Charles Measure and Laura Wright
Disney/Christine BartolucciIt’s going to get hot in Port Charles.
General hospital main writers Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Short don’t hold back when it comes to their vision for long lasting ABC soap.
The two meet for the first time after the show replaced Van Etten and former co-head writer Dan O’Connor last year. He then hired Corte and a veteran soap writer Patrick Mulcahybut Mulcahy’s tenure was short-lived and Van Etten soon returned.
The pair teased fans about what to expect from General Hospital while at the helm of the writing room, calling their version of Port Charles “rocky and sexy” in an interview with TV Insider posted on Wednesday, January 15th.
The general hospital has more changes after past changes. Fans noticed during the Wednesday, August 7 episode of the soap opera that former head writer Chris Van Etten returned to co-write alongside Elizabeth Korte. End credits for the show include Van Etten’s name and General Hospital writer and Cathy LePard (…)
“It’s an incredible responsibility. We must honor the history of the show and the audience’s love for it, as well as the work of all who have come before us – while creating a new story to challenge and develop its characters,” they elaborated. “We are privileged to write for such a talented cast, many of whom have been playing their roles for decades. It’s humbling. We work daily to earn and maintain the trust of our audience and colleagues.”
Sophia Mattson, Caitlin McMullen and Chad Duell.
Disney/Christine BartolucciVan Etten and Korte added that they never stop bouncing ideas off each other, and sometimes the crazier the better.
“We keep the atmosphere safe for the expression of all ideas, even the ridiculous ones.” Sometimes, when we get the hang of it, the ridiculous idea is the most exciting,” they said. “There are times when our ideas conflict; but under the circumstances, we have room to discuss it and find common ground so that we can continue in a direction that speaks to the characters and the larger canvas. We listen and never feel processed.”
General Hospital fans aren’t the only ones excited to see Steve Burton back on the show – his co-star Laura Wright is just as excited about his return. “It’s perfect. He’s at home. It’s safety,” Wright, 53, said of Burton’s return in a behind-the-scenes video from his homecoming episode that aired Monday, March 4. Wright (…)
Van Etten and Korte have a combined 35 years of experience in General hospital writer’s room, and Korte believes their longevity and working relationship will serve them well in their current roles.
Sophia Mattson, Caitlin McMullen and Chad Duell.
Disney/Christine Bartolucci“I couldn’t ask for a better collaborator and writing partner than Chris, who brings so much creativity, enthusiasm and experience to the task,” she said. “I hope that my history with the show allows me to understand the characters, hear their voices clearly, honor their complex history, and follow that story as we move them forward.”
As for Van Etten, he called it an “honor” to work with Korte, adding, “She has a steady hand, abundant empathy and a great imagination.”
General hospital airs weekdays on ABC and can be streamed on Hulu.
