Trailer Released for Jillian Clare's 'To The Beat! Back 2 School'

Vision Films will release To The Beat! Back 2 School, the second film from director and actress, Jillian Clare (Victorious: Freak The Freak Out, Days of our Lives, Pretty Broken) on all major VOD platforms and DVD on March 10, 2020. To The Beat! Back 2 School is the sequel to the hit teen comedy To The Beat!, released in 2018 from Leonian Pictures and Clare's Whimsical Entertainment.

In the highly anticipated sequel, the popular teen cast goes back to their performing arts school following spring break to compete for an all-expense paid summer scholarship program to a prestigious conservatory of fine arts. Friendships and feuds continue as sisterhood is tested, new bonds are formed, and rivalries heat up leading to a drama-filled evening at the epic 80’s Spring Fling where a major scheme shuts down the party and jeopardizes the upcoming end-of-year showcase.

"I'm honored and so excited to be one of very few women who have directed both the original and sequel in a film series," Clare says. "I've been able to grow so much as a director with these films and they hold a special place in my heart. Fans have patiently waited for this sequel and they won’t be disappointed."

The film reunites Laura Krystine and Brisa Lalich as twin sisters Mackie and Mia, with Jayden Bartels starring as their frenemy, Avery.

Soap opera fans will recognize a number of familiar faces in the film, including Clare, Days of our Lives stars Martha Madison, Eric Martsolf (Michael) and Marie Wilson (Camila), and former General Hospital actress Lilly Melgar.

Check out the newly released To The Beat! Back 2 School trailer below.

Jillian Clare Directs New Movie Starring Marie Wilson, Lilly Melgar, Martha Madison, and Eric Martsolf

Marie Wilson, Jillian Clare, Eric Martsolf, and Martha Madison

Jillian Clare is stepping behind the camera with her directorial debut of To The Beat! a fun, family, feature film which begins filming next week in Los Angeles.

The dramedy tells the story of 14 year old twin sisters who enter a contest to be dancers in their favorite pop stars music video, which leads to a battle with their rival, across the street, the best dancer of all, who wants to win the contest as well.

Portraying Camila, the soft-spoken, widowed mother of the twins, is Marie Wilson (Ex-Summer; DAYS), who is joined by Lilly Melgar (Janice; The Bay), playing their fashionista Aunt, Ana Sophia – the sister of their deceased father. Also in the cast is Eric Martsolf (Brady; DAYS), playing Michael Adams, the father of the spoiled neighbor (who she has tightly wrapped around her finger), and Martha Madison (Belle; DAYS) as Clare, her very Southern mother, that's slightly obsessed with Paula Abdul.

On her directorial debut Jillian said “I'm so excited to be directing some of my favorite co-stars including Martha, Marie and Lilly, whom I worked with on Ladies of the Lake, and Eric, who I've known forever and worked with many years ago on Miss Behave.” Clare continued “It's definitely these four soap veterans like you've never seen them before as they join about 25 teenagers in a fun, family dance movie.”

To The Beat! is being produced by Susan Bernhardt, and her company Leonian Pictures, alongside Clare's own production company, Whimsical Entertainment. Additional cast, including the announcement of all the teen stars, will happen early next week, just prior to cameras rolling. The film is slated for a summer 2017 release.

First Film Produced by Jillian Clare Scores Finalist Accolade

Actress Jillian Clare announced today that her film producing debut, Advent, was just honored as a finalist in the prestigious USA Film Festival's 38th Annual International Short Film Competition.

Advent tells the story of a young priest, portrayed by Brett DelBuono (Let Me In), who finds himself in danger when he goes too far in his search for heaven and hell. The sci-fi short also stars Clare and Brian Beacock, who delivers a chilling performance as the the Archbishop. Clare and Beacock can also currently be seen in the semi-dark comedy, Acting Dead, which recently released on http://actingdead.com.

“I'm so incredibly proud of our entire cast and crew!” Clare said. “It's an amazing first achievement – I can't wait to see where Advent goes from here!” Director Colby Mann added “This is our first victorious step in what I know will be a long staircase of success!”

The film was produced under the umbrella of Clare's newly formed production company, Whimsical Entertainment, in partnership with Colby Mann. This is the first in a slate of projects Clare has lined up to produce including several features.

'Acting Dead' Available to Binge-Watch For Free

After racking up numerous festival accolades and awards, the biting zombie comedy Acting Dead, finally released it's entire first season online at www.actingdead.com for your bloody binge-watching enjoyment.

Acting Dead tells the story of Tate Blodgett (Brian Beacock), a down on his luck, unemployed actor, who after being turned down for role after role, decides to take his career into his own hands, and becomes a Zombie, simply so he can finally get work in the many Zombie movies and television shows. Along the way, he meets Alex Carboneux (Jillian Clare), a former child star, who's temper has stalled her career, until she also decides to take matters in her own hands, which doesn't turn out so well either.

The series boasts an impressive group of talent including Beacock, his co-lead Jillian Clare, plus series regulars Chris Galya, Patrika Darbo, Paul Nygro and John Yelvington with Season One guest stars Debbie Gibson, Eric Martsolf, Carolyn Hennesy, Sean Kanan, John J. York, Cocoa Brown, Christine Lakin, Lori Alan, Erin Matthews, Gary and Larry Lane, Peter Allen Vogt, Sheila Sheila, Mitch Silpa and Jacee Jule.

Acting Dead is a semi-dark comedy about Zombies, set in the world of Hollywood. Funny, quirky and weird, Acting Dead has brains and an appetite for sarcasm and satire. Imagine Arrested Development meets Shawn of the Dead with an occasional shout out to Romero. It's fast paced and smart, and so ridiculous you're sure to have the time of your afterlife. For social media updates follow @ActingDead on Twitter or "Like" them on Facebook http://facebook.com/actingdead. To view the series in it's entirety, visit http://actingdead.com

'Ladies of the Lake' Announces Soap Opera Dream Cast

Emmy nominated Executive Producer Michael Caruso announced today the esteemed cast which he, alongside Co-Executive Producer and Emmy nominated star, Kyle Lowder, handpicked to bring the script to life. Ladies of the Lake tells the story of four wealthy wives living in the exclusive gated community of Avalon. When their abusive husbands begin to turn up dead, Detective Shawn Daniels (Lowder) launches an investigation, only to discover the many secrets hidden beneath the glossy veneers of Avalon. The script was penned by Caruso, adapted from a novel written by Ken Corday and is being produced through Michael & Barbara Caruso Productions.

Portraying the four mysterious ladies are Emmy nominee Martha Madison, in the role of Vivian Montgomery, an intellectual business woman who gave up her career to support her husband, Emmy winner Lilly Melgar as Angelica Louis, the quintessential Hollywood Wife with a tragic past, Marie Wilson as Morgan Firestone, a former pageant queen who became the face of her husband's shipping empire and Jessica Morris who portrays Crystal Amhurst, a barren trophy wife who will do anything to keep her husbands attention.

Second Slate of Presenters Announced for 7th Annual Indie Series Awards

Carolyn Hennesy, who hosted the Indie Series Awards in 2014, returns to the ISAs stage as a nominee and presenter on April 6.  She's nominated for the third year in a row, this time for her work on These People.

The Indie Series Awards announced today the second slate of presenters for the upcoming 7th Annual ISAs ceremony, hosted by Jen Lilley and Eric Martsolf.

The presenters, including ISA winners and nominees, are:

Melissa Archer (Viral)
Daniel Betances (BLACK)
Jillian Clare (Acting Dead)
Claire Downs (These People)
Melissa Claire Egan (Misguided)
Mary Beth Evans (The Bay)
Jeremy Glazer (These People)
Ryan Gowland (F'd)
Carolyn Hennesy (These People)
Zac Hug (These People)
Sebastian La Cause (He's With Me, Life's a Drag)
Erika Robel (Fully Engaged)
Tristan Rogers (The Bay)
Marc Sinoway (Hunting Season)
Kit Williamson (EastSiders)
Colleen Zenk (Thurston)

"These artists have inspired us with their work and we are excited to see them on the ISAs stage," said Indie Series Awards producer Roger Newcomb.

These presenters join the previously announced group which includes Kristos Andrews (The Southside, The Bay), Ben Baur (Hunting Season, These People), Tia Dae (Anacostia), Crista Flanagan (Club 5150), Kathleen Gati (Winterthorne), Jill Knox (Keith Broke His Leg), Martha Madison (Winterthorne), Keith Powell (Keith Broke His Leg, These People), Darcie Siciliano (He's With Me), Karrueche Tran (The Bay), Kevin Spirtas (Winterthorne) and Ian Verdun (Life's a Drag).

See all the nominees here.

The 7th Annual Indie Series Awards will be held at the historic El Portal Theatre on Wednesday, April 6 at 8 p.m. PT.

7th Annual Indie Series Awards Nominees To Be Revealed On February 3

On Wednesday, February 3, the nominations for the 7th Annual Indie Series Awards (#ISA7) will be revealed on a special episode of Serial Scoop Now, airing at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT. Former Days of our Lives actress Jillian Clare will host the reveal from the El Portal Theatre in Los Angeles, once again home to the ISAs ceremony on April 6. Nominees will be revealed in 30 categories, including the newly added Best Original Song and Best Sound Design.

Clare has been nominated for five ISAs over the past five years, winning in 2014 for her work on the drama Clutch. She played young Abigail Deveraux on Days in 2003-2004.

Days of our Lives star Eric Martsolf (Brady Black) returns as host for the 7th Annual ISAs, joined this year by Jen Lilley (Theresa Donovan on Days).

Jillian Clare Is Not Returning to 'Days of our Lives'

Jillian Clare at the 6th Annual Indie Series Awards on April 1, 2015.

Jillian Clare played the role of Abigail Deveraux on NBC soap opera Days of our Lives in 2003-2004 as a pre-teen. She has since gone on to star in a number of films (Alien Abduction, The Kitchen), primetime series (Suburgatory, Castle), and played starring roles in multiple web series (Acting Dead, Miss Behave). The busy actress won an Indie Series Award in 2014 for her work in Clutch, and has been nominated four other times. And now she is suddenly the subject of daytime casting gossip. The rumor mill has been running wild with speculation since last night, when a poster at a popular message board claimed the Clare had been asked to return to Days. This led to speculation that Clare would reprise the role of Abby, taking over from current actress Kate Mansi, or possibly playing a whole new character altogether.

With no new daytime soap episodes since Wednesday, it appears some viewers let their imaginations create new storylines to focus on. But to clear it up, Clare has not been asked to return to Days of our Lives. And if she ever is someday, Serial Scoop will let you know. 

If you haven't been following the mad-talented Clare's post-Days work, you are missing out. I highly recommend her hilarious performance as a ghost in ISA best comedy winner, Acting Dead.

Our web series, Serial Scoop Now, spoke to Clare on the red carpet at the Indie Series Awards in April. Check it out in the clip below.

6th Annual Indie Series Awards Red Carpet Show - Part 4

Serial Scoop Now was on the red carpet for the 6th Annual Indie Series Awards on Wednesday, April 1, at the historic El Portal Theatre in Los Angeles. Host Michael Taylor Gray interviewed the stars of the web series world on the red carpet. Part 4 of our coverage includes Indie Series Awards founder and producer Roger Newcomb; Indie Series Network director Kevin Mulcahy Jr.; Thurston's Colleen Zenk and Susannah Wells; and Acting Dead's Jillian Clare, Lori Alan, Patrika Darbo, Brian Beacock, Jen Grable, Paul Nygro and Peter Allen Vogt.

Watch "6th Annual Indie Series Awards Red Carpet Show - Part 4" below:

ISA6 Countdown: Check out the Indie Series Awards Nominees for Lead Actress in a Comedy

Clockwise (from top left): Tiffany Berube (The Tiffany and Erin Show), Jillian Clare (Acting Dead), Jackie Geary (Jon and Jen are Married), Becky Kramer (Jewvangelist), Mhairi Morrison (Feathers and Toast), Minae Noji (Love Midori)

The nominations for the 6th Annual Indie Series Awards were announced on Wednesday, February 4, and the ceremony is now only a month away. Serial Scoop is celebrating the nominees leading up to the ISA6 ceremony on April 1st by showcasing their work both in front of and behind the camera.

In the Best Lead Actress – Comedy category, the nominees are Tiffany Berube (The Tiffany and Erin Show), Jillian Clare (Acting Dead), Jackie Geary (Jon and Jen are Married), Becky Kramer (Jewvangelist), Mhairi Morrison (Feathers and Toast) and Minae Noji (Love Midori). Watch their nominated work below:

First Batch of Indie Series Awards Presenters Announced

This first round of presenters for the 6th Annual Indie Series Awards were announced on Monday, and all are nominees.

Presenters will include Anthony Anderson (Anacostia), Jillian Clare (Acting Dead), Ashli Dowling (We Are Angels), Andrea Evans (DeVanity), Lilly Melgar (The Bay), Mhairi Morrison (Feathers and Toast), Becky Kramer (Jewvangelist), Jen Lilley (Youthful Daze), Minae Noji (Love Midori), Alisha Spielmann (Producing Juliet), Jason Stuart (Mentor), Corsica Wilson (L.A. Macabre) and Colleen Zenk (Thurston).

Additional presenters will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The ISAs, hosted by Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Martsolf (Days of our Lives), will be held on Wednesday, April 1 at the historic El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood.

The Indie Series Awards celebrate the best in independently produced, scripted entertainment created for the Web. Click here for a complete list of nominees.

DVD Release: 'By God's Grace' Starring Cameron Deane Stewart, Savannah McReynolds, Jillian Clare and Roark Critchlow and John J. York

By God's Grace is now out on DVD.

Faith-based holiday movie By God's Grace is now available on DVD. Among the film's cast are soap veterans Jillian Clare (ex-Abigail Deveraux, Days of our Lives) and Roark Critchlow (ex-Mike Horton Days of our Lives), plus General Hospital star John J. York (Mac Scorpio).

By God's Grace tells the story Chris Taylor (Cameron Deane Stewart) along with his little sister Grace (Savannah McReynolds) who go on a journey together in the vein of A Christmas Carol.

Watch the trailer for By God's Grace below:

Jillian Clare Set to Star in Interactive Play "Delusion: Lies Within"

Jillian Clare. Photo Credit: Barbara Caruso Photography

Indie Series Award-winning actress Jillian Clare (Clutch, Miss Behave, Days of our Lives) will be playing one of the leads in a new Los Angeles production of "Delusion: Lies Within," directed by Jon Braver.

"I have wanted to do another show for so long," Clare reveals, "it's such an awesome character and a really fun play."

"Delusion" is an interactive show that immerses the audience in a living, breathing world of horror theater as the guests interact with the actors in "the single most terrifying event in Los Angeles."