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‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Brad Bell to Launch First Microseries Featuring Vertical Drama Stars Eric Guilmette and Molly Anderson for ‘aTwist’

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: Courtesy/aTwist

On Thursday June 11, it was announced that The Bold and the Beautiful’s Bradley Bell (executive producer and head writer) is getting into the burgeoning vertical space, and will bring his first microseries, Hollywood Starlet, under his Red Flair Entertainment banner to aTwist (formerly MicroCo) the U.S.-based microseries studio and platform that is set to launch later this summer.

The upcoming microdrama is called Hollywood Startlet and will be led by vertical drama stars: Eric Guilmette (You Belong With Me, Tails of Christmas) and Molly Anderson (We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together) and Bella Mraz (Faceless). Guilmette will also serve as co-producer of the series.

Hollywood Starlet will film at Sunset Las Palmas Studios in Hollywood across multiple stages where CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful transitioned in 2025 after 38 years at Television City.

Photo: JPI

The upcoming microdrama was created by Brad Bell; directed and written by Kristen Brancaccio; and executive produced by Anthony Ferrari, Oliver Bell, Paxton Fuller and Graham Lawyer. Bradley Bell and his son Oliver Bell founded Red Flair Entertainment to specifically focus on elevated vertical series.

Microseries are serialized stories designed for mobile-first viewing: typically 40-60 episodes of one to three minutes each, built vertically, and consumed either in moments throughout the day or as a binge experience all at once. This is a fast-growing global category, generating an estimated $10 billion annually worldwide.

By combining Hollywood storytelling with a tech-first production and distribution engine, aTwist is focused on delivering quality vertical content alongside an engagement-driven platform for dedicated fan communities.

aTwist is founded by: chief executive officer Jana Winograde (former President of Showtime), chief creative officer Susan Rovner (former Chairman of NBCU Content and President of Warner Bros TV), and executive chairman Lloyd Braun (former Chairman of ABC Entertainment Group, studio and network, and Chairman of WME).

In a statement on Bell’s upcoming foray into microdramas, Susan Rovner expressed, “Brad Bell is one of the most influential creative forces in daytime television, and bringing him into the aTwist universe is a major moment for us. The Bold and the Beautiful has defined storytelling for decades, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with him as he brings that legacy into a new format with Hollywood Starlet. We think fans are going to love seeing this world evolve in such a fun, fresh way.”

aTWIST TO SERVE UP SLATE OF ORIGINAL MICRODRAMAS

With a track record of building iconic franchises, launching global hits, and transforming creative vision into scaled entertainment businesses, the aTwist leadership team will create a home for original verticals in a multitude of genres, curated acquired microseries, and creator-led innovative narrative storytelling – building a quality-driven, globally scalable microseries ecosystem, rooted in fandom, community, and storytelling excellence.

aTwist is creating original content that spans comedy, drama, unscripted, horror, and romance built for how mobile-first audiences consume content today. From fresh, bold ideas by emerging talent to exciting collaborations with existing IP, brands, and stars, aTwist is establishing a destination for audiences who want engaging stories anytime, anywhere. A platform built to create community around fandoms, a place where consumers can find stories built for joyscrolling, not doomscrolling.

In addition, aTwist recently announced a partnership with BET to develop and distribute microseries across linear and vertical platforms, with a first-of-its-kind windowing model bringing microseries to television while expanding storytelling rooted in Black culture and community. aTwist currently has more than 20 series in production across scripted, unscripted and animation formats, with a strong pipeline of series in development. The studio and platform will deliver a slate of originals that push the current microseries offerings, tapping into underserved fandoms across horror, thriller, comedy, drama, anime, sci-fi and more.

As soap fans know, The Bold and the Beautiful has aired on CBS for 39 years, and is the most-watched U.S.-produced daytime drama in the world. In addition to his work with The Bold and the Beautiful, Brad Bell is also an owner of its sister soap, The Young and the Restless, which has aired on CBS for 53 years.

Photo: EGuilmette IG

HOT STARS OF THE VERTICAL WORLD

Vertical drama leading man, Eric Guilmette recently participated in a livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel, along with other stars of the microdrama space including: Nick Rittaco, Sam Myserson and former General Hospital star, Robert Palmer Watkins (ex-Dillon Quartermaine). You can check that out below.

Now let us know, what do you think of The Bold and the Beautiful’s Brad Bell developing a microdrama company along with his son, Oliver, to bring new series to your phones and more? Might we soon see soap operas have side stories as well as companion to their main shows on network television? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Damn
The young actor Guilmete should ve been cast as RJ! Hes a deadringer for a young Ron Moss! That jawline and eyes!

It’s an interesting idea that I believe all the daytime soaps will eventually follow. Microdrama’s makes sense especially for the teen scene. You can build these episode arcs over the summer when the teens are home and continue them when the teens return to school. It’s a great way to build loyalty to a soap much like when boomers followed their soap watching grandma’s preferences when they were kids. Days pioneered some of this with their last blast saga off screen. All becomes new again as they say.

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Tanisha Harper on the Future of a Jordan Ashford and Michael Corinthos Pairing

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Jordan and Michael

It’s been clear for awhile now that General Hospital has been pushing Jordan Ashford (Tanisha Harper) more into the orbit of Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson), leading to speculation that the two will become more than just business associates and friends.

Well, now, Tanisha Harper has confirmed that the long-running ABC soap opera is testing the waters for a Jordan/Michael romance in her discussion with Soap Opera Digest.

The two characters share something in common, in that, they both have suffered severe burns and disfigurement, and they share a common bond working for Aurora Media.

Photo: ABC

CHEMISTRY TEST

Harper explained, “At first, they were kind of just sprinkling it in; we were starting to do some scenes together here and there. But, I think the writers and Frank Valentini (EP, GH) liked it, and we’ve progressed with that.”

This poses a bit of dilemma for Jordan, who’s boyfriend Curtis Ashford had been sent to Pentonville for assaulting Dr. Isaiah Gannon (Sawandi Wilson), but who just wound up on the receiving end of a prison beat down and landed at the hospital.

All things being equal, Tanisha shared that Michael is fast becoming, “the one person who understands what she’s going through on a deeper level. That makes for a strong connection, and I think the fans are starting to see that connection, too.”

As to if things will escalate and get hot and steamy from herem like any great forbidden love story, Tanisha shared, “That seems to be where we’re headed. In true soap fashion!”

Harper also noted about the future of Jordan and Michael, “We’ll see what the writers have in store for us, but I do think that this could be something really interesting. It’ll make some people mad, and some people will be here for it!”

So, are you down for a Jordan and Michael romance? Let us know via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes

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Beyond the Gates Cast

Beyond the Gates is set to air two upcoming episodes on Friday, October 2 and Monday, October 5 on CBS, which will feature the residents of Fairmont Crest gathering at the Dupree family home for a spirited tailgate ahead of Banneker’s Homecoming, decked out in the university’s signature crimson and gold.

The episodes celebrate African American heritage by showcasing the longstanding homecoming traditions of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU’s) through the show’s fictional Banneker University.

With five generations of the Dupree family having attended Banneker, Homecoming is more than a celebration – it’s a cherished family legacy. For the Duprees and the Fairmont Crest community, it offers an opportunity to honor their shared history, celebrate their HBCU pride, and come together for a special day filled with family, friendship, and tradition.

Banneker

Photo: CBS

BANNEKER U. FIGHT SONG

The excitement culminates with a spirited bus ride to the game, where the entire group proudly sings “Fight On,” Banneker University’s beloved fight song and we know the cast members of Beyond the Gates CAN SING! Ahead of the episodes, CBS released some promotional photos and more to engage viewers to tune-in to the 15-time Daytime Emmy nominated daytime drama.

The series is produced by CBS Studios, as part of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, executive producers include Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Beyond the Gates

Photo: CBS

Beyond the Gates is broadcast weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**.

*(live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. *Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the episode airs.

So, are you glad to see Beyond the Gates continuing to shed light on Black excellence through its soap opera platform? Is the Dupree family, quickly, if not already, become one of your favorites families in all of daytime drama? Let us know via the comment section below.

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Days Of Our Lives

REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract

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Days of our Lives cast

Four cast members are officially on contract at Days of our Lives, according to the soap opera’s closing credits on Peacock and longtime Days expert and historian Jason 47.

Lauren Koslow (Kate), Sydney Malakeh (Sydney), Sal Stowers (Lani) and Jacob Martinez (Javi) are the names that appear in the closing credits in the contracted cast members section. Days of our Lives fans also note that the series tapes ten months in advance of streaming episodes.

As Days of our Lives fans know, Lauren Koslow has played Kate Roberts since 1996, and recently filled-in for Jess Walton in the role of Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless when Walton was unable to travel from Oregon to Los Angeles during the specific tape dates. But now, Koslow has been re-upped to contract status as of the September 8 episode.

Photo: JPI

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED

Sydney Malakeh is the newest member of the contract players when she debuted on contract status on the September 10th episode. Days fans first met Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ’s (Dan Feuerriegel) daughter in scenes in Monte Carlo around a gambling table.

As for Sal Stowers, the actress had been on contract from 2015-2022, then on recurring status with the soap, and would make appearances and limited runs since 2023. Soap fans first saw Sal as Cassandra Foster on Prospect Park’s revival of All My Children in 2013. Sal’s first new contracted episode was noted to be September 16.

Jacob Martinez, debuted on June 30 of this year as the successor to Al Calderon in the role of Javi Hernandez, and has now been bumped up to series regular as of the September 10 episode.

Photo: JPI

CREDITS

According to the referenced posting from Days of our Lives expert and historian Jason 47, he shared, “It took me four weeks to realize, but the same week that Sydney Malakeh (Sydney) debuted (9/7-9/11), “Days” also put Lauren Koslow (Kate), Jacob Richard Martinez (Javi) and Sal Stowers (Lani) on contract.”

Jason47 added, “This confirms the “errors” of Lani being listed in the credits the week of 9/7 but not appearing, and Kate and Javi appearing in the credits the week of 9/14 but not appearing. It also now makes sense why Javi and Sydney are being listed before Rafe and Philip in the credits.”

He also shared, “For the record, Lauren Koslow’s first date back on contract was 9/8, Jacob Richard Martinez was upped to contract on 9/10, Sydney Malakeh debuted on contract 9/10 and Sal Stowers’ first date back on contract was 9/16. The records will be fixed on the website in the coming days.”

So, glad to hear Lauren, Sydney, Sal and Jacob appear to be on contract with Days of our Lives (as of these episode airings)? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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