Days of our Lives: Thank you for not hiring me

A few years ago, I wrote alternative storylines for Days of Our Lives and posted them on the NBC fan boards.  I was just being snarky, because the writing was so bad.  It was only suppose to be a one or two time deal. However, it turned into so much more.  Suddenly, there were people from around the world, loving what I wrote and wanting to read more.   Many promoted me the show's producers as a replacement for the head writer.  I did clean up the scripts and contacted them.  Luckily, they said a resounding "No!"  If they hadn't, I would be back writing and producing my own work.  So I am very grateful for the show's horrible writing and being turned down.  If they hadn't I would be in this amazing place in my life.

Nearly all the of the previous links to the Days' script no longer work.  Below is most of what I wrote.  However, please be aware that it is not in submission format.  There are typos and many mistakes.  I'm just sharing it for those who might be interested.

To read the storylines click here.

Here are links to my current projects.

Never Can Say Good-bye

The ghost of a murdered child bring his parents back together after they have reincarnated. He needs them to remember their lives together and forgive. If he succeeds, they will all heal and he will be freed to also reincarnate. If he fails, their need for revenge will damn them all

Elizabeth was asked by her mentor to teach a writing course at a small college. Since she never forgets a kindness, she reluctantly agrees. Arriving in town, she instantly regrets her decision. She wants to run, but she is honor bound to stay.Even as the ghost of a small child begs her to forgive, the memories of another time arouse feelings of hatred that she doesn't understand and cannot control. When she meets Shane, all of their lives are thrown onto a dangerous collision course from which they can neither run, nor can they hide. The question is, "Can they overcome their tragic past or will they be doomed to repeat it.

Never Can Say Good-bye is a Paranormal Thriller, which is comparable to Ghost, The Others, and the original Dark Shadows TV series.

Love can be a blessing or the curse that destroys an entire town.


When love is forever, death is only the beginning from Theresa Chaze on Vimeo.

Website

Horses and Heroes

Horses and Heroes is a Realty TV series that focuses on healing rather than glorifying bad behavior.  Working with the horses helps veterans find new ways to cope with their physical and emotional challenges.  Peer Support Therapy will give them the safe, supportive environment to face their ghosts head on.   Horses and Heroes can’t get them back what they lost.  War took that person. Yet it doesn’t have to be the end of their story.  They can’t go back and make a brand new start, but they can start from now and make a brand new end.  Horses and Heroes will help veterans find the strength and courage within themselves to rebuild their lives and create that brand new end.

Horses and Heroes: Changing Reality TV from Theresa Chaze on Vimeo.

All veterans' lives matter from Theresa Chaze on Vimeo.

Website

Upcoming:

Operation Home Base: A scripted TV drama comparable to M.A.S.H, The Waltons, and NCIS.

Spirit of a Nation: A talk show/documentary TV series about the past, present and future of horses.

Coyote Springs: A action drama feature, which is to the Magnificent Seven what the Magnificent Seven was to the Seven Samurai.

Riding Fences: A modern Day western.

There will be so many more projects.  I invite you to join our amazing ride to find adventure and love as we bring innovation, originality, and profitability back to the entertainment industry 

Days of Our Live: Wedding Part 3

I finished Days of Our Lives alternative storyline, The Wedding part 3.

It's at http://elfmagic.blogspot.com/

Please let me know what you think. You are also welcome to share the link

Days of Our Lives

Here's the deal. I am cleaning up and formatting the script that I have already posted into the correct format. I will be using it as resume material to get a writing gig on one of the other soaps. Although much of it will be familiar who have been keeping up, there have been a reshuffling of the scenes as well as some tweaking. Originally, I put little effort into the scrip, especially in the beginning. This better reflects me as a professional writer. However, since the program I am using doesn't have a spell check, there may still be some typos. If you see any, please let me know in the comments section. Thanks.


Episode on:
http://www.theresachaze.com/files/DOOLepione.pdf

Episode two: http://www.theresachaze.com/files/dayseptwo.pdf

Previously posted:


This is what I previously posted on the NBC Days boards not all of the posting are in the current proper format

http://geocities.com/tirgana/daysofourlives.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/Days10-16.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-26-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-31-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days11-2-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days11-15-08.pdf

http://geocities.com/tirgana/Days12-2-08.pdf

http://geocities.com/tirgana/Days12-8-08.pdf

http://geocities.com/tirgana/day12-14-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days12-30-08.pdf


http://www.geocities.com/easternguardian/days1-20-09


If you like what you are reading and would like me to take over as head writer, please contact the following:

Corday Productions Fax number
818)840-4968
Production phone number: 818-295-2820

Sony Pictures owns the rights to Days
Michael Lynton
Chairman & CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment

Amy Pascal
Co-Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment
12102 West Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232-3195
Phone: (310) 244-4000
Fax: (310) 244-2626
another phone line: 310-244-5722
NBC

NBCUNI.COM FEEDBACK
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
The GE Building at Rockefeller Plaza is NBC's corporate headquarters\
Phone: 212-664-4444. Fax: 212-664-4085

GE information
Jeffrey Immelt, CEO
General Electric Company
3135 Easton Turnpike
Fairfield, CT 06828
(203) 373-2211

Days of Our Lives: Honoring Francis Reid

To watch the video go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C459kXlRgUQ

I have been writing characters studies about the Days of Our Live cast. Alice Horton is more than the matriarch of the Horton clan; she is someone who knew what was right and had the courage to do what was necessary to help and protect other. She was all about friends, family and community as was Days of our Lives. She knew that loving others through the laughter and tears is what truly makes life worth while. However, it is impossible to summarize Alice in a few paragraphs; instead I found one of her best examples of her work and produced a video.

Francis Reid has portrayed Alice Horton since Days went on the air. Her unique humor and since of drama has made her special to many of her fans who see her as the sister, mother, aunt or grandmother we wished we had. For the long time fans of Day, it is hard to remember the time when Francis and Alice didn't grace our screens, making us laugh and cry, but most of all teaching us the true definition of family. When the character was prematurely killed off 2003-2004, the outcry from the fans force the show to rewrite the story, proving that some characters and the actors who portray them are irreplaceable-unlike head writers executives producers.

Alice and Tom Horton, played by Macdonald Carey, were the original faces of Days. They represented the best soaps had to offer. After Carey's death of lung cancer in 1994, the show tweaked it's opening theme to remove his name. However, until this day the show opens with Carey speaking "Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives."

It is the continuity along with the strong writing, production values and excellent cast that created a fan base that best could be called die-hard at worse a little rabid. It has taken a lot to drive them away, but it seems Corday, Higley and Tomlin are about to reach their goal of letting the sands of time run out as the show rapid runs down the path to cancellation. Hopefully, Ms Reid has better things to do with her time and people loving enough around her to distract her from watching the travesty the three-some has turned her life's work into. It would make my heart weep, if she was to see how they have turned the show she loved into nothing more than soft porn for teens and tweens.

Days of Our lives: A Gift for the Fans of the Vets

Days of Our lives: A Gift for the Fans of the Vets
This is a gift for the fans of the vets. It takes place in the future after the ghost story has ended so don't trying to match anything up with it. It is strictly to prove that a creative writer can write for the vets. These scenes would be drawn out more. Please keep this in mind when you read "The Gift"

To read the beginning of this storyline please go to http://elfmagic.blogspot.com/

Days of Our Lives

Here's the deal. I am cleaning up and formatting the script that I have already posted into the correct format. I will be using it as resume material to get a writing gig on one of the other soaps. Although much of it will be familiar who have been keeping up, there have been a reshuffling of the scenes as well as some tweaking. Originally, I put little effort into the scrip, especially in the beginning. This better reflects me as a professional writer. However, since the program I am using doesn't have a spell check, there may still be some typos. If you see any, please let me know in the comments section. Thanks.

it's at http://elfmagic.blogspot.com/

Jeffrey Immelt, Jeffrey Zucker, Michael Lynton, Ken Corday

Ken Corday
Gary Tomlin
Dena Higley
Corday Productions
818-840-4968

NBCUNI.COM FEEDBACK
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
212-664-4085

Sony Pictures Entertainment
12102 West Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232-3195
(310) 244-2626


Many writers see themselves as God-almighty when it comes to the projects they work on. They control the motivation, the actions and the outcome from the first page to the last. In novels, this is true, but only if there is a sole author. When it comes to film and television, every project is a collaborative effort.

Writers who step into an existing show need to play catch up. No matter how much outside research she or he does, the actor who has lived in the role will be the best asset the writer can have. However, the reverse is also true. A new writer can breathe fresh air into a show, giving it new life and inspiration. By bringing in a new perspective, the writer can give new twists to old plots and help the actors develop additional depth to their characters by opening new challenges. There needs to be a balance between the past and the future in order for the show to stay imaginative and original from episode to episode--year to year. As long as a show remains balance by being inventive, while honoring its history and keeping the egos in check, it will be able to keep its fan base happy; thereby continuing its success

Betty Corday and Irna Philips created a show that was based on romance, suspense, drama and comedy. They valued the creative effort of both the cast and crew. Betty's motto, "Don't lie to the fans; Respect your talent" was one of the main pillars that made Days an icon in television history, as was Irna's steadfast determination to create the best show possible. These two women created a genre by not accepting less than the best; they bucked the system and convinced the networks to see it their way. Not only were they were able to invent a financially profitable product that lasted for decades, but they also did so in such away that the fans stayed loyal from generation to generation.

In the past two years, you have managed to destroy everything they created. You have turned Days into nothing more than soft porn. The fans didn't just leave; you drove them away with the endless triangles, lack of real story telling, and the gutting of the established characters. Instead of focusing on the veteran actors and established characters, you created new characters that were poor written. Most high school plays are not only better produced, but also have higher quality of talent than the new actors you have brought in. Let's face it your writing staff couldn't write themselves out of wet paper bag with Freddy Krueger's help.

Like most soap fans, I started watching because of my mother and grandmother. When Dark Shadows was cancelled, she switched to Days and Another World. Even when I worked at an ABC affiliate, I would record and watch both shows. When NBC cancelled Another World, I stopped watching NBC except for Days. The firing of Dee and Drake was the last straw. Not only am I done with Days, but NBC as well. The only demographics the show still appeals to are teeny-boppers and high school drop outs that have pie in the eye dreams of marrying a millionaire even though they can’t put a coherent simple sentence together. Neither of which has the buying power to sustain or attract a profitable commercial sponsorship. You have tossed away viewers who have been loyal for decades in favor of those who are insistent and unreliable as their whims change from moment to moment--fad to fad.

When Days is cancelled in a couple of months, I will take comfort in the fact that Corday, Tomlin and Higley will be forever be remembered for the destruction of a beloved icon. Only a total moron would hired them after the hack job they did on a viable profit show.

Formatting Soap Opera Scripts

Formatting Soap Opera Scripts

In style, television and movie script are similar; however, television programs must format around commercials and station identification. While movies contain a full hour of entertainment, broadcast television is broken down into approximately 22 minutes of entertainment and 8 minutes of commercials per half hour.

Most one hour shows have six 2.02 minute breaks with two 1.34, which fall at the top and bottom of the hour. Generally this leaves 22 minutes per half hour for the actual show, which is broken down further into the teaser/open, three acts and bottom of the hour teaser/bridge for the local break. The second half hour also has three acts, but it is ended with a teaser/closing credits and the top of the hour break.

Whether starting at the top or bottom of the hour, the initial segment, contains the show teaser and opening; its run time varies between 2-4 minutes in length. The following three acts divide the remaining entertainment time between them without any set length; however, most stations, especially during ratings, identify themselves within a two minute margin at the quarter hour; therefore, there is usually a break written in to accommodate this standard. The second half hour also begins with a teaser, which identifies the show and the network, and is followed by a local commercial with identification. Most shows end with a 2-4 minute teaser of the next episode and the ending credits with another local break following.

Unless you have a talent that milks their part, usually one page of script equals one minute of air time. This generality helps the writer pace the storyline and time the scenes to maximize the suspense in order to hold the audience’s attention through the commercial breaks. By splitting the action between multiply scenes to create mini cliffhangers, the writer suspends the action in order to height the drama and prevent channel surfing. It is also how a creative writer creates an effective end of an episode cliffhanger to torment the viewers into returning to see what happens to their favorite characters.



Format for one hour television script
2-4 minutes teaser and show open

2.02 minute commercial break

Act 1

2.02 minute commercial break

Act 2

2.02 minute commercial break

Act 3

1:34 minute commercial break

20 second teaser- 10 seconds from each half hour

1:34 bottom of the hour local break

Act 4

2.02 minute commercial break

Act 5

2.02 minute commercial break

Act 6

2.02 minute commercial break

2-4 tag and end credits

1:34 local top of the hour break


No doubt many of you are asking why the script I have been writing for Days doesn’t meet this industry standard. Very simple. There are two reasons. When I started, it was a protest that I never thought would go any where. Originally I was going to write a few scenes to embarrass the writers into their job. However, I received so much positive feedback that I just kept going. Secondly, a major of my script writing experience was for the stage and screen. Even then, it had been a while since I worked on a long project. My information was not only dated, but I had forgotten a few little details. The new scenes will be in the correct format. I’ve also started the process of reformatting and restructuring the rest to not only meet the industry standards but to also put it into episodes. During the process a few scenes will have to be tweaked, but it will give me a chance to improve them as well. Although I knew how I wanted the storylines to unfold, everything that I have posted still qualifies for first draft status. The reality is that I had put little effort into the project yet it was still be better than the so called professionals; hat do you think I could do if I actually put work it to the project?

Days of Our Lives 12-30-08

Days of Our Lives

Alternative Storyline for Days of Our Lives
Here is the next installment of my alternative storylines for Days of Our Lives.

I have made a few changes. Recently I learned that that format I was using was out dated, which is why I wasn't taken seriously. It seems the industry is more concerned with what a project looks like, instead of the content.

Yesterday, I downloaded Cinergy Script Editor. I will be using it from now on, so the script will be in proper format. However, the free version doesn't have all the features, one of them being spell check so there may be errors. Normally, I don't post first drafts of projects.

I wish I would have known about the program earlier. The program makes the process so much easier. If I didn't have so many other projects, I would reformat the previous posts, but it's not a simple cut and past and I have other projects that need my attention.

As I have promised I will finish the ghost story, but there is no guarantee that I will keep it going.

Most current is at http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days12-30-08.pdf

This is what I previously posted on the NBC Days boards

http://geocities.com/tirgana/daysofourlives.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/Days10-16.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-26-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-31-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days11-2-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days11-15-08.pdf

http://geocities.com/tirgana/Days12-2-08.pdf

http://geocities.com/tirgana/Days12-8-08.pdf

http://geocities.com/tirgana/day12-14-08.pdf


The last entries aren't in the proper format.

If you like what you are reading, please leave me a comment here or on the NBC message boards. Or better yet contact the executive producers at

Gary Tomlin or Ken Corday
Corday Productions
3400 W. Olive Avenue
suite 170 Burbank CA
91505-4630

818-295-2821

Days of Our Lives Fans Speak Out

An Opportunity for Days of Our Lives Fans to Speak Out
With the firing of Days most popular actors and the decay in the storylines, I want to give the fans of Days an opportunity to speak out. What would you like to say to Ken Corday or Dena Higley? What would you like to tell Dee and Drake? Call in and send a message to them or anyone involved with the show. Join me on my radio show 2pm Eastern at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theresachaze Monday December 29.

If you would like to participate in the chat room, you will have to set up a free account.

Days of Our Lives: Fans Missing the Good Old Days

My alternative Days of Our Lives storylines are being continued on my Days of Our Lives blog at http://elfmagic.blogspot.com/ along with articles about Days and soap operas. Please pop on over and catch up. Don't forget to vote in my polls.
Thanks
Theresa

What the Fans on the NBC Boards Think of Day of Our Lives

What the Fans on the NBC Boards Think of Day of Our Lives
Although there are many fan message boards for Days of our Lives. The most active one is on the NBC home site. It has one of the most diverse viewer demographics. However, one theme has been increasingly prevailant--the fans are not happy with the direction the executive producers and writers are taking Days. There have been more than one thread asking for the firing of both.

On more than one occasion, ideas that were presented on the board appeared a few weeks later on the screen; credit was never given to the posters, but it has happened consistently enough to prove that either the executive producers or the writing staff had been checking in. It is too bad that while they are swiping plot points and ideas from the fans, they don't take the time to listen to what the fans want and need. If they did, the fans would be staying instead changing the channel and ratings would be increasing instead of falling.

The viewers want:
Deidre and Drake to stay; many viewer have already stated that the actors last air date will be the last time they will watch Days.

The vets to be actively involved with storylines, not just show up occasionally to prop up the newbies.

An end to endless and continuing triangles. Enough already. Triangles are a good short term plot point, but nothing more.

New writers. The replacement need to not only know the show's history, but be able to write for vets without gutting and recreating them, created interesting new characters, and write storylines that are based on romance, suspense, drama and humor.

They were disappointed that Thanksgiving was ignored and afraid the same will happen with Christmas. Both holidays were always very special for the fans.

The following are quotes taken from the different threads.

With the show only having an eighteen month contract, I'm wondering if the scribes have any real intention of "wowing" the viewers. So far, they have failed miserably. I seriously hope that they check out these message boards to see how disheartened DAYS fans truly are. Unfortunately, the show has landed itself in the same position that PASSIONS was in not too long ago. PASSIONS received a couple of one year extensions for their contracts. But, sadly, that show has bit the dust. I shudder to think what these short contract deals mean for DAYS. It's not too promising. So, my BIG question for the scribes is what will you do to truly turn the show around? I don't know about anyone else, but I'm pretty much fed up with triangles, dead babies, lifeless characters, and the departures of vets such as Dee/Drake. For the past couple of years or so, I've done more groaning/complaining than anything else when posting about the show. I can remember when Salem was a happy place filled with love and adventure galore. It's now a shadow of its former self. The scribes are going to have to come up with something super tremendous to keep me coming back for more. I don't have any faith, however, that they will be able to deliver.

Cookfan


Okay, if DOOL continue to replace popular actors with other unknown actors. They might as well cancel the show. Enough already!!!
Thesun

Oh, Marlena is probable gone too, the way things look we will have the stupid young group and that is it.
atsvan

Why am I not surprised? Ken Corday has no desire to preserve his parents legacy! Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable! I do feel the end is near for our beloved show. Yes I know that we're thinking 18 months... but at this rate it's going to be a pathetic 18 months.

I'm sending you a big hug, Hartleyfan. My six year old says that hugs always make you feel better. I think in this case, though, it's going to take more than a hug to make any of us feel better.
Boomonster

So Corday gets rid of John Black yet we are still stuck with Melanie, Max, Nicole and Daniel? Why don't they just cancel the show right now! Higley and Corday obviously don't care about the show or the fans who have remained loyal. Screw them!! Just cancel the show already! Obviously, TIIC don't care about the actors or the fans. If they did, they wouldn't be firing beloved vets and bringing on more pointless newbies.
Jnjfan

I am really hoping that this is a rumor. I don't want to see John go.

Max could go back into racing, and be on the circuit... Melonie could go anywhere but Salem... Nick is going to jail so he is already out, Chelsea and Stephanie could go back to college and do it abroad... not in Salem.

Dr. Dan could just go... Roman hardly is on and has no storyline, as much as I love Roman, send him off to some training class or something. What on earth are they doing with Victor and Stefano? If they aren't going to use them for their evilness then why have them at all.

Lexie and Theo could go some where to get theo help... they have nothing to add to the show.

There are so many little characters that don't really need to be there that you could explain away that they could keep the majors.

Why are we spending so much time on Trent's murder? No offense, but some college professor should take a back seat to the Mayor's murder and they haven't done anything on finding the killer of the Mayor... We have had to deal with Trent for what 3 months after his murder... just get this over with... and lets just get rid of Melonie.
Co770

I guess Ken doesn't remember last time he decided to fire Drake? The fans went berserk. If the actors and actresses who have been on the show the longest continue to leave, they won't get to finish out their new extension. Half of the viewers will be gone. They say that they want to make room for other stories, what the heck does that mean? That they think whoever is leftover when they finish their massacre will be more important? The vets are important and they aren't on enough, and that's the reason they are in the spot they are in now. The fans would have been loving this John storyline and viewing in drones had they handled it right. They let Drake tell us about all of the stuff coming up for him in this story and they let him go!?

And not just that. Had they given the rest of the vets stories or at least given us some real stories and not this dribble we have now of slow and boring storylines, they wouldn't have to let anyone go. New people are nice, but don't sacrifice the proven formula for a new one!

I'm furious that they are just letting their talent out the door. They are really proving that they don't know what they Hell they are doing. We might as well accept cancellation and let it go.

And you know, I said before that I wouldn't stop watching. But if none of the characters I know are on the show, what's the point in watching? So im starting to rethink that. Good job Ken!
NewDaysfan

If this is indeed a fact, I can definitely guarantee to NBC that me and many of the loyal viewers who have remained, will be gone forever. I have already talked to some of these people and we are in total agreement......NO JOHN means NO VIEWERS. The show has been totally horrible but we have hung on for the last year for a glimpse of the old John returning to reunite with Marlena. Enough is enough!!
Jane083

I loved that S/L! It was creative and innovative. I would be open to bringing her back....oh if only it were up to me. I also like Sheri Anderson as HW. I don't like the direction "Hackley" is taking the show...it's lame, predictable and what she thinks is interesting... which is not what the fans find interesting.
Twisted fate


Are you happy with Days and the storylines
Definitely yes. [ 2 ] [4.08%]
yes [ 5 ] [10.20%]
Sometimes [ 10 ] [20.41%]
I'm hanging in there hoping it will get better [ 14 ] [28.57%]
not really [ 0 ] [0.00%]
Definitely no [ 9 ] [18.37%]
I fast forward through most the show. [ 4 ] [8.16%]
If I miss it, it doesn't matter. [ 2 ] [4.08%]
I have given up and am moving on to another soap. [ 1 ] [2.04%]
The best years are over all that's left is to turn off the stage lights. [ 2 ] [4.08%]

If you could have five minutes with the Executive Producers, What would you say to them?
Good job [ 1 ] [2.04%]
What are you doing? [ 15 ] [30.61%]
I have a few ideas to make things better. [ 17 ] [34.69%]
Why do you work on Days if you hate your job [ 4 ] [8.16%]
Your fired [ 12 ] [24.49%]

Honestly, I think I could have voted ALL of these:

I'm hanging in there hoping it will get better
not really
Definitely no
I fast forward through most the show.
If I miss it, it doesn't matter.
I have given up and am moving on to another soap.
The best years are over all that's left is to turn off the stage lights.

And I would tell them to get back to using their "main" characters in storylines where everyone is involved, like they did in the 80s. It's time to get back to basics and stop pandering to the younger demographic already.
Soozn79

There is so much more than I could possible list here. However, what the fans want is very clear to anyone who is open enough to see it. Most fans believe that Days will be cancelled before the contract ends and at this point they don't care. The show they have loved and have been loyal too for decades doesn't exist any more. But it doesn't have to be. Change can be wonderful, but so can keeping to tradition. Two generations have grown up with Days; many of the vets feel like family. It doesn't have to end. There are still many viewers and fan who desperately want to be loyal, including me; we just want our show back--the one that was based on romance, suspense, drama and humor--not just shallow soft porn. We are a demographic that can be very profitable to any network that choices to give us back Our Days.


So Mr Fairfield, Connecticut are you willing to step up to the plate and make your voice heard. You can make the necessary changes. The power is within you to save Days. It's a good business, good karma and just a plain out and out good deed--And if you decided to take up this challenge, remember, me for the head writer gig. I would very much like the opportunity to brink back the good old Days.

Days of Our Lives: 12-1-08

Monday, December 1, 2008
Days of Our Lives 12-2-08
Days of Our Lives

Alternative Storyline for Days of Our Lives
Here is the next installment of my alternative storylines for Days of Our Lives.

This is what I previously posted on the NBC Days boards http://geocities.com/tirgana/daysofourlives.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/Days10-16.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-26-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-31-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days11-2-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days11-15-08.pdf

The newest entry is at http://geocities.com/tirgana/Days12-2-08.pdf


The last three entries aren't in the proper format; I'll fix it later.

If you like what you are reading, please leave me a comment here or on the NBC message boards. Or better yet contact the executive producers at

Gary Tomlin or Ken Corday
Corday Productions
3400 W. Olive Avenue
suite 170 Burbank CA
91505-4630

818-295-2821

Soap Operas: The Cliff Hanger-The Backbone of the Genre

Soap Operas: The Cliff Hanger-The Backbone of the Genre
By
Theresa Chaze

The cliffhanger has been the both a source of pleasure and bane to soap opera viewer since the genre was created. It is one of the hooks that keep the viewers coming back. From radio to daytime to the emergence of primetime soaps, the cliffhanger has been the one element that has remained constant. However, in the past few years with the movement away from the traditional soap opera format to one that is more titillating, the cliffhanger has also been cast aside.

In the era of multi-media and channel options, cliff hangers have become more important than ever in the success of a soap opera. With so many choices, all shows need to give the viewers a reason to keep tuning in. Historically, cliff hangers have been the genre’s best tools to create loyal fans. According the World English dictionary, the definition of a cliffhanger is:

1. Arts literature ending left teasingly unresolved: an unresolved ending in a serialized drama or book that leaves the audience or reader desperate to know what will happen in the next part

2. Arts drama serial with suspenseful endings: a drama serial that has episodes that often end in suspenseful unresolved endings

3. Tense situation: a situation full of tension or suspense because it is not clear what will happen next

By keeping the audience guessing, the writers insure they will tune in next time to learn what happens to their favorite characters. However, the more invested the viewer is in the characters the easier it is to hook them. Yet on the flip side, it is nearly impossible to retain the interest of the viewers if they can’t identify with the character or if the plot doesn‘t fit within the perimeters the show has already established. The more the viewers care about the characters, the more likely they will be loyal to the show.

Cliff hangers need storylines that are not only well written, but also well thought out and exactly timed. Cutting the scene in the middle of the action is not a cliff hanger; it is a poorly placed cut. In order to be effective, it has to be the logical progression of the plot throughout the episode. By properly organizing and timing the sequence of scenes, the writer builds the suspense and drama. Inter-cutting the primary storyline to build a secondary, not only heightens the tension, but it also initiates the next primary storyline and helps insure the show will end at climatic moment. As with comedy, timing isn't the only thing, it's everything.

Many of the current soaps have given up writing the complicated storylines that are associated with cliff hangers in favor of gratuitous sexual scenes that aren’t based in plot or character. Instead of developing characters or stories the viewers can identify with and care about, the writers have chosen to focus shallow characters and plots that more closely resemble soft porn, which is why the genre has been slowly dying. In traditional soaps, sex was the end result of romance that was gradually created over weeks of teasing, testing and sexual tension. Instant romance and relationships give nothing for the viewer to look forward to since they already know what the end results will be sex. Until the writers return to storylines, which are based on suspense, drama, romance and humor, cliff hangers will be a thing of the past, taking with them the whole genre.

Days of Our Lives:Saving Days

With the firing of Deidre and Drake with only more to come for budgetary concerns, Ken Corday is announcing the death of Days of Our Lives. It is not the actors or crew who have brought Days to the brink of cancellation, but the bad writing, the corruption of beloved characters and the endless triangles. The fans want Days to go back to the basics of romance, suspense, drama and humor. Corday Productions produced a show few people wanted to watch and couldn’t understand why the ratings tanked.

If money is Corday’s main concern, it is the perfect way to get his attention. These are sweeps weeks. Ratings are calculated and recorded not only daily but hourly,. It’s this rapid return that can be turned to the fans’ favor. For the rest of the week, boycott Days. The storylines suck anyway. If there is a rapid, sudden drop in ratings Corday will be held accountable.

Dedrie Hall and Drake Hogestyn Fired: Stand Up and Speak Out

Dedrie Hall and Drake Hogestyn Fired: Stand Up and Speak Out
One thing I've been always good as is finding things. You give me a little time and access to a phone or a computer--and there isn't anything that exists that I can't eventually find.

This is the way it lays out.

Jeffrey Zucker is head of NBC
the corporate phone number is 212-669-4444. They won't put you through, but if enough people call eventually they will take notice.

There are two fax numbers: 212-669-4426 and 212-669-5705

NBC is owned by GE who is run by Jeffrey Immelt
I haven't been able to find yet the corporate phone numbers but his house address is 705 W. Rd New Canaan Ct 06840


Sony Pictures owns part of Days
Michael Lynton is had of Sony Pictures
310-244-5722

Corday Productions
Production phone number 818-295-2820
Calling your local station will also do a little good. They do have connects at corporate.


I found three addresses for Ken Corday

1035 Santa Monica Blvd
130 LA CA 90025

10343 Valley Springs
Toluca Lake, CA 91602-2933

285 Ocean Park Blvd 300
Santa Monica CA 90405

Days of Our Lives

Days of Our Lives

Alternative Storyline for Days of Our Lives
Here is the next installment of my alternative storylines for Days of Our Lives.

This is what I previously posted on the NBC Days boards http://geocities.com/tirgana/daysofourlives.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/Days10-16.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-26-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-31-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days11-2-08.pdf

The newest entry is at http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days11-15-08.pdf


The last three entries aren't in the proper format; I'll fix it later.

If you like what you are reading, please leave me a comment here or on the NBC message boards. Or better yet contact the executive producers at

Gary Tomlin or Ken Corday
Corday Productions
3400 W. Olive Avenue
suite 170 Burbank CA
91505-4630

818-295-2821

Viewers' Opinion of Days of Our Lives

I am doing research about what you think about Days both current and past shows. If I can't write for Days, I'll write about it. These questions aren't about me or fan bases but the show in general. By answering the questions, not only will you help me, but through the article you might clue in the executive producers and writers. In order to quote you in the article, I will need your legal name and the state you live in.

How long have you watched Days?

Why did you start?

Are you happy with what you are seeing on your screen? Why?

How many times a week do you watch?

Has your viewing increased or decreased?

When and why did you change your viewing habit?

What has been your favorite storyline? Why?

What has been your least favorite storyline? Why?

In comparing the show from when you first started watching to now. which did you enjoy more? Why?

If you suddenly became the owner of Days, what changes would you make? Why?

What things would you keep? Why?

Days of Our Lives

Alternative Storyline for Days of Our Lives
Here is the next installment of my alternative storylines for Days of Our Lives.

This is what I previously posted on the NBC Days boards http://geocities.com/tirgana/daysofourlives.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/Days10-16.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-26-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-31-08.pdf

The newest entry is at http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days11-2-08.pdf


The last three entries aren't in the proper format; I'll fix it later.

If you like what you are reading, please leave me a comment here or on the NBC message boards. Or better yet contact the executive producers at

Gary Tomlin or Ken Corday
Corday Productions
3400 W. Olive Avenue
suite 170 Burbank CA
91505-4630

818-295-2821

Days of Our Lives

To read more of my alternative universe for Day of Our Lives, plus article on the characters and writing for soap operas, please go to http://elfmagic.blogspot.com/