OLTL Head Writer Ron Carlivati Settles Into His New Gig

— By Lauren Flynn

Two of the chief complaints commonly voiced by ONE LIFE TO LIVE watchers is that there’s no love left in Llanview and not enough story for beloved veteran characters. New Head Writer Ron Carlivati assures Digest that love is on the horizon and that Viki and others will get their deserved storylines. At the same time, he is focused on giving present stories their proper conclusions and plans to keep a balance between the more-established characters and the “younger generation.”

Soap Opera Digest: Is there any first order of business as the new head writer?

Ron Carlivati: Well, not exactly. I’ve been there writing on the show for 11 years and I’ve been co-head writer for the past few months, so there are stories that are in place that we’re driving and going to keep telling — obviously in the most exciting way possible — and then as I get my feet wet, there’s going to be a lot of new story. So I guess my first priority is really developing new story while we continue to tell the stories that we’re currently telling.

Digest:Are there any particular storylines that you’d like to wrap up sooner rather than later?

Carlivati: I think the audience doesn’t like when a story is just abruptly ended if a new head writer comes into play, so I want to play out the stories that we have. Obviously, there are stories that I’m partial to more than others. I think the baby story with Marcie and Todd being the father of that baby is a huge story that’s really important to the audience, so that one I am very excited about.

Digest: Are there any couples that you’d like to focus on?

Carlivati: Well, as you probably know, a lot of our couples have been shaken up. We had a lot of breakups, so I think you’re going to see characters falling in love, finding new love — I think that’s more the focus. I think you’re going to see many couples and new couples falling in love and people finding love in new ways.

Digest: So will Viki finally get her “new adventure?” She had that one awful date with Doug (Mark LaMura) and that was it.

Carlivati: That was more of a tease, but yes, Viki will have her own story.

Digest: What endears you to daytime TV?

Carlivati: What I love about soaps is classic soap opera storytelling. I’ve watched soaps for a long time, so I think you have to respect the history of the show and the audience wants to see that, and because I’m a fan, I’d like to think that I think like a fan and what the fans will want to see. You do have to keep it fresh and modern and innovative and all that, but what I like is that a soap can be not just a drama, not just a comedy, not just a fantasy, it’s all of those things together. What I love is having the opportunity to tell all different kinds of stories.

Digest: And you certainly get to do that on OLTL.

Carlivati: ONE LIFE TO LIVE is famous for being able to balance these over-the-top fantasy stories with real, serious issues and the audience loves — I think they often comment on — things like Viki goes to Heaven and the Old West story, and while part of the show is grounded in reality, we do have that over-the-top element and I’d like to hopefully get a little bit of that into the show. And humor is very important to me. I love a show like UGLY BETTY that’s a soap opera that’s also funny, but it can make you cry. I love the characters on our show that bring out humor, like Roxy, David and Rex. In general, I just think it has to be a balance. I love the whole cast and I just want to be able to tell a balanced story.

Is there a photo of him?

That is RC in the last picture in Jay's signature....on the far right.

As I said to you on AIM Jay, I am sick of being optimistic w/ the OLTL headwriters. He starts out on my poo list, and has to work up.

Let his actions speak for themselves. If he can follow through on his promises and statements, then I'll be happy.

He makes some pretty good points - and I'm not even watching OLTL.

Lets hope that the smooth transistion he promisses will have some good impact storyline-wise in the end

I can't wait to see what he does with the Marcie/Todd story. Maybe, She will go insane and be sent to St. Annes!!

I can't wait to see what he does with the Marcie/Todd story. Maybe, She will go insane and be sent to St. Annes!!

Mabye he could have Allison Perkins come back and steal the baby for Marcie....who becomes friends with Addie while at St. Ann's.

Now that would be an interesting storyline.

That is RC in the last picture in Jay's signature....on the far right.

Hahaha, I turned down that option! I don't see anyone's signature!

This man either knows all the right things to say or is a really good fit for the show. I cannot believe that he referenced UGLY BETTY - that show is the QUINTESSENTIAL soap opera and he's 100% right about a soap being a happy marriage of fantasy, drama and comedy. He sounds like he could know what he's doing. I also like that he's not going to abruptly end all the stories going on right now. Granted, I'm one of the two people left on this planet who still likes Dena Higley's work, so...

Edited July 6, 200718 yr by leevo64

This man either knows all the right things to say or is a really good fit for the show. I cannot believe that he referenced UGLY BETTY - that show is the QUINTESSENTIAL soap opera and he's 100% right about a soap being a happy marriage of fantasy, drama and comedy. He sounds like he could know what he's doing. I also like that he's not going to abruptly end all the stories going on right now. Granted, I'm one of the two people left on this planet who still likes Dena Higley's work, so...

Oh my Goodness.

Hey, who's the other person? Dena Higley?

Edited July 6, 200718 yr by Jay

Okay, so I'm the only one. And I didn't say I LOVED it, hehe... I just think the show is more watchable than AMC and it's kinda appealing to me. I dunno :-P

Oh my Goodness.

Hey, who's the other person? Dena Higley?

LMAO!

All I can say is that he damn well better follow through on Viki storyline and finally give the woman a solid love interest, be it a return David Vickers or some new man or fixing Clint for Viki. I am tired of the lies in regards to Viki with never any follow up.

I am happy that Dena the hack is gone, she did nothing for this show. And, I actually am glad Ron didn't get too specific, that is smart, because Frank V. and Dena H. always came out like liars from all of their quotes since nothing they were quoted on were followed through, especially in regards to Viki (ES).

I think I may be in love with Ron Carlivati!

Anybody know when this interview was actually conducted? It's only been what five weeks since Higley was fired. So presuming the interview had to be done a couple of weeks ago he really hasn't had that much time to formulate his transition. Granted, he probably had the heads up a bit before Higley maybe and could have been developing stuff in his head leading up to his promotion. But I am seeing improvement already. Better utilization of the vets. Better cast integration. Stories are broader and include natural interaction between family members and other members of the cast. I am only fastforwarding John and Marty scenes these days.

Edited July 6, 200718 yr by rhinohide