'Serial Scoop Now': 'Driving Miss Daisy' Opening Night - Part 1

On the Season 3 premiere of Serial Scoop Now, host Chelsea Matthews traveled to the Colony Theatre in Burbank for the opening night of Alfred Uhry's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, "Driving Miss Daisy," starring Emmy Award winner Donna Mills, Arthur Richardson and James Leo Ryan.

"Driving Miss Daisy" takes place in the 1940s through 1970s at the height of the Civil Rights movement. The play delicately explores racial tensions when a warm friendship evolves between an elderly Jewish woman and her black chauffeur.

In Episode 3.1, Matthews chats with the cast, along with director Heather Provost. Watch below.

Production Begins on Hallmark Channel's 'Summer in the Vineyard'

Principal photography began this week in Okanagan Valley, British Columbia on the romantic comedy "Summer in the Vineyard." The film reunites Rachael Leigh Cook ("Perception") and Brendan Penny ("Motive") who reprise their roles as Frankie Baldwin and Nate DeLuca. The movie will premiere during Hallmark Channel's annual "Summer Nights" programming event, featuring four new, original movie premieres celebrating the fun and carefree days of summer.

The movie is the follow up to the successful "Autumn in the Vineyard," and continues the romance between Frankie Baldwin (Cook) and Nate DeLuca (Penny). As their first year at Sorrento Farms is coming to a close, they are looking forward to debuting their first vintage wine during the town's annual 'Summerfest' celebration. When the host winery for Summerfest pulls out at the last minute, Nate volunteers Sorrento to replace them, thinking it will be great publicity for their fledgling operation. Frankie, however, is more concerned with whether she can have their first Cabernet ready on time. The pressure is on them both to make a big splash for Sorrento at Summerfest to ensure the viability of their winery going forward. These two headstrong paramours are about to find out if you really can mix business with pleasure, because the course of love never does run smooth when grapes are involved. Then again, if they learn to work together, they just might find that love and wine are the perfect summer combination.

"We are excited to have Rachael and Brendan back in the vineyard for this story that is ultimately about making dreams come true," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Publicity. "'Summer in the Vineyard' is a wonderful addition to our 'Summer Nights' programming that includes four all new, original movies celebrating the fun of the season."

The movie is produced by Muse Entertainment in association with Head First Productions. Executive producers are Jim Head, Joel S. Rice, Michael Prupas, and Shawn Williamson. Jamie Goehring and Trevor McWhinney are the producers. Martin Wood directs from a script written by Julie Sherman Wolfe based on the book by Marina Adair.

Production Begins on Hallmark Channel Movie 'Sun, Sand & Romance'

Production has begun on "Sun, Sand & Romance," reuniting "Battlestar Galactica" castmates Tricia Helfer ("Lucifer," "Suits") and Paul Campbell ("Knightrider"). Shooting on location in Cancun, Mexico, the movie will premiere during Hallmark Channel's annual "Summer Nights" programming event, featuring four new, original movie premieres celebrating the fun of the season. "Duck Dynasty's" Sadie Robertson also stars.

Kate (Helfer), a driven accounting executive, heads to Cancun with her boyfriend Eric, an equally ambitious land development executive, for some much-needed rest and relaxation. But the getaway they agreed would be 90 percent romance and just 10 percent work becomes anything but that. Upon arrival, Eric learns a prominent real estate developer is a guest in their resort. Wanting to seize the opportunity for potential business, Eric chases this new venture and leaves Kate to her own devices time and again. Luckily, Shep (Campbell), the resort's activities director, is an old friend of Kate's from her camp counselor days and more than willing to help fill her solo hours with fun and adventure. As the old friends spend more time together and reconnect, Kate is reminded of dreams she used to have and finds herself wondering if it's time to change course.

"We are thrilled to film in Cancun, Mexico. The location mixed with the talents of Tricia Helfer, Paul Campbell and Sadie Robertson will be a sunny combination our audience will love," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks.

"Sun, Sand & Romance" is a Crown Media Production. Stan Spry serves as executive producer. Anthony Fankhauser is co-executive producer. Mark Rosman directs. Writers are Jennifer Barrow & Rich Tabach and Gregg Rossen & Brian Sawyer.

'Serial Scoop Now': James Kiberd Previews "The Crusade of Connor Stephens"

Actor and artist James Kiberd is best known to soap opera fans for his 11-year stint as Trevor Dillon on ABC's All My Children. That followed a memorable run as Mike Donovan on Loving, and a few months as Dustin Trent on NBC's Another World. Following All My Children, he stepped in for a time as Hal Munson on CBS' As the World Turns. In addition to his work on daytime dramas, Kiberd is a talented artist and stage performer. He was named Best Actor earlier this year at the 2017 Midtown International Theater Festival for his portrayal of Big Jim in "The Crusade of Connor Stephens," a new play written and directed by Dewey Moss

In "The Crusade of Connor Stephens," extreme loss shakes a Texas family as it comes to terms with a tragic act of violence. In the midst of widespread media attention, their story becomes an allegory for the national debate over religion, tolerance and the seedlings of hate. With humor and resilience, they will confront the ghosts of the past and discover the brutal universal truths that define the American family in the 21st century.

In the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.19), the multi-talented Kiberd talks about his time on soaps and his latest stage role. Watch below.

'Serial Scoop Now': 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Creative Arts Red Carpet - Part 2

Serial Scoop teamed up with We Love Soaps to cover the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.18) below from the Creative Arts ceremony, check out host Jenna Stone's interviews with Danny Seo (Naturally, Danny Seo); Alexandra Goodman, Michael McShane and Armin Shimerman (Red Bird), Kevin Kliesch (Sofia the First), Gay Blackstone (Masters of Illusion), Josh Wakely (Beat Bugs), Ashlee Macropoulos (This Just In) and Christian Ganiere (The Bay, Days of our Lives).

'Serial Scoop Now': 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Creative Arts Red Carpet - Part 1

Serial Scoop teamed up with We Love Soaps to cover the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.17) below from the Creative Arts ceremony, check out host Jenna Stone's interviews with Chloe Lanier and Chad Duell (General Hospital); David Michaels, Senior Vice President Daytime Emmy Awards and Events; Lauren Lake (Lauren Lake's Paternity Court); Isaac Kragten, Millie Davis and Anna Cathcart (Odd Squad); and Addison Holley and Adrianna Di Liello (Annedroids).

'Serial Scoop Now': 'The Bay' at the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards

Serial Scoop teamed up with We Love Soaps to cover the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.16) below, check out interviews with producers and cast of Amazon Prime drama The Bay at the Creative Arts ceremony. Host Jenna Stone spoke with Nicolas Coster, Jade Harlow, Celeste Fianna, Carolyn Hennesy, Kristos Andrews, Lilly Melgar, Matthew Ashford, Ronn Moss and Devin DeVasquez.

8th Annual Indie Series Awards Red Carpet - Part 2

Anacostia creator and star Anthony Anderson has been nominated for 22 Indie Series Awards over the years.

In the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.15), host Michael Taylor Gray hit the red carpet of the 8th Annual Indie Series Awards on April 5 at The Colony Theatre in Burbank, California. MTG chatted with Melissa Archer (Viral, The Bay); Matthew Kreiner, Sean-Michael Bowles and Dan Stern (Lemmings); Liz Days, Andrew Nielson and David Lavine (Plant: The Second Coming); Andre Boyer (My So-Called Co-Star Life); Todd Flaherty (Undetectable); Leon Cheo and Josh Crowe (People Like Us); Keriann Correia and Marzy Hart (Working on It); and Anthony Anderson (Anacostia).

Watch below.

8th Annual Indie Series Awards Red Carpet - Part 1

EastSiders producers and stars Kit Williamson and John Halbach hosted the 8th Annual Indie Series Awards. Photo Credit: Jill Johnson/JPI Studios

In the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.14), host Michael Taylor Gray hit the red carpet of the 8th Annual Indie Series Awards on April 5 at The Colony Theatre in Burbank, California. MTG chatted with hosts Kit Williamson and John Halbach (EastSiders); Raymond Ochoa and Bobby Ochoa (Ochoa Boyz), Elba Sette-Camara and Grant Kretchik (The Sessions); Jonathan Robbins, Jason Leaver and Kate Conway (Out With Dad); and Bhama Roget and Ian Schuelke (The Bhama Show).

Watch below.

8th Annual Indie Series Awards Spotlight: Best Lead Actress — Comedy

Clockwise from Top Left: Sylvia Batey Alcalá, Meredith Bishop, Mary Bonney, Liz Days, Anna Jaller and Bhama Roget.

The 8th Annual Indie Series Awards ceremony will be held on April 5 at The Colony Theatre. As the countdown to ISA8 continues (only 37 days left!), Serial Scoop and IndieSeriesAwards.com continue to spotlight nominees in all 29 categories. Today we are featuring the six talented performers in the Best Lead Actress — Comedy category, which include a former winner, Bhama Roget, and five first-time nominees: Sylvia Batey Alcalá, Meredith Bishop, Mary Bonney, Liz Days and Anna Jaller.

Check out their nominated performances below.

Sylvia Batey Alcalá, Fame Dogs (as Polly)


Meredith Bishop, Grip and Electric (as Heather)


Mary Bonney, Break: The Musical (as Kate)


Liz Days, Plant: The Second Coming (as Tammy)


Anna Jaller, Right Hand Man (as Emily)


Bhama Roget, The Bhama Show (as Herself/Various)


The Indie Series Awards, honoring the best in independently produced, scripted entertainment created for the Web, first began in 2009. ISA8 will once again provide the backdrop for New Media creators to celebrate their accomplishments and those of their peers.

8th Annual Indie Series Awards Spotlight: Best Guest Actress — Comedy

Clockwise from Top Left: Jillian Clare, Johanna Day, Liz Ellis, Sas Goldberg, June Diane Raphael and Emma Thompson.

The 8th Annual Indie Series Awards ceremony is only 43 days away, and this year the always entertaining show moves to The Colony Theatre on April 5. Nominees in all 29 categories will be spotlighted here at Serial Scoop as well as at IndieSeriesAwards.com. Today we are featuring the six talented performers nominated in the Best Guest Actress — Comedy category. They include two former ISA winners (Jillian Clare & Liz Ellis), a two-time Oscar winner (Emma Thompson), a Tony nominee (Johanna Day), a rising actress and comedian (June Diane Raphael), and Broadway's latest sensation (Sas Goldberg).

Check out their nominated performances below.

Jillian Clare, Fame Dogs


Johanna Day, The Pioneers


Liz Ellis, The Bhama Show


Sas Goldberg, He's With Me


June Diane Raphael, The Amazing Gayl Pile

Watch the full performance from Season 3 Episode 1 at seeso.com.

Emma Thompson, High Road


The Indie Series Awards, honoring the best in independently produced, scripted entertainment created for the Web, first began in 2009. ISA8 will once again provide the backdrop for New Media creators to celebrate their accomplishments and those of their peers.

Indie Series Awards Moving to The Colony Theatre

The Indie Series Awards ceremony has a new home! The 8th Annual ISAs will be held on April 5 in Burbank at The Colony Theatre, which has long been a vibrant center of Los Angeles theatre life.

The Indie Series Awards, honoring the best in independently produced, scripted entertainment created for the Web, first began in 2009.

“We are so excited to bring the Indie Series Awards to this extraordinary venue,” said Roger Newcomb, founder of the Indie Series Awards. “There's not a bad seat in the house, and the space offers us several new and fun possibilities for the ceremony, including the performances of the six Best Original Song nominees."

Barbara Beckley Artistic Director of The Colony Theatre stated, “It is an honor to be hosting this important and prestigious awards show recognizing the best and brightest in New Media. Director of Development, Heather Provost, added, "It's exactly the kind of fresh and innovative event we want to see in our theatre."

On February 1, a total of 48 series from around the world were nominated for Indie Series Awards in 29 categories.

Tickets for "ISA8" are currently on sale through Eventbrite.

'The Walking Dead' Season 7 Mid-Season Premiere Delivers 15.9 Million Total Viewers

The Walking Dead returned Sunday night for the second half of its seventh season with increases in total viewers and key demos from December's mid-season finale. Sunday night's return delivered 15.9 million total viewers, 9.9 million adults 18-49 and 10 million adults 25-54 in Nielsen live+3 ratings. Total viewers were up 5 percent from December, adults 18-49 increased 3 percent and adults 25-54 increased 5 percent.

Talking Dead remains television's #1 talk show, returning with 5.6 million total viewers, 3.2 adults 18-49 and 3.4 adults 25-54 in Nielsen live+3 ratings.