News Brief

SOAPnet swings into second NIGHT SHIFT
There will be a second shift for SOAPnet's GENERAL HOSPITAL spinoff series.

The 68.1-million subscriber SOAPnet has ordered 13 episodes of GENERAL HOSPITAL: NIGHT SHIFT, with production set to begin next month. Produced in high-definition this go round, the sophomore series, again shifting some storylines from its daytime progenitor to late night, will premiere Tuesdays at 11 p.m., starting July 22.

Drawing/sending viewers back and forth between the shows is emblematic of the ways Brian Frons, president, daytime, Disney ABC Television Group is leveraging the resources of the unit, comprising ABC Daytime, Buena Vista Productions and SoapNet, which was formed last May.

Frons said that while the second season of NIGHT SHIFT is being led by new executive producer Lisa De Cazotte (NBC'S PASSIONS, ABC'S ALL MY CHILDREN, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) and head writer Sri Rao (MTV'S WHAT GOES ON, off-Broadway's "Precipice"), they are sharing the acumen and advice of Robert Guza, Jr. and Jill Farren Phelps. The head writer and executive producer of GH, respectively, they served in those capacities for the first season of Night Shift as well.

"Sri has worked closely with Bob and Jill, scoping out where the storylines are going to be on General Hospital," said Frons. "One thing we heard from fans was that there were some disconnects. We’re working hard to make sure there will be more consistency tying the shows together better."

To that end, ABC has built Night Shift its own stage, but, when needed, it will transport sets from GENERAL HOSPITAL.

PHOTOS: Sexy Jake Silbermann
Several new photos of Jake Sibermann have been released online from DNA Model Management LLC. Silbermann, who turns 25 on June 1st, is approaching his one year anniversary on AS THE WORLD TURNS as Noah Mayer.

Before joining the cast of ATWT, Silbermann appeared in the play "Pinata" and played a bellhop on GUIDING LIGHT. He also starred in the student film, "Brunch of the Living Dead.". In late April, he made a guest appearance on The CW's GOSSIP GIRL.

Katy Perry to Perform on Y&R
The "I Kissed a Girl" singer will appear on the June 12 episode of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and will grace the cover of the soap's in-show fashion magazine, Restless Style.

INTERVIEW: John Enos and the sharks
John Enos III is best known for playing sharks named Bobby: He was Bobby Parezi on MELROSE PLACE and Bobby Marsino on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. This summer, he is hanging with actual sharks. John plays Kane Marcus in SHARK SWARM, an original movie that premieres on the Hallmark Channel on Sunday night.

"I actually have some personality in this one," Enos says. "He’s a character. Since Lux doesn’t want to get his hands dirty, I get around a lot and get to
interact with most of the characters."

J. Byron, Artist Extraordinare
Jeffrey Byron, who lives in the Hills above Sunset in Hollywood with wife Lana and son Dimitry has found a new outlet to showcase his much talked about talent. Though he has spent most of his life in front of the camera - J. Byron has been a photographic artist for many years and has recorded images from all over the world. Recent trips to the Santa Barbara coastline and the island of Kauai inspired his latest collection, and his current quest is capturing the essence of the California desert. An avid golfer, Byron also brings his photographic sensibilities to the sport that symbolizes the surrounding area.

If he looks familiar it's because Jeffrey Byron the actor has been a recognizable figure in both movies and television. Jeffrey just landed a role in the newest Star Trek movie directed by JJ Abrams, of "Lost" fame. The newest Star Trek movie is scheduled to be in theatres in 2008. With contract roles on ONE LIFE TO LIVE and ALL MY CHILDREN, and recurring roles on THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL and PORT CHARLES, Jeffrey has made a contribution to the world of daytime dramas.

Jeffrey enjoys living in the Hollywood Hills and spends weekends in the desert, where he takes incredible photographs which are displayed on his website: www.jbyronphotoartist.com.

CORRIE star Michelle Keegan on her amazing rise to fame
On how she first met Jack P. Shepherd, who plays your CORONATION STREET boyfriend David Platt, at the airport where she worked: "I was a check-in girl and met him and his girlfriend as they flew to Florida. I was really star-struck when I saw him in the queue. Now two years on I'm playing his girlfriend."