Stephen Stohn is a Canadian entertainment lawyer and the executive
producer of the Degrassi television franchise. He was also
executive producer of The Juno Awards for two decades, during which
he was director and then the chair of CARAS. He lives in
Toronto.
Christopher Ward, Canada’s original MuchMusic VJ, wrote the
world-wide #1 hit “Black Velvet.” His songs have been recorded by
Diana Ross, The Backstreet Boys, Amanda Marshall, and many others.
He lives in Toronto and Los Angeles.
A breezy read with a very appropriate title, Stephen Stohn’s
Whatever It Takes brings us on the adventure of his lifetime and
tells us all the secrets behind the insanely popular Degrassi
franchise and the twisting turns of an ever-changing music
business. It’s a must-read for anybody who is thinking about
getting into a life in entertainment as a career: Stephen did it
first, so his book is like a treasure map.
*Kevin Smith, Filmmaker, Podcaster, and Author*
One of the best books about the industry that I’ve ever read.
Inspiring and brutally honest.
*Shane Dawson, YouTube star*
I found this book riveting; an extraordinary mix of
documentary-style, ground floor moments in Canadian entertainment
history, and beautiful life lessons garnered from years of tough
experience. Funny, engaging and poignant, you’ll feel like you’re
being personally mentored by one of Canada’s most influential
producers and creators!
*Jake Epstein*
I couldn’t put it down … a fascinating look at the entertainment
world, and a humbling reminder that success is driven by what we
learn through our failures.”
*Kary Bowser, Radio Producer and Internet Blogger*
This book will motivate you … just as Stephen Stohn has motivated
me.
*“Maestro Fresh” Wes Williams, rapper, actor, and motivational
speaker*
Who knew that mild-mannered Stephen Stohn is the Hunter S. Thompson
of Canadian entertainment lawyers?
*Ivan Fecan*
I thought I knew everything about Stephen Stohn (And Degrassi), but
after reading Whatever It Takes I was proven wrong. After 15 plus
years of working with Stephen I am floored at how much knowledge
there is to be attained from him. Insightful, humorous and full of
heart, Whatever It Takes is not only a must-read for anyone in show
business but a great learning tool for those looking to make a
break into the field. Oh, and it’s a hella fun read as well!
*Stefan Brogren, Actor and Director*
From his escapades as a young hippie, dharma bum and aspiring
musician with buddy Christopher Ward in the late 60s to becoming a
young music lawyer, then one of the top entertainment lawyers in
the most formative period in Canadian music cultural history, and
onward to Degrassi Street, executive production and more, Stephen
has done, seen and been a big part of a lot of stuff. Filled with
tons of stories and anecdotes, Whatever It Takes is a surprisingly
fascinating, interesting, and candid read to be authored by a
lawyer (they can be dry) although anybody that knows Stephen would
know better than to say that
*Tom Cochrane*
This book is an amazing chronicle of the history of Stephen [Stohn]
and the Canadian music industry. Stephen has always been a force
pushing and developing Canadian music, film, TV, and entertainment
to the world. He is one of our greatest ambassadors and this book
really is a great read and ride through many decades of the
Canadian scene. It’s a must-read for everyone, so get a copy and
get ready for a compelling and informative read like you haven’t
had in a long time.
*Randy Bachman*
Boy genius Stephen Stohn shows us that respect, grace, love, and
honour trump the bitchy loudmouth tactics so common inside the
dream factory of music and motion pictures. This book is essential
reading for future moguls and those planning to go all the way. The
man is a prince.
*Bruce McDonald, Filmmaker*
The honest, insightful and highly entertaining stories here form a
sort of sourcebook for those of us who want to work on becoming
better human beings. It’s kind of a Zen manual for self-awareness
disguised as a great entertainment memoir. And that’s why you
should read it. You’ll not only enjoy yourself, you’ll be inspired
by it too.
*Bob Ezrin, Record Producer*
A must-read for any aspiring entrepreneur.
*Marc Kielburger, Co-Founder, WE*
Stephen’s insights into the inner workings of our idiosyncratic
television industry should be required reading for anyone who wants
to turn their dreams of making TV into a reality.
*Ben Mulroney, TV Anchor*
As a fan of Degrassi and the incredible musical artists mentioned
in this book, I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes stories. As an
improviser, I related to the impact of working with the right
people, keeping positive, and always remembering that failure is a
step to success, not a barrier. Read this book for fun and life
lessons — you’re welcome!
*Colin Mochrie, Comedian*
The frontier days of the Canadian music and television industry are
not so distant in our past. This book tells a great tale of some of
the formative events: early boundary-breaking artists like the
Cowboy Junkies and k.d. lang to the huge episodic TV success with
the Degrassi series. When we met Stephen Stohn during our first
contract time with Warner Music he was a gentle, sweet, and very
proper looking lawyer. Had I known he was once a hippie songwriting
vagabond, travelling across Europe with only his wits as currency,
I would have trusted him more.
*Jim Cuddy, Musician*
A delightful romp … I laughed out loud and was inspired … Filled me
with trips down memory lane as well as fascinating
behind-the-scenes secrets I never knew.
*Miriam McDonald, Actor*
Remarkably relatable, incredibly inspiring.
*Ricardo Hoyos, Actor and Musician*
Stephen Stohn is one of the architects of the current Canadian star
system. He is also its most committed champion, so proud of the
creative class we have here in Canada, and yet so humble about his
own contribution to our vibrant creative community. From KD Lang to
Drake, from ‘Black Velvet‘ to Degrassi, he’s telling the stories —
as a mentor, as a visionary, and, above all, as a dedicated fan who
recognizes the value of Canadian talent and who has built a career
out of making sure that that talent is recognized around the
world.
*Elaine Lui, founder of LaineyGossip.com*
His passion leaps off the page and makes you excited to follow
Stohn’s journey.
*AXS*
An inspiring and witty tale—punctuated by some Canadiana and a few
mishaps—that is tangible proof that the words of the Degrassi theme
song really do hold a nugget of truth.
*MuggleNet.com*
A thrilling look behind the curtain at Stephen Stohn’s wizardry for
creating fun entertainment. Bravo and a standing ovation for this
great read.
*SaucyMinx.ca*
Stephen Stohn is the Forrest Gump of Canadian pop culture, a behind
the scenes fixture for many of the most successful artists and
celebrities from the '80s, '90s and beyond.
*CBC’s q blog*
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