This is an encore of our episode with the great director, Rob Marshall. He has made numerous films that have been honored with a total of 30 Academy Award nominations — winning 9 in all, including Best Picture for “Chicago,” which alone won a total of 6 of those Oscars. Also, for “Chicago,” Rob received the Directors Guild Award, and nominations for Best Director for the Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA awards. Additionally, he won Best Directorial Debut from the National Board of Review and the New York Film Critics Online, as well as the American Choreography Award.

Most recently, Rob directed and produced the live-action feature, “The Little Mermaid” for Disney, starring Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem.

Rob’s other directorial achievements include multiple nominations for award-winning features like: “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Nine,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” which went on to gross over 1 billion dollars worldwide, “Into the Woods,” and “Mary Poppins Returns.”

Rob executive produced, directed, and choreographed the NBC TV event “Tony Bennett: An American Classic,” for which he won his second Directors Guild Award. He’s also won 3 Emmys for Direction, Choreography, and Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special. He directed and choreographed the Disney/ABC movie musical “Annie,” which received 12 Emmy nominations and won the prestigious Peabody Award. For choreographing Annie, Rob also received an Emmy and an American Choreography Award.

He’s received the Humanitas Prize for co-writing Mary Poppins Returns, and other awards from the Art Directors Guild, the Cinema Audio Society, the Costume Designers Guild, as well as the Annie Award, the Hamilton Award, and the Chita Rivera Award.

Rob’s extensive stage work includes the Broadway productions of “Cabaret,” “Little Me,” “Victor/Victoria,” “Damn Yankees,” “She Loves Me,” “Company,” and “Kiss of the Spiderwoman.” He’s been nominated six times for the Tony Award, and he’s a George Abbott Award winner.

For the record, Rob and I are both graduates of Taylor Allderdice High School here in Pittsburgh. Rob is also an alumni of Carnegie Mellon University’s top-rated School of Drama.

Martin Dugard is the New York Times bestselling author known for his nonfiction works and historical thrillers, among them Taking London, Taking Paris, Taking Berlin, the Killing series with Bill O’Reilly, Into Africa, and The Explorers. 

Recently, I read Martin’s excellent book, Taking London: Winston Churchill and the Fight to Save Civilization, and can tell you it’s a riveting, well-researched tale of truly fascinating people in London during World War II, who were both extremely famous, like Churchill, Neville Chamberlain, Edward R. Murrow, and others, as well as various less well-known fighter pilots who stood in the breach when dealing with harrowing life and death challenges. 

A seasoned adventurer and journalist, Martin has written books and articles that have been praised for their engaging narratives and meticulous research, such as the Tour de France, ancient civilizations, and adventure sports. 

In addition, Martin serves on the Board of Directors of the USA Track & Field Foundation, and coaches cross country high school athletes. 

www.martindugard.com

Mark Arnold is a comic book, animation and pop culture historian. He’s published 10 books and numerous articles in various publications. 

His books include: "The Harveyville Fun Times!", "If You're Cracked, You're Happy: The Story of Cracked Magazine, Book 1 and Book 2", "Mark Arnold Picks on The Beatles", "Frozen in Ice: The Story of Walt Disney Productions: 1966-1985", "Think Pink! The DePatie-Freleng Story", as well as books on Total Television Productions, Dennis the Menace, The Monkees, and Alvin and the Chipmunks." 

Mark’s latest books are about the music group, The Turtles, and a 2-volume MAD Magazine history, all of which came out in 2024. I’ve read both “Unconditionally Mad, Part 1,” and “Unconditionally Mad, Part B,” and can tell you they’re deeply and thoroughly researched histories of the ongoing seven decades run of Mad Magazine. If you want to know all about the people behind some of the most hilarious writing and drawing ever, as well as other pop culture sensations, I highly recommend you check out all of Mark’s books. 

He's also produced and recorded DVD commentaries for Shout! Factory and Kino Lorber and has helped the Cartoon Art Museum and the Schnitzer Museum with various art shows. Mark also hosts the Fun Ideas Podcast. 

funideasprod.wordpress.com/

Michael Buzzelli calls himself a stand-up comedian and sit-down author. Michael’s performed comedy nationwide, most notably at three legendary clubs, the Ice House, the Comedy Store, and the Improv in Los Angeles. 

As a writer, Michael has been published in various websites, magazines, and newspapers. He’s the theater & arts critic for ‘Burgh Vivant, Pittsburgh’s online cultural talk magazine. He’s also a Moth Grand Slam storyteller and actor. 

As well, Michael has presented workshops on humor to the Romance Writers of America and the Pennwriters Conference. His short film, “Light’s Out,” is playing at film festivals worldwide.

Michael’s books, “Below Average Genius,” a collection of essays culled from his weekly humor column in the Observer-Reporter, and his romantic comedy, “All I Want for Christmas,” are on sale at Amazon.com. His short story, “Study Buddy,” is in a collection of LGBTQ romance stories entitled “Winter Break.” 

I’ve read “All I Want for Christmas,” and “Below Average Genius,” and can tell you Michael is a wry, witty, and often laugh out loud writer of heartfelt stories regarding the human condition. I highly recommend you check out Michael’s work.

He’s also working on a full-length LGBTQ rom-com called “Why I Hate My Friends.”

https://www.instagram.com/michaelbuzzelli/

https://www.facebook.com/michael.buzzelli.58/

Jeff Leisawitz burns with a mission— to inspire and teach Storytellers and Creatives of every flavor to open minds and connect hearts with their words and stories. Jeff is a Grand LIA, Cannes Lion Gold and Clio Gold award-winning Creative Consultant, critically acclaimed author, award winning music producer, internationally distributed screenwriter, and former college instructor. As a coach, keynote speaker and workshop facilitator based in Seattle, Jeff helps clients and students overcome internal blocks, tap into their creative potential, get published, land major sales and win awards. He has been featured in top podcasts, magazines and newspapers including: Script Magazine, Film Courage, The Guardian, Music Connection, Tiny Buddha, Huff Post, The Unmistakable Creative and more, including once before on StoryBeat.

Jeff’s latest book is The Magical Impact of Storytelling, which I’ve read and can tell you is an easy-to-read, highly motivating compendium of encouraging advice for anyone hoping to become their best creative self. If you’re looking for inspiration in your storytelling life, I urge you to check out The Magical Impact of Storytelling.

www.jeffleisawitz.com

Mark Jonathan Harris is a three-time Oscar-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, as well as an award-winning author of 10 books, a distinguished professor of film of four decades, and an acclaimed journalist. His newest book, Misfits, is a collection of wonderfully character-driven short stories.

I’ve read Misfits and can tell you the book comprises 12 dynamic stories about offbeat characters grappling with personal encounters as they try to live their disconnected lives.  I highly recommend this insightful set of stories to you.

Mark started his professional career covering crime for the famed City News Bureau of Chicago. He also reported national news for the Associated Press before making TV documentaries.

For several years Mark was a contributing editor to New West magazine. He also wrote articles, essays, and reviews for national newspapers and magazines including: TV Guide, American Heritage, the New York Times, the L.A. Times and the Washington Post. He’s also published five award-winning novels for children.

Mark’s early films document some of the most important political issues of the 1960s. Huelga! is a portrait of Cesar Chavez’s United Farmworkers Union and the first year of the union’s historic Delano grape strike. The Redwoods, which won an Academy Award for Best Short Documentary, presents the Sierra Club’s successful case for establishing a Redwoods National Park. And The Foreigners explores the work of a group of Peace Corps volunteers confronting the contradictions of U.S. foreign policy as they try to bring social change in Colombia.

Two films Mark wrote and directed that explore the Holocaust won Oscars for Best Feature Documentary. The Long Way Home documents what happened to the survivors of the concentration camps immediately following their liberation. And Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport chronicles Britain’s rescue mission of 10,000 children shortly before World War II. The U.S. Library of Congress selected Into the Arms of Strangers for permanent preservation in the National Film Registry. 

Among Mark’s other notable nominated and award-winning films are: Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives; Darfur Now; Breaking Point: The War for Democracy in Ukraine; and Foster. He was also a consulting producer for the 5-part, Peabody Award-winning series Asian Americans.

For 40 years, Mark taught filmmaking at the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California. He also taught for 7 years at the School of Film/Video at Cal Arts. In 2010, the International Documentary Association honored him with its Scholarship and Preservation Award for his educational work. 

Richard Walter is making his second appearance on StoryBeat. Richard is an author of best-selling fiction and nonfiction, a celebrated storytelling educator, screenwriter, script consultant, lecturer and retired professor who led the legendary screenwriting program in UCLA’s highly regarded film school for several decades. He’s written scripts for the major studios and TV networks; lectured on screenwriting and storytelling, and conducted master classes throughout North America, as well as in London, Paris, Jerusalem, Madrid, Rio, Mexico City, Beijing, Shanghai, Sydney and Hong Kong.  

His latest novel,Deadpan, follows the misadventures of a vaguely antisemitic West Virginia Buick dealer who wakes up one day transformed into the world’s most popular Jewish comedian.  I’ve read Deadpan and can tell you it is an exceptionally funny ride with very serious overtones. This is one of the most imaginative time and character-slipping stories I’ve read since Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five.

Richard’s other books include the novels Escape From Film School and Barry and the Persuasions. His non-fiction titles include: The Whole Picture: Strategies for Screenwriting Success in the New Hollywood; Screenwriting--The Art, Craft and Business of Film and Television Writing; and Essentials of Screenwriting. His books have been translated into eight languages.

In the interest of full disclosure, I’m proud to say that I was fortunate to have been one of Richard’s students while I was attending UCLA’s Graduate Screenwriting program. 

You can find out much more about Richard and his work by subscribing to his podcast onSubstack, and his blog onMedium. 

www.richardwalter.com. 

https://www.facebook.com/ProfRichardWalter?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://substack.com/@richardwalter

https://medium.com/@professorrichardwalter

Heavy metal rock legend, Carl Canedy, and writer Phillip “Doc” Harrington, recently published Carl’s autobiography, Tales of a Wild Dog, Memoirs of a Rock Warrior. Since the age of 5, after observing a striking red drum set at a wedding reception, Carl was determined to play the drums. He received his first drum set in his early teens, immediately immersed himself in practice, and eventually developed his now-famous signature style. He also taught himself how to play guitar and piano, which would later come in handy in his role as a songwriter. 

After spending his formative years touring with the band Kelakos, in 1979, Carl joined forces with David “Rock” Feinstein to start the legendary Upstate, NY power trio, The Rods. The band quickly became a sensation in the northeast, landing a major recording contract with Arista Records. The Rods toured and played shows with the likes of no less than: Judas Priest, Ozzy, Motörhead, Metallica, Richie Blackmore, Blue Oyster Cult, and many others. 

In the late 1980’s, Carl produced of some of heavy metal’s most iconic bands, including: Anthrax, Overkill, Exciter, Possessed, Helstar and many others. He also coached, developed, and mentored bands such as Roxx Gang and Young Turk. 

The Rods had a resurgence in 2010 with their comeback album; Vengeance., which was followed by Brotherhood of Metal and the highly acclaimed Rattle the Cage. The Rods continue to tour and are currently putting the final touches on their 11th studio album. Carl has also released 2 albums under the moniker of Canedy.

Doc is a devoted culinarian and a dedicated heavy metal fan. A graduate of the esteemed Culinary Institute of America, he has spent the past 2 decades writing and arranging technical manuals for the baking industry. Doc views the 80’s heavy metal scene as monumentally historic and highly impactful. He seeks to chronicle as much of its stories, triumphs, and challenges as time permits.  A massive Rods fan, Doc encouraged Carl to write his memoirs.

I’ve read Tales of a Wild Dog and can tell you it’s an intense, personal look at working within the gritty, full force world of Heavy Metal.  If you’re a fan of the genre and want to know more about its origins and the people in it, be sure to check out Tales of a Wild Dog.

 www.canedyband.com

Christopher Akerlind, has designed lighting, and occasionally scenery, for over 650 productions of theater, opera, and dance across the U.S. and around the world, including 24 shows on Broadway. 

Chris’s recent work includes Waiting for Godot at Theatre for a New Audience, Lynn Nottage’s play Clyde’s on Broadway and at the Mark Taper Forum, The Light in the Piazza, for which he won his first Tony, Paula Vogel’s play Indecent, winning him both the Tony and Drama Desk Awards, Rocky the Musical, which garnered him a Tony nomination, Sting’s musical The Last Ship, and The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, for which he was also Tony nominated. 

Among Chris’s other Broadway lighting designs are: August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson and Seven Guitars, Talk Radio, and the musical, Waitress.

Chris’s numerous shows not on Broadway include: Scene with Cranes for CalArts Center for New Performance; the premiere of M Butterfly for the Santa Fe Opera; and Martha Clarke’s devised pieces God’s Fool, Angel Reapers, and Cheri. 

Chris has also received an Obie Award for Sustained Excellence, four Drama Desk Awards, the Michael Merritt Award for Design and Collaboration, two Chicago area Joseph Jefferson Awards, as well as numerous nominations for the Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Outer Critics Circle Awards.

Chris has taught lighting design at schools like Cal Arts, USC, CMU, and his alma mater, Yale.

Laura Pliskin is a talented art department coordinator who has contributed to some of the most visually stunning sets in film and television history.

Laura has worked on projects like "Twisters," "Drive-Away Dolls,", and "Out of the Furnace." She's also been part of blockbuster hits like "The Dark Knight Rises" and the critically acclaimed TV series "Mindhunter." 

Laura's role involves managing logistics, coordinating art department schedules including between various departments, and ensuring that every detail aligns with the production designer's vision. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple tasks make her an essential part of any production team. 

Beyond her on-set responsibilities, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. She studied video game art at Carnegie Mellon University and used to co-own an event planning company, adding a diverse range of skills to her impressive portfolio.