TV and Movies

[KBEANS]

Yup @NEvans2  I've had it with his facial expressions too. I wonder if he's Cam's father? 😆 Or maybe he just gave him lessons on how to grimace.😬  

Something I didn't know was that Jason had brain damage. If this is, so then he really did take advantage of him luring him into that world, using him as his strong arm. 

Did you see his fine acting skills as he kept rubbing his hands together like he was holding off on punching Cates, heckling him like a lil kid saying "Jaaager." ?

But Cates did let him have it and I was so glad to hear it!

@Travone about Natalia and family...I hope this son doesn't become Sonny's new stepson and we have a whole new blended family that makes PC their new home. 
I want her gone. I can take Blaze, but I don't like Mommy and her controling ideas, thoughts and manipulations. 
But again, it is a soap and we need some villains and villainesses 🦹‍♀️ so we can love to hate them! 

Speaking of villains where's my boy Cyrus? He's laying too low. 🤔  Could he be in cahoots with Valentin? 

That sauce is going to be Dr Finn's new downfall. When he kept making excuses that it wasn't his drug of choice I knew the bottle wasn't far behind him.

I forgot to add that I have no interest in The Mr. Smith Goes to Washington storyline!

Wondering if they are writing this to take him off camera due to his new game show gig.

I will give that game show a chance. I do enjoy a good game show.

[cowboy sam]

@KBEANS 

I'm still wondering  also about Cyrus ..have to admit i miss him  and Col. Sanders??

Why wasn't Liz's 3d son there at memorial???

What will Ava do  with that recording of Natalia ....play it to Sonny...out of spite  er jelously??

[Wsmom]

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@cowboy sam wrote:

@KBEANS 

I'm still wondering  also about Cyrus ..have to admit i miss him  and Col. Sanders??

Why wasn't Liz's 3d son there at memorial???

What will Ava do  with that recording of Natalia ....play it to Sonny...out of spite  er jelously??

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@cowboy sam  ,I seem to recall I've read that Michael E. Knight is off of GH.

Liz's third son, Cam?  He is away at college, plus I don't know that he even really knew Gregory.

I didn't watch the memorial.  When it came to that scene I realized I don't like any of those people with the exception of Tracy so ff'd through the rest of the scenes.

I just hope they don't get rid of Ava.

[corita]

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@BeckiWV wrote:

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@KBEANS wrote:

@BeckiWV 

I love that you boo storylines, actors, writers etc.

I thought I was the only one who still booed people, things, situations that I don't like. 😂 

At work, when the students jump a line, I boo them. 😝 

All the students that were jumped in front of start booing along with me. It works.

I was told I should refrain from booing the students because it's not good for their self esteem, and it may embarrass them. HA! 

My response is that it isn't good for the self esteem of the students that get jumped in front of either.

Actually, in my opinion, I think it 's worse for those that get jumped in front of because it does nothing for their self confidence, and line jumping is a form of bullying, in my eyes.

If I see it, I stop it and boo them! 

Keep up the booing! 😝 Especially for this show.

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@KBEANS lol, thank you. I like the way you think!

And to be honest, sometimes I just get too frustrated with this show to adequately express myself and so I start booing.

It does the job. I immediately feel better.  😊 

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     I get so frustrated and bored, I just change the channel!  Keep thinking I should stop watching this show, but after so many years, am too immersed in show.

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[Laura14]

INTERVIEW

EXCLUSIVE: GH’S CASTING DIRECTOR MARK TESCHNER KNOWS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A STAR

June 6, 2024 13:40PM

COURTESY OF MARK TESCHNER

On Friday, June 7, Mark Teschner — the legendary casting director of General Hospital who is responsible for just about all the faces viewers have seen on their screens for the past 34 years — will be honored at the Daytime Emmys as part of the 2024 Silver Circle Inductees class, which celebrates those who have made enduring contributions to daytime television.

Even as a 10-time Emmy winner who has achieved numerous accolades and awards over his career (one that started in 1982 on Loving) this honor means a great deal to Teschner.

“It’s just so gratifying,” Teschner says. “I’m excited, I’m honored, I’m humbled. It’s an acknowledgement for the work and it really means a lot to me. As corny as it sounds, the work that I do is very rewarding in itself, but when you get an Emmy or an honor, it means others are acknowledging and there’s nothing that is as important as respect from your peers and that what you’re doing has impact. It’s a real nice gift to get.”

 

A Career is Born

Teschner first became interested in show business when he saw his first Broadway musical — It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman — at the age of 7. Living in Scarsdale, N.Y., his parents brought him to Manhattan frequently to see shows.

In college, he pursued acting a bit, thinking that might be his way into the medium he loved. “What I realized is that I liked the idea of being an actor more than living the life of an actor,” he says. “That was the best decision I ever made and I went into casting in 1982, and there was no looking back.”

Because he was trained as an actor, Teschner feels he was well suited to bring his knowledge of performing and the ability to speak the actors’ language to the casting desk.

“I’ve been doing this a long time and I love it,” he smiles. “This isn’t a job to me, it’s my career and my calling. I love coming to work. Even though there can be stressful days, which we all have in life, because I love it, it just powers me through.”

 

The Evolution of a Job

Having been in the casting industry for more than four decades, Teschner has seen some notable changes throughout the years.

“Even though casting has evolved and changed, the fundamental belief in casting has not changed, and that’s to find the best, most interesting choice for a role, whether it’s a Broadway show, a regional theater show, a pilot, a series or a daytime drama,” he declares. “All of us have the same mandate: to put together the most compelling cast with interesting actors to bring them to life.”

And with General Hospital, that means creating and adding to a family, he added, trying to perfect the canvas. “You audition until you find the person who you feel will best bring a role to life,” Teschner says.

One of the biggest changes post-pandemic is that most of the auditions now are self-tape, where actors submit their tapes through agents and managers from wherever they are. “I can now view auditions at night, over the weekend; pretty much 24/7,”

Teschner notes. “Pre-Covid, it would be based on who came in and how many people I could see in the course of a day. This new format allows me to see more actors than I could because I don’t have to see actors in real time.”

For example, when Teschner was casting for Port Charles, the GH spinoff that ran from 1997 to 2003, he needed to cast eight series regulars for interns at the hospital.

Over the casting process, he saw 1,750 actors in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago by traveling to those cities. Conversely, when Teschner was casting the GH role of Spencer Cassadine in 2021, he saw more than 450 actors before casting Nicholas Chavez, and the actor was able to send in a self-tape from Florida.

“I have always erred on the side of seeing more actors than not,” he explains. “I don’t want to feel I missed someone because I felt like I was done.”

 

Defining “Interesting”

One word that comes up a lot when Teschner describes his process is looking for “interesting” people, though it could mean different things for different roles. “For example, for a day player or recurring role, is there something about this actor, talent being first and foremost, that is very watchable,” he describes. “Do they bring something different, do they bring a uniqueness to the role.”

Teschner points to Jeff Kober (Cyrus) as someone who had that interesting quality. “A lot of actors can play bad guys, but there’s something about him that is unique and different and compelling,” he says. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all that’s interesting. Charles Mesure, who plays Jack Brennan, he’s innately watchable. He’s dynamic, he’s charming, he’s intense and brings so many unique qualities to the role. He brings everything to life.”

The right formula will be a combination of talent and charisma, and it’s never enough to just be great-looking. While he admits that could get you in the door sometimes, that won’t get you on the show without talent and complexity.

“Sometimes it’s just, you know it when you see it,” Teschner points out. “A great example is Vanessa Marcil [ex-Brenda], an actress who didn’t have many credits other than a couple of plays she had done. I saw hundreds of actors and I felt, on a gut level, we hadn’t found the combination of charisma, sex appeal, complexity and soulfulness, and then Vanessa walked in. Fortunately, the powers-that-be agreed.”

That’s important, he shared, because at the end of the day, it’s the executive producer who makes the final decision based on Teschner’s recommendations. For the past 13 years, that has been Frank Valentini, and the two have established a great working relationship where each knows what works best for the show.

“My job is to look everywhere so we have options for any role, whether that be for a day, two days or multiple years, even if it’s not a contract,” Teschner says. “There are all kinds of ways that an actor can get on my radar and be seen.”

Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), for instance, who has been on hundreds of episodes since 2007, was originally hired for just three episodes after Teschner saw her perform in a play.

Casting Memories

One of the first instances where he feels he struck gold in casting was when he was with the daytime soap Loving and brought in three novice actors — Luke Perry (Ned), Kelly Rutherford (Michelle) and Teri Polo (Kristin) — for a love triangle between three teens. “The powers that be didn’t want to pursue the storyline and they were not on the show for as long as they could,” Teschner says. Of course, all three went on to big fame on TV.

A funny memory is when he put forth Steve Burton as Jason and he then got a last-minute note from his producer at the time, Gloria Monty, that she wanted the actor to be 6-foot tall, matching the height of the actor who then played Jason’s brother, A.J., Gerald Hopkins. This, Teschner says, was the first and only time he was ever given such a note.

“I asked Steve how tall he was and he said, ‘5-10 and a half,’ and I told him we needed him to be 6-feet in the next 15 minutes,” he recounts. “Fortunately, he was wearing high-top Dr. Martens, and we grabbed the L.A. Times and stuffed them with newspaper, and when he came out, he was 6-feet tall.”

Teschner’s first-ever casting for a contract role for General Hospital — one he feels was a big winner — was Anders Hove as Cesar Faison in 1989. “He was the first actor who auditioned for role and I remember that audition as if it was yesterday,” he says.

More recently, when Teschner first saw Katelyn MacMullen in the waiting room, he had a gut feeling that she could embody what he was looking for in the role of Willow and was thrilled when she was approved for the part. “I feel that way about a lot of people on the show; in some ways, I am very territorial and supportive of all the actors on the show,” he says. “The goal is to consistently strike gold and bring these stories to life.”

That’s why after so many years in the job, Teschner still comes to work each day “jazzed up” and continues to see actors one after another.

“Every time I watch an audition, I’m hoping, ‘This is the one,’ ” he says. “I’m going to keep on going because I just love it.”

[ninjawife]

I have heard rumors that Michael Easton (Finn) is leaving GH.  If he is how do you think the writers will get rid of his character?  Send him off to rehab?  Killed in a drunk driving incident?  He did grab his keys to head out to the bar.  From previews it looks he might pick up some woman at the bar.  Elizabeth won't put up with that.

[Laura14]

@ninjawife I can't wait for the Elizabeth versus Chase custody battle for Violet and her song rights. 

[Laura14]

How much smoke does it take to put a lifeguard at the Metro Court tidy bowl? Especially one who is busy chatting up the pool boy instead of watching the water. 

And chemistry test fail. Gio needs to go back to Bensonhurst. I am surprised the whole teen scene didn't stampede the writers' stash after the lame pickup lines and small talk. Joss and Gio should have texted back and forth like real people. 

I am waiting for one tear. One tear from Chase over his dad's dead body. 

And can we yank Natalia a little more and have a Pride month event at the MC? Seems only fair we did ALS last month. LA writers should have this one all day long.

So who is Finn mowing down at some point? He could take himself and Violet out in one fell swoop. Bonus points if he takes out Drew, Jagger, Willow, Trina, Blaze, TJ, what other useless characters need a good bye, bye? ABC, we're trimming payroll for you! 

Finn does the Pee Wee Herman tequila dance on the bar, or we have all been robbed! 

[Laura14]

Thursday, June 6, 2024

At the Metro Court restaurant, Chase found Finn alone in a corner taking shots. He was horrified as Finn took out some breath spray after the shots. "I found him!" Georgie suddenly yelled from next to Chase, and Finn was surprised to see them behind him.

Finn followed Georgie over to Maxie, who made sure that it was still all right for Violet to go to the pool with them and sleep over. Chase ran out to his car to get Violet's overnight bag, and Brook Lynn was suspicious about the way Chase was acting.

Finn was happy to let Maxie take Violet, as he needed to go through Gregory's things.

Brook Lynn offered her and Chase's help, but Finn insisted on doing it alone. Chase returned with the bag for Maxie. Finn told Violet to have a great time with her friends, but Violet was worried about leaving Finn alone. Finn assured her that he would be all right, and Violet left with Maxie and Georgie. It had been a long day, so Finn decided to go home. Chase hoped to spend some time with his brother that day, but Finn promised they could do something the next day. He hugged Chase and Brook Lynn and left.

Chase believed that Finn wanted to pack up Gregory's things on his own because Finn wanted to be alone to drink in peace. Chase told Brook Lynn what he'd seen, but he hadn't wanted to confront his brother in public. Chase needed a plan to help Finn, but Brook Lynn suggested that Finn might not want the help. She figured that they just needed to make sure that they were there for Violet.

At the Metro Court pool, lifeguard Josslyn blew her whistle and yelled that there was no diving. Just then, James ran in followed by Spinelli, and she reminded them to slow down. As Spinelli expressed his worry about Jason to Josslyn, they heard James yell, "Cannonball!" However, Giovanni was right there and stopped James from jumping in. Josslyn promised that, if James followed the rules for the rest of his time at the pool, he would only get off with a warning. Spinelli agreed and ushered James away.

Josslyn was surprised to see Giovanni, and he explained that Olivia got him the job. He continued that he'd never had a job because his family thought it would cut into his practice time. He revealed that he would be playing the Summer Stage concert series in town that summer, and Josslyn marveled over how hard it was to get tickets for the concerts. He offered to get her comped tickets if she did a few of his jobs around the pool, like sweeping up. "Lifeguards don't sweep," she laughed, playfully pushing him, but he lost his balance and fell in the pool.

Trina arrived and became frazzled as she saw Giovanni stepping out of the pool. Josslyn introduced the two and told Trina about him. He added that he would be attending PCU in the fall, as he'd gotten a full ride after PCU had recruited him because of a large arts endowment. He mentioned that he was staying with the Quartermaines, and they joked about the family. Trina commented that she and Ava were looking for some music for a reception they were having at the gallery, and she wondered if he'd be interested. He enthusiastically agreed, and he offered to give his number to her.

A short while later, Josslyn's break was over, and she wished she could just lay by the pool with Trina. She wondered if Trina was all right. Trina answered that, after Spencer died, she'd thought she'd seen him all over, but it had eventually stopped. She revealed that she'd seen Spencer when Giovanni was getting out of the pool. Josslyn instantly understood and hugged her friend.

Spinelli, James, and Georgie were in the pool and inviting Maxie to go in. Maxie refused, and she threatened consequences if she got splashed. Spinelli reminded the kids that they had the rest of the summer to make it happen, and they swam away. Violet, who was sitting poolside with her feet in the water, moved to sit next to Maxie. She was worried about Finn, but Maxie assured her that adults sometimes just liked being alone. She insisted that the offer to go home was always open, but she knew that Finn was probably happy that Violet was out having fun with her friends.

At home, Finn smelled each of Gregory's shirts before packing them in a box. He picked up a pair of dress shoes and thought back to helping Gregory put them on before Chase's wedding. He put them down and picked up a pamphlet about AA from the table. He called the number and asked if the meetings had resumed at that venue. Learning that they hadn't, he hung up, defeated. He went back to the clothes until he spotted his car keys. He grabbed the keys and left. A short while later, he sat down at a bar and ordered tequila.

At the recording studio, Blaze recorded her song as Kristina watched and smiled. Natalia was glad that Kristina had stopped by, but she figured Kristina would rather be out in the nice weather. The song ended, but Blaze decided that she wanted to record another take. Natalia argued that the previous take was perfect. Blaze asked for Marv, the sound technician, to take a break, so he left. Kristina suggested that Natalia let Blaze, as the artist, do what she wanted with her music. Natalia insisted that she knew Blaze better than anyone did, and she was always right about which take was best.

Natalia was glad that Kristina was there, as she'd heard that Kristina wouldn't be showing up. Kristina replied that she'd wanted to support Blaze, even though it seemed like Natalia didn't want her there. Natalia admitted that she was still adjusting to the reality of Blaze and Kristina's relationship, but she knew how much her daughter cared for Kristina. She asked Kristina to consider Blaze's feelings above her own when their relationship inevitably ended.

Natalia explained to a shocked Kristina that Blaze was ready to jump to the next level in her career, and it would be painful to choose between that and staying in Port Charles with Kristina. She urged Kristina to take the choice out of Blaze's hands. Kristina reminded Natalia that she couldn't predict the future, but Natalia just wanted to protect her daughter. "You'll learn that that's what moms do," Natalie spat.

Blaze had just finished talking to Marv in the recording area when Natalia entered. Blaze revealed that her mother was right, and didn't need to record another take after all. She wondered what Natalia and Kristina had been talking about. "Not much," Natalia replied. When she was gone, Kristina entered, and she apologized profusely for overreacting about Blaze talking to Molly. Natalia listened to the song as she looked on, glaring at the two.

On the next General Hospital...

• "I'm on board for more peace," Nina tells Willow.

• "Some things are best left forgotten," Dex advises Josslyn.

• Chase and Brook Lynn strategize.

• Finn lives it up at the bar.

[Wsmom]

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@Laura14 wrote:

@ninjawife I can't wait for the Elizabeth versus Chase custody battle for Violet and her song rights. 

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@Laura14 , oh man, especially if he gets in an accident she will stay in PC.  <groan>