News Round-up: Cady, Thaao, N.Y. Tax Credit

N.Y. state eyes $350 mil for productions
New York would free up an additional $350 million for an existing film and TV production tax credit program under a budget agreement reached in Albany over the weekend. Industry folks said, though, that the funding is a small Band-Aid for the short-term rather than a long-term solution. Their main concern: The new funding won't attract and bind TV shows to the state, and it likely will run out within less than a year.

CORONATION STREET story to highlight dangers of fire
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have recently worked in collaboration with the producers of CORONATION STREET to highlight the dangers of accidental fires in the home and the importance of maintaining a working smoke alarm. In a plot due to be broadcast tomorrow Monday night, Peter Barlow falls asleep with a cigarette, after having a drink, setting the flat on fire where he and Simon his son live. It is discovered that the smoke alarm in the flat has also had the battery removed.

Cady McClain: This story "has a message that I believe"
"I guess that in a long career of working in daytime, returning feels good in a whole new way. I don’t feel jaded about the business, I feel like I know who I am now, and what I care about, and this just happens to be a medium that (with the right story) allows me to express that caring. I don’t feel like I am at the mercy of show business anymore. I feel like I have made a choice to do this story because it has a message that I believe in and that feels very empowering. I feel proud of myself, and that is a feeling that I would hope for all young people to have."

Thaao Penghlis: "I'm sure they won't be leaving their imaginations to science"
"Did an interview with Stephanie at SOD the other day. She certainly liked the work. I said somethings, and the way they come out, I'm even surprised concerning the show and circumstances that brought about Tony's exit. I now have a better idea who was responsible and their connection to JR. But its done and the way it was executed story wise could have been a little more heroic and a little less convenient. I'm sure they won't be leaving their imaginations to science."

Jesse McCartney wins Kids' Choice Award
GREEK's Jesse McCartney claimed the favorite male singer prize at Nickelodeon's 22nd annual Kids' Choice Awards.

INTERVIEW: Y&R's Jerry Douglas
Douglas appeared on "Olivia Wilder Times" on March 20 discussing Y&R, Maria Bell and the soap industry.

Shilpa Shetty to join EASTENDERS?
CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER star Shilpa Shetty is reported to be in talks with the BBC1 soap opera’s producers about joining the cast. Shetty, whose BIG BROTHER row with the late Jade Goody made headlines across the world two years ago, is thought to have bought a £10million mansion in Weybridge, Surrey, recently.