News Round-up: Bomer, NYC, Willey, MELROSE

Matt Bomer (ex-Ben) on the demise of GUIDING LIGHT
I’m definitely sad to see it go. It’s the longest running show on TV and there’s incredible history there. There are so many wonderful actors on there who created incredible characters who I hope will get to move on to other things. I’ll always be grateful for that experience in my career."

The GUIDING LIGHT goes out, but leaves a shining legacy
Director of Production Management Lou Grieci said the more realistic four-wall sets and the natural feel of the outdoor locations reflects The Guiding Light’s recurring theme of “life happens here.” Grieci called it their “nomadic” production style. Besides hand held cameras, the crew also uses hand held microphones and lighting, and all editing is done on Mac Books. He said the real-life feeling this gives the scenes draws the audience in as if they are watching a play.

GL's Mosley to appear in "DivaLicious-Unplugged"
"DivaLicious-Unplugged," an homage to the singing divas of yesterday and today starring N'Kenge and special guest Karla Mosley (GUIDING LIGHT's Christina), will take place at 8pm on Saturday, August 22 at Don't Tell Mama in New York City.

Rough Week for NYC Soap Scene
For the New York TV acting community, the loss of two productions (possibly three) in such a short period is less than encouraging. Holter Graham, president for the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists' New York local, sees a silver lining in the AMC move.

"I actually think that the move that ABC made shows a big dedication on the part of the network to keep the show alive in what is obviously a changing market," he said. "The fact that Wayne Brady's LET'S MAKE A DEAL is replacing it shows what is happening in daytime television. But I think it shows that while the network understands that it's a challenged market and understands that cost-cutting has to be done, they believe in them and they still want them to work."

Willey's joke becomes 20-years of stand-up
In 1989, his character was dumped by the fickle Erica Kane, played by Susan Lucci. So when Regis Philbin asked Willey what he was going to do, he made a joke. "I'm going back to stand-up comedy to I heal my broken heart," he said. "I had never done stand-up before, but I thought this show was a great place to fly a flag and see if anyone saluted."

New MELROSE, same soapy shenanigans
"When we set out to do our version of MELROSE PLACE, we wanted to pay tribute to the old show, but really create our own show with our own characters, inspired by the experiences (we) have had," co-executive producer Todd Slavkin says of of the remake..

"Josie Bissett is shooting as we speak, and she's great," said Slavkin. "She's coming back as Sydney's sister; it felt organic to us to bring her back. What's really important to us in bringing these alumni back is, 'Does it feel organic? Does it feel not contrived?' Daphne Zuniga is coming back in a role we're very excited about -- (her character) Jo Reynolds will be coming back with a vengeance, and I think she'll fit in very, very nicely."

GH director fronts rock band
Described as "psychedelic progressive gothic rock," the band Phideaux is almost operatic in terms of vocal harmonies and long, symphonic songs, which makes sense in that front man Xavier Phideaux has directed episodes of GENERAL HOSPITAL and THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS.