Coming Soon: The Otalia Jessica Leccia Edition
[Credit: screen capture by http://otalia.ausxip.com]
Hola Otalians,
I wanted to take a moment to announce a very special blog post I am planning for none other than Jessica Leccia (Natalia Rivera) – one-half of the super duo known as Otalia on Guiding Light.
On May 18, I found myself watching some Otalia clips to conduct more research on the Natalia and Olivia characters (seriously, I was). As I watched, I found myself realizing that Jessica Leccia deserves a truckload of love for the wonderful job she does portraying Natalia Rivera. I started thinking “out loud” and twittered my thoughts on how fascinating Leccia’s facial expressions are. Of course, my fellow Otalians on Twitter and I started discussing the subject. Out of that discussion, I realized that I wanted to write a special edition blog post totally dedicated to Jessica Leccia. Part of me was still on the fence about writing the post – mostly because of the amount of time it would take for what I had in mind. However, the Team Dimples (aka Jessica Leccia aka Dimples the Freakin Superhero) fans on Twitter made their voices heard…via outright blackmail!
Team Dimples pulled out every dirty yet awesome trick in the book and pushed me right over the ledge. Honestly, it was not that hard for them to convince me to move forward. My only concern was the amount of time. In the end, I felt that Jessica Leccia deserved a special post. With a “decision” made to write the post, I am going to outline what I am planning for the special Jessica Leccia edition blog post and answer any potential questions.
What will the post focus on?
I will select about 5-10 of my favorite Otalia scenes where I focus exclusively on Jessica Leccia’s portrayal as Natalia Rivera. Specifically, I want to take time to break down and analyze her facial expressions in my favorite scenes. I will write my interpretations of what I see with her non-verbal communication. For me, I find that Jessica Leccia has some of the most fascinating facial expressions when she’s acting. Her facial expressions are understated yet expressive because there is so much there that pulls me in every single time.
How long will it take?
It could take me a couple of weeks to complete this post. A “couple of weeks” can be two weeks or three weeks. I have to review some old and new Otalia clips to find my favorite ones. I know what some of them already are, fortunately. Once I pick my favorites, I will have to take time to analyze them (via my method). Of course, I also have the regular Otalia episodes to deal with for my weekly Otalia recap/commentary. In order to spend time on this special edition post, I will have to backburner my own novel writing because of the effort it will take. However, I am happy to do so. Jessica Leccia deserves more love thrown her way, which is one reason why I am writing this post.
I know a couple of weeks seems like a long time, but make no mistake, it will be worth the wait. I really want to get this post just right. Jessica Leccia deserves my best effort.
And because I can already hear the next question…
Will there be a special edition post for Crystal Chappell?
Yes, I will do the same for The Goddess. I have no idea when that will be but it will happen. When I know, I will announce it here.
Update: 05/26/09
I decided to include some analysis of body language in addition to facial expressions for the Otalia Jessica Leccia Edition. While selecting potential scenes for the past eight days, I realized that facial expressions wasn’t all I wanted to analyze. There is some interesting body language occurring with the Natalia character that I want to touch upon, too.
Oh and just for kicks, I am going to make this post even more challenging and fun. I plan to analyze the Otalia scenes I select by…wait for it…wait for it…muting the volume. This way, I will be able to capture the essence of facial expressions and body language without the “distraction” of words. Eh, what can I say. I like challenges.
Update: 05/30/09
I am 99% complete with my task of watching and identifying my favorite Otalia scenes for Natalia. As of May 30, I have re-watched Otalia scenes from October 2008 to April 14, 2009. My plan is to cut off my efforts with the April 17, 2009 episode. My first Otalia post discussed the Otalia love confession for the week of May 13, but I didn’t analyze some things the way that I have since my April 20, 2009 post. I should have these final Otalia scenes re-watched by Sunday, May 31.
I will start narrowing down my preliminary list of my favorite Natalia scenes the week of June 1. I hope to have a final list by June 7 so I can start working on the post. There is a slight possibility that I might be delayed with the Otalia Jessica Leccia Edition by another week. I am still figuring out how to structure this post in my head. Also, I’d rather delay it rather than push something out the door that’s not worthy of Jessica Leccia. I will have a firmer idea of where I am by June 6 or June 7.
Update: 06/06/09
I see a likely delay (a week) in completing the Otalia Jessica Leccia Edition. Due to unexpected events at my job, I worked overtime a few days last week, which cut into my Otalia time at home. I was on task to have my scene selection process completed sooner than planned (Friday, June 5) until the 9-5 required me to work overtime. At this point, I have selected about eight scenes. Note that I am still planning to start writing the Otalia Jessica Leccia Edition on Monday, June 7. I actually started writing the Otalia Jessica Leccia Edition in my head Friday, June 5, but I haven’t put any words to paper. Even though I will start to type actual words on June 7, it definitely won’t be finished until mid June (unless a miracle happens).
Also, I decided that “scenes” don’t quite apply to what I want to do with this post. While selecting some of my favorite Natalia episodes, I felt that I couldn’t break up certain scenes without throwing off the context. As a result, some of this post will cover various scenes for an episode or nearly an entire Otalia episode from Natalia Rivera’s point of view.
Update: 07/12/09
I bet you thought I forgot about this but I didn’t. I had to take a break from all forms of writing for a week. I was just tired, and I needed some time to recharge my creative juices. I have been writing on a non-stop pace for months, and I just needed a break from everything.
I have been working on the Otalia Jessica Leccia Edition off and on the past few weeks. However, I have other writing projects that have been consuming a great deal of my time. This has left very little time to work on the Otalia Jessica Leccia Edition, and things are about to get more complicated. I will be putting in some required overtime at the 9-5 the next few weeks. This will leave little time for me in the evenings, and I don’t know how late I will be working yet. At this point in time, it’s difficult for me to provide a timeframe on when this post is coming. I am working on it, but progress is just slow with real life responsibilities.
Tags: crystal chappell, entertainment, guiding light, jessica leccia, natalia, olivia, otalia, tv
May 19th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ skipping with happiness at the special Dimples the Brown-eyed Goddess blog (blackmail included and slipped silently under the door..not as inconspicious as I had hoped).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYzNeApfsus
May 19th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
I’m thrilled to hear you’ll be writing a post about the multidimensional character, Natalia Rivera. Jessica Leccia is an amazing actress and she deserves much love. I can’t wait to read it! Thanks Hive!! PS: silverbutterfly50, glad you like my Otalia’s Brown Eye Goddess video! Best regards, Alli
May 19th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Nobody can resist the power of Team Dimples! I’m so looking forward to reading this! She deserves all the praise we can throw at her. Jessica has been beyond brilliant in her performance. I know we discussed this briefly already (as much as one can discuss on twitter), but I think Jessica has the harder character to play because she is introverted. My response to the actual article may come in essay form. Just to give you a fair warning!
May 19th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Can’t wait! You do such a good job analyzing the episodes that I am sure this would be fantastic. I love how JL is portraying Natalia. I know a lot of people find Natalia frustrating but I know people like that…they are slow and deliberate but incredibly strong. Olivia and Natalia draw out the best out of each other and that is why this relationship works. I can’t wait to see you draw out the Natalia character that expresses more in action and facial expressions than words.
May 19th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
OK, how much do I love that outright blackmail, coercion and pure low ball tactics were totally successful!! But all kidding aside, I love you for doing this. While we can all appreciate that this pair is a super duo for a reason, its true that Jessica as Natalia can sometimes be underappreciated because she does so much with the understated (today, she was simply stunning, it will take me a long, long time to completely take in what she did today).
There’s a reason why we deeply believe, and feel, the intense looks of love that Olivia radiates, because we’ve all fallen hard as well for the object of her affection. Jessica has breathed so much life into Natalia that we feel like we know her, that we know what she’s thinking, feeling even if its not always in her words. She gives us layers, not just surface (they both do, but in different ways), and its simply a joy see more unveil with each viewing. Its like falling in love, the act of discovery deepening with each passing day.
Thank you for undertaking this massive task, and we’ll be exceedling patient, with no more threats (you know this takes tremendous discipline on our parts LOL)- this is an incredible gift to the Otalia-verse, and I’m so looking forward to seeing what happens.
May 19th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Hive
I don’t “twitter”, but it would be fascinating to know what blackmail/dirty tricks were used, lol. Jessica does more with facial nuance than most actors can using the full array of acting skills/tricks. I look forward to your insights and analysis. Considering the incredibly high standard you set for yourself, I know the Leccia Edition will be superb. Now all I have to do is figure out how to deal with the anticipation.
May 19th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Very excited about the Dimples edition! (Excited about the upcoming Goddess edition, as well …) Truly, I have never been this fangirly in my life. I’m head-over-heels about Otalia and all things CC/JL. No doubt you will crank out a fantastic post! Looking forward to it!
May 19th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Can’t wait for your new Dimples post!! Ought to be awesome!! Jessica has the world’s most beautiful smile!! Its the perfect compliment to Crystal’s eyes!!! Nice to see some love sent Jessica’s way!! She has been outstanding!! Thanks Hive!
May 20th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Silverbutterfly50,
Hahaha! No, your blackmail is not that inconspicuous
May 20th, 2009 at 8:33 am
alliCarolinaGirl,
Yes. I was completely unfamiliar with Jessica Leccia’s work until I started watching GL in January 2009. I had heard about the character of Natalia when she was with Gus through my baby brother; he would drop in on GL at times after watching ATWT and noticed her (of course).
The character of Natalia is very interesting to me, which I will explain in my post
May 20th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Stephiedee,
Come on! It wasn’t exactly a fair fight.
And I have no doubt that Team Dimples will respond en mass. I look forward to reading what you guys have to say.
May 20th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Kiran,
Thank you. I think this post will be challenging, but I love challenges. I just hope I can rise to the occasion.
I too love the way Jessica Leccia portrays Natalia. I hope I will be able to allow people (who might find her character frustrating) to see JL’s portrayal of Natalia in a new way with this post.
May 20th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Kishiyaya,
OMG, you guys were brutal on Twitter the other night! Hahahaha. I can’t believe what Team Dimples was capable of. Nevertheless, it was pretty awesome.
You’re welcome. And I agree that Jessicia’s portrayal of Natalia can be a bit underappreciated sometimes. So I am throwing much appreciation her way with this post.
Writing this post is a “massive task.” Going through the archives of Otalia footage alone is big job, which I have already started. It’s going to be very challenging to write this post, especially with one, maybe two scenes in particular on my list right now. I won’t say what those scenes are of course, but part of me is stressing out trying to interpret what I see what those scenes. I just hope I can do those scenes in particular justice.
P.S.
I will need round the clock tea servings to get me through the next few weeks
Aside from helping to keep me awake, green tea de-stresses me.
May 20th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Moonwish,
Oh, wow. Team Dimples engaged in outright tweet warfare! When they weren’t hitting me up with @ replies, they bombarded me with Natalia fan YouTube videos (which were all awesome) and “pic spam” of Natalia (and Olivia) for about an hour or so on Twitter. The fan videos were so good and touching that they weakened me considerably. It was an outright campaign to um…”convince me” to write the special edition Jessica Leccia post. I finally had to say, “Uncle!” and give in. Hahahaha!
Agreed about Jessica’s skills. Love her work.
Eeep! I’m aware there are high expectations and standards that you all have of me with my posts. I really hope I can rise to the occasion. *makes sign of the cross*
As for the anticipation…I’m using the Agnes Nixon approach by making you wait
May 20th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Tamelle,
LOL. I can understand. The Otalia story has engaged me in a way that no other story has done since the Hope & Victor storyline from Y&R.
I will just try my best with the Jessica Leccia post. I hope it won’t be as hard as last week’s Otalia post. Man, the angst I was going through trying to write it was unbelievable! Hahahaha
May 20th, 2009 at 9:04 am
BBK,
Thank you!
Agreed that Jessica Leccia needs more love. She is very engaging to me as Natalia. JL deserves her praise, too.
May 21st, 2009 at 3:35 am
Team Dimples, FTW!!! So glad we finally got you to cave
May 21st, 2009 at 7:16 am
Pibby,
Team Dimples engaged in Natalia Rivera guerilla warfare with your tactics to push me right over the ledge! LOL
May 22nd, 2009 at 1:09 am
Very happy for a special Dimples Edition. Crystal is such a powerhouse, and Jessica is always getting over looked because of it…which is understandable. The girl deserves some credit. She gives an understated performance, which isnt easy to pull off, but she does it perfectly. And she does it all in a big ass big puffy coat.
May 22nd, 2009 at 11:03 am
Amanda,
Thanks! Even though Crystal Chappell is a powerhouse, I do notice Jessica Leccia’s performances whenever she is on my screen. I pay just as much of attention to Jessica’s work as I do Crystal’s; however, I find myself really analyzing and looking deeper into the facial expressions Jessica gives me as Natalia. Whenever Otalia is on GL, I anticipate the delightful facial expressions Jessica Leccia is going to give me. I’m telling you, Jessica Leccia gets me here *pointing to chest* whenever she gives me certain facial expressions
May 31st, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Oh my god, I’m feeling so giddy with anticipation….
Thank you, thank you for doing this! Jessica Leccia really gets to me with her Portrait of Natalia! I freakin love her facial expressions…don’t get me started on her eyes… it’s amazing to watch her! She deserves so much more credit for her outstanding work!
Can’t wait…
May 31st, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Bette7,
You are very welcome! I’m going to put everything I have into the Otalia Jessica Leccia Edition. I’m a bit stressed and freaking out a bit, but that’s normally a good thing for me
May 31st, 2009 at 11:04 pm
I’m delighted that you are giving such time over to Jessica. It’s funny, but I was just looking at some clips earlier, and I absolutely adore Jessica in the scene she has with Frank & Fr. Ray prior to the non wedding. Her facial expressions and the tone in her voice conveyed so much….definitely one of my favourite scenes. Look forward to reading it once you’ve completed it
May 31st, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Rita,
Thanks. Yes, Jessica definitely deserves this post. This project is shaping up to be big, and I’m glad I said it would take me 2-3 weeks to get it done. Last week was a tiring yet enjoying task of re-watching all of the Otalia goodness. However, I’m dedicated to getting this done
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:21 am
Like everyone else here, I’m very excited for The Dimples, Freakin’ Superhero post and kow-tow to you for doing this.
I adore CC and everything she’s done as Olivia, but I have a serious soft spot for Natalia and JL. My adoration for her only grew after watching interviews with her and just seeing how made of awesome she is – “housekeeeeping” and the sideways eye glance in the Tello interview preview. Guh. Ded.
Can’t wait to see the scenes you analyze. Hoping the “maybe God has someone else planned for me” is in there somewhere. I was a goner before, but after that…dear Lord. The look on her face after Olivia leaves the kitchen? Yeah. Speechless.
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Belin,
Thank you! Right now, this post is my biggest challenge. I hope I can rise to the occasion. I’ve been stressing about it since I first agreed to do it, and every day, I get a bit more stressed. But, that’s just me. I put a lot of pressure on myself when it comes to my writing
CC kills me DED every time but wow, so does JL when she gives me certain facial expressions. It’s just unbelievable how much JL reels me in with those looks. I always have an “I can’t wait to see what Natalia’s expressions are going to be” feeling when I watch GL. It is one of the things I anticipate the most about Otalia days.
Now that I have finished re-watching all of the Otaliafan channel archives, I have to say that picking my scenes for the Otalia Jessica Leccia Edition is not going to be easy. In fact, it’s going to be very difficult. There are so many that are so darn good! I must confess that I found myself getting caught up in a “repeat loop” instead of moving forward. JL was killing me DED all over again. LOL.