May 12 2010

Web-A What?

Jenwebban-1.jpg picture by snandmbe

Web-a what?

So you heard the news that Mary Beth Evans has been cast in a new web series called “The Bay”, but you have no idea what a “web series” is. Is it like a real soap, on five days a week? Is it like a nighttime soap that is only on one day a week? What are the production values? Can I watch it on my TV? Do I have to “pay” for it? You may have so many questions running through your head right now. But the most important one is, is this good for Mary Beth? In my humble opinion; yes, it is!

First you should get an understanding of what a web series is, or as some are calling them, “independent soaps” or “indies“. Web series are quickly becoming all the rage right now considering so many network shows are falling to the wayside. Actors/writers/producers are trying to find a way to ‘stay in the game‘, so to speak. As roles in what we see as the mainstream media dry up, they need another outlet to showcase their work. The internet is providing that outlet. While I don’t really see them thinking these web soaps are “money makers”, who knows what the exposure of one of these shows can do for the talent that produces them? No one is going to make a million (or even a thousand) dollars on these shows, but that is not looking at the bigger picture. For a lot of people that work in the entertainment industry, yes, making money is a good thing, but it’s more about the work that they produce. It’s about expanding and going with the trends. I am glad to see that Mary Beth is willing to take that leap into the “web” and explore such a cutting-edge medium.

Many soap stars in the last year or so have made the leap into the web series genre. Some have produced good results, and some, not so much. There is an excellent graph on the ‘We Love the Soaps’ web site that breaks down all the web soaps for interested viewers. This graph shows just how many web series there are that are currently available. Some you may be familiar with, others you may not. The first one I remember watching was produced out of the writers’ strike of 2007. It was called “Life in General,” and stared Arianne Zucker, JoBeth Williams, and John Ingle, among others. This was on a site specifically designed for writers out on strike and was appropriately called, striketv.com. It was a great show. I loved it and was hoping to see many more like it.

The most recognizable of the current web soaps is probably Venice, which is produced by Crystal Chappell. While this series received a lot of publicity before the actual launch of the show, I thought that after the show began, the publicity waned. I thought the production quality (I am a geek when it comes to production) of Venice was exceptional. But, after the first “free” episode aired, it failed to grasp my attention like I had hoped. Thus, I was hesitant to pay for it. That might have had to do with the length of the first episode (a mere 6 min.), or that I was not a jilted “Otilia” fan that just wanted to see more of what could have been done with the relationship between two women. While I will say that I did eventually get to see the rest of the series, I didn’t seek it out. But production wise, it was very well done considering their budget.

Then there is Steamboat, which chooses to take the satire approach at soaps. This is the description of the show: The Office” meets “All My Children” in this behind-the-scenes look at the desperate, dying days of a daytime soap opera. This series is from Michael O’Leary, and stars the likes of Kim Zimmer, Justin Deas, and Beth Chamberland among others. Heck, this one even has a guy wearing a patch on it! I really like this one because it makes me laugh, something network soaps have failed to do for me, well at least intentionally. It’s just fun. But again, one of the downfalls is that they only average 5-8 min. per episode.

Gotham was another web series that garnered a lot of attention. I really like this one, and again, mainly for the production value. Gotham is produced by and stars Martha Byrne of ATWT fame. Kin Shriner, Michael Park, and Anna Stuart also star in Gotham. I also enjoy the fact that the Gotham episodes are of greater length.

With names like Drake Hogestyn, Tristen Rogers, Tonja Walker, and Martha Madison attached to the yet to be filmed web show, “Reality Bytes” also promises to be a good one.

For me personally, web shows fit my lifestyle. I admit it; I am a web-based person. I do like my TV. Heck, I will go as far as to say I LOVE my TV. But, in reality, I spend more time logged on my computer than I do in front of a TV set. Yes, I do have a state of the art monitor that, for me, makes it enticing to watch all forms of media at my computer. I know that there will be those out there who will say, “Well, I just can’t watch on my monitor.” Just remember, if you can watch YouTube on your monitor, then watching a web series should not be a problem.

I like that, with web soaps, they can take chances on things they can’t (or won’t) do on network television. It’s all about the creative freedom on the web. There is no one there saying, “Oh no, you can’t do that,” or “You can’t touch that subject.” The web offers more reign to be able to produce some interesting stuff we wouldn’t normally see on a network televised soap.

As for the downside to web soaps, one is the length of the episodes. They are, for the most part, under 10 minutes per episode. It’s hard to get into a story in only 10 minutes or less. The writing really has to be top notch to be able to grasp the attention of the viewer. It either has to really make me laugh or really make me cry, both of which will make me want to watch more. Also, the timing can be off on a web soap. A week apart? Two weeks? Who knows?

I think the MAIN thing that guarantees success for a web soap is found in its cast. You have to have a “name” to make people interested enough to tune in. This is something new; people will have to have a reason, other than the basis of a new show, to want to tune in. This is why I am so glad that Mary Beth got the leading role in ‘The Bay‘. She will pull people in, no doubt. I can’t even tell you how many times over the last twenty-four hours I have heard people say, “Well, I have no idea what a web soap is, but I will watch for Mary Beth”. Granted, I know a lot of Mary Beth fans, so that is a given. But, it also shows the loyalty of the fans out there. They are willing to try and explore something new for one of their favorites.

Mary Beth, back in 2001, did a little indie film called “American Coffee”. She had a very small role in it, but I thought it was brilliant because it was so out of the box for her. I am glad to see that she is still willing to take a chance and try something new. This gig should in no way hinder her opportunities in landing on another show, if she so opts. I seriously doubt that she will be under any kind of contract of any sorts for this. I really see no downside to her doing a web based soap. In my opinon, it’s a win-win situation.

What do you think? Will this ‘Web Soap thing’ take off? Are you excited to see Mary Beth explore this web soap opportunity?

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Kris - May 12, 2010 - 8:23 pm

Yesterday all I had were questions. What’s an indie soap? That was my first question. I thought maybe an indie soap aired on one of those independent film channels on television or something. I even wondered if I had the channel I’d need.

See how uneducated I was?

Then I went to “We Love Soaps” to look at the announcement about Mary Beth being hired for The Bay. I read the description of the show and I then I understood that it was a web-based soap. I’ve heard of Venice, but I’ve never watched it. I think I saw a sliver of Gotham once. Martha Bryne’s in that one and I know of her from ATWT, where she once played Lily, Sierra’s sister.
(Mary Beth connection, LOL!)

So now Mary Beth has been “hired” for this project. It doesn’t surprise me that she’d jump in. This is the woman who took on a column in a magazine…who took up photography to take pictures for her columns…who started a pie business from scratch on a dare from her husband.

That’s just Mary Beth. We wouldn’t have her any other way!

Miahappy - May 12, 2010 - 9:43 pm

I’m anxious to see MB wherever! My only hesitation on this news is I wish it was more! I’m not sure 6 minute episodes will be enough. Watching Stephen in Y&R for 3 minutes 4 times a month seems like torture, I’m afraid it will be the same with MB, but then again…nothing is ever enough!

I hope this opens doors for her. She is way too good not to find a home somewhere. Although she is “older” in the acting world, she looks fantastic and her talent can’t be measured.

As far as the “webisodes,” I don’t know. I’ve never watched an internet based show (never had a reason) but I am not opposed to it. Lord knows I’ve watched more than my share of SnK clips on YouTube, and some of those are over 6 minutes (and again…not enough)! I’ll reserve my opinion for after watching.

I’d still love to see her come to Y&R, but I’ll enjoy watching her in whatever she does.

Dawn - May 13, 2010 - 1:21 am

I’m really intrigued by this. I think that it could really take off since a lot of people spend more time on their computers than watching their televisions. I am one of those people. LOL!

Shelley Keddy - May 13, 2010 - 12:03 pm

I am really looking forward to it I am sure these 8 minutes episodes will have me wanting for more but they are 8 minutes we don’t have now and with others doing these and Tv soap roles too I don’t think it limits her it is just 8 minutes a week we weren’t getting before. I am also glad it seems this will be available to anyone in the world who wants it being Canadian there was no way to see her in her play and her two guest spots she has done in this last year were on channels I didn’t have although I was able to see them thanks to the kindness of others. I look forward to the thought that we can be guaranteed this much MBE and hope for more I my self would love her on YandR or another soap but YandR is my first choice this is still a great oppurtunity and who knows one of these webseries is now going to a half an hour tv show although quite frankly I hope this show can get advertisers and go longer on the web because I like the thought of taking the network control out of it. Either way I plan on enjoying whatever we get and realizing it is more than we had in this last year.

May 11 2010

Mary Beth Evans Joins Indie Soap ‘THE BAY’

Posted in Days of our Lives, daytime soaps, Mary Beth Evans, The Bay, Webseries 2 comments

CONGRATULATIONS TO MARY BETH EVANS !!!

For being cast in the lead role of socialite Sara Garrett

on the upcoming indie soap ‘THE BAY’

…Reports…

mbebay.jpg picture by snandmbe

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Liz K - May 11, 2010 - 11:05 pm

OMG I am SOO excited!!! Something else to look forward to–a regular role–after the guest stints on Days and ATWT are over. I miss seeing her onscreen so much, I am just jumping for joy over this news.

Jen - May 12, 2010 - 8:13 am

Aw, I think this is GREAT for Mary Beth Gives her a chance to do something new and to explore that indie part of the soap world that seems to be taking off. Glad to see her expand to that. It sounds like a different part for her and the cast is really shaping up nicely. Be nice to see her on something like this. Very Good News!

May 05 2010

Welcome to the Future

Posted in daytime soaps, Hybrid Mom, Mary Beth Evans, Steve & Kayla 5 comments

-By Giddy

Can you imagine how many ‘friends’ Elvis might have had on Facebook? Or how many would have ‘followed’ Paul, John, Ringo and George on Twitter? How quickly would a server have crashed from traffic overload if James Dean had posted a blog?

I dare say many a trembling teenage girl would have been camped out in front of their computer monitor, never leaving the confines of their bedroom oasis, where the walls undoubtedly served as a shrine dedicated to their favorite big screen idol.

I will reluctantly fess up that my room boasted what was essentially Shaun Cassidy wallpaper. Yes, I was a Shaun Cassidy groupie, okay? At least I’m brave enough to admit it. (C’mon, how many of you right now are mentally singing DaDoRonRon?). Much to my parents’ dismay, not a spot of plaster remained free of my pre-pubescent obsession with Mr. Cassidy. If only they had owned stock in Tiger Beat and Teen Scene, they could have long since retired to the Bahamas on my contribution alone.

As long as I am confessing my long guarded secrets I will go ahead and share with you that I was, in fact, a card carrying member of the Shaun Cassidy Fan Club (yes, there were actually membership cards…and for those of us who were not yet old enough for a driver’s license, it was quite a coo having that little card prominently displayed behind the plastic window). I also dabbled with membership in the Adrian Zmed fan club (any other T.J. Hooker fans out there? Anyone?…Bueller?…Bueller?). But I digress.

I still remember the days of waiting impatiently for the mail to arrive so I could see what wonderfully cheesy token I would receive for being such a true and devoted fan. Keychain? Check…Refrigerator magnet? Check…Glow in the dark bracelet? Check…Anything with an image that proudly advertised my allegiance to my favorite singer/ actor was priceless to me.

Even now when I look at my 5th grade picture, where I sit poised like a queen on her throne, Shaun Cassidy’s face staring back from the front of my t-shirt, I try and remember what I thought when I looked in the mirror back then. Perhaps I was too distracted by my mountain of bangs and my multi-colored leg warmers. Why did I find it essential that everyone be keenly aware that I was one day going to marry Shaun Cassidy? That is, assuming I survived the stroke I would surely have suffered if I ever met him in person.

For those of us who grew up in the 70’s, 80’s, and even the 90’s, we have a certain mentality when it comes to celebrities, and usually that mentality is one where we think they are somehow untouchable. We wait for our favorite magazines to come out, we join their fan club, we write them long gushing letters never actually expecting a response, and we admire them from afar.

For soap fans in particular, things have certainly changed over the last few decades, haven’t they? It seems like only yesterday when the only spoilers to be found came from the soap magazines. How many times did I stand around waiting for the guy at the local grocery store to finally stock the magazine rack so I could grab a copy of Soap Opera Magazine (anyone else remember that one?) and find out whether or not Steve and Kayla were finally going to hook up? There was no Internet, no chat rooms, and no online community to snag little tidbits of information. We never had a clue what our favorite actor was up to unless we were lucky enough to get a feature story about them in one of the mags. We could join their fan club, but that entailed little more than the occasional newsletter, a few gaudy trinkets and a mass-produced birthday card once a year.

It continues to amaze me the amount of personal contact fans have with their favorite actors these days. Between Facebook, Twitter and other online communities, soap actors are more visible than they have ever been. Charles Shaughnessy, Melissa Reeves, Anthony Herrera, and Darin Brooks are but a few of the ones who maintain their own Facebook pages and who routinely communicate with their fans. Y&R’s Michael Muhney (ex-Adam) has been referred to as ‘marketing genius’ simply because he takes the time to post on a couple of the soap boards. His fan base continues to grow, and he’s no longer on the show. Smart man.

Sign on to Twitter at almost any time of the day and you will catch tweets from Alison Sweeney, Nancy Lee Grahn, Crystal Chappell and Daniel Goddard among others. The amazing part is that they don’t have anything necessarily earth shattering to share. They simply want to connect with their fans, and I for one find that extremely admirable. It’s interesting how a post like “off to the gym” elicits such a positive response, almost a sense of gratitude from fans who appreciate that they have some small connection to someone that they might never have the opportunity to meet in person.

Soap fan events are few and far between these days, and tend to be somewhat impersonal anyway. Add to that the fact that not every fan has the financial means or the time to fly across the country to have a photo signed and spend 2 minutes chatting with the actor, and it becomes even more obvious how important these new social networks have become. It’s important not just for the fans, but for the actors as well.

Mary Beth Evans posted on her Hybrid Mom blog last week that she was going to be returning to ATWT for a stint this summer and within an hour, it was all over the Internet. Folks like Soap Opera Digest, Soap Central and Soaps.com were talking about it almost immediately. Dang, you can’t get that kind of positive publicity anywhere else…and it was free!

Very few actors bother with fan clubs these days because, quite frankly, they have become out-dated and frivolous in this age of the Internet. Fans are no longer satisfied with the dime store souvenir and 8×10 glossies that gather dust in some over-stuffed desk drawer. They expect (and deserve) a little more effort from their favorites. They want to feel appreciated and they want to feel like they matter enough to be “in touch”, even if it’s something as insignificant as knowing that Daniel Goddard had chicken noodle soup for dinner.

You know the old saying, “it’s not the gift but the thought behind it that counts”? The same sentiment holds true for fans who are members of Facebook and Twitter, and those who surf the Internet daily espousing their love for their favorite actors/characters. As soaps continue their struggle to maintain their place on television, it seems only logical that the actors should be reaching out to their fans and embracing them; connecting with them and showing them they are appreciated.

To those who have yet to jump on the Facebook and Twitter bandwagon, take the leap. Welcome to the future, because the future is now.

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Sherry S. - May 5, 2010 - 9:53 am

I have to agree with much of what you’ve said in this blog. Michael Muhney is the first that comes to mind for me when staying in contact with his fans. I’ve read many posts from him at several different websites…and it’s refreshing to say the least. His contact, even though no longer on Y&R, has done wonders for his popularity.

As of fan of Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans, both could take a lesson from MM. I do have to give Mary Beth some kudos…she is consistent with updating her blog at Hybrid Mom…and much of our information comes through that blog. As for Stephen, much of the information we receive comes through interviews at SOD or one of the other major soap magazines. Personal contact with fans is relevant in a soap actor’s popularity…especially in this technological world we live in.

Miahappy - May 5, 2010 - 9:55 am

Well, I can’t relate to the Shaun Cassidy thing (that was WAY before my time – ok, well maybe just a couple years – my sister had a thing for him, though). I hate to confess, my obsession as a young teeny bopper was Michael Jackson… My, how times have changed!

The only soap I ever watched was Days, so I didn’t get much into the soap mags, but I was totally into the Teen Beat types… I remember sitting on my bed with a friend writing letters to all our favorites and send them away to the addresses in the back of the magazine. To take the time to actually hand-write a letter to someone…you’d think that would be worth something! But, alas, no answers would ever come.

Until…that glorious day! I actually got a response from one of my all time favorites – Harrison Ford! I was convinced I was going to marry him (let’s not mention he’s older than my father by 2 years) and was completely envious of Princess Leia in the movie, despite the fact I would look SO much better in that gold bikini!

He had sent an envelope address to “The Harrison Ford Fan at…” with my address on it. SO exciting! Inside was an autographed 5×7 black and white picture. Now, I was old enough to know that he, himself, had not sent the picture, but it didn’t matter. My life, at that moment, was complete. That photo, complete with envelope, is now matted and framed and is adorning my office wall as we speak, 25+ years after I received it.

Technology can be great. Facebook is awesome…it’s help me connect to friends I have not seen in decades. It is fantastic in so many ways, but nothing will ever compare to the day I received the best piece of mail I can imagine.

Thanks, Harrison! I’m STILL a huge fan!!!

Jen - May 5, 2010 - 10:30 am

What a great blog this week! I couldn’t agree with you any more. It is no secret that I am a social media whore, I love it! Can’t get enough of it. With this age of the internet and even our smart phones, we are always in some contact with the world. Mostly with people we have never met, but only know by screen names and common interests that we love to talk about. I have to admit, I got a little giggly the first time a “celebrity” tweeted back to me. It was Nancy Lee Grahn and we were talking about ageism on television, it was a thoughtful conversation, not just “hey I had a grilled cheese.. me too”. While there are many pros and cons to social media, for the fans that can keep their “fandom” in check, it is just a wonderful way to stay in touch with some of their favorites. It’s a two way street also, celebrities can use it to their advantage to call upon their fans for support. Look what happens when a national or world disaster happens and the tweets go out for the support, it’s immediate. Diane Neal (http://twitter.com/DianeNeal) uses it to get the support of her fans to up her starmeter on IMDB.com for when casting agents are looking at her for a role. But, her tweets also showed me what a funny intelligent person she really is. I would have never known that about her if not for twitter, makes me want to support her even more for a role.

You brought up a great example of the power of the internet and social media outlets with the example of MB’s blog last week. Boy that one went out like wildfire because of all the information that was in it for the “soap” fans. I will have to say that soap fans are some of the lucky ones in regards to being able to get up and close (even for a fraction of a min)to some of their favorites. Growing up, I can’t even tell you how many Home Shows/Auto Shows/Craft fairs I went to with my Mom just to see those very special “Soap Stars” live and in person. And then the events they put on themselves for their fans. But, you are right, I was very fortunate,that growing up, my parents could not only afford to take me to events, but I had parents that like to do that sort of thing with us (me and my sister that is). Not everyone can do that. But, with the internet, they can come in our lives almost every day. It’s cool to know what they are up to, what they like, what they themselves are watching on TV, or doing. It makes them “real” people, not just someone you see on the TV everyday. I know in this crazy world, people can take it to far, I have seen it personally, but I have also seen a lot of good come out of this social media world we live in. I think for anybody, especially a celebrity of any kind, it is a personal decision on how far you want to go with people knowing what is going on in your life. I don’t necessarily think that entertainers “have to” use social media, but in this climate it seems an easy free way to publicise yourself. I know I personally follow celebrities that I never would have noticed otherwise if not for social media and have come to enjoy their work. Networking does work, you just have to know how to use it to your advantage. Who knows, maybe some just don’t feel their life is all that interesting to “tweet” about LOL. But, for sure the future is here, I don’t think social media is going anywhere. As a matter of fact, it will just continue to grow and expand.

And yes, I was a Shaun Cassidy fan girl also! LOL

Lori - May 5, 2010 - 11:30 am

Boy did you take me back to when I was a kid… Shaun Cassidy? Loved him! Not to mention his brother David! Yikes! There’s showing my age. As for T.J Hooker…Adrian was the reason I watched the show. LOL But I have to admit Sylvester Stallone was all over my walls. I had a drawer full of magazines, books, even the infamous Rockymobile. Yes there was one. LOL…

I have to agree with you, back then it was all about the magazines and writing to all the actors. I’ll never forget how I went on a crusade, my brother and I. Writing to all our favorite actors on Days and Y&R. I was so excited when I recieve autograph pictures of Stephen, Peter and Drake. Yes I still have them. But I have to say my favorite response was from Doug Davidson (Paul from Y&R) he wrote me, in red ink I might add. A really nice letter, responded to all my questions and seemed to really give them some thought before he did. Boy did I love him even more after that. I’ll have to admit I’m not much of a twitter or facebook person so, for me, I get all my information on sites such as this and have to thank all of you ladies for keeping people like me, the not so computer literate person updated on what’s going on out there and Giddy. Thank you for taking me back to the day. What a great read this was!

Aloha,
Lori

wawame - May 5, 2010 - 4:29 pm

I myself was madly in love with Pete Cochran, who in real life is known as Michael Cole. To a young and naive me, the greatest show ever made was ‘The Mod Squad’. Pete Cochran and I were going to save the world, after we got married, of course. Looking back now, I am amazed at how I thought something that is so obviously contrived and cheesy was Emmy worthy material. But to a very young me, it was. I still get all goose bumpy when I hear the theme song to this show… when I pull it up on youtube, that is. Still, I have no doubt that if, at the time, the internet and all its social networking outlets were available to my beloved undercover cop, he would have definitely used them to his advantage. He was so ‘hip’ and ‘groovy’… so ‘with it, man’, I feel sure he would have kept me and his ten million other wannabe girlfriends on the edge of our seats with his anti-establishment banter. But, I grew up, and so did my tastes in what I consider entertainment. I was an adult when Steve and Kayla hit the screen. Adult or not, that didn’t stop me from standing at the magazine rack at the local drug store, desperately searching for any tidbit I could find on the one and only ‘supercouple’ I would fully invest in. Sad thing is, I still do it today. Hubby stacks the groceries on the moving belt while I peruse the magazine racks at the checkout. Needless to say, I am thrilled if I find one sporting a picture of either of my favorite two actors. So, being a grown woman who is willing to scour the grocery store magazine racks, rest assured I would be all over anything they would offer by way of the internet. It brings a whole new meaning to the word ‘connected’. Magazines just don’t offer that same connection. A lot of actors realize that, and are definitely using social networking to their advantage. Many more could stand to learn of that advantage, seeing how fans are a valuable commodity.

And, it would be the groovy thing to do. Yes, I did say groovy, and that’s no jive. 😉

Apr 29 2010

New Blog from Mary Beth

Posted in Days of our Lives, Hybrid Mom, Mary Beth Evans, Steve & Kayla 1 comment

-By Jen

Awww Mary Beth Evans…. gotta love her!

So usually I do not post on Mary Beth ‘s blog from week to week, but I making an exception this week due to the fact that there are just so many good tidbits from Mary Beth on what she has done and where she is going in regards to her acting career.

It goes without saying that I love Mary Beth. As a person, as an actor, as someone that can just make me smile when I need one. I love her attitude in the ways of life and I love the fact that what she does for a living makes other people happy, I wonder and hope she knows that. The fact that she would give us back Kayla for even a few episodes and now it looks like Sierra is making a few appearances, well that just makes my day. I really hope a show wises up fast and puts her on contract somewhere!

I love the behind the scenes video also she gives us. Mary Beth is really becoming the little video girl! Thanks again! Loved seeing all the faces we haven’t seen in awhile.

Old Friends and New Opportunities

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Liz K - April 29, 2010 - 11:03 am

OMG!!! Mary Beth ROCKS. Loved the vid and pics…I was already excited/thrilled about her Days stint, and now we have ATWT to look forward to also (I LOVE her as Sierra). I loved her blog…She
has such a refreshing positive attitude.