New All My Children Head Writers Speak!
In January, David Kreizman and Donna Swajeski were named new co-head writers of All My Children. The pair - who were co-head writers on Guiding Light (earning them a 2007 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Writing) - recently sat down with us to give us their thoughts on Pine Valley, and what stories we can expect to see in the comings months.
SOAPnet.com: How is it going so far?
David Kreizman: "So far it's going great. We've really been thrown into the mix. We've had lots of meetings with everyone in every department and luckily we've had relationships with some other people on the team, so there is a comfort level."
Donna Swajeski: "How can you not be happy taking over a show like this? It has such a great history, and we love that. We were fans before we were writers."
David: "We've spent a good amount of time with Agnes [Nixon] and that's been really helpful and exciting."
Why did you want to write for this show?
Donna: "We were fans of the show, and we do love to work together. This came up and it was the perfect blend for us because we love tradition. We love family and all that warm stuff, and yet, we are contemporary writers, so it's kind of good to have that blend of the old and the new. That's what we love about this show. It has a good blend. It has great roots and tradition, and yet it can be funny and hip."
David: "And I've never worked at ABC before, and that's something that I've always wanted to do. I had great experiences with Proctor & Gamble and CBS, but there is just something different in that ABC owns its own shows and can promote them in a different way."
Donna: "And I started here at ABC years ago, so it's like coming home."
Donna, Didn't you work for All My Children?
Donna: "I worked at ABC as an executive just right out of college. The first shows I [worked on] were actually All My Children and Loving. I mean, can you imagine being thrown in with the master storyteller, Agnes Nixon? I got to learn a lot from her, and many things that she told me would happen in life came true. I always remember her words. She was a great person to begin my career with."
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Comments (131)
I feel the same way, MarieMon. I tuned back in to watch Jerica. I won't be here if I'm not gettiing it.
well, I have to say I am with AMC til it gets cancelled but yeah I agree with someone who posted that college students could give us better! I am looking foward to the Chandler/Courtland battles though. But so far it has been a snooze well on its way to get cancelled!!!!!!!!!!!!
The story lines for this show has gotton so stupid. No one cares about Erica Cain. The writer should write a storline appropriate for her age. Please is no way this chick can rekindle a modeling career. That time is long gone.
We have some college grads who could give us better crap than this Why are the writers protraying Greenlee as
stupid, runing around acting bonkers all the time. This
storyline is so crazy. Angie protecting her son all the time needs to end. The writer storyline is as crazy as the Y & R crap. Send us a decent story line for a change. The Angie crap who witnesses a employee taking drugs and does not call the police to have him arested, far out. The sonner Davis comes back to the hospital the better.
Writers who are already dead the minute they said Erica would be with someone other than Jack. GOODBYE AMC!
This all sounds so very exciting but there is one thing. I wander if the writers have been reading about Ryan and Greenlee on the message boards. Where did they get this idea that as a couple they are hugely popular. Everyone or almost everyone is dreading the day that these 2 are paired back together. Put Ryan with someone else. Liza is dynammite. They talk about changing her. I just love her the way she is and she has been very accepted by a lot of viewers. I wander if the writers read what the viewers have to say. Will be interesting to see where this is all going.
Long time viewer since 1970
Julia
I second that emotion!
I haven't yet read the article, but have read over some of the comments, and have to say.... if Thorsten isn't coming back as Zack... PLEASE don't bring Zach back. It's more than just Zendall, it's the amazing chemistry between the two actors that make this couple work. You can't copy that. You can get a new Zach and all you'll have is Kendall and NewZach. Not Zendall. But please don't make Kendall get back with Ryan either. Kendall should be alone with her children for awhile, if she is brought back, and then eventually introduced to a new guy. How about someone new to Pine Valley? We really don't need to see the same old couples recycled over and over and over again! New location, new writers, how about new ideas??????
I'd like to see some real swoony romance (as opposed to sex) like we used to have with Maria and Edmund or Maria and Zach or Erica and Dmitri. Get Wildwind out of David's hands and use it for a more Gothic feel again. The Chandler tunnels are good but getting old. I also miss the real "characters" - like Janet and that crazy Esther. The comedy works better with characters written for it than trying to take Tad and Jake too much over the top (Jake is sooo dark and sensuous and wasted as always just there for someone else or what has become the comic relief). Also, poor Annie has been a total victim of everyone (Ryan especially - really just a sperm donor for her daughter) and needs some support. The writers are doing a much better job and the show needs to be modern - but it's become too modern and "calm" - with no fantasy (and I don't mean flashbacks or sex dreams). You're in Hollywood now - use it!
I agree totally with SunnyOshun. I've watched AMC for over 30 years but I quit after being introduced to Y&R. I started up again three years ago and this show is so boring. You guys are all over the place with a lot of sickos and boring storylines! That new daughter of Adam's is horrible and so are his son and nephew (totally square). Erica needs to quit (too old, her neck hurts my feelings... head too big, body too small)... Greenlee should have stayed dead (stupid acting). The entire cast, except Angie and Jesse... but even their son is awful. Brooke is too old and dry... goodbye Adam, thank God. Tad and everyone at his house is horrible... Tad is too fat for love scenes... sorry, but true, his head is too big for TV now. Ryan and his ex crazy wife's new storyline is dumb. I can't believe I still tune in... only to see if LA can make this show desirable, again. Do something quick or it's 'bye bye' AMC! And stop playing that hip hop music in the background in that horrible club atmosphere... find a new hang out, maybe the gym or coffee shop... not a nightclub where even children are allowed. You need new writers... and a lot more reality... I could help, but I'm retired!
I started watching AMC with my Grandmother when I was 4 years old, we would watch while folding clothes. I am now 41. The writers do not know what to do with any of the characters. Even Erica has no direction really. I mean Jack again...really? And the contest between her and Greenlee.....please. And that whole mess with her and Ryan, watching the hotty and the senior citizen romp on the beach. I would love to see some of the old characters. Bring back Trevor to visit his now a model daughter. Bring back Edmund and Ross and Maria and Mike Roy. Some characters with character and different dimensions. And please AMC import at lease 1 or 2 more lawyers to Pine Valley and give Liza the Super Hero a rest, she needs a break and so do we. And her daughter needs to find a boyfriend or a hobby. the new Colby is a bratty bad actress and I turn when I see her pop up. I never thought I would say I miss Kendall and Zack but please bring them back. I am so happy to hear that Daisey and Nina are coming back. I loved the entire Palmer Courtland Family, loved Palmer and Will Courtland. I am glad they brought Brook back, Can't wait to see her and Erica go at it. AMC writers please study why the chemistry of the Hubbard family works so well and they are believable and fun and sweet and have depth and layers to them. Love to watch them. they are the only strong story line going always loved Jesse and Angela.