Stone Kite Presents: Save the Chat

This month, Margaret sits down with critically acclaimed, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning director and producer Jay Roach, to unpack what it takes to turn an original idea into a million-dollar franchise. From taking a chance on AUSTIN POWERS to building the world of MEET THE PARENTS and his upcoming film FOCKER-IN-LAW, Jay shares why audiences are essential collaborators in filmmaking, how to create an environment where creativity thrives, and why Ariana Grande is a comedic genius. Plus, Jay reveals what drew him to Jason Jones’s new world, One Zero One and how meeting his in-laws inspired one of the biggest stories of his career.

Some of Jay’s film credits include:

Director

- Austin Powers (1-3)

- Meet the Parents

- Meet the Fockers

- Mystery, Alaska

- Trumbo

- Game Change

- Bombshell

Producer

- Focker-in-Law

- Little Fockers

- Borat

- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

- 50 First Dates

- Recount

Deleted scenes from Austin Powers, featuring the families of Dr. Evil’s henchmen finding out that their loved ones had tragically died:

- The Henchman’s Wife

- John Smith’s Bachelor Party

The films that inspired Jay to become a director:

- Eraserhead

- Annie Hall

The one that got away:

- Used Guys

This month, Margaret sits down with newly-crowned Marvel Editor-in-Chief Stephen Wacker, a long time collaborator and friend. Stephen shares his experience developing Stone Kite, editing the One Zero One comic series (which can be found at http://ozo.stonekite.com), and journeying through the industry of comics. During their conversation, we learn about the “project-that-got-away” during Stephen’s first tenure at Marvel, the changes that have shaped the way comics are written today, and the Atari game that inspired Stephen to make stories in the first place. Credits:

Host & CEO of Stone Kite: Margaret Stohl

Producer: Gina Delvac

Editor: Anastasiia Volynska

Stone Kite Team:

Matt Johnson

Sumayyah Daud

Danika Lyle

Chelsea Brown

Save the Chat is a monthly podcast hosted by #1 New York Times bestselling author and Stone Kite co-founder and CEO Margaret Stohl, where she sits down with the creators of our favorite stories across entertainment, gaming, publishing, and beyond. On the first Tuesday of every month, Margaret and her guests bring you behind the scenes as they explore what worldbuilding means, and share anecdotes, laughs, and the secret lore of your favorite worlds. Because the best stories don’t just build worlds. They build worlds worth saving.

For the first episode, we keep it in the family, talking with newly appointed Marvel Editor-in-Chief, Stephen Wacker. Tune in October 6th for the full episode!