Welcome to the Two Hundredth Edition of The Chronicles of Podcast, These are The Chronicles of Scott Gessler
In this edition of The Chronicles of Podcast, we sit down with freelance concept artist Scott Gessler for a candid and inspiring conversation about his life, career, and creative journey in the world of concept art. Scott takes us back to his early love of movie monsters and creatures, how that passion shaped his artistic voice, and the creative process he uses to bring worlds and characters to life. We dive deep into Scott’s professional work, including his role on Wicked, where he created the concept for Chistery, the leader of the flying monkeys, and how his art translates from imagination to the big screen.
Scott also opens up about his personal journey with cystic fibrosis, being diagnosed at the age of 10, and how that experience influenced his determination to pursue his dreams in the film industry. Scott shares the pivotal moment that changed everything when Emmanuel Shiu visited his art school as a guest lecturer, took a chance on him, and became a mentor, leading to Scott’s very first professional role on Shazam: Fury of the Gods. Not a bad way to start a career in Hollywood.
Also this week, Tom introduces a brand new upcoming indie video game called 'Billie Bust Up', a musical, magical adventure that instantly goes on the must-play list. The boys also discuss a recent tribute to the late Professor Stephen Hawking at a festival in Cadiz, Spain, before Jamie drops one of the most unexpected pop culture crossovers of all time as Romeo and Juliet somehow collide with Godzilla in a real upcoming comic book release.
As always, the boys catch up on their week with Jamie travelling up to Stoke to celebrate his dad’s birthday, taking his daughter to see viral emo artist Johnnie Guilbert live, and continuing his deep dive Survivor Series rewatch, reaching the infamous Survivor Series 1997 and the Montreal Screwjob. Tom talks about reconnecting with old friends, continuing his new college journey, and breaking down the NFL playoffs from the past week. The regular segments are stacked for this milestone episode. Callum returns with not one, not two, not three but four brand new Teachings, including a deeply unsettling thought involving terminal velocity and babies that absolutely cannot be unheard. Tom’s Journal delivers the funniest things found on the internet this week, Single of the Week highlights two brand new music releases worth your time, and Jamie’s Audience Participation Challenge asks the big question of which fictional world you would choose to live in.
Official Website - Scott Gessler
Official Website - The Chronicles of Podcast
Affiliate Charity - Sophie Lancaster Foundation