AMC: DC is really out and AMC next soap to go

[CSF]

Okay so I didn't really read the full thread in this section that talked about David Canary leaving AMC, but I recently obtained some off the record information from several close sources here in NYC about things going on with it's actor's and about the relocation which recently took place.

You all may take this information as you wish but this is what I was told about DC and the future of AMC from sources that I consider to be reliable. Again, this was all told to me off the record.

DC will in fact be leaving the show when his contract expires in March. I know several posters said his daughter or whomever posted that on their Twitter page many months ago. Well, yes, it's true. It really was a contractual obligation that needed to be fulfilled.

Next, despite all the attempts made by ABC to "save" AMC, it has failed. I was told from a source that I consider to be reliable that the reason AMC ended up with David and Donna as head writer's is because no other writer wanted to "go down with this sinking ship." Regardless of AMC being number one for ABC in HH, it's not making the network much money and they are really struggling with advertising for the show. It had been discussed for several years now to relocate the show to LA to save money and now that they finally did, they are seeing that the transition is not working as planned. Don't be surprised if more actors depart the show in the upcoming months as their contracts expire.

To me, this seems kinda all out there and random, but there is a very big possibility that AMC may go before OLTL despite the fact that ABC moved the show across the country.

That's all I have...

[Ann_SS]

Interesting info, CSF. I do find it hard to believe that headwriters weren't climbing over each other to become AMC's savior. There are lots of unemployed headwriters who would kill for the opportunity.

Hard to say which ABC soap will be cancelled first, but I don't see it happening for a couple years. I think ABC will give the production cuts for AMC and OLTL a chance before giving up.

[dragonflies]

I don't see AMC being cancelled this year, now next year? Definite possibility if things don't turn around.

Jamey at Daytime Confidential said no one wanted the HW job at AMC, that's why they went with DK/DS.

[Pavarti31]

If this is true, well that's what they get for alienating and angering the audience. Maybe we weren't as stupid as they thought we were.

[Jonathan]

This is what I would like to believe too. It's just too depressing. I want to try to enjoy what's on air without having to read this doom and gloom. It must be really tough for these actors and backstage personnel to come to work and hear such rumors and basically having an axe over your head. The move symbolizes hope for the future and I think the show really needs that right now.

[Jonathan]

I think Jamey's assertion that "no one wanted the job" needs to be qualified. Like Ann pointed out, there are a lot of talented out of work writers who would kill for this job. And there are probably a lot of breakdown writers and scriptwriters who probably would love the challenge of headwriting. But I think ABC wanted a headwriter with previous experience to take the job. But there's probably slim pickings for anyone fitting that criteria.

[Jonathan]

This I don't doubt. Despite ABC's statement that they would release those who didn't want to move, I think ABC forced some actors to honor the remaining duration of their contracts. I could see Darnell Williams wanting to leave. I said the same thing about Debbi Morgan, but after hearing her in several interviews, I think she's committed to making bicoastal living work as long as she's happy.

ETA: If Darnell did leave, I would love for All My Children to lure Peter Bergman from Y&R. Cliff and Angie should be given another shot and I think this time it would work.

[Melroser]

Maybe talented headwriters know what kind of headache it would be to work at ABC with Frons and co. and that is why they aren't jumping at the job. Especially, if it is true that part of Pratt's issues was with not being able to tell stories how he wanted. (I'm not defending him! Back off....)

Did ABC really expect its long-time veterans to commute forever?? Really? I don't blame some of them for bolting as soon as their contracts are up because signing on for a commute I'm sure is not what they had in mind. For ABC to essentially hold them to a contract that everyone assumed meant was to film in NY, is pretty sh*tty!

[DRW50]

I think ABC will give AMC at least another year, or more, just because they invested in this move to LA.

[Soapsuds]

I give another year. So much for the move to LA.

[SFK]

I'm not doubting any of this, but didn't they like, just get to L.A.? It is still too soon to say that the move was a total bust. But what do you expect from an industry that'll cancel a series after the first episode...

[Jonathan]

Yeah it seems to soon too. I think Feb and May sweeps are very important though.

[Eric83]

I'm not a huge fan of AMC, but another soap doesn't need to be cancelled. Hopefully maybe DS/DK can suprise us all, and turn things around at AMC.

Another soap cancellation, especially this soap will be a HUGE blow to daytime.

[SFK]

Right, I just think that if they're talking imminent cancellation already, that is something that could have (should have) been guaged before moving the show cross-country. At any rate, the incompetence just continues to abound. The only thing I look forward to when the show is cancelled (and I don't mean that, but you get me) is someone having the balls to come out of their face and call out all of the morons and their stupid decisions that are responsible for the death of soaps. I wish someone had the courage to do that now.

[Melroser]

Yes, the show just got there. However, they announced the move months ago. More than enough time to have been having talks to line up creative help (writers, etc.). Evidently, the powers-that-be overestimated the show's ability to draw from outside the 'daytimers'.