David Kreizman
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David Kreizman (born 1974) is an American soap opera writer. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia.
Kreizman has been part of the writing team for the long running CBS Daytime drama, Guiding Light, since the late 1990's. In 2004, he was promoted to the position of Head Writer by newly appointed executive producer Ellen Wheeler. He replaced writer Ellen Weston. Much was made of Kreizman's age, 29 at the time of his appointment as head writer.
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[edit] Guiding Light Tenure
Under Kreizman's watch, several new stories were introduced, most notably the introduction of Reva Lewis' illegitimate son Jonathan Randall (portrayed by Tom Pelphrey), who proved to be much darker and volatile than many previous Guiding Light characters. The story engendered further controversy with Jonathan's actions; before anyone realized his true identity, he seduced his cousin Tammy, which initially caused her much anguish after his identity was revealed. The story wandered into further controversy when Tammy and Jonathan became a couple.
Some GL viewers have been less than enthusiastic about Kreizman's storylines, including:
- The faked murder of long-time character Phillip Spaulding, which resulted in the departure of popular actor Grant Aleksander.
- The death of Ross Marler in a plane crash. Ross had been portrayed by actor Jerry verDorn for 26 years. Elizabeth Keifer, who played Blake, Ross's wife, has been placed on recurring status and is seldom seen. The character of Holly Reade, another longtime character and Blake's mother, has also been shuffled off-canvas.
- The decision to make much-married male leading character, Josh Lewis, a minster. However, under Kreizman, the Guiding Light writing team has won both a Writers Guild award and a Daytime Emmy award.
- A controversial storyline where a female character (Olivia Spencer) was depicted as chasing after a man who forced himself on her when she was under the age of consent (Jeffrey O'Neill). This was especially controversial, as Jeffrey had been involved in another non-consensual sexual encounter with the character of Cassie (while she believed he was actually her husband, Richard).
[edit] Ratings Effect On GL
GL reached a record low of 2,009,000 viewers on Friday, May 30, 2008. Its previous lows were 2,025,000 viewers on Friday, July 13, 2007, and 2,080,000 viewers on Thursday, May 1, 2008. However, Kreizman and his team have won the Daytime Emmy Award for writing team, and the serial tied for Outstanding Drama Series in 2007.
[edit] Positions Held
- Head Writer (July 6, 2004 - February 29, 2008; April 14, 2008 - Present)
- Associate Head Writer (2002 - July 5, 2004)
- Script/Breakdown Writer (1997 - 2002)
- Associate Producer (1997)
- Production Coordinator (1996)
- Production Assistant (Intern) (1995)
- Writer (2001)
[edit] Awards & Nominations
- WIN (2007, Best Writing; Guiding Light)
- NOMINATIONS: (1999, 2003; Best Writing; Guiding Light)
Writers Guild Of America Award
- WIN (2004 season; Guiding Light)
- NOMINATIONS: (1998, 2001, 2002 season; Guiding Light)
| Preceded by Ellen Weston |
Head Writer of Guiding Light 2004-present |
Succeeded by incumbent |
GUIDING LIGHT MAIN CREW
| Head Writer(s) | Associate/Breakdown/Script Writers | Producers | Directors |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Kreizman (HW) & Donna M. Swajeski (Co-HW) | David Rupel, Joyce Brottman, Christopher Dunn, Lloyd Gold, Kimberly Hamilton, Penelope Koechl, Royal Miller, David Smilow, Tita Bell | Ellen Wheeler (Executive Producer), Alexandra Johnson, Jill Lorie Hurst, Janet Morrison, Jennifer Weeks, Maria Macina, Jan Conklin, Dana Halber, David Brandon | Robert Scinto, Adam Reist, Brian Mertes, Jo Annne Sedwick, Matthew Hagle, Tracey Bryggman, E. Wheeler, Charles Grayauskie, Ilene Frankel, Andrea Giles Rich, Kristin Doherty, Joseph Willmore, Elana Slott, Kelly Jobmann |
