[tragedy]

Looks like that online writing contest is over.

Online contest lets "L Word" viewers plot action By Carly Mayberry Sun Apr 23, 6:20 PM ET LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Should "The L Word's" Bette confront Cari while Alice finds her heart broken, or would a true confession by Alice risking the demise of Dana make for better melodrama? Showtime Networks, in conjunction with entertainment services company FanLib, is letting viewers of the lesbian cable drama make those decisions, and more. Fans have a chance to wrest control of the plot from its writers -- while getting some online notoriety of their own -- by crafting their own scenes according to parameters set by series scribe Ariel Schrag. Participants read, judge and discuss each other's work, all of which was entered in a contest that ended last week and resulted in a "fanisode," the first fan-written script for an existing show. Many popular shows inspire fans to create their own scenes and post them to community Web sites, a phenomenon referred to as fanfic. Showtime is unusual in sanctioning and even encouraging this activity. "They're going to do it whether we invite them to or not in this interactive culture we live in," said Ilene Chaiken, creator and executive producer of "The L Word." "From the beginning, the audience claimed the show and felt like they owned it." The project also kept fans engaged between seasons, she added, and Schrag's guidelines ensured that followers didn't stray into inappropriate territory. While Showtime has the option to produce the finished script, participants at the very least will receive a downloadable digital magazine featuring the completed script, alternative scenes and profiles of winning contributors. They also qualified to win a gamut of prizes from Showtime and event sponsors. The grand-prize winner, aspiring novelist Jan Naugle from Colorado Springs, Colo., received a personal online writing session with Chaiken. "Ours is probably in the top tier of shows that have such an engaged fan base," Chaiken said. "Fans really want to be involved and to provide feedback about what should happen with these characters, and this is a great way to interact with our audience." The series' ratings are up more than 50% from last season, and the "L Word" fanisode site logged 175,000 visits during the eight-week contest, success Chaiken attributes to the creative involvement it has allowed its loyal viewers along with the community it fosters on blogs and discussion boards. Chaiken could not confirm another fanisode contest in "L Word's" future, but Rob Hayes, Showtime's senior vp and general manager of digital media, said he would love to do another one linked to the series. "This whole aspect of positive consumer-generated content allows viewers and fans to interact with the show beyond the one hour they watch it," Hayes said. He gave credit to the way in which the contest was presented. "If it's done within a safe context where the creators are involved in it, and it's structured so fans can share with their friends, it can be very positive," Hayes said. "Ultimately fans become brand ambassadors for the show." Hayes said the strong response to the "L Word" online venture will most likely lead to similar interactive contests in Showtime's future, noting in particular some associated with the network's "Master of Horror" franchise. "The L Word," which has been renewed for a fourth season, stars Jennifer Beals, Laurel Holloman and Mia Kirshner. Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

[tragedy]

Marlee Matlin Joining 'The L Word'

NEW YORK - Marlee Matlin is joining the cast of "The L Word," Showtime's drama about a circle of gay friends and lovers who move in the trendiest of L.A. circles. The 40-year-old actress will play "a fiery artist who catches the attention of Jennifer Beals' character, Bette Porter," the cable network announced Friday. Matlin won an Oscar for her portrayal of a deaf student in 1986's "Children of a Lesser God." Her TV credits include a recurring role on NBC's "The West Wing." Showtime said the fourth season of the series will premiere early next year. The ensemble cast also includes Pam Grier, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, Katherine Moennig, Leisha Hailey, Rachel Shelley and Daniela Sea

[DaWsonSReaLJoEy]

The ensemble cast also includes Pam Grier, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, Katherine Moennig, Leisha Hailey, Rachel Shelley and Daniela Sea

Don't you just LOVE how they don't mention Lauren Lee Smith's name or Sarah Shahi's name but for some very STRANGE reason do mention *quivers* Daniela Sea.

Mel

[jalapeno_wildchild]

i love Marlee Matlin. can't wait to see what her character is going to be like.

[exXotica]

Daniela Sea's back! Oh, that's just a whole bunch of fun!!

[tragedy]

Originally Posted by exXotica Daniela Sea's back! Oh, that's just a whole bunch of fun!!

I know right! I was really hoping they'd get rid of Max/Moira next season. Her character sucked.

[jalapeno_wildchild]

too true tragedy, too true

[DaWsonSReaLJoEy]

I have decided if I get no Lauren Lee Smith, I will sob uncontrollable for 50 days on end.


Mel

[tragedy]

Originally Posted by DaWsonSReaLJoEy I have decided if I get no Lauren Lee Smith, I will sob uncontrollable for 50 days on end. Mel

Have there been any word on whether she's coming back or not? I hope she comes back at least in the beginning to finish out the Lara/Alice story.

[Crystalline888]

And what about Sara Shahi? I'm not sure how I felt about Shane/Carmen, but is she going to just disappear? The way they begin seasons is a little confusing, without explanation of why and how changes took place.

[tiggerngoldilocks]

Sarah Shahi better be coming back cos Carmen is my fave character

[jalapeno_wildchild]

i think i heard that carmen will be back in season 4

[DaWsonSReaLJoEy]

Maybe the call back list for season four isn't COMPLETELY done yet, maybe they are holding out on us. Please...BE HOLDING OUT ON US!


Mel

[i never learn]

some casting news... looks like shane gets a new lovah... =( carmen!

Tuesday, June 6, 2006
THE L WORD "SHEPHERDS" IN A NEW CAST MEMBER AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS CYBILL SHEPHERD JOINS SHOWTIME’S GROUNDBREAKING DRAMATIC SERIES FOR 4TH SEASON
Released by Showtime


THE L WORD "SHEPHERDS" IN A NEW CAST MEMBER AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS CYBILL SHEPHERD JOINS SHOWTIMES GROUNDBREAKING DRAMATIC SERIES FOR 4TH SEASON

WHO & WHAT: Showtimes hit dramatic series THE L WORD, which recently added Oscar winner Marlee Matlin to its cast welcomes yet another acclaimed actress to the fold for its 4th season -- Cybill Shepherd ("Moonlighting," "Cybill," "The Last Picture Show,""The Heartbreak Kid," "Texasville," "Taxi Driver," "At Long Last Love"). Ms. Shepherd will portray a married woman with two grown children who suddenly begins questioning her sexuality. She will appear in 11 episodes, starring as an Executive Vice Chancellor of the fictional California University and boss to Jennifer Beals character Bette Porter. THE L WORD will premieres in January 2007.

MORE NEWS

JANINA GAVANKAR joins THE L WORD as Papi, a smokin hot Latino who challenges Shane (Katherine Moennig). Unlike Shane, Papi is competitive, gregarious, loud, bossy and boastful. She canoodles with everyone and competes with Shane.

[~*Nikki*~]

Yep I've heard that Sarah is gone from the cast.

I also read that Marina is back for a few episodes to spice things up between Jenny and her lover.