GUIDING LIGHT will premiere the first episode, which was produced as a result of a new production model that will revolutionize the way daytime dramas are created, on Friday, Feb. 29 on the CBS Television Network. With transformations throughout the entire show, these changes will bring a more current and realistic look to the series.
GUIDING LIGHT’S new production model includes permanent sets inside its New York City studio. Once having only eight sets to work with, the show now has forty, which also have four walls and a ceiling, where previously each set had two or three walls and the tops remained open exposing hundreds of lights and wires.
Direction has also been changed. Hand held cameras move around with the actors, shooting them from all angles, bringing the audience closer to each character. These changes give the sets a more realistic feeling, as well as changing the way the actors react in a situation.
Editing has changed as well. It now takes place almost simultaneously as filming – all done within the confines of a small digital booth. A production suite with monitors, directors and producers is a thing of the past.
GUIDING LIGHT has also decided to break out of the current mold of filming location shoots only once or twice a year. The show has adopted the town of Peapack, New Jersey to shoot all of its exterior scenes, some of which have already aired, thus adding to the realistic look of the show. These scenes will total approximately 20% off the production.
Whatever they are doing with the production to CBS’s Guiding Light, I hope the other soaps follow their example because the changes look amazing! I would love to see some of the Pier scenes for Days of our Lives and General Hospital shot like that as compared to how they are shot now!
Even though I don’t watch Guiding Light that often I am going to check it out on Friday because I really like their new look!!!
