2008: The Directors and Writers Thread

[Y&RWorldTurner]

Raven! That brings a smile to my face! I'll always have a soft spot for Nancy, it was her writing that first made me a real fan of the genre.

Self-employed writer? Oh, Nancy, just come back to daytime already, we need someone like you!

[Y&RWorldTurner]

Oh, and I'm also surprised Brad is a Democrat. The Bell's are notoriously Republican, I guess Bradley differs politically from the rest of the clan.

[Sylph]

I never saw your reasons for liking Natalie Minardi Slater and Janice Ferri Esser.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

First of all, I never ever claimed to be a Janice fan, where did you get that from?

I like Natalie, becuase she has years of experience with the show, and she's worked with in various positions at the show. She's someone, I believe, knows the ins and outs of Y&R and what makes it tick. I think for someone to be a successful head writer, they should have pratice with scripting, editing, and writing breakdowns. Natalie has done all of that...

OK, where's your reasons for not liking them? Oh wait, you can't tell us.

[Sylph]

Where do I begin? Look here, here, here. All circumstantial, but would you add her to Y&R's team in one of those threads I listed if you didn't like her? I know the answer.

[Sylph]

Nope.

[Soapsuds]

LMAO with Sylph and Y&RWorldTurner. Have fun Alvin with Sylph.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

I listed her because she had long-term experience with Y&R and its characters. How is that any different from you listing Trent Jones on your team a few months back and then saying you're not a fan of his anymore and not explaining why?

Still, I'm waiting for your explanations, but I know you have nothing to back your reasoning up with.

[brimike]

We all know this is going nowhere. We appreciate you sticking to your guns, Alvin - but really, now. There is stubbornness, and then there's Sylph.

[Soapsuds]

I agree Mike. Sylph is just well Sylph.

[SOAPSFOREVER]

For someone to be a truly SUCCESSFUL head writer, and have a track record as a success, they have to be, first and foremost, a brillant STORYTELLER. Not scriptwriter, not brreakdown writer, not editor, but a STORYTELLER. Many of the head writers today have learned the mechanics of helming a soap. They can write scenes, breakdowns, edit. What most of them CAN'T do is tell a story about characters we love to love or love to hate, or some interesting combination of the two. Plot, plot, plot is all they're about. So while Natalie may have years of experience with Y&R, not all longtime writers are head writer material. Many don't want to be head writers. The know what they're good at, and they're happy doing what they do. Y&R is in serious free fall. They need a blazing storytelling talent (and folks it's not Hogan Sheffer). I suggested Claire Labine in an earlier post. She's an excellent fit with the kind of emotional, human storytelling Y&R used to be about. I think she could evaluate the show through fresh eyes, and really make something of this once great soap. She did it for GH. I believe she could for Y&R, too.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

LOL!

I guess Sylph and I had to be at odds at some point.

But, Sylph is still love.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

I agree with you, someone once told me that you can be a great writer, but a lousy storyteller and vice versa. I think that fits in here, but Natalie has never been given the chance to helm the show. I'd be more than happy to judge her if she's promoted and the material I see isn't up to par with what I expect.

However, I doubt we'll see the likes of Labine writing for soaps again. As you said before, daytime isn't doing a good job of attracting good storytellers, so we have to put up with what we have.

[Sylph]

I have, but anyone is free to think that I don't. I just cannot and will not tell.

[Sylph]

You are love, too, A!