"SANTA BARBARA DISASTER OF THE MONTH" CONTEST - ROUND TWO

Dear friends,

the second part of the SB contest has ended. I have received your stories. I thank you because all your stories are really funny and well written. Your ideas are very original and they reflect the irreverent style of SB. I have a lot of fun to read them all. But this is a "contest" and only a story can win. Actually it was not very difficult because I only got a story. But I decided to proclaim it as the winner because it is really superb! Its author is Matt Crider. In my opinion, a true genius! Theme was: BIRDS ATTACK SANTA BARBARA.

Contest will be temporarily suspended (despite being a big hit) because I am preparing in a big way Santa Barbara – The Sequel  and I want this to be spectacular. This takes a long time to me, so it is necessary to make a choice.

Enjoy your reading.

BIRDS ATTACK SANTA BARBARA

For weeks, Santa Barbara had been quiet.  In a town where children played, car horns blared, birds sang...

But wait a minute, Ted thought. He hadn't heard a bird in weeks. Ever since Laken left town, the birds had stopped singing. 

He walked down the lane to get the mail.  The Capwells had a long winding driveway to reach their luxurious mansion.  Every day after school, Ted would stop and get the mail, hoping for a letter that he knew in his heart would never come.  Laken would NEVER come back. 

Little did Ted know that he was being watched. 

Every day he did the same thing.  Everyday there was no letter.  Every day more and more eyes gathered to watch him.

But he wasn't the only one being watched. And today was the day...

In the adjoining property Augusta Lockridge was sunning herself as she did every day in her back yard. It was the perfect way to get an eyeful of whatever lovely specimen she had hired.  Joe Perkins... Brick Wallace.  No hunk was beyond her notice.  And sometimes, when she got lucky, they noticed her back.

But on this day, Augusta was about to pay for a sin already forgotten.

The attack happened quickly. It started with a single, almost warlike sound. 

<SQUAK>!

This was the day the birds attacked. Gina and Keith were among the first victims, the birds tearing at Gina's dress as she tried to run.  Keith too soon found his clothes ripped by sharp talons.  They ran naked, covered in bird droppings until they found shelter inside a nearby shop.

Julia and Mason were luckier.  They could only find one place to hide.  A single phone booth.  They started to argue about who found it first and both rushed in at the same time, the door jamming shut behind them.  Leaving them safe but trapped inside the close quarters.

All around Santa Barbara it was the same.  Augusta tried to make it into the house but the way was blocked.  Finally she jumped into the pool , quickly turning over an inflatable raft for cover.  The birds continued pecking until it deflated.  Soon it was ripped apart and Augusta had no choice but to take refuge underwater.  She would only return to the surface for brief moments to replenish air in her lungs.

Only one person was spared.  Ted.  Ashe watched what was going on a large bird seemed to be calling him. But that was impossible.  Wasn't it.  It was almost as if it wanted Ted to follow it.  But the bird was transparent, as if it wasn't really there. 

He was led to a tree where he soon found a nest.  Inside there was a cracked egg and a baby bird trapped under some twigs.  Without thinking twice, he knew that the egg belonged to a carrier pigeon.  His and Laken's.  The one the Augusta had...

Augusta was terrified.  In that moment, she remembered what she had done to Ted and Laken's pigeon.  She had cooked it and served it to her family as an appetizer!

Ted freed the baby bird and the larger bird, the one that led him there faded away.

“I'm sorry!” Augusta shrieked once as she quickly came up for air.  “I'm soooooo sorry!”

Unfortunately several birds gathered and she panicked, and in trying to evade the birds she lurched and hit her head at the side of the pool, not moving.

When Ted freed the bird, the rest of them stopped their attack.  Eventually, everything was back to normal.  Augusta survived, just sustaining a mild concussion.  But she was different now.  And she knew she had a lot to make up for.

Ted was also changed.  He realized that Laken wouldn't be coming back.  Freeing the bird and letting it flyaway, he realized he had to let Laken fly too, if only symbolically.

The next day, Gina's niece Hayley came to town.

THE END (?)

CHANNING III CASTING IS OPEN

Channing Capwell III was born in December 24, 1991. He is the son of Gina and CC Capwell. His birth was certainly bizarre: he was born during Christmas Eve while Gina was in the veterinarian’ office. He helped her give birth. In place of the cow, there were dogs. In place of Joseph, there was Lionel .... But if you already thinks that his birth seems strange, well, his conception was decidedly weird: Gina, determined to have a child, penetrates into the Sperm Bank of Santa Barbara and steals CC’ sperm. Pure Dobsons! According to you, a boy, born in these circumstances, could look normal? Which would be Channing’ look? Alternatives are endless.

I have chosen four candidates for this role. Which of them could play Channing III on Santa Barbara - The Sequel ? Vote, vote, vote

SAMANTHA CAPWELL' CASTING IS OPEN!

Samantha was born in June 18, 1987. She is the daughter of Mason Capwell and Julia Wainwright. Her conception is certainly one of the most bizarre things that SB writers have ever written. In fact at the time Julia wanted a child without paternal bonds. So she suggested to Mason to help her to conceive her child, not before he has signed a contract in which Mason stated that he had no rights to the unborn child. Julia, however, has difficulty in getting pregnant and then some attempts are needed before she can. During these attempts, something is born between the two, but just as Julia discovers she is pregnant, Mason becomes engaged to Victoria Lane, thanks to the similarity with the late Mary. Imagine Julia!

Here's how she was as a child. And now which would be Samantha’s look? Alternatives are endless.

I have chosen four candidates for this role. Which of these actresses could play Samantha Capwell on Santa Barbara - The Sequel ? Vote, vote, vote

CHIP CASTILLO'S CASTING IS OPEN

Chip Castillo was born May 18, 1987. He is the son of Cruz Castillo and Victoria Lane. Chip was conceived in a rather bizarre way. At that time, Cruz was engaged to Eden, and he would NEVER betrayed her. So that crazy Victoria took advantage of him. During a shipwreck. Victoria and Cruz found refuge in a lighthouse. Cruz is hurt, he has high fever and hallucinations. So he thinks that Victoria is Eden (they could not be more different), Victoria is aware of this and she decides to make love with Cruz anyway. Nine months after, Chip came to life. Victoria did not initially told Cruz that Chip was his son and she pretends that Mason was the father. Then the truth comes to light, Victoria becomes drugs addicted, she leaves town and she decides to entrust Chip to Cruz and Eden. And now Which would be Chip’ look? Alternatives are endless.

I have chosen four candidates for this role. Which of them could play Chip Castillo on Santa Barbara - The Sequel ? Vote, vote, vote

ADRIANA CASTILLO'S CASTING IS OPEN

Adriana is the daughter of Eden and Cruz. She was born January 1, 1989, inside a cave. She was conceived shortly before the rape that Eden suffered by her gynecologist, then a doubt on her paternity was born. Here's how she was as a child. And now which would be Adriana’s look? Alternatives are endless.

I have chosen four candidates for this role. Which of these actresses could play Adriana Castillo on Santa Barbara - The Sequel ? Vote, vote, vote

P.S.

Remember that, growing up, children (and hair color) can change...

SANTA BARBARA - THE SEQUEL

As you already know, I am proceeding in the interview with Bridget Dobson, creator of the SB with her husband Jerome. I have already described to you my excitement speaking with her. I'm reliving all stages of the creation of this show and its development. The excitement hit my head with devastating effects. Here are the consequences: I decided to tell you what happens in Santa Barbara today ... starting with my nocturnal dream. Morpheus has brought me to Santa Barbara and I have seen all the Capwells, the Lockridges ... I have seen the beauty of Adriana, the integrity of Chip, the intelligence of Samantha and much more. So I decided to improvise myself as head writer and to write down my dream.

Something terrible is about to happen. I am not referring to my inability literary, but to someone’s return that will shock forever our heroes’ lives. I plan to tell the whole story in about 24 episodes. An American friend will help me. It is just my little tribute to our soap.

I promise you that this is not the usual story: also its form. Written words and exclusive screenshots! A comic more than a book story.

By now my mind is irreparably shattered. I am counting on my passion for the show and on my iron memory. Madness in abundance. I hope you like it.

I almost forgot ... We already know the faces of our heroes, but we do not know who will play the new generation. I need your help. You'll have to choose between the actors and actresses that I will submit to you to interpret Adriana, Chip and Samantha. Casting is open ... Stay tuned ...

EXCLUSIVE AND UNUSUAL INTERVIEW WITH C (as C on the roof of the Capwell Hotel)

15 July, 1986. Mark McCormick and Mary DuVall dispute concerning the divorce on the roof of the Capwell hotel, they are surprised by a storm. Suddenly, the immense letter "C" of the ensign gets detached and falls on Mary, then always pregnant, who dies immediately. Mason, disabled, will never be really able to recover from her death and will consequently darken in alcoholism.

Today. I serched for her for a long time. Nobody knows where she is now. No one has ever interviewed her. I found her and we finally discover what really happened that July 15, 1986 on the roof of the Capwell hotel.

Exclusively on “Santa Barbara Blog”.

P.S. I thought to put a musical accompaniment to the reading of this interview. Click play and enjoy the music while you are reading.

Hello C, I'm very glad I found you. Thanks for agreeing to answer some questions, I know that you has retired from the scenes and that you do not like interviews.

You are welCome.

In the past you were known as the Big C. In the 80s you were involved in a terrible accident. The death of Mary DuVall on the roof of the Capwell Hotel in Santa Barbara. Do You want to reconstruct for us what happened that night?

Oh, too much time has passed sinCe then. My memories are blurry. And then I do not want to evoke so painful memories. I just remember a strong wind, maybe a gunshot ... I was no longer reCovered from that aCCident. I am shattered by then…

Unfortunately I have to ask you an indelicate question: some people suggest that this was not an accident. What is the truth? (You can tell us the truth, now this crime is expired).

This question is OUTRAGEOUS, to say the least! I Could denounCe you for slander. I have nothing more to add.

Someone suggested that it was Mason Capwell to pay you to fall on the poor Mary. He could not bear to have found true love. Others claim that you have intentionally killed Mary because you were in love with Mason…

I DID NOT HAVE SEXUAL RELATIONS WITH THAT MAN, MR. MASON CAPWELL!

C… I have to tell you something. Unfortunately for you, I have proof that you're lying! You still can not tell the truth after all these years. Someone sent me an exclusive video that reveals who was the actual murder of Mary DuVall. Watch it and then comment it, please.

Damn! (long pause) ... It was beCause of that old hag. It was she who organized that sCam. At that time the LoCkridges had finanCial problems and I appeared less and less on the show. So that witCh thought that if I had Collapsed by aCCident, we Could ColleCt insuranCe money. We Could not expeCt that Mary was there at that preCise moment. IT WAS AN ACCIDENT, I swear!

Oh my God! For years, everyone wondered what C’ meaning was. C was for Capwell or for Crush, or for Cancer? No! C was for Cheating! Do you have any remorse for killing Mary permanently?

She kills herself for Revenge! She Could not forgive herself for leaving the church and so, after she disCovered our plan, Mary deCided to kill herself, simulating an aCCident. In this way, her soul would not burn in Hell. SuiCide is a deadly sin, aCCording to the catholiCs...

I can’t believe it!! By the way, I know that this terrible accident has cut off your career. How are you living now?

I’m living in absolute poverty. Everyone thinks I'm riCh and wealthy. I want to warn you: unfortunately someone is impersonating me, someone pretending to be me and speCulates about my suffering, desCribing me as a terrible sCourge. I have NOTHING to do with the TV series, The Big C. I am going to sue them.

I still have a doubt… between fiction and reality. Your interpretation was so convincing that it would deserve an Emmy Award. Why you were not even nominated?

MarCy Walker stole my nomination that year and Kim Zimmer stole my viCtory. What Can I add? Emmy Awards are loaded. I Can only say that I have shown my weight aside from Emmys.

In other words, A sad story.

GORDON THOMSON (Mason Capwell #3) COMES BACK ON A SOAP

SOD reports today that Gordon Thomson, best known to soap fans as DYNASTY's dastardly Adam Carrington and SANTA BARBARA's Mason Capwell, will join the cast of the Web soap, DEVANITY, for season three as ruthless jewelry magnate Preston Regis. Preston is the biological father to both Jason DeVanity (Michael Caruso) and Andrew Regis (Kyle Lowder), and was the arch-rival of Jason's adopted father, Richard DeVanity. The actor will appear in two episodes of the seven episode season, with the option to return for more. For more information about DeVanity and to watch full episodes of its first and second seasons, visit: www.devanity.com. Girls, this year many former SB’ actors  are returning on our screens or streaming. Will this be a sign that our beloved soap will return?

EXCLUSIVE AND UNUSUAL INTERVIEW WITH TERRI GARBER

(Suzanne Collier on Santa Barbara from 1991 to 1992)

Today I’m presenting to you the interview that Terri Garber has granted exclusively to "Santa Barbara Blog". Terri Garber’ acting debut was in 1982, when she played Allison Linden on the soap opera Texas. Her screen breakthrough was in the 1984 action film Toy Soldiers. After several other, more minor roles, in 1985 Garber landed her breakout role in the miniseries North and South based on the novel by John Jakes. Garber played Ashton Main, a young and seductive Southern belle and sister of Orry Main, played by Patrick Swayze. In 1986 North & South was continued with its sequel Love & War. In 1987-88 she played the role of Leslie Carrington on the primetime soap Dynasty by Aaron Spelling. After Dynasty she landed roles in two other soap operas, Santa Barbara (from 1991 to 1992 as Suzanne Collier) and in General Hospital (in 1993). In 1994 Terri again played the role the Ashton in the last sequel of the North & South trilogy which was titled Heaven & Hell. Terri played the recurring role of Iris Dumbrowski on the soap opera As the World Turns. She began playing the part in 2005 and returned in 2006 and in 2010. She also is a real estate agent.

On “Santa Barbara” you have played the role of Suzanne Collier, a very talented painter. Can you tell us how did you come to SB and all you remember about your audition?

I was asked to test for the part of Suzanne for Paul Rauch who was the producer. It was a very complex scene with many emotions and it was with Cruz. So A Martinez and I did it together. I remember we had to kiss and that was fun!

In 1988, the Dobsons, the creators of  SB, were locked out by the studios of NBC. Following a legal battle, they were reinstated in 1991. How was it working with the Dobsons?

I only met the Dobsons once and they were very kind. I don't really have memories of them.

Before joining SB, you starred on another cult show: Dynasty. What differences have you found between the two shows? How were they different?

The differences between doing a daytime soap and a nighttime one are a few...the most important one being that it takes a week to film a nighttie episode and it takes a day to do a daytime episode.. A lot less work on nightime.

I have read in some interview that Suzanne's hairs were actually a wig. Why they chose for Suzanne those long tangled hair?

I had very short hair at the time and Paul wanted long hair but he hired me anyway, thus the wig.

I think you've had the most difficult role in the entire history of SB. That is, try to fill the void left by Eden (Marcy Walker) in the heart of Cruz and millions of viewers. Eden was a character very moody, spoiled, a bit  unscrupulous snob, at least at the beginning of the soap. But Suzanne was very calm, sweet and condescending towards Cruz. Cruz and Eden's love was born in a very stormy way: the two of them constantly provoked and a strong erotic tension arose. What do you think? Do you think that the public could so quickly become attached to Suzanne? Or maybe it would be better to wait a while 'before approaching Cruz?

It was very difficult to do Santa Barbara because everyone love Cruz and Eden and no one wanted Cruz with ANYONE. So Suzanne was their attempt but she was not accepted so the role only lasted one year. I received a lot of hate mail! lol.

I found it hard to get attached to Suzanne in the beginning, not so much because I was afraid that she colud  take the place of Eden, but mostly because she was too compliant and too little bitch. But then Suzanne changes her way of life: she says goodbye to Cruz because she wants to be totally loved and no longer wants to be a replacement of Eden in the heart of Cruz, she cuts her hair, she begins to paint intensely and precisely when it begins to become a more complete character, Suzanne said goodbye forever to Santa Barbara. It 'was your choice? Can you tell us all what you remember about the evolution of Suzanne and why you left the soap?

It was not my choice to leave. The character wasn't working if she wasn't with Cruz and that wasn't working so there was no where to put Suzanne. They really only had her mixing it up with Ted (Michael Brainard) and Katrina (Maria Ellingsen) and that wasn't enough to sustain a character. I loved working on the show so I wasn't too happy.

In the USA “Santa Barbara”  always remained in the bottom of the rankings ratings. In the rest of the world and especially in Europe it has had excellent ratings. Furthermore, despite having low ratings, it has been the most award-winning soap. How do you explain that?

It's always hard being on the bottom. It happened with As the World Turns also when I was on it and it was finally cancelled. So sad, all the soaps are disappearing.

In my opinion SB was, is and will be the best soap opera. Thanks to the sense of humor (even black), the intelligence of the writing, directing and best actors. But I'm not objective. In your opinion, what made SB different from other soaps?

I think one of the great things about SB was the sense of humor. That's what hooked everyone in the first place.

Nan Martin

One of the last scenes of Suzanne: a terrifying old woman (played by the great Nan Martin) chased her with a hatchet to kill her because Suzanne was able to remove stains from a picture that somehow exonerated the old woman's son in law (he was played by Thao Penghils alias Micah DeAngelis). The woman was very old and half-paralyzed. Then suddenly we see her possessed with an ax in her hands. This was very original and shocking for me. Do you remember that scene? What do you think about it?

I have to say, I vaguely remember the scene with Nan Martin as the old lady with the ax.. It was so long ago.

This interview is designed primarily for the Italian public. In our country, “Santa Barbara” was very much loved and followed. You've never been in Italy? What do you know about our country? You want to say something to the Italian public who loved Suzanne?

By the way, I have visited Italy 2 x and if I had my wish I would live there. That's my dream so you never know…

All the best,

Terri

INTERVISTA ESCLUSIVA ED INUSUALE CON TERRI GARBER

(Suzanne Collier on Santa Barbara from 1991 to 1992)

Terri Garber debutta nel 1982 interpretando Allison Linden nella soap opera Texas. Nel 1984 partecipa al film d’azione Toy Soldiers. Dopo diversi altri ruoli minori, nel 1985 Terri Garber ottiene una parte nella miniserie North & South basato sul romanzo di John Jakes. Garber interpretava Ashton Main, una giovane e seducente bellezza del sud e sorella di Orry Main, interpretato da Patrick Swayze. Nel 1986 viene realizzato il sequel di North & South, Love & War. Nel 1987-88 ha interpretato Leslie Carrington nella soap opera Dynasty, prodotta da Aaron Spelling. Dopo Dynasty ottiene due ruoli in altre soap opera, Santa Barbara (dal 1991 al 1992 nel ruolo di Suzanne Collier) e in General Hospital (nel 1993). Nel 1994 Terri ancora una volta interpreta il ruolo di Ashton nel sequel della trilogia Nord e Sud dal titolo Heaven & Hell. Successivamente Terri interpreta ruolo (ricorrente) di Iris Dumbrowski nella soap opera Così gira il mondo. Ottenne la parte nel 2005 e tornò nel 2006 e nel 2010. Oggi Terri Garber è un agente immobiliare.

In Santa Barbara tu hai interpretato il ruolo di Suzanne Collier, una pittrice di talento. Come sei arrivata nello show e che cosa ricordi del tuo provino?

Mi fu chiesto di fare un’audizione per il ruolo di Suzanne per conto di Paul Rauch, il produttore esecutivo. Era una scena molto complessa, ricca di emotività ed era insieme a Cruz. Così A Martinez ed io la provammo insieme. Mi ricordo che dovevamo baciarci e questo fu divertente!

Nel 1988 I Dobson (I creatori dello show) vennero allontanti dalla produzione dello show. Furono poi reintegrati nel 1991, dopo una lunga battaglia legale. Com è stato lavorare con loro?

Ho incontrato I Dobson una sola volta ed erano davvero molto gentili. Ma non ho molti ricordi legati a loro.

Prima di arrivare in SB, tu partecipasti ad un altro show, considerato un vero e proprio cult: Dynasty. Che differenze hai riscontrato lavorando in questi due show?

Sono poche le differenze tra il fare un programma per il daytime e uno per il primetime. La più grande differenza è che per realizzare un episodio di un programma per il primetime è necessaria una settimana, mentre basta solo un giorno per un episodio per il daytime.  Molto meno lavoro da fare per il primetime!

Ho letto In una intervista che I capelli di Suzanne, in realtà erano una parrucca. Perché la produzione scelse lunghi capelli neri arruffati per il tuo personaggio?

Avevo capelli molto corti all’epoca e Paul Rauch voleva capelli molto lunghi. Comunque mi ha assunto ugualmente. Di conseguenza fu necessaria la parrucca.

Credo che tu abbia avuto il ruolo più difficile di tutta la storia di SB. Cioè, cercare di riempire il vuoto lasciato da Eden (Marcy Walker) nel cuore di Cruz e di milioni di telespettatori. Eden era un personaggio molto lunatico, viziato, un po’ snob, senza scrupoli, almeno all'inizio della soap. Suzanne invece era molto calma, dolce e accondiscendente verso Cruz. L’amore di Cruz e Eden è nato in maniera molto burrascosa. Pensi che il pubblico potrebbe abbia avuto difficoltà ad affezionarsi a Suzanne? O forse sarebbe stato meglio aspettare un po' prima di avvicinarsi a Cruz?

Fu molto difficile per me prendere parte a SB perché tutti amavano Cruz e Eden e nessuno voleva vedere Cruz insieme a chiunque altro non fosse Eden. Suzanne fu il loro tentativo, ma non fu accettata e così il ruolo durò un anno. Ricevetti moltissime lettere di minaccia dai fans. (ride)

Personalmente io ho trovato difficile affezionarmi a Suzanne all'inizio, non tanto perché temevo che lei potesse prendere il posto di Eden, ma soprattutto perché era troppo arrendevole e troppo poco “stronza”. Ma poi Suzanne cambia: dice addio a Cruz perché non si accontenta di un amore a metà e non vuole più essere un surrogato di Eden nel cuore di Cruz, si taglia i capelli, comincia a dipingere intensamente e precisamente quando comincia a diventare un personaggio più completo, Suzanne dice addio per sempre a Santa Barbara. E'stata una tua scelta? Può dirci tutto quello che ti ricordi dell'evoluzione di Suzanne?

Non fu una mia scelta quella di lasciare lo show. Il personaggio non funzionava se non era insieme a Cruz e questo a sua volta non aveva funzionato, quindi non c’era alcun posto in cui poter mettere Suzanne. I produttori hanno provato a metterla in mezzo a Ted e Katrina, ma questo non è abbastanza per tenere in piedi un personaggio. Io amavo lavorare in SB, quindi non fui molto felice di lasciare il ruolo.

Negli Stati Uniti "Santa Barbara" è rimasta sempre in fondo alle classifiche degli ascolti. Nel resto del mondo e specialmente in Europa invece ha avuto ottimi ascolti. Inoltre, pur avendo dei bassi ascolti, è stata la soap che ha vinto il maggior numero di premi. Come si spiega?

E’ sempre molto dura trovarsi al fondo della classifica. E’ successo anche quando facevo parte del cast di “Così gira il mondo”  e alla fine anche questa soap è stata cancellata. E’ molto triste, tutte le soap stanno scomparendo.

A mio parere SB era, è e sarà sempre la migliore soap opera. Grazie al suo senso dell'umorismo (anche nero), l'intelligenza della scrittura, la regia e i migliori attori. Ma non sono obiettivo. A tuo parere, che cosa ha reso SB diversa dalle altre soap?

Io credo che una delle cose migliori di SB fosse il suo senso dell’umorismo. Ecco, questo aggancia chiunque, prima di ogni altra cosa.

Una delle ultime scene di Suzanne: una donna anziana e terribile (interpretata dalla grande Nan Martin) insegue Suzanne con l'accetta per ucciderla, poichè Suzanne aveva rimosso delle macchie da un quadro che in qualche modo scagionava il genero della vecchia (interpretato da Thao Penghils alias Micah DeAngelis). La donna era molto vecchia e semi-paralizzata. Poi, all'improvviso, la si vede in piedi e con un'ascia in mano. Ricordo che per me fu molto scioccante. Ti ricordi di quella scena?

Devo dirti che ricordo molto vagamente la scena con Nan Martin che mi insegue con l’ascia in mano. E’ stato molto tempo fa…

Questa intervista è rivolta principalmente al pubblico italiano. Nel nostro paese, "Santa Barbara" era molto amata e seguita. Sei mai stata in Italia? Cosa sai sul nostro paese?

Ho visitato l’Italia due volte e vorrei tanto vivere lì. Questo è il mio sogno nel cassetto, quindi non si sa mai.

Vi auguro il meglio.

Santa Barbara Blog has reached a great achievement in these days: 30.000 visitors! I really don’t know how to thank you all. You grew more and more, that makes me happy and gives me more incentive to continue with it  and do it better. I am not happy for me. I am happy because even though 19 years are passed from the cancellation of SB, the interest in this show is still high and it continues to grow. As I have already said, I promise to you a 2012 full of Santa Barbara with new exclusive interviews, trivia about the show, the announcement of the winner of SB Disaster of the Month Contest and much more.

I would like to update you on Bridget Dobson. I'm interviewing her. She has already answered my first questions. Her answers are honest, sincere and very attractive. They are pure Dobson, get ready to some shocking revelations! I struggle to stop myself to reveal to you something ..... but I can’t. After more than twenty years, Bridget Dobson has decided to talk about herself, here on Santa Barbara Blog. Don’t are you in seventh heaven? I have reached the Nirvana!

Thank you all for your attention.

EXCLUSIVE AND UNUSUAL INTERVIEW WITH GREGORI J. MARTIN

(Creator, writer, director and producer of the indie series THE BAY)

 

Today I’m presenting to you the interview that Gregori J. Martin has granted exclusively to "Santa Barbara Blog". Gregori J. Martin is an award winning, record-breaking director, having directed seven feature motion pictures by the age of 30.  Mr. Martin is currently involved in his tenth feature film, THE SOUTSHIDE. Under LANYfilms, his newly formed productions company, Martin is the creator, producer, and director of the highly popular independent serial drama THE BAY, a new online series starring a roster of iconic daytime and primetime television stars.  THE BAY was recently featured in the issue of TV Guide Magazine as Top Shows Worth Watching this 2010/2011.  Martin was awarded the 2011 WE LOVE SOAPS Indie Award for OUTSTANDING DIRECTING for his work on THE BAY. In the cast of this wonderful series we can find Lane Davies, Jed Allan and Nicolas Coster, our beloved Mason, CC and Lionel from Santa Barbara.

During this interview we will examine the daytime soap operas and especially "Santa Barbara". Your  soaps came to Italy in the 80’s. Capitol, Loving, Santa Barbara, B & B and Guiding Light were the most successful. In Italy the other soaps have been resounding failures and they aired briefly. Capitol, Loving and SB aired until their last episodes. B&B and GL still airing here. How can you explain these differences between our ratings and yours? 

That's a really good question.  While I have never tuned into Capitol, I totally understand why shows like Loving and Santa Barbara were successful in Italy.  My family is from Italy.  I'm first generation Italian and I can understand the culture and the passion that drives most Italians.  Both Santa Barbara and Loving were filled with that passion.  That sense of culture.  It's certainly bigger and more relatable then some of the other daytime soaps.  I think my series THE BAY is following in those same footsteps.

SB began in 1984 and it ended in 1993. Throughout its existence, it remained at the bottom of ratings, but it has won year after year, huge critical acclaim: with 24 Emmys and several Soap Opera Digest Award. I remember clearly the first episode: the murder of the young Channing Jr., the humor of Dame Judith Anderson (Minx), the natural talent of the wonderful Robin Wright (Kelly Capwell) ... All in one episode! I stood thunderstruck! In your opinion, why did the show have such few viewers? 

You know, I think audience comes with time.  Most daytime soaps last 30 to 40 years.  Santa Barbara only lasted 9.  Had the powers that be stuck together and the networks pushed for the show, in my humble opinion, it would have been a phenomenal success.  The Bold & the Beautiful which is currently the shortest running daytime drama is a perfect example of that.  I just believe due to some unforeseen dramas behind the scenes, that show was let go a lot sooner than it should have been.  It wasn't a cheap show to produce either.

Personally I don’t care about the ratings, I look at the quality, the soul of a product. SB was bursting with soul! From the beginning, the dramatic tension to solve the murder of Channing Capwell jr. was balanced by the lightness of the younger characters (the misadventures of Ted, Laken, Jade and Danny in Hollywood) and especially the bickering between vitriolic Minx (Dame Judith Anderson) and Augusta (Louise Sorel). This was perfection for me. On other soaps everything seems to be tedious and "already seen". What do you think about that? 

Well, I am a big fan of Another World for it's sense of humble family dynamics.  It was great to see a show that centered around middle class families instead of the  higher, upper class ones.  It also carried a sense of warmth and was helmed by one hell of a cast.  With Wendy Riche as Executive Producer of General Hospital and Claire Labine as headwaiter, that show tackled some heart-felt and heart-warming tragic stories that kept you glued to your TV's.  Santa Barbara on the other hand, was edgy, sharp, explosive… they often took you on an exciting roller coaster ride, filled with suspense, trauma, excitement and peppered with lots of humor.  It was my favorite show, and a true inspiration to my new series THE BAY.

N. Coster and L. Davies on The Bay

In my opinion the Dobsons are very brilliant. They have created characters such as Mason for example. I think he was one of the most complex and most complete characters on daytime. Do you agree with me? 

Oh certainly.  I've heard wonderful things about the Dobsons.  I've never met them.  But Mason was one of my favorite characters on a daytime soap.  In fact, I thought all three actors who played the part were outstanding, but there was something a little extra special about Lane Davies.  I had to have him on THE BAY.  He's wonderful as Detective Mackenzie Johnson.

In your opinion, what made SB unique and special? Do you believe that SB will remain in history? For what? 

I think I've mentioned several reasons why Santa Barbara is so special.  So unique.  It had a masculine sense that lured in male audiences.  General Hospital started that with the Luke and Laura days and I think SB picked that theme right up and conquered it.  It has certainly gone down in history.

Kelly Capwell' recast

What did you like most about SB? What did you not like about SB? Which are the main negative criticism that you would say about SB? 

I think the main problem with Santa Barbara is they had too many recasts.  It was new and fresh and I think a lot of the talent that joined the show expected a lot.  I heard some diva stories from some personal SB friends of mine that I'll keep hush, but that, and the fact that the PTB couldn't find a happy medium MOST of the time, caused its demise.  That's probably my biggest negative criticism.  Had they only gotten along behind the scenes, we could still be watching SB today :)

Can you tell us which were the best storylines in your opinion? and the worst? 

Well, anything having to do with Robin Wrights Kelly Capwell.  They wrote some wonderful material for her.  Her love for Joe, his struggle to win her back, his death on their wedding night.  All great classic storytelling.  I certainly loved the Capwells and Lionel (Nicolas Coster) was the perfect nemesis.  His chemistry with both Robin (Gina) and Louise (Augusta) was just breathtaking.

Another reason that made me fall in love with SB is that SB was not afraid to take risks and to dare. For example, when they decided to kill Mary crushing her with a big C. Mary was a much beloved character at that time and a soap generally tends to use their beloved characters until the end. And then I think about when Eden was raped by Zack (Leigh McCloskey), the gynecologist who examined her after the rape. What do you think? 

Those are two perfect examples of epic story telling.  Santa Barbara was classic indeed!

Then the Dobsons came back in 1991. The spirit of SB seemed to be reborn, but the following year they left again. I have not yet figured out if they left or if they were fired again. If they decided to leave, or why they did it? 

I don't know if I could answer this question fairly.  I've never worked on SB and was not there to see.  It's sad when the PTB can't find happy grounds.

Some actors who made their debut on a soap do not deny their past (such as Julianne Moore), while others seem to be ashamed of it (Robin Wright). I love Robin Wright, but in a recent interview she seemed annoyed by the questions related to SB. The fans suffer this kind of attitude / approach...What do you think? 

Well, I certainly agree actors should be proud of where they came from.  I think Robin has come a long way from the soap world.  And has grown immensely as an actress.  I'm sure if she has any ill-willed feelings toward the show, it could possibly be in her acting chops then in comparison to what she has to offer now.  I'm a big fan of Robin and her work.  I'm really not sure what her feelings are toward SB, but I'm sure she's smart enough to appreciate her roots as an artist.

In the USA “Santa Barbara”  always remained at the bottom of the ratings. In the rest of the world and especially in Europe it has had excellent ratings. Furthermore, despite having low ratings, it has been the most award-winning soap and still there are dozens and dozens of sites dedicated to this soap, unlike the other soaps cancelled. How do you explain this? 

Again, I think it just may be a difference in style, culture.  There was something more passionate, more culture-driven about SB.  And I certainly believe the US is not as passionate or culture driven as most foreign countries.  Just my opinion.

In the last three years four soaps have been canceled and since 1999 no new soap has been produced. It's 'obvious that the soap genre is in steep decline. I do not think the fault is the high production costs and the success of reality shows. The main fault in my opinion is that the soaps have not been able to reinvent themselves. They have been the same for decades. Following what circumstances does it come time to cancel a soap? 

Well, I'm not sure about this.  I personally believe soaps haven't been given the attention they deserve by the powers that be.  In recent years the networks found cheaper ways to produce products that folks will watch and so they ran with that.  It all started with the O.J Simpson trial.  The case was broadcast on television and folks were glued to their screens.  The PTB saw that and ran with it.  They found in their sense of the word "creative" ways to save money by producing court shows, reality shows and products that were overall cheaper to produce and so little by little they let go of their desires to continue putting money into the scripted daytime drama formats.  However THE BAY is still kicking and we will do everything we can to bring you quality drama with some of your favorite stars from Santa Barbara, The Bold & the Beautiful and all the other classic soaps of today and yesterday.

And now few quick questions: Which is your favorite soap of all time?

Santa Barbara, Another World, General Hospital for the reasons mentioned above.  And of course THE BAY.

And the best soap ever? 

Santa Barbara in my humble opinion.  And now THE BAY...

The worst? 

It's hard to say which is the worst.  They all have their up and down moments.  Passions IMO.  Just wasn't my cup of tea.

The most overrated soap? 

Again, probably Passions.  Honestly, I never quite understood Passions.  It had an audience though so who am I to judge.

The most underrated? 

Well first to come to mind for me is "Generations."  It was a very short lived soap on NBC.  It centered around a core black family.  It was a different time then today and I think at that particular time the networks weren't ready to invest into a show centered around core black characters or shall I say, changed their minds.  I can't be certain because I wasn't their but I think it wasn't given a chance.  Loving is also often overlooked here in the states.

Now can you tell us something that has never been told about SB? something spicy: antipathy between the actors? tensions of which has not been discussed? Anything you want to share, even the smallest details ... 

I'm sorry, I'm going to have to plead the 5th again.  For the most part most of the actors I know and have become friendly with today have been very respectful to one another and have not spread any nasty rumors or gossip.. That's a special trait.

Do You think that one day SB will re-run on TV or on DVD? 

That would be nice.  I think once they get their music rights sorted out, it's a huge possibilities.  To my understanding that's their biggest problem at the moment.  I'm sure amongst others that I'm not aware of.

Gregori, you created a wonderful indie-soap: “The Bay”, a worldwide success! Now it will run its second season. Can you talk about your soap for the few of us who have not seen the first season. What will happen in the second season? 

Well, I plan to reunite a couple of Santa Barbara favorites.  That's certainly a plus for those reading this I'm sure.  The show will revolve around a core family, like SB, it will be filled with passion, culture, love, romance, excitement and will be very explosive.  My goal is to create characters that lure in the audience (I have the perfect actors to do so) and to keep the fans enthralled, like Santa Barbara, with epic storytelling.  You can log onto our website for more details and watch Season One and Two, by clicking here.

This interview is designed primarily for the Italian public. In our country, “Santa Barbara” was very much loved and followed. Have you ever been to Italy? What do you know about our country? Do You want to say something to the Italian public? 

Yes.  I know a part of the Italian culture.  I'm a proud first generation Italian.  My father was born in Calabria Italy and I have lots of family who still reside there.  Though I've never been to Italy it's on the top of my list of places I NEED to see.  It's exciting for me to know that Italian's are watching THE BAY.  Italy, from what I've gathered is a BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL country!  I can't wait to visit!

Thanks so much Gregori for your kindness. And now a little bit of THE BAY.