DAYS taps former Y&Rers for co-EP and casting director

by Dan J Kroll

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 12:32:57 PM

Days of our Lives has made some more behind-the-scenes changes in an attempt to reverse the show's sagging ratings. Several weeks ago the show hit an all-time low in the ratings. The NBC soap hopes that tapping two former The Young and the Restless crew members will help.

As Days of our Lives struggles to find its footing, the NBC soap announced today that it has made some behind-the-scenes changes. The show has appointed a new co-executive producer and tapped a new casting director, and both newcomers -- Ed Scott and Marnie Saitta, respectively - most recently served on the top-rated CBS soap The Young and the Restless.

Do you think DAYS latest changes will help turn the show around?

The story: DAYS co-EP, casting director out in backstage shakeup!

Yes. A new executive producer will bring a new energy to the show's stories
I think a new casting director will bring better performers to the show.
No, I think that the show really needs to focus on improving its writing.
Um... I didn't really think that there was anything wrong with the show.
I don't think anything will help since NBC isn't committed to the show.
I'm not sure what these new folks will do, so I cannot offer an opinion.
Other



"I am very enthusiastic about the important changes for Days of our Lives that Edward Scott will bring as Co-Executive Producer," Ken Corday, DAYS' Executive Producer, said in a statement. "Ed comes with more than twenty years experience with The Young and the Restless and brings a new, vibrant, creative energy and strength to this all-important position of leadership. DAYS will benefit greatly from Ed's direction. The viewers will also be thrilled with the exciting changes in the days to come."


"We are thrilled to have Ed and Marnie join the Days of our Lives team," said Annamarie Kostura, Vice President, NBC Daytime. "Their vast experience in the world of daytime dramas will bring an exciting and welcomed addition to the show."


The announcement echoes similar statements made last year when multiple Emmy-winning head writer Hogan Sheffer was brought aboard to help turn the show around. The show, however, has failed to gain traction as it suffers from a poor lead-in with NBC's ratings challenged talk show, iVillage Live. The cancellation of Passions and a statement by NBC Universal Television president Jeff Zucker that DAYS more than likely will be cancelled in 2008 haven't been helped.


During Scott's tenure at The Young and the Restless, he earned fifteen Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Drama Series. Five of those nominations earned Emmy gold. He is married to Y&R star Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman).


"As a long-time fan of Days of our Lives, I am excited to join the production team," said Scott. "I look forward to the challenges ahead in delivering even more exciting programming to DAYS' many fans. I'm fully committed to bringing renewed success to this American Icon."


Of course the new hires mean that several Days of our Lives personnel have been let go. Among the notable firings is that of co-executive producer Steve Wyman. Wyman has been with the show in his current capacity since 2003.


"I would like to thank former Co-Executive Producer Steve Wyman, Supervising Producer Roy Steinberg and Casting Director Fran Bascom for their service and friendship over the years," Corday said referencing the dismissals. "I wish them all the best in their future endeavors."