Y&R: Ed Scott Returns As Senior Producer

[Maxim]

Claude Monet was creating art well past his 70s and 80s. Michelangelo worked till he was nearly 90 and critics say he did some of his best work...  in these last few years. And this was way back in time. In 2024 with how advanced Medicine and Prevention is... some LUCKY people can be well into their 80s and more productive than some 30 year olds. Some young people do nothing creative or meaningful. While some old folks are non-stop improving themselves and the world they live in. Of course they are some people that are out of touch... but they can be out of touch when they are even 40 or 50. And I've met plenty of people over 70 that have more dynamic energy and spirit. And the experience... That's something you can't BUY or create out of thin air. 

[Chris B]

Age is really just a number these days. Ed Scott does not look 80 and is still very sharp. I wouldn't really let that be a big concern right now. Now hopefully they are working on developing a next generation of talent, something Bill Bell did. I'm not sure if B&B has still been doing that, but I know Y&R always had writers and producers in the wings if replacements were needed. Unfortunately, none were used, but they did have a plan in place before all the Bell people were fired.

[BetterForgotten]

He’s indeed still very sharp - he produced B&B mostly recently in very much the same way he produced Y&R back in the day. He’s known for overseeing things in the booth with the directors and other producers - and then rushing out to the soundstage to give the actors notes firsthand. That requires a lot of energy to do each day the show is in production.

 

 

[Taoboi]

Well I for one am pretty sure that just like at DAYS when he arrives, his influence will be very apparent when he arrives on screen at Y&R.

[BetterForgotten]

That’s probably a good comparison - granted, soaps had better budgets back in 2007-2008 than they do not. But DAYS was a behind the scenes mess for Ed’s year there (some of that due to him, lol), and Hogan and then Dena’s writing was …. not very good for the most part.

He’s facing a similar situation coming back to Y&R - but I do think the production aspects will immediately see his influences given how hands on he is. 

[Taoboi]

That's exactly what I mean. I still remember his first few days at DAYS production wise...and it was VERY apparent. I hope that will be the case when he arrives at Y&R as well. Even now with current budgets, B&B stays looking great, the cast stay dressing superb (just look at any time a character from Y&R has crossed over to B&B and then they cross back to Y&R for example), and sets get regularly used and it makes sense. They even have extras like all those interns running around right now. I imagine even with Y&R's lower budget that Scott will still make it look expensive. 

 

I mentioned that above. I remember that as well. I just don't remember if the AS part of it was ever proven. But that, his past at Y&R, and the aforementioned fact the article was on Deadline, is why I'm cautious optimistic that while Scott is coming on as a Senior Producer, he might manage to have more influence than what the current regime might not be ready for. But we will see.

[Chris B]

When he went to Days, I remember being shocked that he could make the show look as good as he did considering the budget. I know that must've been an adjustment going from Y&R's budget to what Days has. On top of that, the show was a cartoon and nothing was working: the acting was bad, the music was awful and pretty much everything else. 

I know there were talks of him causing drama behind the scenes with the writing, but I can't say I'm surprised. He was used to a much higher standard at Y&R and he pushed them to do better. I will say, I do credit his influence for that show turning itself around from the joke it had become. Same with B&B, especially in those initial years he was there.

[Liberty City]

Plus, under his production, Arianne Zucker returned after leaving. He did do some solid good for that soap during his time there.

[Chris B]

The biggest gain to Days I feel was Marnie Siatta going from Y&R to Days as Casting Director. She had cast some really good people at Y&R and does the same for Days. After she left I feel like casting became more about snatching the next available ABC star and it no longer felt like Y&R. I always loved her story of starting as a receptionist and working her way up. She was a true Bell hire.

[Liberty City]

Marnie Saitta is good... but [some] of what she's brought to Days of Our Lives is beyond questionable....

[BetterForgotten]

People don’t realize that final casting is often not even down to the Casting Directors. For contract roles, they’re responsible for sourcing the talent and conducting initial auditions, and then selecting a shortlist of actors. However, from there, actors often then have to audition for the Producers of the show, and sometimes network executives. By the end of the process, the person who gets hired is often not even the Casting Director’s pick. 

Mark Teschner at GH often had more autonomy than the other Casting Directors on daytime - but even he has had to contend with Valentini’s “taste” in actors during Valentini’s time there.  

Ed does like to audition actors and direct screen tests. He did that at all his previous soaps, including B&B. 

Edited October 15, 2024 by BetterForgotten

[Paul Raven]

I'm encouraged by posters' enthusiasm for Ed Scott and hope that his arrival does make a difference.

God knows, the show needs help.

Now just what Ed can achieve with the budget restrictions..

1. Sets. A major issue.

There need to be more. If Josh insists on writing business stories then we need to see offices instead of characters discussing takeovers, mergers and hires in bars and restaurants.

Most characters do not have homes. 

The set dressing is pretty awful. Cheap ceramics  and artwork that look like chain store buys.

And Crimson Lights needs to be upgraded. Millionaires discussing mergers in front of a robot that looks like a kid's art project.

2. Costuming. Most of the female characters wear the same sort of clothes. Often not very flattering. The men's clothing looks cheap and generic in a lot of cases.

3. Extras. A lot of scenes taking place  in empty spaces. More under fives and day players needed. eg staff for Newmans Abbotts etc

Unfortunately successive writers lumbered characters with kids. So we need to see them

4. Direction. A lot of scenes are pretty static talking heads. Let's bring back those arty shots and angles from BITD.

5. Music. Ditch the bland background music for something more atmospheric.

Have I missed anything?

Don't know how far Ed Scott can go with any of this.

 

[allmc2008]

You are correct. It was a wink. But, it doesn't change the fact that it meant the same thing. If in person I made that comment about Coppola and made an eye wink at the end, what would that tell you? That I'm being cheeky.

For the record, I'm not worried about age being a factor. Most of my friends have always been boomers or their parents. I know plenty who can put in the work of a 25 year old (but nobody takes them seriously).

Edited October 15, 2024 by allmc2008

[Liberty City]

No offense but, obviously not, since that's not how it was taken by someone (and that someone being me). So, realistically, it does change the so-called "fact" that it meant "the same thing". To you, maybe, but not to someone else (me). 

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Oh, I fully realize this, but it is also the casting director who brings said-talent to the executive in-charge. So, in ways, the casting director is still responsible for those cast.

Mark Teschner is still one of the best and even with some flop castings, it's still Frank Valentini who I do not trust. I'm honestly surprised we got Van Hansis & Alexa Havins cast; those two, to me, feel more Disney ABC selected than Valentini.

[Maxim]

I took it the way you took it, so it's not just you.   Sometimes people think they convey something, but the effect is quite the opposite.  

In the end of the day Edward J. Scott is treasure for any show to have. He has the experience and the past history. And people stating with certainty that they already know what he is there to do and NOT do... is the daily dose of humor this board always provides.