GH exec infusing "energy" into series

RECAST: Y&R's Hayley Erin to take over the role of GH's Kiki Jerome

Port Charles is a whole new destination thanks to executive producer, Frank Valentini.

When former One Life to Live executive producer Frank Valentini took over the lead position at General Hospital, he was faced with the challenge of reigniting the fire the series once had. At least, that's the way he views the history, having told ABC7 reporter Sandy Kenyon that was his task.

"I just felt as an outsider, I could bring a certain amount of energy to the show that I thought was lacking before I got here," he says of his vision when he took the helm as executive producer in 2012.

Kenyon, who made a brief cameo appearance as a security guard on the February 9 episode, also asked the exec what the toughest part of his job is, which Valentini explained is having to shoot 250 hours of TV every year in less time that it takes to make just one feature film. And his background, he says, helps make that possible.

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"Growing up in Brooklyn makes you tough, makes you strong and stand up for yourself," he says. "I think I like to use that every day."

For more on how Valentini has modernized GH and to find out what the show's casting director, Mark Teschner, views as daytime's task, check out Kenyon's full article here.

What do you think about Valentini's version of GH? Do you feel it's a better show than it was when Jill Ferren Phelps was at the helm (from 2001 to 2012)? Share your thoughts in our Comments section below, on our message boards, or by submitting Feedback.

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