Seed Newsvine
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
The newest installment is at www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-31-08.pdf
The last two 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
Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
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://geocities.com/tirgana/Days10-16.pdf
The newest installment is at www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-26-08.pdf
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
818-295-2820
This is what I previously posted on the NBC Days boards http://geocities.com/tirgana/daysofourlives.pdf
http://geocities.com/tirgana/Days10-16.pdf
The newest installment is at www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-26-08.pdf
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
818-295-2820
Monday, October 20, 2008
Days of Our Lives, Romance Novels and Rape
Days of Our Lives, Romance Novels and Rape
Sometimes it's strange how when you ask like a question, you get the answer in the weirdest way. I could never understand why so many were in favor of the pairing of Sami and EJ after the rape. It didn't make sense to me until the universe pointed out an old belief or behavior about women's sexuality.
It has been long believed that only whores or sluts enjoyed sex; good girls and women closed their eyes and pretended to like it because it was their duty as wives and it was the only way to fulfill their purpose in life, which is to birth children. Women were considered property that fathers sold, bartered or gave to the husband. It's only been the last 40 years that woman have had the ability to claim their power, yet the remnants of past beliefs still remain, which is why the subgenre of romance novel that involves women who are kidnapped and raped fall in love with their attacker continues to flourish. It also explains why on Days of our Lives, there is a following for EJamie.
Romance novels have very styled formats. Within two hundred pages, two people fall in love, over come obstacles and then live happily every after. The heroine is in danger. The hero comes to rescue her, thereby putting himself in danger. Throughout the perils, they fall in love. The good guys always win so after the villain is defeated the lovers live happy every after.
However, in this subgenre. There isn’t a hero. Instead, the woman is kidnapped by the villain, who awakens her inner passion by raping her. While the hero is trying to save the woman, she becomes enthralled with the villain, seeing only his good side, so that when she is rescued she remains with her capture because he is her true love. GMAFB!
No matter what you call it, sex is not only a natural part of life, but it can also be a very good time. Yet many woman are still ashamed of their sexuality. They cling to the notion that if they enjoy sex that their morals will be called into question. However, if they are forced, then they are not responsible for enjoying their guilty pleasure.
Rape is not romance, desire or passion; in fact, it is violence and control disguised as a sex act. There is nothing romantic or enticing about having your self-respect, dignity and your inner security ripped from you. The physical trauma may heal, but the emotional damage is life changing and frequently permanent. It is a degradation that many women never emotionally survive.
The Bureau of Justice defines rape as, “Rape - Forced sexual intercourse including both psychological coercion as well as physical force. Forced sexual intercourse means penetration by the offender(s). Includes attempted rapes, male as well as female victims, and both heterosexual and homosexual rape. Attempted rape includes verbal threats of rape.” Of all the reporting countries, the U.S has the highest rape rate. According the FBI, every two minutes a woman is raped not only by strangers but acquaintances and family members. The National Women’s Study, Rape in America: A Report to the Nation found that 1 in 7 women will be raped by her husband. The website www.paralumun.com/issuesrapestats.htm listed the following statistics.
One of the most startling aspects of sex crimes is how many go unreported. The most common reasons given by women for not reporting these crimes are the belief that it is a private or personal matter and the fear of reprisal from the assailant.
Approximately 28% of victims are raped by husbands or boyfriends, 35% by acquaintances, and 5% by other relatives. (Violence against Women, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Justice, 1994)
The FBI estimates that only 37% of all rapes are reported to the police. U.S. Justice Department statistics are even lower, with only 26% of all rapes or attempted rapes being reported to law enforcement officials.
In 1994-1995, only 251,560 rapes and sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement officials -- less than one in every three. (National Crime Victimization Survey, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, 1996.)
An overwhelming majority of rape service agencies believe that public education about rape, and expanded counseling and advocacy services for rape victims, would be effective in increasing the willingness of victims to report rapes to the police. (Rape in America, 1992, National Victim Center with Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center.)
LIVING IN FEAR :
According to the U.S. Department of Justice: (All statistics are taken from: Violence against Women, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Justice, 1994.)
One of every four rapes take place in a public area or in a parking garage.
31% of female victims reported that the offender was a stranger.
68% of rapes occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
At least 45% of rapists were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In 29% of rapes, the offender used a weapon.
In 47% of rapes, the victim sustained injuries other than rape injuries.
75% of female rape victims require medical care after the attack.
My question is why would writers promote rape as romance when it is anything but? As a storyline it would be a great way to address the issue and create social awareness to both the devastation and the healing process. Not only promoting rape as romance socially irresponsible, but it also creatively discredits the writer. Why would women want to read or watch a TV show about another woman being raped, must less expecting her to fall in love with her rapist?
As long as women see themselves as second class citizens and powerless, they will not be able to claim their power as women or as individuals. Instead they will remain victim to the whims of the others, instead become mistresses of their own destinies. There are so many wonderful romances available that are based on real romance, suspense and drama, why would a woman read a book or watch a show that is written to degrade her and make her feel powerless?
Sometimes it's strange how when you ask like a question, you get the answer in the weirdest way. I could never understand why so many were in favor of the pairing of Sami and EJ after the rape. It didn't make sense to me until the universe pointed out an old belief or behavior about women's sexuality.
It has been long believed that only whores or sluts enjoyed sex; good girls and women closed their eyes and pretended to like it because it was their duty as wives and it was the only way to fulfill their purpose in life, which is to birth children. Women were considered property that fathers sold, bartered or gave to the husband. It's only been the last 40 years that woman have had the ability to claim their power, yet the remnants of past beliefs still remain, which is why the subgenre of romance novel that involves women who are kidnapped and raped fall in love with their attacker continues to flourish. It also explains why on Days of our Lives, there is a following for EJamie.
Romance novels have very styled formats. Within two hundred pages, two people fall in love, over come obstacles and then live happily every after. The heroine is in danger. The hero comes to rescue her, thereby putting himself in danger. Throughout the perils, they fall in love. The good guys always win so after the villain is defeated the lovers live happy every after.
However, in this subgenre. There isn’t a hero. Instead, the woman is kidnapped by the villain, who awakens her inner passion by raping her. While the hero is trying to save the woman, she becomes enthralled with the villain, seeing only his good side, so that when she is rescued she remains with her capture because he is her true love. GMAFB!
No matter what you call it, sex is not only a natural part of life, but it can also be a very good time. Yet many woman are still ashamed of their sexuality. They cling to the notion that if they enjoy sex that their morals will be called into question. However, if they are forced, then they are not responsible for enjoying their guilty pleasure.
Rape is not romance, desire or passion; in fact, it is violence and control disguised as a sex act. There is nothing romantic or enticing about having your self-respect, dignity and your inner security ripped from you. The physical trauma may heal, but the emotional damage is life changing and frequently permanent. It is a degradation that many women never emotionally survive.
The Bureau of Justice defines rape as, “Rape - Forced sexual intercourse including both psychological coercion as well as physical force. Forced sexual intercourse means penetration by the offender(s). Includes attempted rapes, male as well as female victims, and both heterosexual and homosexual rape. Attempted rape includes verbal threats of rape.” Of all the reporting countries, the U.S has the highest rape rate. According the FBI, every two minutes a woman is raped not only by strangers but acquaintances and family members. The National Women’s Study, Rape in America: A Report to the Nation found that 1 in 7 women will be raped by her husband. The website www.paralumun.com/issuesrapestats.htm listed the following statistics.
One of the most startling aspects of sex crimes is how many go unreported. The most common reasons given by women for not reporting these crimes are the belief that it is a private or personal matter and the fear of reprisal from the assailant.
Approximately 28% of victims are raped by husbands or boyfriends, 35% by acquaintances, and 5% by other relatives. (Violence against Women, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Justice, 1994)
The FBI estimates that only 37% of all rapes are reported to the police. U.S. Justice Department statistics are even lower, with only 26% of all rapes or attempted rapes being reported to law enforcement officials.
In 1994-1995, only 251,560 rapes and sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement officials -- less than one in every three. (National Crime Victimization Survey, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, 1996.)
An overwhelming majority of rape service agencies believe that public education about rape, and expanded counseling and advocacy services for rape victims, would be effective in increasing the willingness of victims to report rapes to the police. (Rape in America, 1992, National Victim Center with Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center.)
LIVING IN FEAR :
According to the U.S. Department of Justice: (All statistics are taken from: Violence against Women, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Justice, 1994.)
One of every four rapes take place in a public area or in a parking garage.
31% of female victims reported that the offender was a stranger.
68% of rapes occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
At least 45% of rapists were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In 29% of rapes, the offender used a weapon.
In 47% of rapes, the victim sustained injuries other than rape injuries.
75% of female rape victims require medical care after the attack.
My question is why would writers promote rape as romance when it is anything but? As a storyline it would be a great way to address the issue and create social awareness to both the devastation and the healing process. Not only promoting rape as romance socially irresponsible, but it also creatively discredits the writer. Why would women want to read or watch a TV show about another woman being raped, must less expecting her to fall in love with her rapist?
As long as women see themselves as second class citizens and powerless, they will not be able to claim their power as women or as individuals. Instead they will remain victim to the whims of the others, instead become mistresses of their own destinies. There are so many wonderful romances available that are based on real romance, suspense and drama, why would a woman read a book or watch a show that is written to degrade her and make her feel powerless?
Friday, October 17, 2008
Days of Our Lives: EJ Wells DiMera AKA James Scott
Days of Our Lives: EJ Wells DiMera AKA James Scott
EJ Wells DiMera has become one of the most controversial characters in recent soap history. Originally presented as a mysterious jet-setting race car driver, he arrives in Salem with an agenda that quickly becomes apparent when he exposed to be son of Susan Banks and Stefano DiMera. It is later revealed that Stefano sent EJ to Salem to plant the DiMera seed in a Brady woman and carry out Santo’s vendetta against the Brady family.
From the Black glove crimes to the rape of Sami Brady to all the other acts of violence in between and since, EJ has become an all or nothing character. Viewers either love him or hate him. Both sides are equally passionate and rabid at the same time.
The Ejamies, as the fans who favor the couple Sami and EJ are called, have glossed over, excused and ignored EJ’s behavior and criminal acts. They habitually read between the lines of the dialogue and character behavior to suit their own point of view. For them Ejamie is the endgame, even if it means the end of the Days. In spite of what was said both on the show and interviews by actors, they refuse to see that EJ raped Sami. After two years, the debated is just as heated as when it first began. His fans dismissed or excused his other crimes . For months, many refused to believe that EJ shot John. They blamed Teck or an unknown shooter, even through there was video proving the contrary. It wasn’t until EJ was tricked by John into admitting it, that the controversy ended. Another tactic is to point out the crimes and bad behavior of other characters as a way to excuse EJ. One person’s bad behavior doesn’t excuse another’s bad behavior.
On the other side is the Sami and Lucas fans, who are called Lumi. They are equally as passionate and stubborn about their favorite couple. However, I have yet to read one statement by a Lumi wishing the show would be canceled if Sami and Lucas weren’t together. Sami and Lucas have a long history together as friends, lovers and adversaries. Their relationship has been bumpy to say the least; however, most of their problems were caused by outside forces, including EJ and Kate Roberts, Lucas’s mother. When I do Lucas’s character profile, I will go into more details. But this is not the time or place; the focus of this piece is on EJ.
I see EJ Wells-DiMera as a complex character who is at war with himself. He is more than a handsome face with a cool accent nor is he just Stefano’s pawn. EJ’s formative years were spent with his mother, Susan Banks and step-father, Edmund Crumb. Although Susan could be best described as unique, she had a kind heart and loved EJ very much. When she escaped with him to England, it was her way of protecting him from Stefano’s influence. It was Susan and Edmond’s influence during his first five years which gave EJ his core values and ability to love.
When or how Stefano gained custody would make a wonderful storyline It seems the writers are over looking this character developing plot; however, it is one that I will be using in the near future in my alternative universe storylines. Stefano is manipulative and controlling, whose love is conditional on him receiving total loyalty and subservience. To question Stefano is to be disloyal to him, thereby bringing down his wrath. Although EJ was the crowned prince to Stefano’s empire, he was taught that he was easily replaceable as Stefano played Andre and EJ off one another. Through this endless competition, EJ leaned to set aside what he learned in his childhood in order to survive. To be safe, he needed to be ruthless and heartless towards his enemies, while controlling those he cared about so that they could not be used against him.
While the core of his personality longed for the family he had in childhood, his conscious mind decided to set that dream aside. To bury it along with all the memories and feelings he had for his mother and Edmond. Whether it was a single event or a series, EJ chose to follow Stefano’s example, by taking what he wanted and the consequences were irrelevant because he was a DiMera. His new philosophy became that to love or need another was to give them power over you, which is not the DiMera way. Instead of asking and risking rejection, the DiMera way was to lie, manipulate and control; thereby retaining power and domination over others.
EJ might have been interested in Sami at the beginning, but it was not the reason he became obsessed with her. Stefano wanted a direct heir with a Brady woman. It was the one thing that Stefano wanted that only EJ could give him. Tony wasn’t a blood son. Andre was a nephew. If EJ could fulfill this one thing, he could permanently gain Stefano’s favor and insure his rise to the head of the DiMera family. However, the reality of having a child was much different than what EJ expected. It awakened and re-energized his early childhood memories. Suddenly he was no longer just Stefano’s pawn, but he was also his mother’s son. By seeing the innocence in Johnny’s eyes, he was reminded what it was like to be loved and loved unconditionally--hence, the inner turmoil and outer obsession.
EJ thought the strength to break away from Stefano came from Sami and Johnny. However, it was his own true self emerging--the part that learned trust and love through his mother. When the aspect remerged, the war within EJ began. He doesn’t love Sami for Sami, but for what she represents. Through her, EJ cannot only please his father but she also gives him the family his heart wants. The problem is that EJ knows that the family isn’t real. No matter what he has done, Sami loves Lucas and will always go back to him. In addition, EJ can’t get past the rape himself. Whenever he looks at Sami and Johnny, part of him remembers that December night and the pain he caused. As long as EJ tries to force a relationship with Sami, he will not be free from his past. She will always represent Stefano’s control over him and the pain he caused to so many, including Sami. It will only by releasing Sami and moving on will EJ be able to find peace within himself and a balance between his two halves.
As a character, EJ is best when his wears a gray hat. He will never be the hero, but he also is not good at being a true villain. The problems is that the writers took him too far dark, then tried instantly redeem him into a hero. Stefano is a villain. John is a hero. EJ needs to find his own niche between them. EJ is capable of great love, but he can also be very naughty.
Days of Our Lives 10-16-2008
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://geocities.com/tirgana/Days10-16.pdf
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
818-295-2820
This is what I previously posted on the NBC Days boards http://geocities.com/tirgana/daysofourlives.pdf
http://geocities.com/tirgana/Days10-16.pdf
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
818-295-2820
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Michigan-Tax Credits for Movie Makers
Will movie law boost last?
LANSING (AP) -- Six months after Michigan began handing out the nation's most generous moviemaking incentives, results are surpassing lofty expectations.
Studios that had planned to shoot elsewhere turned on a dime and flocked here, bringing stars such as Val Kilmer and Drew Barrymore with them. The number of scripts approved by the state film office is up 20-fold over last year. Hotels, caterers and other businesses are cashing in on new economic activity.
Somerset Inn in Troy hired 15 to 20 extra full-time workers to handle film crews after Clint Eastwood's Malpaso Productions booked office space and close to 90 rooms a night for most of the summer while filming "Gran Torino" across the Detroit area.
The hotel has welcomed smaller crews, too, and has solid leads on more movie industry clients for next year at a time conference hotels are losing dollars because of cutbacks in automotive sales seminars and the poor economy.
"It's incremental business we certainly wouldn't have had if they didn't sign this legislation," said Duane Swanson, Somerset Inn's operations director. "You couldn't ask for a better hotel guest to come in. They're not afraid to spend a buck."
Neither is state government -- to the chagrin of Republican lawmakers who are having second thoughts about the measure signed into law by Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm in April.
To entice filmmakers to choose Michigan over other competing states, the Legislature passed bills creating refundable tax credits of up to 42 percent for in-state movie production expenses.
Giving businesses tax credits is nothing new, and such credits can reduce a company's tax bill to little or nothing.
But refundable credits go further. They're more like a rebate for production expenses and can require the state to cut the moviemaker a check.
The Senate Fiscal Agency estimates the state has approved $394 million in production expenses that will cost the government $122 million after accounting for the sales and income tax revenue generated by film crews.
That's six times the increases of up to 2 percent the state gave public universities and community colleges this budget year.
Sen. Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac, said traditional Michigan businesses are paying higher taxes while "we turn around and send a check to somebody from Hollywood, some Pee-wee Herman type. I think that's very hard to justify."
Michigan Chamber of Commerce lobbyist Jim Holcomb said lawmakers should reduce the Michigan Business Tax -- to which a 22 percent surcharge was added to fill a budget deficit -- and "stop handing out unaffordable tax breaks to out-of-state Hollywood filmmakers who are unlikely to make Michigan their permanent business location."
But not every filmmaker is from Hollywood, and there's no doubt the incentives are bringing movie companies and jobs to the economically sluggish state.
Cinepro Pictures Studios was set to film "The Steam Experiment" in Florida because that's where the company is located. But it shot the independently produced thriller in Grand Rapids after hearing about the incentives.
"The decision was purely financial," said Karinne Behr, an executive producer of the movie starring Kilmer and Armand Assante. "Michigan's incentives are definitely the strongest. Hopefully that will be a great success story for the state. It's better to spend the money here than overseas."
Behr said $3 million of the movie's $7 million budget was spent in Michigan.
The Michigan Film Office has approved tax breaks for more than 60 movies this year and next. Just two or three films were made in 2007.
The question, it seems, is whether a truly lasting industry is being hatched in Michigan.
Critics depict the business as fleeting because other states may increase their incentives to keep pace. They say moviemakers like to bring in people from California and elsewhere to make the movies, and add that filmmaking accounts for a minuscule portion of Michigan's overall economy.
But in a state that has shed 479,000 payroll jobs -- 10 percent of its work force -- since state employment peaked in June 2000, anything that brings in jobs and new businesses is seen as a plus by many.
And while the state has nowhere near enough infrastructure to support all the new films, it's further along than Louisiana, New Mexico and Massachusetts were at this point when they began luring the industry, said Anthony Wenson, chief operating officer of the Michigan Film Office.
He pointed out that Michigan once made more commercials and industrial training films than anywhere in the world, and said existing studios are being transformed to welcome the motion picture business.
"Not only are we finding many people getting into the business for the first time but we're also seeing people who left the state to get into the industry moving back into Michigan," he said.
So far, the GOP-controlled Senate has been unable to get enough votes for a bill that would cap film credits at no more than $50 million a year. Granholm, Democrats and some Republicans fiercely oppose the measure and say the bipartisan law approved by all but one of 148 legislators needs time to work, even if it could cost the state.
Job training classes are being held for people interested in the business, and producers qualify for more tax breaks if they hire in-state grips, camera operators and other "below the line" crew.
The film office expects to talk with Michigan State University about potentially developing a film program. Anticipating more work, some smaller sound studios have announced plans to expand.
The state still is awaiting the arrival of big new soundstages that provide more efficient one-stop shopping for the production of movies and TV shows and could allow Michigan moviemaking year-round rather than seasonally.
But Wenson said the state is talking frequently with interested investors.
"The true measure will be two years into this," he said. "It's taken Louisiana almost four years to really pull together ... and be able to say, 'This is a true, viable industry in our state.' Michigan is in this for the long haul."
LANSING (AP) -- Six months after Michigan began handing out the nation's most generous moviemaking incentives, results are surpassing lofty expectations.
Studios that had planned to shoot elsewhere turned on a dime and flocked here, bringing stars such as Val Kilmer and Drew Barrymore with them. The number of scripts approved by the state film office is up 20-fold over last year. Hotels, caterers and other businesses are cashing in on new economic activity.
Somerset Inn in Troy hired 15 to 20 extra full-time workers to handle film crews after Clint Eastwood's Malpaso Productions booked office space and close to 90 rooms a night for most of the summer while filming "Gran Torino" across the Detroit area.
The hotel has welcomed smaller crews, too, and has solid leads on more movie industry clients for next year at a time conference hotels are losing dollars because of cutbacks in automotive sales seminars and the poor economy.
"It's incremental business we certainly wouldn't have had if they didn't sign this legislation," said Duane Swanson, Somerset Inn's operations director. "You couldn't ask for a better hotel guest to come in. They're not afraid to spend a buck."
Neither is state government -- to the chagrin of Republican lawmakers who are having second thoughts about the measure signed into law by Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm in April.
To entice filmmakers to choose Michigan over other competing states, the Legislature passed bills creating refundable tax credits of up to 42 percent for in-state movie production expenses.
Giving businesses tax credits is nothing new, and such credits can reduce a company's tax bill to little or nothing.
But refundable credits go further. They're more like a rebate for production expenses and can require the state to cut the moviemaker a check.
The Senate Fiscal Agency estimates the state has approved $394 million in production expenses that will cost the government $122 million after accounting for the sales and income tax revenue generated by film crews.
That's six times the increases of up to 2 percent the state gave public universities and community colleges this budget year.
Sen. Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac, said traditional Michigan businesses are paying higher taxes while "we turn around and send a check to somebody from Hollywood, some Pee-wee Herman type. I think that's very hard to justify."
Michigan Chamber of Commerce lobbyist Jim Holcomb said lawmakers should reduce the Michigan Business Tax -- to which a 22 percent surcharge was added to fill a budget deficit -- and "stop handing out unaffordable tax breaks to out-of-state Hollywood filmmakers who are unlikely to make Michigan their permanent business location."
But not every filmmaker is from Hollywood, and there's no doubt the incentives are bringing movie companies and jobs to the economically sluggish state.
Cinepro Pictures Studios was set to film "The Steam Experiment" in Florida because that's where the company is located. But it shot the independently produced thriller in Grand Rapids after hearing about the incentives.
"The decision was purely financial," said Karinne Behr, an executive producer of the movie starring Kilmer and Armand Assante. "Michigan's incentives are definitely the strongest. Hopefully that will be a great success story for the state. It's better to spend the money here than overseas."
Behr said $3 million of the movie's $7 million budget was spent in Michigan.
The Michigan Film Office has approved tax breaks for more than 60 movies this year and next. Just two or three films were made in 2007.
The question, it seems, is whether a truly lasting industry is being hatched in Michigan.
Critics depict the business as fleeting because other states may increase their incentives to keep pace. They say moviemakers like to bring in people from California and elsewhere to make the movies, and add that filmmaking accounts for a minuscule portion of Michigan's overall economy.
But in a state that has shed 479,000 payroll jobs -- 10 percent of its work force -- since state employment peaked in June 2000, anything that brings in jobs and new businesses is seen as a plus by many.
And while the state has nowhere near enough infrastructure to support all the new films, it's further along than Louisiana, New Mexico and Massachusetts were at this point when they began luring the industry, said Anthony Wenson, chief operating officer of the Michigan Film Office.
He pointed out that Michigan once made more commercials and industrial training films than anywhere in the world, and said existing studios are being transformed to welcome the motion picture business.
"Not only are we finding many people getting into the business for the first time but we're also seeing people who left the state to get into the industry moving back into Michigan," he said.
So far, the GOP-controlled Senate has been unable to get enough votes for a bill that would cap film credits at no more than $50 million a year. Granholm, Democrats and some Republicans fiercely oppose the measure and say the bipartisan law approved by all but one of 148 legislators needs time to work, even if it could cost the state.
Job training classes are being held for people interested in the business, and producers qualify for more tax breaks if they hire in-state grips, camera operators and other "below the line" crew.
The film office expects to talk with Michigan State University about potentially developing a film program. Anticipating more work, some smaller sound studios have announced plans to expand.
The state still is awaiting the arrival of big new soundstages that provide more efficient one-stop shopping for the production of movies and TV shows and could allow Michigan moviemaking year-round rather than seasonally.
But Wenson said the state is talking frequently with interested investors.
"The true measure will be two years into this," he said. "It's taken Louisiana almost four years to really pull together ... and be able to say, 'This is a true, viable industry in our state.' Michigan is in this for the long haul."
Friday, October 10, 2008
Saving Days of Our Lives from Cancelation
For generations Days of Our Lives has been not only much loved but the top rated Daytime soap, being the leader in suspense, drama, romance, and comedy, as well as social issues. As the sand fell through the hour glass, we laughed, cried and waited with baited breath for Monday as the cliffhanger left us dangling on Friday. We had a our favorite heroes and villains--couples we cheered for and those we knew who were doomed for failure.
From the Horton and the Bradys to villainous DiMeras, the writers and actors helped us suspend our disbelief through obsessions and possessions. The brain child of Ted Corday, Betty Corday and Irna Phillips, it premiered in 1965. In the decades, since it has become a TV icon that has been satirized and vilified by those who don’t understand the gothic romance nature of the soap. The Cordays never intended for Days to just meet the industry or viewer expectations but to always exceed them by taking their storylines past the limits and breaking the old taboos. Although it was always cutting edge, it was based on the love of family and friends.
However, in the last couple of years, the decline in the writing has been followed by a decline in the rating, bringing the long soap to the brink of cancellation. Even long time fans, who inherited the love of the show from their mothers and grandmother, were turned off by the lack of suspense, drama, and romance. They missed the humor and the weekly cliffhangers, which had been replaced by the never ending triangles and the destruction of beloved couples.
The random murder of beloved characters brought the wrath of viewers down on the executive producers forcing them to rewrite the storyline in such a ways as to say--just kidding folks. It was the beginning of a long line of poorly thought out and badly written storylines that have made it tied for last place in the ratings. Day’s fans can be rabid and obsessive, but they remain loyal until given good reasons not to be.
My mother got my hooked on Dark Shadows back in the late 1960’s. When it was canceled she moved on to Days of Our Lives and I followed. I have been a fan since Doug and Julie were the super-couple. I grew up with Hope and Bo, cried when Tom Horton died, laughed with Eugene--was severely annoyed to see my favorite character Renee DiMera being carried out feet first. I missed two days and it took me decades to actually learned how she died. Back then the stories were forward moving; they didn’t try to exist on flashbacks.
I know the characters and the history, which is why when the current writers proved they didn’t have a clue into either I started writing an alternative universe Salem and posting it on the NBC message boards. It was out of frustration and anger at being treated like an idiot that made me take the time to create my own storylines. Originally, I wasn’t taking it seriously. I had my novels to write and I had just started my own publishing house. Time was a premium, but I just wasn’t willing to let go of one of the constants in my life.
The postings have a great many typos; plus, the formatting didn’t properly transfer. But it was fun and it didn’t matter. However, the other posters really liked my work. Not only did they ask me to continue, but also suggested that I contact Ken Corday for the head writer gig.
Wow!!! That was excellent! And you soooooo got NuJohn's speech down pat! In the past I would have said there was no way we'd get something like this...but, Days has been getting better, so who knows?
Noledays
Interesting.
I'm not a Celeste fan but you have me intrigued. LOL I want to hear more about what is going on at the mansion. lol
Babyfaith
Oh and once it's all finished, save it, print it out & send it to Burbank. I bet once you finish it that it's better than anything the head writer now can come up with.
TarHeeLfan4eva
This story line is way better than the crappy ones that are on the show at this moment. I'm sick of Dool these days I would much rather watch this than what's on right now.
Lilimar
I've been outta town all weekend, so I just got a chance to read...great job!! All the characters are right on point! I'm guessing the lady is Kristen? Not sure, but my only guess right now. Thanks for the great entertainment!!
MSlovinDOOL
I love it you are an amazing writer, it is so suspenseful and i really wish days would do something like this, please finish it oh and your John humor is right on
ilovethebadboys
that story line is GREAT!!! i need for Days to hire you for a writer. Is it Daphne??? Wow very good. Someone call DH and tell her, we have someone for some additional ideas for writing, that won't jack it up like Sheff!
Foxheir82
I am sooooo intrigued!!!! You have GOT to continue this story!!!! I would LOVE to see this play out on screen - too bad TPTB couldn't come up w/ something this great.. You are a brilliant writer ~ I can't wait to see what happens next!
Girl, I think you DO have a chance in hell! I have watched Days for 25 years or so, and this is some of the best s/l's & dialect I have seen in a looooong time! You really capture the "feel" of the show and the characters personalities! I LOVE that you are involving all the characters! I LOVE that you have wonder and suspense - with this mystery woman and the "haunted" part of the house. I LOVE that Doug will be singing again! And I am happy to see Lucas back - yay!
SERIOUSLY - if I were you I would submit this ASAP! LOVE IT!!!! BRAVO!
azgirlygirl
JOHN
It’s like a Klingon and a tribble.
SAMI
You can remember an episode of Star Trek, but you can’t remember your family.
the best lines.. love what you have NuJohn say
Bo & Roman talking about trophy funny too.
Mouse57
JOHN
Elvis, I see you spared no expense when it came to the ring. How long were you at the gumball machine?
JOHN
(Pointing)
Not the Scotch!
I loved reading this story. You had all of the characters down so well. Nice job. I can't wait to read the rest.
Renee alive.. what will Tony do
I choose to believe she's not alive, lol. And if she is he'd stay with Anna. EJ's already been married off to Ava and lost Little Johnny, I'd hate to see my other couple get broken up too, lol.
elvisdimeralover
I really like your writing. You have a lot of great ideas that I would love to see on the show.
I really think they should hire you for the show as the head writer. Since I see a lot of your stuff any way on the show it really is to bad that you aren't getting paid for it.
One of the main things that I like is that with your writing I have been able to read the whole thing with all the characters that you have involved with your story. Were as with the show I fast forward a lot through it.
I wish you good luck, and hope that you get the job!!
Justconfused
Oh, I am so disappointed that you won't go on writing. But, I do understand why and I agree !! No sense in any one getting the credit when it is yours.
I have enjoyed this so much, I have told my sister all about this story line and she keeps asking me more and wanting more!
Thank you so much for what you have wrote.
suzi8310
I have cleaned up and reformatted the script, converting it into a PDF file. What was posted already on the NBC boards can be found at http://geocities.com/tirgana/daysofourlives.pdf
I will be adding to it in the near future but only on this blog--unless Ken Corday can be persuaded to hire me then you will see it on the screen.
I would very much like comments and feedback.
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From the Horton and the Bradys to villainous DiMeras, the writers and actors helped us suspend our disbelief through obsessions and possessions. The brain child of Ted Corday, Betty Corday and Irna Phillips, it premiered in 1965. In the decades, since it has become a TV icon that has been satirized and vilified by those who don’t understand the gothic romance nature of the soap. The Cordays never intended for Days to just meet the industry or viewer expectations but to always exceed them by taking their storylines past the limits and breaking the old taboos. Although it was always cutting edge, it was based on the love of family and friends.
However, in the last couple of years, the decline in the writing has been followed by a decline in the rating, bringing the long soap to the brink of cancellation. Even long time fans, who inherited the love of the show from their mothers and grandmother, were turned off by the lack of suspense, drama, and romance. They missed the humor and the weekly cliffhangers, which had been replaced by the never ending triangles and the destruction of beloved couples.
The random murder of beloved characters brought the wrath of viewers down on the executive producers forcing them to rewrite the storyline in such a ways as to say--just kidding folks. It was the beginning of a long line of poorly thought out and badly written storylines that have made it tied for last place in the ratings. Day’s fans can be rabid and obsessive, but they remain loyal until given good reasons not to be.
My mother got my hooked on Dark Shadows back in the late 1960’s. When it was canceled she moved on to Days of Our Lives and I followed. I have been a fan since Doug and Julie were the super-couple. I grew up with Hope and Bo, cried when Tom Horton died, laughed with Eugene--was severely annoyed to see my favorite character Renee DiMera being carried out feet first. I missed two days and it took me decades to actually learned how she died. Back then the stories were forward moving; they didn’t try to exist on flashbacks.
I know the characters and the history, which is why when the current writers proved they didn’t have a clue into either I started writing an alternative universe Salem and posting it on the NBC message boards. It was out of frustration and anger at being treated like an idiot that made me take the time to create my own storylines. Originally, I wasn’t taking it seriously. I had my novels to write and I had just started my own publishing house. Time was a premium, but I just wasn’t willing to let go of one of the constants in my life.
The postings have a great many typos; plus, the formatting didn’t properly transfer. But it was fun and it didn’t matter. However, the other posters really liked my work. Not only did they ask me to continue, but also suggested that I contact Ken Corday for the head writer gig.
Wow!!! That was excellent! And you soooooo got NuJohn's speech down pat! In the past I would have said there was no way we'd get something like this...but, Days has been getting better, so who knows?
Noledays
Interesting.
I'm not a Celeste fan but you have me intrigued. LOL I want to hear more about what is going on at the mansion. lol
Babyfaith
Oh and once it's all finished, save it, print it out & send it to Burbank. I bet once you finish it that it's better than anything the head writer now can come up with.
TarHeeLfan4eva
This story line is way better than the crappy ones that are on the show at this moment. I'm sick of Dool these days I would much rather watch this than what's on right now.
Lilimar
I've been outta town all weekend, so I just got a chance to read...great job!! All the characters are right on point! I'm guessing the lady is Kristen? Not sure, but my only guess right now. Thanks for the great entertainment!!
MSlovinDOOL
I love it you are an amazing writer, it is so suspenseful and i really wish days would do something like this, please finish it oh and your John humor is right on
ilovethebadboys
that story line is GREAT!!! i need for Days to hire you for a writer. Is it Daphne??? Wow very good. Someone call DH and tell her, we have someone for some additional ideas for writing, that won't jack it up like Sheff!
Foxheir82
I am sooooo intrigued!!!! You have GOT to continue this story!!!! I would LOVE to see this play out on screen - too bad TPTB couldn't come up w/ something this great.. You are a brilliant writer ~ I can't wait to see what happens next!
Girl, I think you DO have a chance in hell! I have watched Days for 25 years or so, and this is some of the best s/l's & dialect I have seen in a looooong time! You really capture the "feel" of the show and the characters personalities! I LOVE that you are involving all the characters! I LOVE that you have wonder and suspense - with this mystery woman and the "haunted" part of the house. I LOVE that Doug will be singing again! And I am happy to see Lucas back - yay!
SERIOUSLY - if I were you I would submit this ASAP! LOVE IT!!!! BRAVO!
azgirlygirl
JOHN
It’s like a Klingon and a tribble.
SAMI
You can remember an episode of Star Trek, but you can’t remember your family.
the best lines.. love what you have NuJohn say
Bo & Roman talking about trophy funny too.
Mouse57
JOHN
Elvis, I see you spared no expense when it came to the ring. How long were you at the gumball machine?
JOHN
(Pointing)
Not the Scotch!
I loved reading this story. You had all of the characters down so well. Nice job. I can't wait to read the rest.
Renee alive.. what will Tony do
I choose to believe she's not alive, lol. And if she is he'd stay with Anna. EJ's already been married off to Ava and lost Little Johnny, I'd hate to see my other couple get broken up too, lol.
elvisdimeralover
I really like your writing. You have a lot of great ideas that I would love to see on the show.
I really think they should hire you for the show as the head writer. Since I see a lot of your stuff any way on the show it really is to bad that you aren't getting paid for it.
One of the main things that I like is that with your writing I have been able to read the whole thing with all the characters that you have involved with your story. Were as with the show I fast forward a lot through it.
I wish you good luck, and hope that you get the job!!
Justconfused
Oh, I am so disappointed that you won't go on writing. But, I do understand why and I agree !! No sense in any one getting the credit when it is yours.
I have enjoyed this so much, I have told my sister all about this story line and she keeps asking me more and wanting more!
Thank you so much for what you have wrote.
suzi8310
I have cleaned up and reformatted the script, converting it into a PDF file. What was posted already on the NBC boards can be found at http://geocities.com/tirgana/daysofourlives.pdf
I will be adding to it in the near future but only on this blog--unless Ken Corday can be persuaded to hire me then you will see it on the screen.
I would very much like comments and feedback.
Technorati Tags:
Days of Our Lives, Angelique, Barabas, Bloopers, collins, Soapnet.com, Soap Opera News and Updates, Soaps.com, Days of Our Lives Fan Site, Dark Shadows, daytime TV, ghosts, horror, Quentin, real life vampires, soap operas, fiction, fantasy novel, best fantasy novel, daytime TV, soap operas, daytime serial, romance, love in the afternoon, Charmed, witch, witches, witchcraft magic, witch hunts, religious bigotry, religious ignorance, freedom of religion, reincartion, soul mates, new storylines, Alison Sweeny, Renée Jones, Peter Reckell, Kristian Alfonso, Deidre Hall, Bryan Dattilo, Drake Hogestyn, James Scott, Thaao Penghlis, James Reynolds, Suzanne Rogers, Leann Hunley, Tanya Boyd, Bill Hayes, Susan Seaforth Hayes, gothic romance, Theresa Chaze, magical fantasy, soap opera fan, fan fiction, Spoilers, Synopsis, Recaps, Characters, alternative reality, Salem, Sony Pictures Television Soaps, soap opera spoilers, soap opera updates, soap opera digest, soap opera, soap opera awards, daily recaps of soap operas, soap opera central, soap opera weekly, soap opera news, soap opera scoops, male soap opera stars, soap opera recaps, daytime soap operas trivia, soap opera websites, days of our lives spoilers, dustin's days of our lives, days of our lives soap opera, days of our lives cast, cast for days of our lives, days of our lives youtube, days of our lives story spoilers, days of our lives cafe, bio of days of our lives cast, what will happen on days of our lives, days of our lives cast and crew, Theresa Chaze, Renee DiMera, Philece Sampler, Ken Corday, Corday Production, Sony Pictues, Gary Tomlin, Michael Lynton, contacting days of our lives, DOOL cancelation, NBC daytime tv, NBC
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