The Cavanaughs
Encyclopedia
The Cavanaughs is a 2010 soap opera
web series
follows 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.
, 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, CA while dealing with their own neurosis
. The pilot generated interest and filming went smoothly. Soap Actor Thom Bierdz
generously donated his personal artwork for several scenes. Unfortunately, that end product spent a year in Post-production hell
.
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, keeping with the show within a show concept. Production finally 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 following next six were completed on September 5, 2010.
Presented in episodes, running eight to ten minutes in length, Season 1 of "The Cavanaughs" premiered on YouTube
on May 20, 2010. Season 2 of "The Cavanaughs" premiered on Youtube on March 17, 2011.
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 & 12, the office scenes were filmed in the historic Bradbury Building
in Los Angeles, California
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 is featured in from episodes 1-7 and replaced by other film clips of the Cavanaugh series.
LA-Based music 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 2 & 7. Also used are the tunes Take Me Away (Episodes 5 & 8) & Something in Her Eyes (Episode 8).
With
Notable Guests
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!". 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. The Cavanaughs has consistently ranked in the top 3 throughout every episode released on the WeLoveSoaps - Indi Soap of the Week Poll, 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.
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.
Issue 51 of SGL Weekly Magazine profiled Daniel Rhyder (Scott) in which briefly discussed his positive experiences and involvement with The Cavanaughs.
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." Deep Dish has consistently recommended The Cavanaughs as one of the Webseries Picks of the week.,,
Online magazine Dign2it wrote an article covering the emergence of web soaps admist 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.
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.
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
web series
Web series
A web series is a series of episodes released on the Internet or also by mobile or cellular phone, and part of the newly emerging medium called web television. A single instance of a web series program is called an episode .While the popularity of web series is continuing to rise, the concept...
follows a group of friends who reunite after working on a failed television pilot
Television pilot
A "television pilot" is a standalone episode of a television series that is used to sell the show to a television network. At the time of its inception, the pilot is meant to be the "testing ground" to see if a series will be possibly desired and successful and therefore a test episode of an...
, and then come together to create a television sitcom entitled The Cavanaughs. Along the way, they find themselves creating a family of their own.
Production History
The Cavanaughs was born from a stage play-within-a-play comedy entitled The Seven Lessons of Life, which ran in the heart of Hollywood during the summers of 2002 & 2003 featuring the character of Sitcom Actor slash 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 strike2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike
The 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, more commonly referred to as simply the Writers' Strike, was a strike by the Writers Guild of America, East and the Writers Guild of America, West ....
, 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, CA while dealing with their own neurosis
Neurosis
Neurosis is a class of functional mental disorders involving distress but neither delusions nor hallucinations, whereby behavior is not outside socially acceptable norms. It is also known as psychoneurosis or neurotic disorder, and thus those suffering from it are said to be neurotic...
. The pilot generated interest and filming went smoothly. Soap Actor Thom Bierdz
Thom Bierdz
Thom Bierdz is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Phillip Chancellor III on the daytime drama The Young and the Restless, appearing from 1986 to 1989, returning for a "dream sequence" in 2004, and in a surprising twist, returned to the role in May 2009.-Phillip Chancellor...
generously donated his personal artwork for several scenes. Unfortunately, that end product spent a year in Post-production hell
Post-production hell
Post-production hell is a slang term referring to an extended problem period of post-production during the making of a motion picture or television program, or musical album...
.
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, keeping with the show within a show concept. Production finally 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 following next six were completed on September 5, 2010.
Presented in episodes, running eight to ten minutes in length, Season 1 of "The Cavanaughs" premiered on YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
on May 20, 2010. Season 2 of "The Cavanaughs" premiered on Youtube on March 17, 2011.
Filming
The Cavanaughs is filmed on PanasonicPanasonic
Panasonic is an international brand name for Japanese electric products manufacturer Panasonic Corporation, which was formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd...
HVX200 Cameras. Private residences in Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is a beachfront city in western Los Angeles County, California, US. Situated on Santa Monica Bay, it is surrounded on three sides by the city of Los Angeles — Pacific Palisades on the northwest, Brentwood on the north, West Los Angeles on the northeast, Mar Vista on the east, and...
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
Pomona, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Pomona had a population of 149,058, a slight decline from the 2000 census population. The population density was 6,491.2 people per square mile...
. For Episodes 7 & 12, the office scenes were filmed in the historic Bradbury Building
Bradbury Building
The Bradbury Building is an architectural landmark in Los Angeles, California. The building was built in 1893 and is located at 304 South Broadway in downtown.-History:...
in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
Opening sequence
The opening sequence is a compilation of scenes from The Cavanaughs series mixed in with still photos. The photos include various shots of the Santa Monica beach during the day, Los Angeles downtown city buildings during the day and evening. The photo of Deborah Estelle PhillipsDeborah Estelle Phillips
Deborah Estelle Philips is an actress. She is best known for her role as Katie Walker, the Yellow Ranger, in Power Rangers: Time Force when she was 22...
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 is featured in from episodes 1-7 and replaced by other film clips of the Cavanaugh series.
Music
The piano instrumental opening theme is from a 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 music 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 2 & 7. Also used are the tunes Take Me Away (Episodes 5 & 8) & Something in Her Eyes (Episode 8).
Characters
- Noreen Cavanaugh (Ginger Snappz) - A colorful drag queen with a heart of gold who has had her own wildly successful television sitcom. She takes pride The Cavanaughs was written especially for her and becomes a den mother to the cast and crew
- Bryan (Adrian Morales) - the writer. After two years, he returns to the project finding a new direction with his characters and must decide if he can move on with his life after the death of his lover Shea.
- Maddie (Cwennen Corral) - Bryan's co-producing partner and sister of Shea. Head strong and confident, she has pushed love out of her life to watch over her friends in need. She's best friends with Charley.
- Charley (Deborah Estelle PhillipsDeborah Estelle PhillipsDeborah Estelle Philips is an actress. She is best known for her role as Katie Walker, the Yellow Ranger, in Power Rangers: Time Force when she was 22...
) - a chain-smoking actress about to be married to a man she is not in love with. She harbors a secret she feels will tear her family apart and goes to extreme lengths to conceal it. - Mark (Grant Landry) - an outgoing successfully working actor. He's very confident in his actions, though some see him as too cocky. While he has a love-hate relationship with his co-star Sarah, Mark has a stalker who follows his every move.
- Sarah (Amanda Broadwell) - a quirky actress who does her work via internet and commercials. Though she's attracted to Mark, she's envious of his success. Hit with cupid's arrow, Sarah must decide on how to act.
- Scott (Daniel Rhyder) - Sarah's best friend. A genuinely good person, he does what he can to watch over Sarah while trying to embark on his own singing career.
With
- Justin (Kevin Makely) - Maddie's ex-boyfriend and Charley's ex-roommate. After a twist of fate, he wishes Maddie was back in his life.
- Hope (Kimberly Fox) - A producer who promises to make The Cavanaughs happen with her own agenda.
- Dumas (Percy Rustomji) - Mark's stalker. He shares a past connection with his obsession.
- Chris (Patrick O'SullivanPatrick O'SullivanPatrick O'Sullivan is an American professional ice hockey forward who is currently under contract with the Phoenix Coyotes...
- Season 1) - Charley's groom to be. - Shea (Mikey Lamar- Season 1; Ryan Kibby - Season 2) - Byran's deceased lover and Maddie's brother.
- Zack (Matthew Trbovich- Season 2) - Sarah's beau who is an airhead model living in his own little bubble.
Notable Guests
- Dina Martinez and Gregg Potter - LA-Based Talk Show Hosts from The Dina & Gregg Show.
- Beverly Fairfax - LA-Based Drag Queen Personality
Season 1
| Episode | Episode Title | Directed by | Written by | Release Date | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.01 | Think of Me | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | May 20, 2010 | A group of friends reunite for the screening of an unaired television pilot entitled 'The Cavanaughs', and the seed to return to the project is planted. |
| 1.02 | Woman in White | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | May 27, 2010 | The 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. |
| 1.03 | If Only | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | June 3, 2010 | Charley's wedding day arrives. Sarah finds herself thinking of Mark. Scott performs Bryan's song. |
| 1.04 | Half A Moment | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | June 17, 2010 | Bryan's writers block causes him to hallucinate. Maddie gets a visit from a former flame. Mark has a stalker. Charlie returns with a decision regarding 'The Cavanaughs'. |
| 1.05 | Stop! Wait! Please! | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | June 24, 2010 | Maddie 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. |
| 1.06 | Don't Know How to Love Him | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | July 7, 2010 | A 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. |
| 1.07 | Memory | Nicole Olmsted | Adrian Morales | July 29, 2010 | Noreen 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. |
| 1.08 | Dice Are Rolling | Nicole Olmsted | Adrian Morales | August 5, 2010 | Noreen 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. |
| 1.09 | Seeing is Believing | Nicole Olmsted | Adrian Morales | August 19, 2010 | Noreen 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. |
| 1.10 | Likes of Us | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | September 23, 2010 | Noreen 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. |
| 1.11 | Let Me Finish | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | September 30, 2010 | Dumas 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. |
| 1.12 | Point of No Return | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | October 7, 2010 | The 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
| Episode | Episode Title | Directed by | Written by | Release Date | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.01 | The Wine and The Dice | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | March 17, 2011 | Hope 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. |
| 2.02 | If Not For Me | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | March 24, 2011 | In defense of Maddie's firing, the cast attempt a walk out. Maddie and Charley have a falling out. Justin confronts Hope. Shea returns. |
| 2.03 | Beautiful Game | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | March 31, 2011 | Shea 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. |
| 2.04 | So Much To Do | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | April 7 , 2011 | Hope 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. |
| 1.05 | Poor Fool | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | April 14, 2011 | Justin 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. |
| 1.06 | Dear Old Friend | Byron Macdonald | Adrian Morales | April 21, 2011 | The 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 5 previewing the upcoming The Cavanaughs and an interview with Grant Landry. 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.On May 14, 2010, Soap News Website Daytime Confidential posted an article by Jamey Giddens, previewing The Cavanaughs as "Think Sordid Lives
Sordid Lives
Sordid Lives was a 2000 independent film, written and directed by Del Shores. The movie is based on Shores' play of the same name and includes elements of his life, according to the director's DVD commentary...
meets 30 Rock
30 Rock
30 Rock is an American television comedy series created by Tina Fey that airs on NBC. The series is loosely based on Fey's experiences as head writer for Saturday Night Live...
. The Cavanaughs looks like a lot of fun!". 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. The Cavanaughs has consistently ranked in the top 3 throughout every episode released on the WeLoveSoaps - Indi Soap of the Week Poll, 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.
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.
Issue 51 of SGL Weekly Magazine profiled Daniel Rhyder (Scott) in which briefly discussed his positive experiences and involvement with The Cavanaughs.
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." Deep Dish has consistently recommended The Cavanaughs as one of the Webseries Picks of the week.,,
Online magazine Dign2it wrote an article covering the emergence of web soaps admist 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.
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.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.