this medium but without putting off our audience and making them wonder, 'What have you done to my show?' " Like other soaps, GENERAL HOSPITAL has also turned elsewhere for eyeballs. The popular HIV-positive character Dr. Robin Scorpio, played by Kimberly McCullough, keeps a blog and co-starred in NIGHT SHIFT, a 13-episode SOAPnet spinoff that debuted last year and is now available on DVD. Scorpio will soon give birth -- a first for an HIV-positive daytime TV character. "I'm always looking to see how to get more people to watch our soaps," ABC daytime President Brian Frons told the AP. "As part of that, later this year, 'General Hospital' will finally premiere in France. For us, it's not just about viewers on the broadcast network, it's about viewers around the world." Canceled soaps, such as NBC's ANOTHER WORLD and PASSIONS, haven't been replaced with new shows. The same thing could be said for the genre's ever-eroding viewership. So what's the prognosis? "Maybe it'll be animated in 45 years," Frons said. Sid Owen happy to be back on EASTENDERS Soap favorite Sid Owen has spoken of his delight in advance of his on-screen return to EASTENDERS. The actor, who plays Ricky Butcher, will reappear on the show on Monday night. He said he was looking forward to working again with Patsy Palmer, who plays his bolshy ex Bianca in the BBC1 soap. "Any time working with Patsy is great fun and that is important," he told GMTV. Soap ownership is key to success in down market At a time when shaky ratings have led some to question the soap genre, Disney-ABC's daytime division is quietly pitching advertisers this upfront season that soaps are here to stay. Daytime ratings were down about 10% last year—not good news for the $1.2 billion business. And ABC's soaps have faced ratings drops like the others. But the network differs from its competitors in its ability to weather ratings woes, making them less of a drain on the bottom line. The difference is, since Disney-ABC owns its three soaps, it can quickly and creatively integrate advertisers' products into shows. Plus, the company monetizes daytime content by putting it onto sister cable network Soapnet—currently undergoing a makeover of its own to encompass all soapy fare and not just traditional dramas—and selling it abroad through sister studio Buena Vista Productions. “I want to look at our business as a studio business,” says Disney-ABC Daytime President Brian Frons, who oversees the daytime shows, Soapnet and the Buena Vista studio. The division produces some 1,000 hours of original programming per year, including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Ebert & Roeper. “Our job is to get as many people watching us as possible—daytime, Soapnet, international. It's a more holistic revenue-driven model and gives people the confidence to know we're sticking around. Advertisers do like having this platform to reach women on an efficient basis, so they need to know that.” Efficient is right. In meetings with advertisers currently going on, the division is pointing out to clients that while soaps' overall ratings may be down, their viewer base is highly devoted and, according to research, more likely to remain watching through the commercials. On average, among women 18-49, daytime has a higher C3 percent retention than prime—103% to 98%, according to Nielsen Media Research. Because ABC owns its shows, it can more easily and quickly facilitate product integration deals. Last year, Campbell's worked its “Go Red” campaign to promote heart health into all three ABC soaps as well as THE VIEW, and the network is pitching similar synergies this year. 1 In addition to bolstering daytime with such ad deals, the company is broadening its plan for Soapnet, moving it from being a home for soap opera reruns to one for original content, as well as more acquired primetime soaps and movie dramas. The network has bought a packet of small to midsize movies to add to its Sunday night movie franchise. Soapnet is also moving forward with RELATIVE MADNESS, six hour-long specials this summer on the most over-the-top TV and celebrity families, with commentary from talent including comedian Joy Behar, dancer Chris Judd, and mother/daughter socialites Lisa and Britney Gastineau. “We wanted to recognize the fact that we live in a soap nation—primetime soaps, daytime soaps, Britney Spears soaps,” says Frons. Soapnet currently programs 40 hours of original programming a week, and Frons says he would like to double that number over the next two years. “America has been getting their soap fix in a lot of different ways other than or in addition to the daily soaps, and so we're reflecting that on the channel, all with a soapy filter—otherwise it's just another women's network.”

Episode #8 of HORRIBLE PEOPLE

It's the mysterious French couple's turn to dance as Mother gambles the family jewels on a scheme to kill Billy!

Out on the Town - March 29, 2008

1 Lauretta Vaughn (Kit, AS THE WORLD TURNS) poses for a photo at the VIP Reception during the 9th National Black Writers Conference at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. Kate Linder (Ester, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) attended the Hollywood Arts Council's 30th Anniversary Gala at the Jim Henson Studios in Hollywood. Hayden Panettiere (ex-Lizzie, GUIDING LIGHT) attended the Nickelodeon's 2008 Kids' Choice Awards held at the Pauley Pavilion in Westwood.