TOLN

As previously reported, Prospect Park’s “All My Children,” and now “One Life to Live,” have been embroiled in a heated debate with I.A.T.S.E. (International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees)/Local 52, the union representing stage workers for the soaps, which alleges that Prospect Park has violated the labor agreement with the union. As a result, Prospect Park today announced that both soaps will halt production effective tomorrow, June 6.

Fans of “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” have learned to adapt to the dramatic twists and turns hitting their favorite returning “anytime” soaps, only they’ve been adapting more to the behind the scenes “drama” than they have been with what’s happening on screen. First it was the episode reduction (two episodes per week for each show instead of the previously scheduled four), then word FX Canada had dropped both shows from its lineup as a result of the episode reduction, and most recently word that head writers for both shows were released from their contracts and replaced with their script writers. Now, according to TheWrap, the latest drama is based on an apparent labor dispute between Prospect Park and I.A.T.S.E. (International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees)/Local 52, the union representing stage workers for “AMC.”

As exclusively reported by Soap Opera Network in early April, Blair Cramer (Kassie DePaiva) wow’d the Shelter crowd with song on The OnLine Network’s “One Life to Live” on the Thursday, May 30 episode as Llanview experienced a peculiar blackout. As everything seemed to be going wrong, Todd Manning (Roger Howarth) insisted that Blair entertain the crowd until the power was restored.

WTNH, better known as ABC8 in Stamford, CT, recently toured the set of The OnLine Network’s “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” and got some inside scoop on what’s happening on your favorite internet dramas.

As previously reported, Paolo Seganti (ex-Damien Grimaldi, “As The World Turns”) has joined the cast of The OnLine Network’s “One Life to Live” as Arturo Bandini, a wealthy, suave and sexy man whose family is very influential in the art world, beginning with the Thursday, June 27 episode. TOLN has released the first image of Seganti in his new role, which can be viewed above.

In an interview published in the newest issue of Soap Opera Digest, Maria Arena Bell, the former executive producer and head writer of “The Young and the Restless,” shares that the soap submitted episodes #9,999 and #10,000 as part of their Emmy reel in the category of Outstanding Drama Series for the “40th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards.”

“As The World Turns” alums Paolo Seganti (ex-Damien Grimaldi) and Marnie Schulenburg (ex-Alison Stewart) along with “Guiding Light” alum Ron Raines (ex-Alan Spaulding) are joining the cast of The OnLine Network’s “One Life to Live,” the network announced today. The three former CBS Daytime soap stars make their Llanview debuts this summer in newly created roles.

According to sources, the “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” head writing team changes occurred with Prospect Park deciding to release Marlene McPherson and Elizabeth Snyder (“AMC”) and Thom Racina (“OLTL”) from their contracts. This is in direct contrast to Susie Bedsow Horgan, who opted to exit her position as co-head writer of “OLTL” (with Racina) in early April, where we’re told she cited personal reasons behind her decision.

As the fourth week of “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” comes to a close, and with the recent reduction in weekly episodes of both “AMC” and “OLTL” now at just two originals, The OnLine Network has also reduced their Friday “MORE” series, which now combines the two soaps into one Friday recap/interview episode.

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.”