Showing posts with label Jean Passanante. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jean Passanante. Show all posts

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Jean Passanante, Leah Laiman, Tom Casiello & More Join Radish Originals


Radish, a short-form serialized fiction platform capitalizing on the shift to mobile reading, today announced the launch of Radish Originals, its first foray into producing in-house serialized stories. To oversee the initiative, Radish brought Sue Johnson on board as CCO and to head its New York office. Johnson formerly served as VP of Programming at ABC Daytime, where she oversaw the soap operas All My Children and One Life to Live, and most recently was at Pocket Gems mobile interactive storytelling app Episode. Additionally, Radish expanded its senior team with the appointments of Filippo De Rose as CMO, Taylor Carlson as Head of Content Strategy, Jonghun Shin as CTO, and Seyoon Kyle Choi as VP of Engineering.

“Radish is rapidly growing and our users are hungry for more diverse content. Sue’s experience in serialized storytelling for both the traditional and mobile entertainment space supports our mission to deliver a broad range of premium stories to our readers from not only up-and-coming authors, but well-established writers, which is where Sue’s expertise is invaluable. We will be producing stories in TV-style writers’ rooms and iterating these stories through data-driven A/B testing often used in mobile gaming studios. We are excited to innovate on how novels are produced and published,” said Seung-yoon “SY” Lee, Founder and CEO of Radish.

“Radish reflects the increase in mobile consumption, desire for shorter, bite-size content and consumer’s demand for premium storytelling, which makes it a very exciting time to be joining the team,” said Johnson. “Radish Originals will showcase powerful writing by masters of the episodic art form, including some of daytime television’s most accomplished writers.”

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Chris Van Etten Stepping in as Co-Head Writer at 'General Hospital' with Shelly Altman

The recently retired Jean Passanante has revealed that iconic ABC soap opera General Hopsital promoted from within to replace her as co-head writer with Shelly Altman. P

“Shelly will have Chris Van Etten as co-head, and he’s a lifelong fan and brilliant writer,” Passanante posted to Twitter on Saturday, in response to a fan question.

Van Etten joined One Life to Life in 2001 as the assistant to executive producer Frank Valentini, moved to the writing team in 2003, and remained with the soap until it left ABC in January 2012. A few months later, he moved to GH to write breakdowns under head writer Ron Carlivati.



Tuesday, June 6, 2017

'General Hospital' Head Writer Jean Passanante Announces Retirement

Five-time Emmy-winning writer Jean Passanante has announced she will be retiring at the end of July. Passanante, who wrote for One Life to Live, Another World, As the World Turns and The Young and the Restless before becoming co-head writer of General Hospital in 2015, alongside Shelly Altman.

"Jean Passanante has been a tremendous talent to the ABC family," said Vicki Dummer, head of Current Series Programming, ABC Entertainment in a statement. "Having come full circle — she began her career with ABC in 1992 — it is only fitting that she has decided to end her story where it began. While we are all sad to see her go, we are immensely impressed by her creative contributions and are grateful to have worked with her throughout her career and wish her well in her retirement."

Passanante made it clear on Twitter that was not being fired from GH.

"I am leaving on my own terms," she wrote. "Not being fired. Sorry to disappoint you."

There is no word yet whether GH will leave Altman as the lone head writer, get a new co-head writer, or change the head writing team altogether. Stay tuned.

Friday, September 16, 2016

Frank Valentini, Jean Passanante & Shelly Altman Sign New Deals to Remain at 'General Hospital'

Frank Valentini
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini signed a new contract with ABC earlier this month to remain at the soap, according to a report by Daytime Confidential's Jamey Giddens.

Giddens also revealed the head writing team of Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman recently renewed their deals with the show as well.

Valentini took over at GH in 2012 following the end of One Life to Live's run on ABC. Passanante and Altman replaced Ron Carlivati in 2015, after working together as head writers at The Young and the Restless.

Friday, September 4, 2015

NEWS: Shelly Altman, Jean Passanante, Jess Walton, Kristolyn Lloyd, Kate Linder

New General Hospital head writers Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante exited for what's ahead
In the new issue of Soap Opera Digest, Altman and Passanante discuss a wide range of topics including Genie Francis's (Laura) status, their plan to bring more romance to Port Charles, the role of the hospital and the mob on the canvas, revitalizing the Quartermaines, the timing of the Jason reveal, the possibility of recasting Robin, and much more.

“There is nothing more passionate than a General Hospital fan," Passanante says. "We hope that they will invest their commitment in the show and give us a chance, because I think they will be rewarded."

Adds Altman, "We are excited to be here; we are writers and fans."

Jess Walton
Jess Walton happy to be back at The Young and the Restless "for good"
“I’m ready to be back,” declares the actress, who returned on Thursday's episode as Jill. “I feel re-energized and it’s so nice to be with my Y&R family again. I really missed them."

The Oregon-based actress reveals she requested the time away from the show. “I asked to take break,” she says. “Where I live, the winters are so long and the summers are very short, so I just wanted time off to relax and really enjoy my beautiful home. It was wonderful.” Look for her to stick around. "As far as I’m concerned, Jill is back for good and ready to deal with whatever comes!” assures Walton.

Downton Abbey “superfan” Queen Elizabeth II likes to pick out the show’s mistakes
Brian Hoey, author of "At Home With The Queen," tells People: “She loves to pick out the mistakes. They do tend to get it right. However, the Queen did notice on one episode that there was a young so-called British officer wearing medals which had not been awarded when he was supposed to be alive. He was fighting in the First World War and the medals on his chest did not come in until the Second World War."

The Bold and the Beautiful alum Kristolyn Lloyd cast in Broadway's "Invisible Thread"
The cast is now set for the New York premiere of "Invisible Thread." The new musical will star its co-creator Griffin Matthews, off-Broadway alums Nicolette Robinson and Kristolyn Lloyd as Eden (reprising her role from the Massachusetts run) and Grace, respectively, and more. The show, written by Matthews and Matt Gould and directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus, will begin on October 31 at Second Stage's Tony Kiser Theatre. Opening night is set for December 2.

Stars to shine for pet gala, including Y&R's Kate Linder
Over 250 people are expected to attend the gala, “Canine Casablanca: A Rescue Affair,” with a 1940s theme. 12 Hollywood celebrities will be in attendance, including Jerry “The Beaver” Mathers, Robert Hays of the Airplane movies, Agoura Hills resident Jenilee Harrison of Dallas and Three’s Company, Kate Linder of The Young and The Restless and Newbury Park resident and actor Casey Sander.

New Daily Show host Trevor Noah once appeared on South African soap Isidingo
Before being an international star, Noah had a cameo role in the South African soap opera Insidingo in 2002, when he was just 18.

Empire Drops New Songs Featuring Jussie Smollett, Pitbull Ahead of Season 2 Premiere
The first song, “No Doubt About It,” features Jussie Smollett, known to fans of the show as Jamal Lyon, and Pitbull, who will also guest star on season two. The song was co-written by Pitbull and Ne-Yo.

The other song features Smollett and Bryshere “Yazz” Gray, who plays the youngest Lyon son Hakeem. It is called “Ain’t About the Money,” and has been featured in the trailers for season two.

Listen to both songs below:

Friday, July 24, 2015

Ron Carlivati Fired From 'General Hospital' as Head Writer, Replaced by Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante

Ron Carlivati
Ron Carlivati has been fired as head writer of General Hospital, after winning the WGA Award earlier this year for writing in a daytime drama.

Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante have been named new co-head writers of GH, taking over on August 10.

“We are pleased to welcome back two esteemed writers to our General Hospital family,” said Vicki Dummer, Executive Vice President Current Series Programming, in a statement. "Shelly and Jean’s combined talents and experiences promise to continue the show’s legacy of compelling storytelling that will resonate with our impassioned viewers. We’re delighted with what they have in store for the show as they continue honoring the rich, diverse environs of Port Charles.”

Altman is a multiple Emmy award-winner who worked on One Life to Live and The Young and the Restless, as well as GH and Another World. Passanante previously served as head writer and co-head writer for several daytime dramas, including Y&R, All My Children and As the World Turns. She has won four Daytime Emmy awards, six Writer’s Guild awards and five GLAAD media awards.

Carlivati moved to GH in early 2012, along with executive producer Frank Valentini, after ABC canceled One Life to Live. Carlivati won a Daytime Emmy award in 2008 for his work at OLTL.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Jean Passanante Returning to the 'General Hospital' 'Writing Team

Jean Passanante
Daytime Emmy winning writer Jean Passanante, who recently left The Young and the Restless is returning to General Hospital, the soap she wrote for when she left to join Y&R in 2013. Passanante revealed the news on Twitter.


In announcing her Y&R departure earlier this month, we speculated she would eventually return to GH, and the show wasted no time in making it happen.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Jean Passanante Confirms She Is No Longer on 'The Young and the Restless' Writing Team

Jean Passanante
Jean Passanante has confirmed that she is no longer writing for The Young and the Restless. She joined the show in late 2013 to form a co-head writing team with Shelly Altman.

"I'm no longer with Y&R so I'm glad you're still with me!" Passanante wrote on Twitter in response to an appreciative fan.

In September it was revealed that Charles Pratt Jr. had been hired to be Y&R's new head writer, and his work began airing in January. Passanante and Altman remained with the show as breakdown writers.

Passanante came to The Young and the Restless following stints at General Hospital, One Life to Live, As the World Turns, All My Children and Another World.

With the way daytime writers rotate from one soap to another, it wouldn't be surprising if Passanante eventually returns to General Hospital.

She has won four Daytime Emmys and four WGA Awards during her career.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Charles Pratt, Jr. Named 'The Young and the Restless' Head Writer and Executive Producer

The Young and the Restless is bringing a familiar face on board to write for the top-rated daytime soap opera. Emmy winner Charles "Chuck" Pratt, Jr. will take over as the new head writer, replacing the team currently helmed by Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante, along with Tracey Thomson. Daytime Confidential is reporting that Pratt will also receive an executive producer credit, although Phelps will still reportedly be in charge.

Pratt is known for scripting primteime serials Melrose Place, Titans and Models, Inc., as well as daytime soap operas Santa Barbara, Sunset Beach, General Hospital and All My Children. His credits also include Pacific Palisades, Ugly Betty, The Colbys, Desperate Housewives, and Beverly Hills, 90210.

Pratt most recently created and produced The Lying Game for ABC Family, a solid effort starring Alexandra Chando that ran for 30 episodes from 2011-2013.

Highlight Hollywood first reported the news of Pratt possibly joning Y&R.

RELATED:
- Charles Pratt, Jr. Named 'All My Children' Head Writer and Consulting Producer (May 2008)

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Sony Officially Announces Shelly Altman & Jean Passanante As New Head Writers For THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS With Tracey Thomson As Co-Head Writer

Shelly Altman has been promoted to Head Writer and Jean Passanante has been named Head Writer for THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, daytime's number one drama. Additionally, Tracey Thomson has been promoted to Co-Head Writer. The announcement was made today by Steve Kent, Senior Executive Vice President, U.S. Programming at Sony Pictures Television.

“Shelly has been an important part of the Y&R writing team since joining the show last year and Jean brings with her a wealth of daytime writing experience. We are excited to have these two talented daytime veterans leading our writing team at Y&R,” said Kent. “We are also thrilled to have Tracey take on a new role and we look forward to her creative input to the show.”

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Finally! Something Original On Daytime!

Mushroom hunting! Yes, AS THE WORLD TURNS' Lucinda Walsh is going mushroom hunting today.

And just think, it wasn't that long ago when she gave this fascinating answer in a Soap Opera Digest Interview:

Digest: Is there a story that you've wanted to tell but haven't?
Passanante: Not really. That's really an unusual thing to say on a soap, but no. We joke around sometimes about preposterous ideas, but the things that we've actually talked about doing, we've either done or we're going to do or we're thinking about doing.

Well, I guess she finally was able to come up with something new. At least it looks funny.