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David Kreizman Spills!

May 13, 2008 7:45 PDT By Bobbi Dempsey

Tags: Guiding Light We recently got a chance to talk with "Guiding Light" head writer David Kreizman -- and we grabbed it! Read on for all the juicy deets we squeezed out of him about his writing team's Emmy nod, the 70th Anniversary episode, and what's in store for all your fave characters.

SOAPnet.com: Congrats on the Daytime Emmy nomination. What was your first reaction?

David Kreizman: I was actually surprised by the nomination this year. I didn't even know it was nomination day until I arrived at the studio that day. And we were in a meeting, so I didn't find out until a little later. Of course, it's always nice to be recognized, but it's a strange year for writers. I think we're all still healing from the strike.

SOAPnet.com: Can you sum up your thoughts on "Guiding Light" in 2007? It featured the 70th Anniversary episode, which fans seemed to love. Any other highs or lows that stand out?

David: It was a real transition year for us. We knew the new format was coming, so we were always working toward that. I'm very proud of the Find Your Light campaign that Ellen [Wheeler, executive producer at "GL"] started. I spent a few days in Mississippi, and it was a very emotional experience for everyone involved. I had a great time writing the anniversary episode. I kept putting it off and then finally locked myself in a hotel room with books of "Guiding Light" lore to write the script. Losing Tom [Pelphrey] and Stephanie [Gatschet] was difficult, but I think we got some great story by telling the tragic end of Jonathan and Tammy.

SOAPnet.com: How did the writers' strike affect the show's existing storylines and those that were in the planning stages?

David: I don't really want to talk specifics about the strike. We prepared as best we could before it started and jumped back in as soon as we could. Mostly it was just very sad and stressful for everyone involved, and we're thrilled to be back.

SOAPnet.com: Fans have a strong connection to the show's core families. What's ahead for our favorite clans?

David: The families and love stories will always be at the heart of "GL." Gus's death will continue to cause major ripples in the Cooper, Spaulding, and Lewis families. Lizzie and Bill's love will be further tested by Ava's choices and Bill's ambition. Alan's connection to his lost son gives hope to the town. The Coopers pick up the pieces after Harley chooses Gus over Cyrus. The Bauer BBQ will bring a crossroads for Rick and Beth. And the movie about Reva's life complicates everything for Reva, Jeffrey, Josh, and Cassie as they relive the cornerstones of Josh and Reva's love story.

SOAPnet.com: At the same time, there's always a need to shake things up by adding fresh faces to the canvas. Any exciting new characters on the horizon?

David: We'll see the reappearance of one new character who has the potential to cause a lot of trouble for most of the people in town, especially Daisy, Cyrus, and Frank.

SOAPnet.com: Fans are eager to know what's ahead for Reva, and what will happen with her movie. Anything you can share?

David: Reva's movie shoot will heat up during the summer, full of many surprises.

SOAPnet.com: How about our favorite "GL" couples? Will spring be romantic -- or rocky?

David: Spring will be full of romantic longing -- couples we know are meant to be together, struggling to find their way back.

THIS is an INTERVIEW? Where are the hard-hitting questions. GL continues to SINK in the ratings and this interviewer acts like the show doesn't have a problem in the world. YAWN!

I never thought that after Ellen Weston, another writer would be able to drive away from the show as she did. Sadly I was wrong. DK deserves an award for "Outstanding Destruction of a Daytime Drama Series" because after all he's done I honestly do not see how GL can recover from years of this Hack and his pal Ms. Wheeler.

I kept putting it off and then finally locked myself in a hotel room with books of "Guiding Light" lore to write the script. Losing Tom [Pelphrey] and Stephanie [Gatschet] was difficult, but I think we got some great story by telling the tragic end of Jonathan and Tammy.

Yeah if only you could have stayed in that same room and thought out the stories for the rest of the year and the next.

Maybe he's delusional. These days it doesn't even seem as if there is ANY writing on GL...just a bunch of stuff that happens.