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Friday, September 8, 2006: OAKDALE HERE I COME...but don’t worry Long Island, I will be back.
Alex was crowned the winner and begins work next week.
He will play the character of Elwood, Casey’s “Napoleon Dynamite” type roommie.
You can catch him on AS THE WORLD TURNS beginning September 26.
It was some journey not only for the InTurns but for me as well.
It was such an honor to be part of what was viewed by many as an engaging, inventive, interesting and fun-loving show.
I am not sure any of us thought while we were casting this and putting it together that it would become as popular as it did.
And just in case you were wondering, InTurn was the brain-child of Chris Goutman, aka “the voice of God” to the InTurns.
Bravo to everyone who worked so diligently on this project.
To the cast, the crew and production company for their countless hours of creativity, passion and “never say die” attitude, thank you.
To the InTurns, who hopefully enjoyed their experience, learned from it and are still chasing their dreams, gracias.
And finally, to you the fans, grazie...your support is what makes it all worthwhile.
Here’s hoping for an InTurn 2 (in the spring-early summer of 2007).
Your guy on the InSide, Richard
Friday, August 25, 2006: 3 On TV
The tension was thick and their nerves were frayed as the final decision loomed. It was an agonizing wait for the 4 remaining InTurns, each knowing the magnitude of what this call back meant. In the end Alex, Geneva and Ian were left standing and Marjorie hit the road taking her bigger than life personality, her in your face attitude and all those tears with her. (I wonder if somewhere Megan is now singing ding, dong the witch is dead?)
Geneva and Alex were less than thrilled to still have Ian in their orbit.
But, there was no time to worry about Ian or anything else, as they had episodes to shoot. So Ian, Geneva and Alex packed up some things and headed out to Staten Island, NY to join much of the AS THE WORLD TURNS cast on location.
The InTurns were now part of the cast; each getting an episode to shine in, to play a character involved in the Slasher Story. But the real twist came when each of them got their script and read what their character would be doing. Needless to say, it would truly challenge their acting metal.
So here's what happens next. You the fans/audience take over for me and my esteemed panel of guest judges. The choice of who wins the 13-week contract role falls into your hands. You are judge and jury. You have the final word.
So, starting this Monday (August 28th) and running through Friday (September 1st) tune-in to AS THE WORLD TURNS to see the final 3 in their roles on the show and then go to cbs.com to judge their performances.
So come Monday watch ATWT, (set VCR, DVR or Tivo if you won't be home) vote on line, and watch another exciting episode of InTurn.
Enjoy.
Your Guy on the InSide, Richard
Wednesday, August 23, 2006: How Dare You Judge Me!!!
Ian took his place in the judge’s chair but not before “The Villain of Brooklyn” played mind games with Marjorie assuring her she would be next to go.
But Ian’s “soothsaying” proved off the mark as he ended up rattling Justin’s cage much more than any of the other InTurns and ultimately it lead to Justin unraveling like a ball of yarn and breaking down. You think they hate each other? And here you all thought with Megan’s “hasta la vista” all the drama would stop…Oh, you silly, kids.
Justin was justified (did I just write that?) in his anger over Ian telling Scott and Ellen about his past performances. I mean come on, Ian, have you no shame? Apparently not.
Personally, I think Ian pulled an underhanded move throwing Justin under the bus like that, but then again, Ian hasn’t played fair from day one and has made no bones about it (which I guess you’ve got to respect his being so upfront). That may explain why there is bad blood between he and all the other InTurns, except maybe Geneva.
But before all is said and done, Ian’s acid tongue and laissez faire attitude may have the entire city of Brooklyn ready to see him exit stage left.
Guess you will have to tune in Friday when the FINAL 3 will be revealed and those 3 will then become characters on As the World Turns beginning Monday August 28 (so don’t forget to watch them there, too.).
Your guy on the InSide, Richard
Monday, August 21, 2006: Another One Bites the Dust
Megan fell victim to her inability to grow from audition to audition.
Don't get me wrong, Megan is beautiful and the camera loves her but contrary to popular belief...soaps don't cast just for looks...they cast for talent that fits the look.
Out went Megan but that doesn't mean that the drama left with her. Much to Marjorie's delight the house fell on top of Megan as Marjorie proclaimed "ding dong the witch is dead" but Marjorie quickly learned that "witches" come in all shapes, sexes and sizes and Ian quickly slipped on the ruby slippers and began making Marjorie's life a living Hell-o.
But a taunt here and a taunt there is nothing compared to what all the InTurns will have to endure when Ian takes a seat next to me and the other judges and makes his opinion known on their audition performances.
If you ever wanted to see an ego grow before your eyes, tune in to Wednesday's episode of InTurn.
Your Guy on the InSide, R
Friday, August 18, 2006: A Kiss Is Just A Kiss Amongst Enemies
Nothing like throwing the InTurns in a blender and mixing them up.
Add two parts hatred, to one pound of ego and a dash of “ever-flowing” tears and let it rip.... The finished product sometimes comes out better than you expected and other times, it is bland and messy.
Part of why we put these couples together was so the InTurns understood in this business you have to put aside your dislikes, jealousy and “bad breath” and kiss a few dogs.
The mark of a good actor is that they can sell a scene and make you believe what you are watching regardless of their personal feelings.
Ian showed the judges another side of him and the results garnered him a seat next to me in the judge's chair for the next audition. He put his ego aside finally and he reaped the rewards. But have no fear, that ego quickly sprang back to life once he knew he had the chance to sit in judgment of his fellow InTurns.
It's going to get ugly.
Watch Monday's new InTurn.
Your guy on the InSide, Richard
Wednesday, August 16, 2006: Nothing Says Ego Like Ian
(And no one is luckier than him as well.)
If it hadn’t already been pre-determined that the “love scene” auditions would not result in someone going home, Ian would have been kicked to the curb hard and fast. But not for his acting skills, but rather his blatant trashing of scene partner Megan, and his lack of understanding the damage he had done. I mean, how many times in the course of your stay are you going to stick your foot in your mouth?
Ok, Alex has got Marjorie down to a “T” and he continually provides deliciously humorous commentary. Should Alex not make it to the final 3, he certainly has a future as a stand-up comic. And BTW, have you noticed he’s often wearing a white bathrobe over his clothes when they are in the loft? Now, that’s a fashion statement, Screech.
And what’s a day without Marjorie boo-hoo-ing? Should she not win she should march on over to Kleenex Headquarters and ask to be their spokeswoman.
Check out Friday’s episode when things get sizzlin’ hot in the kitchen. If you can’t stand the heat....
Keep watching.
Your guy on the InSide, Richard
Monday, August 14, 2006: The Blame Game
Nothing like being taken to task by Michael Park. I couldn't agree more with what he had to say to Ian.
While Michael railed on Ian, Terri and I just sat there watching Ian's ego get smashed to pieces. It was actually a bit uncomfortable but well deserved. Ian actually has talent but he lets that mouth and ego and what he believes “being an actor” is get in the way. As a result he becomes his own worst enemy.
Is Michael's advice too little, too late for Ian?
I guess you will have to check out Wednesday's episode to see if Ian will pay the price for his mistakes.
Your guy on the InSide, Richard
Friday, August 11, 2006: Didn't I See You On Jerry Springer???
Janal was sent packing, leaving many of the InTurns surprised at the outcome and Marjorie thanking the “lord above.”
But Marjorie quickly dried those “always” flowing tears and forgot how grateful she was that she received a callback, when it hit her that Megan...enemy #1...was still alive and kicking and out to take the prize.
Why Marjorie doesn't like Megan is anyone's guess but for Marjorie, the idea that she had to still live in the same loft, breathe the same air, and vie for the coveted role on AS THE WORLD TURNS was apparently too much...I mean, Ms. Marjorie done snapped.
All the “lady-like manners” her mother instilled in her went flying out the window and Marjorie was calling Megan out...hurling insults and cussing up a storm faster than you can say “Jerry Springer.” But it didn't take Megan but a second before she was up in Marjorie's face talking trash like she'd been doing it all her life.
And when the final bell rang no one was the better for it except for maybe Justin, who couldn't stop laughing at the idea that he had just watched a scene out of MELROSE PLACE.
Now, don't you want to see how these two women will continue to co-exist under one roof as the competition gets tougher and the stakes higher?
Trust me you do...it's ONLY just begun.
Check out Monday when there will be a lot of “loving” going on.
Your guy on the InSide, Richard
Wednesday, August 9, 2006: Pack Your Bags
(One of you has a plane to catch...)
The screen tests are complete and two InTurns delivered performances that both the judges and Chris Goutman thought were strong and other InTurns missed the mark in a big way.
Janal's messy “valley girl” performance had Marjorie and Megan singing “hallelujah” and Ian crying foul.... Just like Justin got taken down by partnering with Marjorie, Ian was now in the same boat thanks to Janal.
Now the InTurns are shaking in their boots as one of them has a good chance of not getting a callback and if you think you know who it is, you might be as surprised as they all were when Chris sprung the “instant” casting couch on the InTurns.
Don't miss Friday's new episode when tears flow, tempers flare and the fur flies....
Your Spy on the InSide, Richard
Monday, August 7, 2006: Hail to the Geek...
What's that old saying?
Don't judge a book by its cover?
Well, InTurns, you got schooled...
Alex not only showed Ian and Justin that David is still able to crush Goliath, but he showed the rest of his castmates what a little hair and make-up can do...to turn a pubescent boy into a man.
You would think Megan would have been spot-on considering she won the script the night before but lucky for her the mediocre screen test was quickly forgotten when Marjorie kept going up on her lines.... Little by little it was like watching the Titanic sink as Marjorie searched and struggled to stay afloat. Justin was sure he was going down with the ship and made sure anyone and everyone knew it was Marjorie's weak performance that pulled him down.
These InTurns have no issue about throwing the others under the bus to save themselves and based on Ian's outward disdain for being partnered with Janal, you will have to tune in Wednesday to see who the wheels crush after all is acted out in the screen test.
No matter what, one thing is for sure: one of these InTurns won't be getting a callback.
Keep watching and tell a friend.
Your Spy on the InSide, Richard
Friday, August 4, 2006: Where Were Those Tears?
It's hot in New York City but it was sizzling when Geneva decided to take on the judges after being critiqued for her performance in the "Crying Audition." And let me tell you, Geneva wouldn't back down. Insisting we had attacked her, picked on her, singled her out. Guess she figured, if she couldn't win the audition she sure as heck is going to win the fight...NOT!!!
Megan's victory sent a ripple effect through the loft, getting under both Justin and Marjorie's skin. Justin was sure he deserved to win and Marjorie realized Megan was back in the game and would remain a pain in her "you know what."
Receiving the screen test script one night before the rest of the InTurns, gives Megan a huge advantage in the next audition. Unlike the "crying audition" the screen test will have a callback. One of these InTurns will be going home very soon and Megan is sure it won't be her.
Tune in on Monday to find out who will stay and who will not get a callback.
Enjoy-
Your Spy on the InSide, Richard
Wednesday, August 2, 2006: Don't Cry For Me Inturns
(Actually...please do)
Javier was sure we haven't seen the last of him and Marjorie sure was PO'd that Megan received a callback. And one judge, me, was seeing “red” and ready to call her out.
It was the crying audition and it was interesting to see the choices the InTurns made.
Here's the thing...just because it was called the crying audition doesn't mean the InTurn had to actually cry but rather that their performance was honest, emotional and either made them cry internally, externally or their performance is so powerful that it makes the judges (their audience) cry.
Some succeeded, some failed and some found a place somewhere in between.
The InTurns were very fortunate to have such proficient and well respected judges in Colleen and Lamont. The way in which they go about noting performances is something to behold. Myself and the InTurns will be graced with their judging presence one more time before this is all said and done.
I can't wait!
What the InTurns didn't know was that the winner of this audition would receive an envelope and in it was the script for the next audition. By winning this it would give that InTurn a leg up on the competition, a distinct advantage.
Who will win the audition and receive the envelope?
And how badly will I “nail” Geneva?
Tune in Friday for a new InTurn.
Your Spy on the InSide, Richard
Monday, July 31, 2006: And Then There Were...
Seven, Siete, Sept, Sette
The loft was tension filled as the InTurns nervously awaited word from Executive Producer, Chris Goutman as to who would and would not be receiving a callback.
In the end it came down to Megan and Javier and although both InTurns failed to perform well in the audition, it was Javier who we sent packing.
Javier struggled not only with memorization but throughout the competition in being able to command the English language well enough to be successful on an American soap opera.
The fact that Javier often wore (as many Spanish novela actors do) an earpiece while performing in the Spanish soaps (so they could be fed their lines by producers) hurt him tremendously, since it never allowed him to be forced to develop his memorization muscle.
I liked Javier and thought he brought great energy and passion to everything he did and hopefully from this experience Javier will do what is needed so eventually he can achieve his desire to cross over from novelas to soaps.
The judges and Chris agreed that should Javier continue to pursue telenovelas where he would have a bright future.
What will be interesting now is seeing how Geneva and Marjorie react when they see “pot-stirrer” Megan walk out having gotten a callback and ready to do battle. It might just be enough to push someone over the edge.
You will have to wait and see on an all new episode of InTurn.
Your Spy on the InSide, Richard
Friday, July 28, 2006: Bring Your “A” Game
It is full on now and the InTurns are feeling the pressure.
And with the auditions being judged, the InTurns nerves are starting to show and so are their claws...MEOW...Megan and Justin.
It was awesome to share the judges' panel with Alexandra and Zach and for the InTurns to have their performances critiqued by two young actors who bust their butts to make not only their performances rich and emotional every time they walk on the set, but their characters interesting for the As The World Turns' audience. Let's not forget after all, this is where each of the 8 InTurns dream to be come September...a contract actor on ATWT.
And here I thought I was going to end up looking like the “judging bully” but not a chance thanks to some good editing and Zach raking Megan over the coals for what we all considered a lame performance. But Megan was not the only one to disappoint the judges...Javier left his “A” game back in Miami.
We all know that any time someone “screws” up good old Justin will be there to “rip you a new one and talk all sorts of trash about you.” And as we saw, it didn't take long for Megan to jump on the bandwagon. As I said to Alexandra and Zach...Megan's throwing shade at Geneva to try and make us forget about her own mediocre performance.
Trust me, Monday everything changes as the first InTurn is sent packing and the fallout from all the trash talking hits the fan. I say, “Bring it On!!!”
Enjoy-
Your Spy on the InSide, Richard
Wednesday, July 26, 2006: Tongue Tied
Repeat after me and make sure each time you say it you say it faster and faster....
The voice coach made me sound and look ridiculous. The voice coach made me sound and look ridiculous. The voice coach made me sound and look ridiculous...
And this, people, is one big reason why I am not nor would I ever be an actor. I mean who needs all that humiliation and especially in public? Javier sure didn’t and Geneva just bagged on him right and left. In fact, he was everyone’s favorite target.
First there was Janal…I mean come on...what in the world was she even talking about to Javier? Whether in English or Spanish Javier had no clue what she was saying. And neither did we.
(And here is a little inside scoop: In the casting process Janal drove us nuts...the girl really can talk up a storm...even after we auditioned her in Miami she spent over two hours outside talking and talking and talking to all the other auditionees…they would come inside and say, Man, there is this blonde girl outside who won’t shut up…)
And what would a day be without Justin trashing somebody?
He is so catty and isn’t afraid to share his opinions about anyone or anything.
Plus the dude (Justin) is threatened big time by Javier.
I loved how Megan refused to be drawn in by Justin’s trashing of Javier and said everyone in the loft could use some improvement.
If you ask me, InTurns in glass lofts...
Don’t miss Friday's all new episode.
Your Spy on The InSide, Richard
Monday, July 24, 2006: Name Calling
So do you have a favorite yet?
Well it sure seems as though Michael Park does...He's hoping Alex (or as Ian so mockingly called him, "Screech," that dude from SAVED BY THE BELL. Now that's HARSH) at least makes it to the FINAL 3.
Ian is trying so hard to get in Alex's head and pysch him out by taunting him and mocking him in front of his fellow InTurns and actors on As The World Turns...Ian, dude, you better watch out not to get too cocky...you know what they say, never underestimate the "little guy."
Poor Javier...he nails the action challenge and then for the life of him can't remember Michael Park's name...I mean come on, this is the guy who not only just spent hours with you giving you a tour of the studio and talking about the business and his experience in it, but he (Michael) is also one of the stars of the show you are dying to win a contract role on...step it up, papi or it could be "hasta luego" and back to the land of telenovelas para usted (for you).
And it's not just the guys who are full of themselves. Geneva is chalk full of attitude herself. How about her ignoring Michael's direction in the action challenge and doing her own thing? If she was working on the show and Michael had been the director for that day and she pulled a stunt like that, she would have gotten her "pearls" handed to her on a platter and I am not talking a silver platter either.
So where will all this cockiness, confidence, forgetfulness and name calling lead these InTurns?
Tune in to another brand new episode of InTurn on Wednesday.
Later-
Your spy on the InSide, Richard
Friday, July 21, 2006
I told you, all you need to do is put 8 very determined and competitive wanna-be actors in a small living space, wind them up and then sit back and watch all the game playing, manipulating and drama bubble to the surface.
It didn't take long for Marjorie and Megan to realize these two won't be BFF's after living together in one, cramped, stinky, "farty" bedroom...
How about Geneva picking Ian to be her bedroom partner?
What do you think is going on there? I think she has a crush on him. But does she know he has a girlfriend?
You should have heard all the other InTurns talking about those two.
Trent Dawson's arrival @ the Loft made a real impression on them, especially Justin, who is such a huge fan of As The World Turns.
You've got to believe it will either as he said "give him a leg up on the competition." or have him so ga-ga that he won't know his head from his rear-end. For now, he thinks he is king and that can ONLY spell one thing... TROUBLE.
Stay tuned and don't forget Monday will be a brand new episode.
Damn it's getting good.
Later-
Your spy on the inSide, Richard
Wednesday, July 19, 2006: Let the games begin...
Knowing what I know and what challenges and tasks we have in store for the InTurns both in the loft and at the studio it should make for some really interesting drama.
The InTurns, now all thrown together in one living space (Brooklyn loft), maneuver around each other like wolves trying to figure out the competition.
The first challenge really tested the InTurns ability to be fast on their feet and quick with their words...
Geneva watched everyone fall all over themselves and then took advantage of their predictable and over the top performances and played it perfectly.
I did however, find Marjorie's performance believable and it got me wondering if she just tapped into personal experience.
I love how Executive Producer, Chris Goutman, is like the voice from above and you can see he already has the InTurns on edge, which really will add to the tension and make for some big fireworks in the future. You'll see what I mean on Friday's episode.
Monday, July 17, 2006: Choosing The InTurns
Hey, it's me, Richard Mensing, VP of CBS Daytime, East Coast. I'll be sitting in the judge's chair during the InTurn competition.
I still can't figure out whether it is confidence, delusion, stupidity or just pure bravery that makes people believe they can act.
One thing I know after judging countless auditions and viewing numerous tapes is that ignorance is bliss... but amongst all the duds, flops and untalented we (ATWT's casting director and Executive Producer and I) found 40 individuals we felt potentially had something. Those 40 received an initial call back and from there we narrowed the 40 down to 25 and then down to 15 and then ultimately selected our FINAL 8.
These 8 InTurns offer something unique and different... so I urge you to check out the show every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to see all the drama unfold.
One thing I know for sure, since I witnessed it first hand over and over again, is that each and every one of them will do anything to win the ultimate prize... a 13 week contract on As The World Turns.
Do you know how many actors out there would kill for that?