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EXCLUSIVE: Exec Prod Sheila Ducksworth Talks Decision to Shoot ‘Beyond the Gates’ in Atlanta on ‘Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart’

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

On an all-new episode of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart, dropping on Tuesday, July 22nd, Beyond the Gates executive producer, Sheila Ducksworth, is the very special guest where she discusses how daytime’s newest soap opera set up shop and put down its roots in Atlanta, Georgia, plus lining-up the team behind the scenes and the cast in front of the camera.

In an exclusive clip, Ducksworth explains, why when all the other daytime soap operas tape in Los Angeles, she choose Atlanta as the home of Fairmont Crest. “There are a lot of factors,” shared the EP.  “I knew that I could shoot the show in Atlanta. I knew that there were a lot of great people and great talent, great facilities there. So, I knew that we could make this work. We’re over at Assembly Studios and we are the first inhabitants for our production offices as well as for our stages.”

Sheila added “We’re able to customize it and make it exactly what we needed and it’s just fantastic. It’s just a great environment. There was a lot of planning that went into it, and the people that would lead the departments. I have to say all those folks, the heads of the departments, they’re incredible.”

Photo: CBS

Speaking of the department heads at Beyond the Gates, many of whom have held positions on previous daytime soaps have made joined its ranks as Rebecca Budig noted to Greg Rikaart. “She took Julie Carruthers, who was our producer from All My Children and Jeresa Featherstone, our wardrobe designer at the The Bold and the Beautiful, who I knew for like two weeks before she left (for Beyond the Gates),”recalled Budig.

When speaking of the cast including: Cady McClain (Pamela), Tamara Tunie (Anita), and Mike Manning (Smitty) and more, who all have worked on the soaps previous to Beyond the Gates, Ducksworth reiterated, “It’s a great group of people.”

Photo: CBS

In a previous preview clip released over the weekend, Ducksworth spoke on how the cast of Beyond the Gates was assembled, “We’ve wanted it to feel really accessible to everybody. There’s some specificity obviously to the show, but what we’re really dealing in and dwelling in is a universality. People who live inside the gates as well as people who live outside the gates. We have our matriarch and our patriarch with Tamara Tunie and Clifton Davis (Vernon). We are so fortunate. We were so specific about what we wanted, and we were fortunate enough to find the people that we found to populate this world.”

Photo: CBS

Duckworth also noted, “It was no small task and thanks to our casting director, Kim Coleman, and obviously we had a lot of participation, ultimately from CBS and CBS studios, Claudia Lyon, Executive Vice President, Talent and Casting, CBS Entertainment. It’s been like everybody kind of rolled up their sleeves and wrapped their arms around,”What is this task going to look like? What’s the feel of it going to be?” We were fortunate to get Tamara Tunie, as well as Clifton Davis. They lead this family like nobody else could, as the matriarch and the patriarch.”

Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart is a new audio and video podcast that dives deep into the legacy, fandom, and enduring appeal of soap operas. Available on Audacy or wherever podcasts are found, full video episodes are released every Tuesday through September 30 on the CBS brand YouTube channel.

Photo: CBS

Upcoming episodes of ‘Soapy’ will include interviews with: Lauralee Bell (Christine Blair, The Young and the Restless), Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos, General Hospital), Tracey Bregman (Lauren Fenmore, The Young and the Restless), Marc Cherry (Creator, Desperate Housewives), Scott Clifton (Liam Spencer, The Bold and the Beautiful), Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Ramirez, General Hospital), Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin, The Young and the Restless), Cameron Mathison (Drew Cain, General Hospital), Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree, Beyond the Gates), Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman, The Young and the Restless), Heather Tom (Katie Logan, The Bold and the Beautiful) and the aforementioned,Tamara Tunie.

Now below, watch the exclusive clip from tomorrow’s new episode of Soapy featuring Beyond the Gates executive producer, Sheila Ducksworth speaking on the decision to tape the show in Atlanta, followed by a preview where she speaks on casting the series.

Let us know, what do you think about the newest soap opera being taped in Atlanta, the casting decisions for its main characters and its behind the scenes creatives? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Honestly, I think shooting in Georgia is refreshing and the best decision they could have chosen. A lot of the local talent they have found are excellent, as well. And from the looks of it, Assembly Studios is one of the best studios out there right now, so kudos to them for going there, as well.

My current ranking of how I’m enjoying the soaps I watch:
1. DOOL (Love it but miss Ron C)
2. BTG
3. GH
4. Y&R (never recall it being worse)

I agree with your top 2 and yes miss ron c I have to put bold at 3 I gave up on gh a long long time ago and boy are you on point about yandr they could use Ron c I’ve never seen it this bad myself ! Really makes you miss another world Santa Barbara world turns and one life

Thanks for responding, Richard!
I’ve never followed B&B. Goes back to my VCR days when I could only record one show at a time and I was taping Days! Honestly, I pretty much hate watch GH as I despise the characters of Sonny, Carly & Jason. Still, GH is tons better than what passes as Y&R these days…

Beyond the Gates

BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Hayley’s Poisonous Plot Goes Awry; Heather’s Obsession with Andre Reaches New Heights

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Hayley

This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, a poison sandwich gets in the wrong hands, Heather’s (Ashley Jones) plot to seduce Andre (Sean Freeman) goes to a whole other level, and Anita (Tamara Tunie) reaches out to her nemesis, Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant), but why?

In the video preview for the CBS soap opera, first, the vision of Doug (Jason Graham) encourages Deanna (Angela Fairley) as Noah Rollins (Nick Hagelin) walks in on the scene where it appears she is talking to herself! How will Deanna explain what or who she is chatting with?

Meanwhile, Grayson (Jordi Vilasuso) is worried for his safety and that of Jacob’s (Jibre Hordges) admitting that the Impaler may be trying to tie up any loose ends, and he could be next on their hit list! Elsewhere, Leslie is stunned when Anita Dupree makes a call to her about her late mother Barbara. We also know ‘Articulettes’ Sharon (Bonita Brisker) and Tracy (Maria Howell) are back this week. What could be going down?

Courtesy/CBS

Then, Dani (Karla Mosley) receives a note from her husband Andre that says he’ll be back home soon. However, in her hotel room, Heather cuts her own hand and then reaches out to Andre for a secret meeting, where he asks when he shows up, “What happened to your hand?” Then, we see Andre reminding Heather that he’s a married man, but at the same time, he doesn’t think he would ever stop caring for her.

Finally, Hayley (Marquita Goings) puts poison in a sandwich she prepared for Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett). However, Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) somehow takes a bite of the sandwich instead. Later, Bill lays the smackdown on Hayley telling her to, “Stop it right now,” and that she’s, “insulting his intelligence.” How will this fight end? Stay tuned.

Now below, take a look at the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the week of August 31-September 4.

Monday, August 31 
Bill puts Hayley to the test. Dani updates Nicole. Ted doles out some unconventional advice to Andre. Grayson seeks Jacob’s help. Elon gives Joey the third degree. Heather makes a bold move.

Tuesday, September 1
Dani hears a heartfelt confession. Nicole counsels her daughter. Hayley’s brought to tears. Chelsea and Kat can’t seem to escape scandal. Carlton has stunning news for Andre. Izaiah surprises Eva. Naomi bites off more than she can chew.

Wednesday, September 2
Vernon supports Anita as she faces the music. Leslie gets an intriguing proposition. Smitty’s suspicions spiral. Joey comforts Vanessa. Deanna is haunted by grief. One couple finally finds time for romance.

Thursday, September 3 
Bill has an unwelcome visitor. Smitty needs Nicole’s expertise. Joey’s pestered by his past decisions. Heather connects with June. Ted does damage control. Ashley leans on Naomi. Elon and Jacob clash.

Friday, September 4 
Dani’s distracted from her “Seoul-mate” while Andre unpacks paranoia. Bill stuns Hayley. Heather has a heated stand-off. Vanessa and Deanna discover something from before Doug’s death. Randy attempts to execute Joey’s orders. Chelsea falls out of fashion. Ted shares a twisted toast.

Now below, check out the video teaser for the action this week in and around Fairmont Crest.

Then weigh-in: Do you think this is the end of the line for Hayley and Bill? Will Bill realize Hayley is poisoning him and now his daughter, too? If Heather is willing to cut herself with a knife to nab Andre, what else is she capable of doing? Have you been invested in these current storylines on Beyond the Gates, or not so much? Let us know via the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Mike Manning Lands Role in Indie Horror Feature ‘Deify’

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Mike Manning

While Smitty tries to hold the fort down in his marriage to congressman Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon)  and their two teenaged children, Samantha (Najah Jackson) and Tyrell (Jaden Lucas Miller) on Beyond the Gates, Emmy-winner Mike Manning has also landed another feature film role.

According to Deadline, Manning has joined the cast of Deify with 6 other new cast members for the indie psychological horror film starring Neal McDonough and Skeet Ulrich, which was previously announced last week.

Joining Manning as the latest cast addition are: Dennis Haysbert, Ashley Greene,  Casey Harnett, Kirk Avecdo, Anji White, anf Nicholas Chimera who’s directing the pic also has a part in the film.

WHAT’S THE STORY OF DEIFY?

Taking to his Instagram with the news of his casting, Manning shared, “A movie about a cult? What could possibly go wrong? Come for the enlightenment. Stay because they won’t let you leave. DEIFY is coming…”

The movie is currently shooting in Chicago and in story, “a cult leader is put on trial after causing his devoted followers to be burned alive. The film is inspired in part by events surrounding the 1993 Waco, Texas, standoff between members of the Branch Davidians church and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, one of the largest civilian firefights ever recorded on American soil.”

MIKE MANNING IS A DAYTIME EMMY NOMINEE

In addition, the multi-talented Manning is a producer on the feature. Previously, Mike was nominated last month in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. He previously won an Emmy for his role on The Bay and for being a producer on the digital drama.

Mike’s previous credits include the role of Charlie Dale on Days of Our Lives and the Manny on This Is Us, plus various primetime and screen credits.

So intrigued to find what role Mike will play in the upcoming horror/cult film, Deify? Enjoying him as Smitty on Beyond the Gates? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Andre’s Blast From The Past Is Set To Turn His Life Upside Down

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Andre

On Beyond the Gates, Andre Richardson’s (Sean Freeman) “happily” married life to Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) is about to be tested like never before on upcoming episodes of the CBS soap opera the week of August 17-21.

After the shocking reveal on the Friday, August 14 cliffhanger, viewers learned that the person who was sending Andre ominous text messages is none other than The Impaler herself, Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones). Clearly from the latest promo for the action at the Bowman hotel and in and around Fairmont Crest (see below), Andre knows Heather quite well, as she makes moves on him.

While all this is going down, Dani tries to diffuse the Dupree family for thinking there is anything going on between her and her ex-husband, Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Dani’s behavior over Bill being in the hospital has been of someone who is still deeply in love with the guy (specially because of her very public outbursts) and as viewers know, she recently had sex with her ex in the elevator at the country club during a tornado!

Courtesy/CBS

HEATHER ARMSTRONG IS ON THE HUNT FOR ANDRE

Poor Andre has no idea about the elevator liaison, and recently visited Bill in his hospital room to tell him to stay away from his wife, when and if he gets out of his hospital bed! But now, the tables may be turned, if Heather gets her claws into Andre.

Take a look at the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for this week below.

Monday, August 17 
Andre is pulled down by his past. Tensions mount between Tomas and Naomi. Chelsea and Kat pair fashion with controversy. Vernon confronts Bill about his intentions with Dani.

Tuesday, August 18
Bill flirts with disaster. Hayley and Ashley clash. Eva’s words instigate Leslie. Carlton gives Ted a major update while Nicole does the same with Vanessa. Shanice fields an unanticipated request. Smitty disappoints Martin.

Wednesday, August 19
Nicole’s plan saves the night for Noah. Dani and Andre color outside the lines. Jacob enlists Grayson and Ashley to surprise Naomi. Vernon’s plans for Anita get interrupted.

Thursday, August 20 
Leslie’s forced to reckon with her past in order to move on with her future. Bill and Ted bond over their shared history. An unexpected reaction causes Nicole to self-examine in front of Kial. Eva and Izaiah divulge some hard truths with each other.

Friday, August 21
Chelsea is haunted by unresolved trauma while her father reaches his breaking point. Dani locks horns with Hayley. Randy tails Heather. Madison gets conflicting information from two adversaries. Andre issues a threat.

Now below, check out the CBS promo for all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates.

Then let us know, do you think Andre knows just how dangerous Heather is … or he has no idea? Will Heather blackmail him into sex, or will he go willingly? Is the end of Andre and Dani for good, or will he continue to be the upstanding guy in their relationship, even though he knows in his heart that he cannot compete with the pull of Dani towards Bill? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

 

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