One Life To Live - NEWS ROOM

Not only did Soaps.com chat it up with One Life to Live's John Brotherton (Jared Banks) yesterday about his upcoming appearance on the 2010 Soap Cruise: The Third Voyage, John took some extra time out to discuss his Daytime role - and give us a few scoops about what's to come for Jared Banks!

Soaps.com: Though we've seen you in movies and on Primetime, One Life to Live was your first Daytime role. Did you set out to become a Daytime actor? Can you tell us a little bit about how you got started, who set you up with the audition?

John: I set out to be a working actor. I was living in Los Angeles doing commercials, waiting tables and bouncing at bars. My manager called and said the show wanted to fly me to New York to test, and after my second screen test I got a call saying I had five days to pack my bags and move to New York for the role. It's been a crazy, exciting experience, a blessing and a joy.

Soaps.com: Over the years, you've worked closely in storylines with some of the show vets, as well as alongside Melissa Archer (Natalie) almost from the get go. Do you have any favorite storylines or memorable behind the scene moments?

John: Everything about Melissa is great. She has to be the best associate to work with - there's never any drama with her. She's a total pro, on her game every day and a ton of fun! Any day that I work with any of the vets, Robert S. Woods, Erika Slezak, etc., I learn so much, as they've had a lifetime of working experience. Everyone with the show is great… It starts with Frank [Valentini, Executive Producer] then bleeds through to the cast and crew. Everyone does the best job they can while smiling and laughing at the same time. As for my favorite moment, it would have to be my first initial storyline when Jared appeared as the ex-con with a heart of gold. He was conning the family, definitely had an edge about him after being released from prison, posing as the Buchanan heir, swindling the family then ultimately falling in love with Natalie. It was so brand new, so exciting. To be honest with you, every time I go through that door [studio] I love it.

Soaps.com: What are your feelings about the upcoming move to the AMC studios? We hear this will be for the better of the show, but are there any concerns circulating around the studio now?

John: The big concern… Unfortunately a couple hundred crew members will be out of work or sharing time. They work so hard behind the scenes, which fans doesn't get to see. Frank cares so much about everyone, and wants to keep everyone around, but it's really tough. I wish New York City would make it easier to keep shows here. These people who will be losing their jobs made good money and paid their taxes. I'm excited for All My Children. Though it won't be easy for many, the changes are being made in order to keep us all on the air. In the end, it'll be a positive thing.

Soaps.com: If you had your choice, what type of storyline would you like to see your character in and with who?

John: I like the edgier side to Jared, when he's up to no good. I love it anytime we are all at Buchanan Enterprises. We all love working there. [Laughs] We get to wear suits, the scenes have great sets, gives our characters something to do. I would like to see Jared more involved at Buchanan Enterprises, maybe having the economic crisis affect the business in some way, have it bleed into a storyline. There could be a lot of chaos with that, with all the Buchanans involved!

Soaps.com: Is there anything exciting planned for Jared in the future?

John: I can tell you that things will be shaking up a bit! Jared will be getting his edge back, whether he likes it or not. The person stalking Jessica, Natalie and Jared will be revealed soon, and it'll affect the group in major ways - you'll never see it coming - and that's all I'm going to say!

Stay tuned, as John also answered the burning questions of our Soaps.com readers, which we will be bringing to you on Monday!

- Amy Mistretta