This "Taking 20" conversation was recorded LIVE in 2021. Steve Schott has over 40 years of experience in TV, film, and advertising production. His credits include movies like The Final Season, TV shows like The Jeff Foxworthy Show, and hundreds of commercials for companies such as Walmart, Hy-Vee, and McDonalds.

He lived and worked in Los Angeles for 15 years, and then spent six years commuting between L.A. and Des Moines while his children were young. He has produced pilots, series, and musical variety specials for CBS, NBC and ABC, including The Carol Burnett Show and The Bonnie Hunt Show. He has negotiated contracts and worked with stars including Sean Astin, Haley Joel Osment, Tom Arnold, Dolly Parton, and George Clooney. Yes! Dolly Parton!!!!

Steve is the friend I call when I am looking for a "voice of reason". We often discuss business decisions and we have partnered on some projects including a television pilot and a script for an awards show. Steve and I taught an acting class together and it was a wonderful experience. It is interesting to hear the "producer/ director" point of view when you are an actor. Steve taught and oversaw the David Lynch Masters in Film program at Maharishi International University and is a professor at DMACC. 

He has some GREAT stories about working in Hollywood, and it's fun to hear about all of the people he met. Steve tells a few of the stories in this Taking20. I'm glad you get to meet him!