News Round-up

INTERVIEW: Y&R's Greg Rikaart (Kevin)
Rikaart told TV Guide Canada's Nelson Branco: "You know what Maria Arena Bell said to me the other day?: 'In soaps, we’re allowed to take more risks as actors. And if you screw up, you can move on onto the next episode and learn from your mistakes. It’s much like life. You can’t necessarily do that in other mediums.' Soaps allow you to constantly challenge yourself and not become complacent as an artist."

Digital TV Beckons, Many Miss the Call
Less than a month before the Feb. 17 deadline, so many American households have yet to take the necessary steps to continue to watch over-the-air television — more than 6.5 million, according to Nielsen Media Research — that Congress has considered giving them more time.

Shenae Grimes and Jennie Garth want 90210 to get messy
In interviews, both Shenae Grimes, who plays Annie, and Beverly Hills 90210 vet Jennie Garth, who plays Kelly, told TVGuide.com they're ready for their characters' problems to get messier.

"I would love to see Kelly — the real side of her," said Garth, who started playing the character in 1990. "I would like to see her raising her son by herself and the comedy that comes out of that, and the heartache. There's a lot more that goes on that the audience isn't getting to see, I think."

Nathan Fillon on voicing Steve Trevor
Former ONE LIFE TO LIVE star Fillion will do double duty this March as the title character in ABC's upcoming series CASTLE and the voice of Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman, the next entry in the popular series of DC Universe animated original PG-13 movies due from Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation on March 3, 2009.

"The challenge I find is just trying to use my natural voice and trying not to put on too much of a voice. I tried to just keep it nice and easy and relaxed. He's a little bit wry, he's a little bit dry. I can do that. And a couple of times I actually slipped in a little bit of a southern accent.

Steve Trevor is not a complex guy. He's got a façade up, he's got a defense up, but he drops it a little bit because he does care about Diana. I like that he's got a bit of an arc, he's got something to learn. I think that's what makes a good character and a good story."

SPTI takes 50% stake in Colombia's Teleset
Sony Pictures Television International has acquired a 50% stake in Colombian TV shingle Teleset in a move to expand production throughout Latin America and the U.S. Latino market.

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES' Shawn Pyfrom on having a storyline and love interest
"It's been great to have a little more to do. It's been five years then we jumped five years ahead from where I was! Todd [Grinnell] has been great. He's a very talented guy. It's been very easy to work with him."