Eagle-eyed viewers of Guiding Light are probably wondering what the code that now appears at the end of the soap mean. It is the date that the show will take a dramatic leap that is sure to change the future of daytime storytelling. On  February 29th, GL will debut a brand new look to its daily episodes. The new style represents a total transformation in the way the show is created. Gone are the archaic three-walled sets and in are permanent four-wall sets with actual ten-foot high ceilings. Having permanent sets will dramatically cut the cost of having to construct and dismantle sets as they are called for by the show's story. Also out are the cumbersome 300-pound pedestal cameras that have been used since the days of classic 1950s television sitcoms. The old cameras will be replaced with agile handheld mini-cams, weighing only eight pounds apiece. The new cameras will capture scenes from within the rooms they're set in. The cameras can be placed so close to the action that the audience will see what the character sees, and feel as the character feels. Wherever the character goes, the camera can follow. "Soap operas have been shot, by and large, the same way since the 1950's, the same way 'I Love Lucy' was shot - with pedestal cameras, in just a few interior sets," explains executive producer Ellen Wheeler. "Our audience is sophisticated enough to understand that's old-fashioned, and it isn't working for them anymore." Once limited by space constraints to only eight permanent sets, GL will now feature a remarkable thirty to forty permanent sets. Viewers will enjoy nearly unlimited access to formerly obscure rooms in glamorous mansions and humble apartments, businesses and hotels, hallways and stairwells, alleys, loading docks, and sidewalks. This will dramatically increase storytelling potential and intimacy with characters. To expand set potential even farther, production executives will be giving up their personal offices for filming. "My office also functions as an office and a church," Ellen says with a smile. "There are pews lined up behind my desk. Another executive's office is a nail salon, another one doubles as a hotel room, and another has what we call 'the seedy motel room.'" In addition to the new and expanded indoor sets, the show has partnered with the town of Peapack, New Jersey, a short drive due west of the CBS soap's Manhattan studios, for on-location outdoor scenes. Once a limitation because of the extreme costs associated with them, location shoots will now comprise up to 20% of a day's airtime.

The changes being made to GL were not made in haste. They come after a year of research and experimentation. The goal of the changes was to find ways to produce a soap that not only compares favorably to the gloss of primetime, but also enables the show to compete with cable repeats of sophisticated prime time dramas airing on other channels during the day.

In other news, long-time General Hospital star Shell Kepler (Amy Vining) has died. The actress passed away suddenly from renal failure on Friday, February 1st, 2008. According to the actress' online biography, she was 46. The medical examiner said the actress was 49. Shell became a fan favorite on GH as nurse Amy, sister of Laura Spencer. Amy's family had adopted Laura as a baby, so the two were raised as sisters. The bond between the sisters remained strong even after Laura left the Vinings to go live with her biological mother, Lesley Webber. Amy soon followed her sister to Port Charles and became a nurse at General Hospital. Amy had a penchant for gossip and trouble which were never in shortage at the hospital. Sadly, Amy never found true love. She remained single during all of the years on the show. The character was never officially written off. She last appeared in September 2002. She and the rest of Laura's family were waiting for Laura at the church where Luke and Laura intended to re-marry. Luke and Laura never made it to the church. Luke had found Laura in the attic earlier that day along with the murdered body of her step-father, Rick Webber.

Since last appearing on GH in 2002, Shell has lived in Portland, Oregon. She was involved in charity fundraising and was, by all accounts, an accomplished writer and savvy businesswoman. The actress turned entrepreneur and is believed to have earned millions of dollars each year through the selling of her Lacy Afternoon fashion line on the Home Shopping Network.

Born October 5th, in Painesville, Ohio, Shell was inspired to become an actress after seeing The Wizard of Oz at the age of two. Her first foray into professional acting came in the theater where she starred in productions of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and The Sound of Music when she was a young girl living in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In the early 1980s, she fronted the band Shell and the Crush, releasing a five-song E.P. which contained songs like "Popular Girl" and "When You Look My Way".

As the World Turns Michael Izquierdo appears as Neil who has a message for Dusty February 4.

Days of Our Lives John Aniston reprises his role of Victor February 1. Sean Hankinson guests as Tony's new employee Ethan January 29. Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley (Tony and Anna) are both back January 29.

Guiding Light Lizbeth Mackay appears as Dr. Pleasance January 31. Lois Robbins airs as Catherine February 1.

One Life to Live Kevin O'Rourke guests as Dorian's date, Mayor Lowell, for the "Go Red" ball, February 13.

OUTS

As the World Turns Ryan Serhart (right) will last air as Evan soon.

THIS WEEK

All My Children Kendall is taken aback by Ryan's declaration of love. Tad comes face-to-face with Jesse. Adam continues to spy on JR.

As the World Turns Emily lands in hot water with Chris. Sofie pays the consequences. Lily questions Lucinda's behavior.

Bold & the Beautiful Taylor becomes enraged when Brooke won't marry Ridge. Jackie tells Stephanie who Jack's mother is. James questions Nick's feelings.

Days of Our Lives Victor has an offer for Billie. Philip and Chloe consider their future. More Bradys head to Ireland.

General Hospital Nikolas struggles with his memory. Sonny vows to settle things with Johnny. Spinelli and Maxie go after the killer.

Guiding Light Dinah forces herself to pull away from Mallet. Marina gets into serious trouble. Lizzie and Jonathan prepare for life on the run.

One Life to Live Charlie is forced to lie to Viki. Rex learns about Shane. Jessica and Natalie hit the road.

Passions Theresa and Pilar's boat explode. Eve examines Vincent. Miguel corners Juanita.

Young & the Restless The Newmans gather for Victoria's wedding. Victor skips town. Amber and Daniel are busted.

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