Post by RitaLittlewood on May 17, 2009 10:34:48 GMT
From the People:
17 May 2009
Barbara Windsor fears soaps are on a slippery slope as cuts bite
Marc Baker
Eastenders veteran Barbara Windsor is leading a chorus of concern among soap stars over financial cutbacks on their shows.
Babs, 71 - honoured for her 14 years as pub landlady Peggy Mitchell at last weekend's British Soap Awards - claims that drastic budget reductions are harming the quality that pushed their series to the top.
And big names from rivals Emmerdale and Hollyoaks admit they fear being axed in the squeeze.
Some stars - not Babs - think the cuts could even lead to the END of a couple of soaps.
Barbara told The People: " It's been really worrying what's going on with all of the cutbacks." Babs says bosses have been forced to... CUT expensive arty sweeping camera shots across Albert Square.
Cut emotional lingering scenes with just one or two actors - instead hurrying along the plot with everyone on camera.
Cram filming of up to eight episodes into one speedy session.
Barbara said: "Once upon a time you would meet up with a character in the Square or you would be able to have a scene on your own.
"But those lovely days have gone.
As a result of the changes that have been brought in, I think we are missing out on some of the things that made EastEnders so special.
"We are all working hard, making eight episodes at the same time and I do get tired. But we just have to consider ourselves lucky to be in work at the moment." Stars in rival soaps are equally worried. Emmerdale's John Middleton - vicar Ashley Thomas in the ITV1 soap for 13 years - admitted: "I am contracted until the end of the year and that's all.
"In the past you automatically expected a contract to be renewed but it's not like that any more." Co-star Elizabeth Estensen - Woolpack landlady Diane Sugden - said: "Who knows what will happen to my character. Finances have become an important factor." Hollyoaks babe Nathalie Emmanuel, 20, who plays Sasha Valentine, said: "With everyone worried about their futures it makes things a little less secure." But EastEnders veteran Steve McFadden, 50 - hardman Phil Mitchell for 19 years - said bluntly: "It's always been a kitchen-sink drama and kitchen sinks don't cost much money do they? In the end you have to rely on good old-fashioned head-and-shoulder acting." An EastEnders spokeswoman said: "Every BBC programme has to make savings. But every effort is made to ensure EastEnders is still the same high quality." An Emmerdale spokesman said: "Every character has their time in the show, some longer than others."
17 May 2009
Barbara Windsor fears soaps are on a slippery slope as cuts bite
Marc Baker
Eastenders veteran Barbara Windsor is leading a chorus of concern among soap stars over financial cutbacks on their shows.
Babs, 71 - honoured for her 14 years as pub landlady Peggy Mitchell at last weekend's British Soap Awards - claims that drastic budget reductions are harming the quality that pushed their series to the top.
And big names from rivals Emmerdale and Hollyoaks admit they fear being axed in the squeeze.
Some stars - not Babs - think the cuts could even lead to the END of a couple of soaps.
Barbara told The People: " It's been really worrying what's going on with all of the cutbacks." Babs says bosses have been forced to... CUT expensive arty sweeping camera shots across Albert Square.
Cut emotional lingering scenes with just one or two actors - instead hurrying along the plot with everyone on camera.
Cram filming of up to eight episodes into one speedy session.
Barbara said: "Once upon a time you would meet up with a character in the Square or you would be able to have a scene on your own.
"But those lovely days have gone.
As a result of the changes that have been brought in, I think we are missing out on some of the things that made EastEnders so special.
"We are all working hard, making eight episodes at the same time and I do get tired. But we just have to consider ourselves lucky to be in work at the moment." Stars in rival soaps are equally worried. Emmerdale's John Middleton - vicar Ashley Thomas in the ITV1 soap for 13 years - admitted: "I am contracted until the end of the year and that's all.
"In the past you automatically expected a contract to be renewed but it's not like that any more." Co-star Elizabeth Estensen - Woolpack landlady Diane Sugden - said: "Who knows what will happen to my character. Finances have become an important factor." Hollyoaks babe Nathalie Emmanuel, 20, who plays Sasha Valentine, said: "With everyone worried about their futures it makes things a little less secure." But EastEnders veteran Steve McFadden, 50 - hardman Phil Mitchell for 19 years - said bluntly: "It's always been a kitchen-sink drama and kitchen sinks don't cost much money do they? In the end you have to rely on good old-fashioned head-and-shoulder acting." An EastEnders spokeswoman said: "Every BBC programme has to make savings. But every effort is made to ensure EastEnders is still the same high quality." An Emmerdale spokesman said: "Every character has their time in the show, some longer than others."
