The Cavanaughs (web series)

Last updated

The Cavanaughs is a 2010 soap opera web series following a group of friends who reunite after working on a failed television pilot, and then come together to create a television sitcom entitled The Cavanaughs. Along the way, they find themselves creating a family of their own.

Contents

Production history

The Cavanaughs was developed from a stage play-within-a-play comedy entitled The Seven Lessons of Life, which ran in Hollywood during the summers of 2002 and 2003, featuring the character of sitcom actor and drag queen Noreen Cavanaugh. This was followed with a workshop sequel play A Night with the Cavanaughs in 2004, which included musical numbers. Toward the end of the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, OAPCA Productions opted to bring these stage characters into a television form with the dramedy pilot The Cavanaughs. The first story saw a group of offbeat actors looking for money to run a theater in Hollywood while dealing with their own neuroses. The pilot generated interest and filming went smoothly. Soap Actor Thom Bierdz generously donated his personal artwork for several scenes. [1] However, the project stalled for a year in post-production.

In the fall of 2009, creator Adrian Morales decided to generate an audience via the internet. Twelve initial episodes were written. In a twist from the stage plays and the unsold pilot, the web series would follow newly created fictionalized actors reassembling for a new television sitcom The Cavanaughs, retaining the show within a show concept. Production commenced on February 20, 2010, after assembling the majority of the main cast from the 2008 production. Shooting only on weekends, The Cavanaughs completed the first six episodes on April 11, 2010. The next six were completed on September 5, 2010. [2]

Presented in episodes eight to ten minutes in length, season one of The Cavanaughs premiered on YouTube on May 20, 2010. Season two premiered on YouTube on March 17, 2011.

Filming

The Cavanaughs is filmed on Panasonic HVX200 cameras. Private residences in Santa Monica, California and Silverlake, California have served as the characters residences for Bryan, Maddie and Noreen. All nightclub and bar scenes were filmed at Alibi East in Pomona, California. For episodes 7 and 12, the office scenes were filmed in the historic Bradbury Building in Los Angeles, California.

Opening sequence

The opening sequence is a compilation of scenes from the series mixed with still photos, including various daytime shots of Santa Monica beach and day and evening shots of downtown Los Angeles buildings. The photo of Deborah Estelle Phillips in the mocking stance of a mannequin was taken on set of the original sitcom pilot. Photos of Amanda Broadwell being playfully tackled by a dog are featured in episodes one to seven and are replaced by other film clips of the Cavanaugh series.

Music

The piano instrumental opening theme is from the song "When Will Love Find Me" by Adrian Morales and Michael Upward. The song was originally performed in the stage play Only A Phone Call Away. The theme is featured throughout the series applying to the storylines. An abridged version is sung in Episode 3 by Daniel Rhyder (Scott).

LA-based band The Wildcat and Joshua Gollish gave permission for the use of their music to be featured, blending in with the storylines. "The Gray Road Home" is heard over the montages in episodes two and seven. Also used are the songs "Take Me Away" (episodes five and eight) and "Something in Her Eyes" (episode eight).

Characters

With

Notable guests

Trivia

Episodes

Season 1

EpisodeEpisode TitleDirected byWritten byRelease DateSummary
1.01Think of MeByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesMay 20, 2010Pilot
1.02Woman in WhiteByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesMay 27, 2010The identity of the guy in the picture is revealed. The idea of returning to 'The Cavanaughs' is tossed around. On the eve of her wedding, Charley has a heart to heart with Maddie.
1.03If OnlyByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesJune 3, 2010Charley's wedding day arrives. Sarah finds herself thinking of Mark. Scott performs Bryan's song.
1.04Half A MomentByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesJune 17, 2010Writer's block causes Bryan to hallucinate. Maddie gets a visit from a former flame. Mark has a stalker. Charlie returns with a decision regarding 'The Cavanaughs'.
1.05Stop! Wait! Please!Byron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesJune 24, 2010Maddie gives Bryan a writing deadline for a new "Cavanaughs" script. Noreen tries to stop Sarah from doing something drastic with Mark. Mark has his hands full dealing with his stepbrother.
1.06Don't Know How to Love HimByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesJuly 7, 2010A new script for The Cavanaughs is completed and a dinner party is called. Dumas makes an attempt at friendship with Mark. Sarah's act of love encourages Maddie and Scott to act impulsively.
1.07MemoryNicole OlmstedAdrian MoralesJuly 29, 2010Noreen is on a mission to find out why two actors have quit The Cavanaughs. Charley and Bryan lean on each other. Dumas remains persistent in his brotherly relationship with Mark.
1.08Dice Are RollingNicole OlmstedAdrian MoralesAugust 5, 2010Noreen and Maddie debate the religion issue. Scott reaches out to Bryan. Charley runs into Chris, the man she left at the altar. Dumas realizes Sarah has feelings for Mark.
1.09Seeing is BelievingNicole OlmstedAdrian MoralesAugust 19, 2010Noreen shares a secret with Mark. Bryan compromises on not doing the script with the religious jokes to get Maddie back on board. Maddie shares how things are going with Justin. Charley finds a friendly ear with Beverly Fairfax.
1.10Likes of UsByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesSeptember 23, 2010Noreen and Beverly Fairfax share some TV History. Scott sees a different side of Mark. Sarah is panned on YouTube. The new producer offers Justin a job, and her identity makes Maddie assume the worst.
1.11Let Me FinishByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesSeptember 30, 2010Dumas targets Scott. Mark gives Sarah a boost of confidence. Noreen defends Charley. Justin questions Hope's motives. Maddie and Hope meet for the first time.
1.12Point of No ReturnByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesOctober 7, 2010The Cavanaughs have their first table read. Charley gets a call from her parents. Scott finds himself thinking of Mark. Hope reveals her true self to Bryan.

Season 2

EpisodeEpisode TitleDirected byWritten byRelease DateSummary
2.01The Wine and The DiceByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesMarch 17, 2011Hope wants Maddie off 'The Cavanaughs'. Scott does not approve of Sarah's new suitor and goes to Mark for help. Charley reveals a sad secret to Justin.
2.02If Not For MeByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesMarch 24, 2011In defense of Maddie's firing, the cast attempt a walk out. Maddie and Charley have a falling-out. Justin confronts Hope. Shea returns.
2.03Beautiful GameByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesMarch 31, 2011Shea continues to haunt Noreen. Justin brings Maddie and Charley back together. Bryan and Shea share a moment. Sarah is entertained by her new beau which makes Scott feel left out. Mark and Scott place a wager over a game of pool.
2.04So Much To DoByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesApril 7, 2011Hope interrogates Bryan about his drinking. Charley checks up on Maddie. Beverly urges Noreen get Maddie back on 'The Cavanaughs' before it's too late. Justin has a hunch and uses Dumas help him. Sarah brings Zack to meet Mark, much to Scott's chagrin. Hope finds a casting replacement in talk show hostess Dina Martinez.
1.05Poor FoolByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesApril 14, 2011Justin confronts Hope. Sarah and Scott's friendship is on shaky ground. Noreen and Maddie learn Dina Martinez has joined the cast. Dumas gets a jolt.
1.06Dear Old FriendByron MacdonaldAdrian MoralesApril 21, 2011The spring finale of the series features a major cast announcement, a reconciliation between friends, and a "morning after" surprise.

Press

On May 4, 2010, The Dina and Gregg Show released episode five, previewing the upcoming The Cavanaughs and an interview with Grant Landry. [4] The Dina and Gregg Show continual positive attitude toward the series prompted an invite for the hosts to appear as themselves on Episodes 7, 9 & 12. [5]

On May 14, 2010, Soap News Website Daytime Confidential posted an article by Jamey Giddens, previewing The Cavanaughs as "Think Sordid Lives meets 30 Rock. The Cavanaughs looks like a lot of fun!". [6] Jamey Giddens has continually blogged and posted about each episode.

Another Soap News Website WeLoveSoaps has also posted each new episode on its website and features The Cavanaughs among other websoaps on its Indi Soap Beat News. [7] [8] The Cavanaughs has consistently ranked in the top 3 throughout every episode released on the WeLoveSoaps - Indi Soap of the Week Poll, [9] indicating the websoap has developed a small loyal audience.

The Cavanaughs has also been regularly featured on the TimeAfterTime/Soap World website, which promotes daytime and nighttime soaps both currently on air and cancelled. On July 2, TATSW praised The Cavanaughs with "Taking the idea of diversity and creativity to the next step". The Cavanaughs was voted number 2 best indie soap for the month of June. [10]

On July 7, 2010, WeLoveSoapsTV released Episode 48, where WLS Editor Roger Newcomb interviewed Grant Landry (Mark) in Times Square, New York. The interview detailed Landry's history in acting and his experiences/storylines so far in The Cavanaughs. [11]

Issue 51 of SGL Weekly Magazine profiled Daniel Rhyder (Scott) in which briefly discussed his positive experiences and involvement with The Cavanaughs. [12]

In reviewing the first six episodes, popular blogspot Deep Dish: Web Series of the Week, which spotlights 'groovy gay pop culture', Marc Harshbarger complimented The Cavanaughs, " With high production values, a talented cast and some interesting storylines, The Cavanaughs is definitely worth checking out." [13] Deep Dish has consistently recommended The Cavanaughs as one of the Webseries Picks of the week., [14] [15] [16]

Online magazine Dign2it wrote an article covering the emergence of web soaps amidst the decline of daytime programming, and appealing aspect of the stories indie soaps are able to tell not normally seen on broadcast television or by the traditional conservative soap followings. They applauded 'The Cavanaughs' for their prominent LGBT storylines. [17]

Awards and nominations

The 2nd Annual Indie Soap Awards recognized The Cavanaughs with two nominations - Outstanding Leading Actress for Cwennen Corral (Maddie) and the Fan Choice Award for the soap itself. [18] The Deep Dish also gave two nods to Grant Landry (Mark) for runner-up Hottest Hunk - Web Series of 2010 and an Honorable Mention was given to Ginger Snappz (Noreen) for Most Entertaining Character - Web Series of 2010.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles Shaughnessy</span> British actor

Charles George Patrick Shaughnessy, 5th Baron Shaughnessy is a British actor. His roles on American television include Shane Donovan on the soap opera Days of Our Lives, Maxwell Sheffield on the sitcom The Nanny, and the voice of Dennis the Goldfish on Stanley for which he won a Daytime Emmy Award. He had recurring roles as Christopher Plover on The Magicians and St. John Powell on Mad Men. Shaughnessy is a series regular on ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital in the role of villain Victor Cassadine; he signed a long-term contract to remain part of the show indefinitely.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crystal Chappell</span> American actress (b. 1965)

Crystal Elizabeth Chappell is an American actress who played Carly Manning on Days of Our Lives from 1990 to 1993, Maggie Carpenter on One Life to Live from 1995 to 1997 and Olivia Spencer on Guiding Light from 1999 to 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrea Evans</span> American actress (1957–2023)

Andrea Lynn Evans was an American actress. She was most recognized for her portrayal of Tina Lord on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live, a role she played from 1978 to 1981 and from 1985 to 1990, returning in 2008 and 2011. Evans also appeared on the soap operas The Young and the Restless as Patty Williams, The Bold and the Beautiful as Tawny Moore and Passions as Rebecca Hotchkiss.

Alexandra Chando is an American actress and director. She is known for her role as Maddie Coleman in the CBS soap opera, As the World Turns and for her dual role as identical twins, Emma Becker and Sutton Mercer in the ABC Family drama series, The Lying Game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Van Hansis</span> American actor (born 1981)

Van Hansis is an American actor. Hansis portrayed the rich Luke Snyder on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns from December 14, 2005 until the show's final episode September 17, 2010. The son of long running characters on the series, Luke is known for a gay romantic storyline cited as one of the first in American daytime television.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Craig Montgomery</span> Soap opera character

Craig Montgomery is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns. He has been portrayed by Scott Bryce from 1982 to 1991, 1993 to 1994 and 2007 to 2008, Hunt Block from 2000 to 2005, Jeffrey Meek from 2006 to 2007, and Jon Lindstrom from 2008 to 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katie Peretti</span> Soap opera character

Katie Peretti is a fictional character on the daytime soap opera As the World Turns. She was portrayed by Terri Conn from August 29, 1998 to September 17, 2010. She was also portrayed by Cori Anne Hansen as a child, from 1989 to 1994. Conn, known as Terri Colombino during the majority of her years on the show, is considered to be one of the most popular young heroines to appear on ATWT in its final decade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bianca Montgomery and Maggie Stone</span> Soap opera character

Bianca Montgomery and Maggie Stone are fictional characters and a supercouple from the American daytime drama All My Children. Bianca was portrayed by Eden Riegel, and Maggie was portrayed by Elizabeth Hendrickson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luke Snyder and Noah Mayer</span> Fictional characters in the television series As the World Turns

Luke Snyder and Noah Mayer are fictional characters and a supercouple from the American CBS daytime drama As the World Turns. Luke was portrayed by Van Hansis, and Noah was portrayed by Jake Silbermann. On Internet message boards, the couple is referred to by the portmanteau "Nuke". They are notable for being one of American daytime television's first gay male couples.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lisa Niles</span> Soap opera character

Lisa Niles is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera General Hospital. The character first appeared in November 2009 portrayed by actress, Julie Mond. Mond was replaced by Brianna Brown in early 2010. Brown last appeared in the role in October 2011. The character is known for being a villain to popular characters Patrick Drake and Robin Scorpio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Will Horton</span> Soap opera character

Will Horton is a fictional character from the American daytime TV soap opera Days of Our Lives, known for a highly praised coming out story, award-winning performances by actor Chandler Massey, and as one half of US daytime drama's first male gay wedding and marriage. The character first appears in the episode of November 16, 1995, when his mom Sami Brady gives birth to him. Initially portrayed by a series of child actors, the character grew up in real-time as the show aired, eventually to be played by adult actors Chandler Massey, and Guy Wilson (2014–2015).

Gregori J. Martin is a television producer, director, and the founder, CEO, and chairman of LANY Entertainment an independent bi-coastal entertainment company. Martin is best known for his digital drama series The Bay, for which he won the 2015 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding New Approaches Drama Series and the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Digital Daytime Drama Series. Martin is also known for the theatrically released independent vampire thriller Raven, a feature film produced by GruntWorks Entertainment where he originally served as a producer, director and as president for approximately four years. Martin is currently in development on a six-hour miniseries titled The Disciples that was sold to Sony Entertainment and serves as co-executive producer and head writer of the made-for-TV miniseries. Martin also serves as co-executive producer and director of the Daytime Emmy-nominated situation comedy This Just In for Associated Television International (ATI). Martin was awarded the 2011 Indie Series Award for Outstanding Directing for his work on The Bay and was again nominated in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Ragged Isle is a Maine-based dramatic web series that has won multiple Indie Series Awards and other accolades.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indie Series Awards</span>

The Indie Series Awards is an annual event hosted by We Love Soaps, based in Los Angeles, California, honoring the best in independently produced, scripted entertainment created for the Internet. The ceremony was founded by Roger Newcomb in 2010. In 2013, after the 4th Indie Soap Awards ceremony, the awards were rebranded as the Indie Series Awards.

<i>What If...</i> (web series) American TV series or program

What If... is an American web series that acts as a crossover among three ABC soap operas, General Hospital, All My Children and One Life to Live. The ten-part series was originally streamed on ABC.com from July 12 to August 30, 2010. It won a Daytime Emmy Award for New Approaches - Daytime Entertainment.

Corey Lof is a Canadian actor living in Toronto, Ontario. He is mainly known in the world of web series, to be Kenny, in the award-winning LGBT webseries, Out With Dad.

Miss Behave is a teen drama web series produced between June 2010 and July 2012. Created and executive produced by Susan Bernhardt, it stars Jillian Clare as Malibu teen Victoria "Tori" Archer and is streamed at www.MissBehave.tv.

<i>Winterthorne</i> American TV series or program

Winterthorne is a soap opera web series that premiered on August 27, 2015. Starring Martha Madison as Miranda Winterthorne, the ruthless matriarch of a candy dynasty, the series was created, written and executive produced by Michael Caruso. Caruso previously created the web soap DeVanity, which ran from 2011 to 2014.

<i>The Bay</i> (web series) Crime drama

The Bay is American crime-drama series. The show streams on Peacock in the United States, 10 Play in Australia, SABC in South Africa and Planet TV in Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kristos Andrews</span> British-American actor, producer, director

Kristos Andrews is a British-American actor, producer, director, who is an 11-time Emmy winner. Moreover, he has received a record 10 Emmy wins by the age of 30. Andrews received Emmy Awards in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021 for his work as the lead actor on critically acclaimed crime-drama The Bay on Peacock. Andrews has won five more Emmys as an executive producer of the series in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020, in addition to winning an Emmy for his work as a director.

References

  1. "Honoring the Creative Force in Art". The American Art Awards. Archived from the original on 2011-09-03. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  2. "The Cavanaughs". Mysite.verizon.net. Archived from the original on 2011-08-06. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  3. "Better Half Cast". IMDb .
  4. "Radio Redefined". HotTalkLA. Archived from the original on 2011-08-03. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  5. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-12. Retrieved 2010-08-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. "Drag Queens, Comedy and Soapy Drama Combine in New Web Series, The Cavanaughs!". Daytime Confidential. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  7. "We Love Soaps TV: The Cavanaughs". Welovesoaps.net. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  8. http://www.tv.com/search.php?type=11&stype=all&tag=search%3Bfrontdoor&qs=the+cavanaughs&stype=program [ dead link ]
  9. "We Love Soaps TV: Indie Soap of the Week". Welovesoaps.net. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  10. "Top 5 Web Series: June 2010 - Time After Time/Soap World". Timeaftertimeonlinedrama.webs.com. Archived from the original on 2011-08-31. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  11. Newcomb, Roger (2010-07-07). "We Love Soaps TV: WE LOVE SOAPS TV 1.48 THE CAVANAUGHS' Grant Landry". Welovesoaps.net. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  12. Sabria, Wally (2010-10-21). "Magazine SGL Weekly | Issue Where are they Now? Issue". MagCloud. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  13. "Deep Dish: Web Series of the Week: The Cavanaughs". Marcharshbarger.blogspot.com. 2010-07-13. Archived from the original on 2011-08-20. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  14. Marc (2010-08-01). "Deep Dish: Web Series Worth Watching #2: Everybody Ought to Have a Sassy Gay Friend". Marcharshbarger.blogspot.com. Archived from the original on 2011-08-20. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  15. Marc (2010-08-08). "Deep Dish: Web Series Worth Watching #3: Jason Stuart interviews Leslie Jordan". Marcharshbarger.blogspot.com. Archived from the original on 2011-08-20. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  16. Marc (2010-08-22). "Deep Dish: Web Series Worth Watching #5: 'Jack In A Box' debuts a new 'do". Marcharshbarger.blogspot.com. Archived from the original on 2011-08-20. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  17. "DiGN2It Magazine We Love Soaps! (Yes, we do…)". Dign2it.com. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  18. "We Love Soaps TV: NOMINATIONS: 2nd Annual Indie Soap Awards". Welovesoaps.net. 2011-01-10. Retrieved 2011-08-06.