Maxim Langstaff
executive producer, series producer & writer
An Award-winning producer, he has worked closely with Sir George Martin for more than 12 years. He produces and directs “The Making of Sergeant Pepper” multi-media events, and in 2005/06, he wrote, directed and produced 15 hours of interviews and performances with George in HD and 5.1. Best known for his acclaimed work with John Denver, Max created, wrote and produced the Emmy and Grammy nominated “Wildlife Concert” which spawned the highest rated music program in cable TV history (A&E), a double CD and DVD. It remains some of the biggest selling content ever released by Sony Legacy and Sony Music Video. In 2005, the programming was picked up by PBS stations nationwide, ranking as one of their most successful pledge programs. He subsequently produced “The Best of John Denver Live” which topped both the pop and country charts. Max’s diverse award winning work extends to “Best Film” (short) at the International Wildlife Film Festival for “Wildlife Crisis”, as well as the “Parents Choice Award” for “The Jackfish”, a collection of folk songs on EMI. An invitee of the Breadloaf Writer’s Conference, Max has been published by the New York Times and Gannett, among others. He began his career in the theater. The youngest Director of the National Theatre Institute, he was the co-founder of the National Youth Theater where he wrote and directed their original productions. Max also served as the National Director for the Wildlife Conservation Society’s successful effort to raise $100mm for wildlife conservation. Max is the visionary behind On Record, its co-creator and one of the executive producers. He will also serve as one of the directors.
Michele Langstaff
co-creator, executive producer
Co-creator of On Record, Michele is co-founder and one of the managing directors of Wildheart Group. She has worked closely with Sir George Martin for many years executive producing The Making of Sergeant Pepper multi-media events for worldwide audiences. Michele served as the Executive Producer of the 15 hours of George Martin interviews and original shooting done at Abbey Road and Air Studios in support of the On Record project. Michele has also worked with John Denver and was the co-creator of the Emmy and Grammy nominated Wildlife Concert which spawned the highest rated music program in cable TV history (A&E), and best selling CDs and Video. Her on-camera experience extends to feature television and award winning commercial work, including Law & Order, Time Life, and Gallo Wine. Michele has particular expertise in product development and talent management. She was a member of the product development team at LL Bean which was directly responsible for $400MM in annual revenue. She also worked as a product development executive at the Disney Company.
Sir George Martin
creative executive, talent
Winner of both the Grammy Lifetime Achievement and Novello Awards, Sir George is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful producer ever, with more than fifty #1 hit records. The recordings he has produced have collectively sold more than one billion units worldwide. His award winning work across every conceivable recording genre and style includes: Classical, Comedy, Jazz, Pop, Country, R&B, Rock ‘n’ Roll, film scores, television scores and more. He produced and arranged all of the Beatles recordings, performing on many. George is the author of five books. in 2008, Sir George was awarded two additional Grammys as a producer of the Beatles "LOVE" CD.
Kevin Spacey
narrator
Award-winning actor, producer, director, Kevin Spacey is well known for his film and stage work. He is the winner of two Academy Awards, an Olivier Award, one Tony Award, the Screen Actors Guild, and the British Academy’s BAFTA Award for Best Actor. Kevin has his own production company, Trigger Street, whose focus is to support emerging new artists. Kevin is currently the Artistic Director of the Old Vic Theatre in London. He is a graduate of Julliard.
Phil Quartararo
executive producer
Former president of EMI Music Marketing and executive vice president of EMI North America, the world’s largest independent music company. Founding president and CEO of Virgin Records, U.S. President of Warner Music. Board member: RIAA, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Grammy Foundation, among others. Responsible for hit releases by artists including Eric Clapton, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, Faith Hill, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Josh Groban, U2, Madonna, and others.
Chuck Ortner
co-executive producer, music
A partner of the international law firm, Proskauer Rose LLP, Chuck is a leading entertainment industry attorney. His clients include such music icons as Madonna, Shania Twain, Janet Jackson, Rick Rubin among others, as well as Sony BMG Music Entertainment, and EMI. Chuck also serves as the national legal counsel to NARAS – the Recording Academy (the Grammy Award organization).
Ben Manilla
radio producer
Ben has developed, directed, and produced thousands of successful programs for commercial and public radio stations in every format. His 13-hour award-winning radio documentary for PBS, Martin Scorcese Presents The Blues, was broadcast on more than 330 stations worldwide. The radio project was the most successful special ever distributed by Public Radio International. Other radio series include “Philosophy Talk”, “House of Blues” with Dan Aykroyd, and “The Putumaya World Music Hour”. In 2006 he began working with the Library of Congress to create an ongoing series for NPR’s “All Things Considered”. His numerous awards include the Edward R. Murrow Award, Associated Press, United Press International, Blues Foundation, Radio and TV News Directors Association, and Billboard Magazine. Ben teaches Radio Journalism at the University of California School of Journalism.
Steve Santangelo
director of brand strategy
Steve is an award winning brand strategist, currently director of strategy, for FutureBrand, whose clients include Intel, MasterCard, UPS, General Motors, and British Airways. His extensive experience includes advertising and media planning. Over the years his clients have included Comcast, Samuel Adams Beer, Motorola, Lockheed Martin, Siemens, Vanguard Mutual Funds, Bell Atlantic, Traveler’s Insurance, Scott Paper, Elizabeth Taylor’s Passion, AMC (American Movie Classics), WE: Women’s Entertainment, Deloitte Consulting, and Showtime.