Emmy award-winning series “The Bay” to release two-part special that is set in Italy, starting tomorrow. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
LANY Entertainment and She Mogul Media have partnered with the Italian production company Satyricon Pictures for a two-part special “The Bay: Veni, Vidi, Vici,” which airs on Tuesday, December 26, and Wednesday December 27, on Popstar! TV at 4 pm EST / 1 pm PST with an encore presentation at 9 p.m. EST and 9 p.m. PST.
The episodes will later become available on demand in early 2024 on Tubi, Amazon Video and more as part of The Bay’s season 8 VOD release.
The two episodes, shot entirely in Terracina, Italy (a seaside town about an hour outside of Rome) takes viewers three years into the past and tells a story of what eventually brings two core characters of the Daytime Emmy winning multi-camera drama, Caleb McKinnon (played by Emmy winner Mike Manning) and Adam Kenway (played by Emmy winner Kristos Andrews) to Bay City. The episodes are bilingual, spoken in both English and Italian with English subtitles.
Kristos Andrews remarked, “Pivoting between the British English and full-fledged Italian was a nice challenge; the support from the professionals out there really made a difference.”
Several Italian guest stars appear in the episodes including newcomer Marco Lo Chiatto as Luca, a secret lover from Caleb’s past and Italian Golden Globe winning actress Nathalie Rapti Gomez as Giulia, a spy set out to uncover Adam Kenway’s secrets.
Director Gregori J. Martin reflects on the casting of the two characters. “Marco Lo Chiatto self-taped and was a phenomenal actor. He had the sex appeal of a young Joe Lando. I’m pretty certain that helped inspire my decision for casting him. And Nathalie Rapti Gomez has the beauty of an original Hollywood siren and for me was reminiscent to a young Sofia Loren,” Martin said.
“Working with Nathalie was truly a pleasure,” Andrews admitted. “Nathalie is a caring scene partner, and great actress. The chemistry will speak for itself.”
Additional guest stars include Francesca De Martini, Andrea Beruatto and Italian Icon Gianni Franco as the Italian Cafe owner Raffo. The shoot was sponsored by Keppi Kitness and the episodes were co-written by “The Bay” creator Gregori J. Martin and writing partner Wendy Riche.
Martin noted, “In addition to shooting in one of the most beautiful and romantic places, we tackle a very important topic in these episodes. Two characters are faced with a hate crime simply because of who they choose to love. I’m excited for viewers to see these episodes and hopefully the telling of this emotional journey will make a difference in someone’s life where they walk away from the story having a better understanding that love is love.”
He continued, “I was extremely proud of Mike as he delivered his performance so beautifully.”
Mike Manning expressed, “It meant a lot to me to be able to dive deeper into Caleb’s past. He’s a character I’ve grown to love and I’m grateful the team and I were able to infuse this storyline with so much heart and vulnerability, while also shining a light on the sometimes negative things people in the LGBT community go through when coming out. Representation is important.”
Andrews also shares his overall take on shooting in Italy: “I Loved experiencing the culture and beauty of Terracina. It was a lot of fun working with the Italian cast and crew, and my guys from ‘The Bay’ as always.”
Martin concluded, “Shooting in Italy felt magical. It’s an experience I will hold close to me for a very long time. I hope to go back some day soon. #bingethebay”
Speaking of Martin, Manning and Andrews, they will be a part of the upcoming “Samantha’s Friends” event in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, on May 4 and 5, 2024, which benefits many charities. It will have an “Enchantment Under the Sea” theme to it.
