In a statement released a short time ago, Agnes Nixon, creator of both “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” and a consultant at Prospect Park, speaks out on Prospect Park’s decision to replace the “AMC” head writing team. Lisa Connor and Chip Hayes have been named new co-head writers of the soap. In addition, Jessica Klein and Marin Gazzaniga have been named the new co-head writers of “One Life to Live.”
“It is now my pleasure to announce that the future stories involving the lives of ‘All My Children’s’ beloved characters are from now on in the capable hands of the co-head writers Lisa Connor and Chip Hayes, both of whom have a long and stellar history with our program,” says Nixon. She added, “Lisa Connor collaborated with me on the final draft of the ‘All My Children’ Twenty – Fifth Anniversary Family Album. For two years she also served as a line producer of the program and was creatively involved in plotting and writing daily episodes since 2002.’
“In addition to his six years as a producer on ‘Melrose Place,’ Chip Hayes in 2003, became a vital member of those devising the ongoing drama of ‘All My Children.’ He remains in this crucial work through its incarnation on the internet.
“I agree with Prospect Park’s decision to replace the head writing team for ‘All My Children.’ However, I particularly want to thank Marlene McPherson and Elizabeth Snyder for their incredibly positive dedication to the show and their constant helpful attitude during many long hours of intense work. It is greatly appreciated.”
“We are excited for the opportunity to put the lives of our characters in the capable hands of the new writing staff,” said Prospect Park in a statement. “We appreciate their commitment to great storytelling that will build upon an already solid foundation for the residents of Llanview and Pine Valley.”
Changes to the writing staff include the appointment of Lisa Connors, currently the script editor of “All My Children,” and Chip Hayes, currently script writer of “All My Children,” to Co-Head Writers. In addition to Jessica Klein and Marin Gazzaniga being promoted to co-head writers of “One Life To Live,” Jason Seidel will also join the writing staff of the soap.
Connor and Hayes replace the departing co-head writers Marlene McPherson and Elizabeth Snyder at “AMC.” Klein and Gazzaniga replace the already departed Susie Bedsow Horgan and now departing Thom Racina as co-head writers at “OLTL.”
The new “AMC” and “OLTL” writing teams are as follows:
“All My Children” Co-Head Writers:
Lisa Connor (has won four Writers Guild Awards and a Daytime Emmy, has worked on shows including All My Children,” “Days of Our Lives,” “General Hospital,” “Young and The Restless,” “As The World Turns,” “One Life To Live” and “Guiding Light”) and Chip Hayes (“All My Children” Writer, “Melrose Place” Producer, Writer and Director).
“All My Children” Writers:
Rebecca Taylor (“All My Children” Script Writer), Suzanne V. Johnson (Executive on “All My Children” and “One Life To Live,” Head of Writer Development for ABC’s daytime dramas, and Emmy award winning creator and co-executive producer of the web series, “What If…”), Joanna Cohen (“All My Children” Script Writer, journalist for Sports Illustrated), and Tara K. Walsh (Story Coordinator).
“One Life To Live” Co–Head Writers:
Jessica Klein (“As The World Turns” Head Writer, “Beverly Hills, 90210” Executive Producer) and Marin Gazzaniga (“As The World Turns” and “Arthur” Writer; SO CLOSE Writer)
“One Life To Live” Writers:
Alex Douglas (USA Network’s “Royal Pains” Writer) and Jed Seidel (“Greek,” “Ghost Whisperer,” “Veronica Mars” Co-Executive Producer; “Nash Bridges” Supervising Producer; “Nash Bridges,” “Greek,” “Ghost Whisperer,” “Veronice Mars,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Felicity,” and “Hollywood Heights” Writer).