Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Ken Corday, Greg Meng Along With Crystal Chappell To Launch New Digital Soaps Platform!
Intriguing and great news today from Variety.com that none other than Days of our Lives executive producer, Ken Corday along with co-EP Greg Meng are spearheading a brand new online soap venture called Net Soaps/Net Novelas!
This new venture aiming to create and distribute original “interactive” soap operas online that let fans, thesps and advertisers participate in the shows’ development. The venture will focus on multilingual soaps for the U.S., Latin America and Brazil. Net Soaps/Net Novelas also is making a branded-content pitch to advertisers to integrate their products or services directly in the new digital series.
“This new venture is about taking the passion consumers have for soaps and novelas into a new era,” said Ken Corday, CEO of Corday Productions, who has been exec producer of “Days of Our Lives” since 1985. “This will be original content that the fans will play a role in green lighting and casting, delivered in a form that can build devoted communities of fans in the digital space.”
After Prospect Park’s attempt at an Online Network fizzled, they say this will be much different in structure: “Prospect Park was taking existing shows and platform-shifting them,” said All Screens Media founder Peter Heumiller, a former VP of content acquisition for Comcast Cable. “We are creating content in a forward-thinking way that gives us a unique platform to connect with people in multiple ways.”
The sponsorship model is key for Net Soaps/Net Novelas. Advertisers can get involved to the point of making casting decisions for the shows, according to Heumiller. “It’s really coming full circle – soap operas were originally sponsored by the detergent companies,” he said.
Net Soaps/Net Novelas plans to launch the digital soaps in the third quarter of 2014 quarter, via its own websites and distribution partners. Net Soaps is the English-language version targeted at American auds, while Net Novelas will encompass in-language programming for LatAm and Brazil.
Corday Productions’ executive in charge of production Greg Meng will lead development of online portals that will engage consumers and actors in the creation of the content, via online casting and acting auditions, voting on show concepts and ongoing narrative turns. Actors will be able to upload video reels to Net Soaps/Net Novelas as part of the development process.
And none other than Crystal Chappell is on board too! She will work with Net Soaps / Net Novelas to vet concepts, produce and direct original shows and mentor new talent.
And as for the Novela part of this new venture: “The Net Soap/Net Novelas team includes independent producer Rose Ganguzza, who has worked with Brazil’s TV Globo on international distribution and also served as president of Revlon/Latin America. Ganguzza will work with her sister, Patricia Ganguzza, whose AIM Productions provides product placement and sponsorship for corporate clients, on international promotional, talent, sponsorship and distribution deals for Net Soaps/Net Novelas.”
So, what do you think about the concept of Net Soap/Net Novelas? What about the creative team behind it? Will soaps finally have an engaging online home for new content and more? Comment below!
Days Of Our Lives
Kristian Alfonso Returns to Days of our Lives for Tribute to The Late Bill Hayes
After a few weeks of Days of our Lives fans being upset that Kristian Alfonso (Hope Williams) was not on the first list of initial returns for Doug Williams’ funeral and episodes honoring his portrayer, the late Bill Hayes, comes word that the popular star is back and taping scenes.
Kristian reported to work on the Peacock streaming soap opera on Monday, April 22nd. She shared how important it is for her to be back for this particular return to the show that made her a household name.
“My return is very bittersweet,” Alfonso told TV Insider, “because it is the end of an era with Bill gone. So to return to Days is very sad. I am appreciative that they came to me to include me in their series of shows honoring Doug and I’m very happy to see everyone, but I’m entering the studio with a heavy heart.”
Photo: JPI
It was back in 1983 that Kristian first debuted as Doug’s daughter, and now 41 years later looking back at it, and her time with Bill Hayes is very emotional for her.
“I remember my first scenes with him/ He was very loving, very welcoming. That he was very talented and an incredible actor and an icon, that all goes without saying, but my personal relationship and my working relationship with Bill, it was home,” expressed Alfonso. “Doing the scenes with Bill, I felt like I was with my dad because there was so much warmth and reality.”
Photo: JPI
Alfonso did express some deep regret, in that she had wanted to work with Bill Hayes during her last appearance on the soap back in 2023, but according to the iconic actress, there was something in the works but it never materialized. “I’m sad that I did not get the opportunity to do the storyline that Ron (Carlivati, head writer) had planned/ It was great; we returned to Salem to reunite with our families and I would have had father/daughter scenes with Billy. What Ron had written was beautiful and emotional and it was a fantastic story. I was 100 percent for it and the fans would have loved it.”
Photo: JPI
As for if Bo (Peter Reckell) and Hope will be back on-screen together anytime soon, Kristian would only say, “What I will say is don’t give up hope.” Doug’s passing and memorial episodes will stream later this year come late November into December.
So, are you happy to learn that Kristian Alfonso is back taping episodes surrounding Doug’s memorial episodes? Comment below.
Breaking News
Steve Kent Reportedly OUT as Sony Pictures Television VP in Charge of DAYS and Y&R
On Friday, reports surfaced that Steve Kent, Senior Executive Vice President of Programming at Sony Pictures Television, is no longer with the company and overseeing the Sony soap operas, Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless.
According to Soap Opera Digest, a set side source reported that Kent’s last day was last Friday, April 12th, which was one day after what would have been his final appearance in his Sony VP role at the Days of our Lives 15,000th episode on set celebration.
During that ceremony, Kent gave a brief speech giving kudos to DAYS for its incredible milestone. Days is a co-production of Sony Pictures Television and Corday Productions, while Y&R is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television.
Photo: JPI
Kent started his soap opera career as a producer for CBS’ defunct Capitol and then as the supervising producer of NBC’s Santa Barbara from1984 to 1993.
Photo: JPI
At Sony, before his role overseeing the soaps, Kent was Senior Executive Vice President of International Productions for Sony Pictures Television International department.
If reports are true, the question becomes who has taken over his position, and would oversee DAYS and Y&R from the Sony side? Share your thoughts on this developing story via the comment section below.
Breaking News
(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!
After exciting morning for your favorite daytime stars when they were revealed to be nominees for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards comes tonight 10th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special.
Beginning at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT, several of the nominees will talk with Michael Fairman on their reactions to the news they have been nominated for a Daytime Emmy, share what scenes they submitted that landed in the top five or six in their respective performer acting categories and much more.
Scheduled to appear are: Days of our Lives nominees, Tamara Braun (Ava), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), The Young and the Restless nominees: Allison Lanier (Summer), Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Courtney Hope (Sally), Bryton James (Devon), The Bold and the Beautiful’s John McCook (Eric), General Hospital nominees, Finola Hughes (Anna) and Alley Mills (Heather), and The Bay’s Mike Manning (Caleb).
Photo: JPI
The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th and emanating, once again this year from the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Photo: JPI
For a full list of this year’s nominations click here.
Now, watch below as the stars chat it up as we celebrate their Daytime Emmy Nominations. If you have a potential question you might want posed to any of our guests, drop it in the comment section below and we just might ask it on air.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
Kim Kardashian, Emma Roberts and Marlene King Land ‘Calabasas’, a Soap in the Vein of the ‘O.C’ and ‘Beverly Hills 90210’, at Netflix
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
Kristian Alfonso Returns to Days of our Lives for Tribute to The Late Bill Hayes
Y&R’s Eric Braeden Pays Tribute to Former On-Screen Wife, Meg Bennett: “She Was Such a Bright and Gentle Lady”
‘Knots Landing’s’ Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark Reunite for Los Angeles Ballet Season 18 Gala
The Young and the Restless Preview: Ashley’s New Alter Emerges
Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
AEW Dynasty: Swerve Strickland Becomes AEW World Heavyweight Champion, Jack Perry Returns, Will Ospreay Retires Move After Scary Finish
GH’s Finola Hughes Chats on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, New Directions for Characters in Port Charles, and Anna’s Love Life
The Young and the Restless Preview: Ashley’s New Alter Emerges
(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!
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General HospitalApril 21, 2024‘Knots Landing’s’ Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark Reunite for Los Angeles Ballet Season 18 Gala
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General HospitalApril 15, 2024General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
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Days Of Our LivesApril 13, 2024Ron Carlivati Talks on Decision to Make Days of our Lives 15000th Episode About Doug’s Funeral, and Previews Chances for WGA Award
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NewsApril 20, 2024The Young and the Restless Preview: Ashley’s New Alter Emerges
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RecapsApril 14, 2024Y&R’s Eileen Davidson Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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Days Of Our LivesApril 19, 2024Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
It seems interesting..
and not too overly interactive, I’m too lazy for that stuff..
But! I will tune in 🙂
Also;
I really really hope there will be a WAR forum because there will be war !!!
quote;
” “This will be original content that the fans will play a role in green lighting and casting, delivered in a form that can build devoted communities of fans in the digital space.””
ahh haa! the difference of opinions, wants and needs from fans will be dangerous!! lol ..
gotta luv the internet hair pulling!!
Sounds interesting…i always thought all soaps should use and mention real products in their storylines…also why not show characters eating out at a Subway or a Mcdonalds or shopping at a Target store? It would be a great way to generate more money for the soaps…imo!!!
Soap people don’t eat lol
When an eating occasion arises their food goes untouched on the plate..
And— there has not been a kitchen, a real kitchen, in soaps since the 70’s …. when most the stories were in someones kitchen ..
Mona always had a cup of coffee and cookies, in the kitchen at the table, for everyone .. 🙂
((and never instant coffee ..ha!
I know that…i cant remember the last time i had seen the Horton kitchen on Days…however, i was suggesting showing real eating places and businesses once in awhile in the storylines instead of the fake ones to generate more income for these shows…thanks for they reply!
about kitchens in soaps… I remember both Vicki and Dorian had kitchens right to the end of OLTL, and both where shown cooking…
do anyone else remember ?
I remember Brian.
G-d help me, I also remember Passions has a really nice kitchen set in the Crane mansion.
And to answer your question Jim, last we saw the Horton kitchen was during the weed donut episodes ;).
Nowadays, most living sets have a kitchenette right there, with a fridge, stove and counter. Daniel, Will/Sonny/Gabi, Sami’s apartments with Rafe and her one after that, Theresa’s etc…
Now that Brian mentioned it they did still showed kitchens on OLTL up til it left the air a few years ago!!!
Some of the reasons for not mentioning brand names is many of them are copyrighted and you have to get permission and pay fees to use the name or logo in a show. And that is the same reason right now you don’t see them eating those products on air, but have look a like packaging to suggest, say the KFC bucket without using the wording on it.
But having ads in the show , I remember GH did do it while back. Alexis and Molly were in the hospital, I think when Danny was sick and Alexis send Molly out for a snack. Molly came back with a bag of Brookside chocolates and the two of them were sitting there eating them and commenting on how good they were. I remember it because it stood out for me, because it was a brand name and they were basically pimping out the characters to sell it, which I hadn’t seen in a soap before. It was an ad because it wasn’t a conversation normal people would have sharing a bag of chocolate pieces. It was written in the show to be an ad, it too obvious, so if this going to be the new trend in shows, they need to be a bit more subtle in the way in incorporated into the story.
As for Suooo comment that you don’t see people eating on soaps– the reason for that is lighting. We the viewers don’t see it, but those sets are under a great deal of stage lights, and any real food would go bad, fairly quickly– especially if they have to do a couple of takes. All the food we see eaten in a scene is usually something that won’t spoil and made to look like something else, or not real at all, hence they never bite into it.
Brian…now that you mention it, i do remember now that they had kitchens!!!
I think Crystal Chappell should be extremely grateful that Mr Corday is giving her this opportunity after her disgraceful behavior when she left Days of Our Lives but I doubt she will be.
……And what she wrote about him in her “autobiography”.
The lesson here: never burn your bridges.
Thanks 4 reminding me about the Horton kitchen scene during the weed donut scene…but i know we havent seen the Horton dining room in ages!!!
This is the way to bring the soap genre online– creating the product to suit the media— trying to recreate a television show as online show like PP was a not forward thinking enough and it ended up disappointing those who wanted something different and those who wanted their old soap back.
And it also makes sense to make the ads a part of the show, because as television fades the idea of the commercial as we know it will have to evolved too. Making the ads are part of the show, may corrupt the creative process just a tad, but as long as the finished product doesn’t come across as sounding like an commercial it could work.
Anyway, I wish them well and hope it works out for them.
Talk about a ridiculous idea … This would be it…Ken Corday is a joke…Boggles the mind that anyone takes the man serious…Especially with the stupid storylines he allows on DOOL…
There has been worse ideas– many ..
And it will be FREE ..
so, nothing out of my pocket to tune in..
If I don’t like it I did not invest anything money wise to watch it so I can’t bitch about it…… lol
I think it just might be good 🙂
it seems to me… this is ALL good
a ways and means… for Serial… to beget a legitimate foothold… that is internet
and an outlet for Serial audience… to segueing from the lost soap channel to this
Crystal Chappell is mesmerizing…
an exotic beauty that never fails to captivate
from the time of her debut… to current, 2014
she has solidified her place at the helm of driving… Serial
be it for… lesbianism …. LOL… as she’s derided for… by few… and standing ovation
for her tumultuous courage… and acts with ever fiber in her body
I think it was only natural… that Ken Corday, asked CC to helm… this … wonderful.. venture… as she is the spearhead and one of thee pioneers for this medium… that will always have a life… a shelf life… a foothold… that will never lose it’s mainstay
Kudos to Ken Corday… Greg Meng… and Crystal Chappell… for your continued advocacy that is daytime
I don’t think I will like the interactive part. Prospect Park was a disaster. The online soaps are too short and tend to be way too sexy for me. Y & R is the soap that I find interesting. I am trying to like B&B but it the storylines don’t go deep enough for me. I will watch this new venture but I don’t hold out much hope for it. I wish I had billions of dollars to spend , I would bring back all the canceled soaps with as many original actors that I could. I would start with my favorite ….. All My Children. I am sorry that Y&R are losing some of the actors that I like. But all soaps seem to lose actors and are replaced by actors that most of the time we learn to like. The new Billy is not as good as the other one. I do miss MM, he was good but sounds like he had ego issues. I am very sorry to see Chloe go. I did not like Phyllis so I hope she doesn’t come back. Oh well, life goes on.
If done naturally, and NON Ron Carlivati style, product placement or locale advertising doesn’t have to seem jarring or out of place. It can be done subtly, and be just a natural conversation. It could be “Hey do you wanna go for lunch at Subway? They have those awesome pulled pork subs on special.” “Sure.” End of conversation. They dont have to be turned into mini ads…if he people writing the show have the talent . Many soap writers have no idea what subtext and subtlety are hough.
I am glad that Ken Corday is forward thinking. I hope this new venture is very successful and profitable. I want to see some soap stars from the past like Linda Dano and Vicki Wyndham show up on this new medium.
Ken Corday…pioneer!!!
I would like to see a websoap that just wants to be a “soap”. All the websoaps I had high hopes for (Tainted Dreams, for one) turned out to be touted as soaps but were more “artsy” than accessible. KC would do well to make sure his websoaps are “accessible”. Maybe CC can help that along, she seems to have an idea of how a websoap should work. I can live with the ads in the show as long as they’re subtle and NOT driving any story! It can work if the right decisions are made — and I am all for bringing back soap stars of the past with newer actors for an interesting mix. A good idea but ONLY if it also has a good execution (hiring CC and GM shows KC is actually trying!)
I am skeptical. None of these players have the integrity I need to accept it at face value. I will quietly be waiting to see what comes from this initiative.
NO WEB SOAPS I WOULD NOT WATCH
This is brilliant! With CC and Greg Meng involved, it will be great.