Robert Wolterstorff (creator, Street Hawk; Quantum Leap)

Robert Wolterstorff (creator, Street Hawk; Quantum Leap)

Author: Ian Fermaglich April 6, 2024 Duration: 53:28

Robert Wolterstorff joined me to discuss being mentored by Norman Lear; a quick overview of his career; going to SFSU; being mentored by Norman Lear; selling a Good Times; going to work on the Jeffersons; turning down a chance to write / produce the Incredible Hulk; his pilot Pen 'n' Ink aided by Louis Schwartzberg; doing a college interview for Benjamin Spock for President that got picked up by PBS; Jeffersons episodes; befriending Roxie Roker and her husband Sy Kravitz; Jeffersons writer's were older; moving to Universal to write pilots; working for Nicholls, Ross, West; writing for Sheriff Lobo; his pilot for Pen 'n' Ink leads to a lifelong friendship with Fred & Mary Willard; his pilot, the Outlaw; Street Hawk was originally supposed to precede Monday Night Football; finished second to Dallas but not good enough; cost $1 million an episode; getting Tangerine Dream to do the music; hiring Joe Regalbuto and Rex Smith; "predicting the future"; great writing staff; his sitcom pilot Sisters with Sally Kellerman; Quantum Leap; his episode "Jimmy" is nominated for an Emmy; writes Little Rascals movie for Penelope Spheeris; hired to make snow version of Baywatch called Extreme; creates Slappy & the Stinkers based on original Little Rascals script; Extreme; his pilot for Stinger, a superhero parody; Blade Squad; Twice in a Lifetime; his fun in writing Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction; how he got the audience to believe anything; working for military intelligence creating battle drills, IED simulations, and writing military role playing table tops; and working for the Spy Museum



There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when someone who's been on both sides of the microphone gets to ask the questions. Ian Talks Comedy is exactly that: a series of relaxed, insightful dialogues hosted by Ian Fermaglich, who brings his own perspective as a former stand-up comedian and a current New York City teacher into every chat. Instead of standard interviews, these feel more like catching up backstage with a friend who happens to have incredible stories. Each episode features Ian in conversation with some of the most skilled and interesting voices from across the comedy world. You'll hear about the craft behind the laughs, the unexpected lessons from life on stage, and the personal journeys that shape a comedic voice. The tone is warm, curious, and devoid of pretension, focusing on the human experience within the performing arts. For anyone who appreciates the artistry behind a great joke or the real-life observations that fuel humor, this podcast offers a genuine and engaging listen. It’s about the process, the missteps, and the moments of connection that make comedy such a vital part of our culture.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Ian Talks Comedy
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