EPISODE
60
Season 2, Episode 21: Film, Faith & Finding an Audience with Rodney Stone and Darrel Campbell
EPISODE LINKS.
SHOW NOTES.
McFarland Minutes: Rodney Stone & Darrel Campbell on Film, Faith, Music, and Corporate-Sponsored Distribution
Natalie McFarland introduces McFarland Minutes and interviews filmmaker Rodney Stone and writer-producer Darrel Campbell about their careers in film, television, music, and distribution. Darrel shares his path from acting (including 460 episodes of Another Life) and theater to writing at Days of Our Lives, then writing/producing The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend about Pistol Pete Maravich, which led to work at Walt Disney and writing for shows including Home Improvement, Timon and Pumbaa, and Tom and Jerry. Rodney recounts moving to Los Angeles, working in a church, then breaking into entertainment through The Hitcher, Designing Women, and film distribution on The Mission. They discuss faith, mentorship, AI as a tool, the importance of music in storytelling, and an innovative corporate-sponsorship theatrical release of The Pistol funded by Truett Cathy, plus current NDA-protected technology and new film/series projects.
00:00 Welcome to McFarland Minutes
00:33 Audio Glitch and Reset
01:51 Meet Rodney and Darrell
03:26 Darrel’s Origin Story
05:43 Rodney’s Path to Hollywood
10:16 Making The Pistol Movie
16:16 Legacy and Famous Fans
19:08 Writing Animation and AI
24:30 Brand Funded Film Model
31:33 Music and Soundtracks
33:45 Rick Girard Legacy
36:41 Music Industry Connections
37:25 Giacchino Breakthrough
40:41 Music Shapes Emotion
46:14 Soundtrack Memories
49:41 Scoring Cry Moments
55:28 What’s Next Projects
57:56 Plays and Trilogy
01:00:43 Wrap Up Thanks
ABOUT THIS EPISODE.
Conversations with Filmmakers: A Deep Dive Into Stories & Vision
In this insightful episode of “Conversations with Filmmakers: Stories & Vision,” host Natalie McFarland, founder of McFarland Productions, engages with Rodney Stone and Darrell Campbell, two creative minds who have left a significant impact on film and television. This episode unfolds like a tapestry of intriguing stories, creative collaborations, and new-age filmmaking ideas.
Introducing Our Guests
Rodney Stone introduces himself with a nostalgic nod to his beginnings, recounting a breakthrough that played a pivotal role in his career. His journey from working on a buffalo ranch in Oklahoma to being whisked into Hollywood through connections like the renowned actress Crystal Bernard is an inspiring reminder of how serendipitous encounters can define our paths.
Likewise, Darrel Campbell’s journey began with an innate desire to be on television, which transitioned into writing. His path intertwined with Rodney’s when faced with an opportunity to co-produce stories that are as captivating as they are monumental. Campbell’s work on “The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend” was a career-defining moment that further solidified their creative and professional partnership.
The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend
The story of “The Pistol” is a testament to what can be achieved when storytelling and commitment meet. Rodney and Darrell share how they came together to bring Pistol Pete Maravich’s story to the screen. Despite the initial hurdles with distributors like Warner Brothers, they found innovative ways to release the film. Their commitment paid off as this G-rated family film found its way into theaters across the country, thanks in part to corporate sponsorship from Chick-fil-A’s Truett Cathy.
Navigating the Future of Filmmaking with AI and Brands
In discussing the evolution of the entertainment industry, Natalie, Rodney, and Darrell highlight the emerging trends of brand-sponsored productions and AI technologies reshaping film-making. Rodney emphasizes the pivotal role brands play in supporting films now that the Hollywood economics are shifting. They discuss the potential of AI tools to expedite the creative process without compromising the creator’s soul.
The Power of Music in Film
No conversation about filmmaking is complete without a reflection on the powerful role of music. Both filmmakers express how crucial soundtracks are in evoking emotions and enhancing storytelling. Through anecdotes involving legendary figures in the music industry, the duo illustrates how music can elevate a story, creating unforgettable cinematic experiences. Music in their projects, like “The Pistol” and “Last Sounds of Courage,” has left lasting impressions on audiences, capable of invoking tears and laughter.
What’s Next for Rodney and Darrell?
As they look towards the future, Rodney and Darrell are busy crafting new projects that blend high technology and creative storytelling. Although some details remain under wraps due to confidentiality agreements, they tease upcoming ventures that span revolutionary war series and music-centric biopics amongst others. Both remain committed to projects that integrate music – a testament to their roots and ongoing passion in the industry.
Conclusion
“Conversations with Filmmakers: Stories & Vision” offers a front-row seat to the journeys of two remarkable filmmakers. Natalie McFarland’s dynamic discussions with Rodney Stone and Darrell Campbell illuminate the timeless and evolving aspects of storytelling, reminding audiences of the power of chance meetings, enduring friendships, and the shared human experience woven into the art of filmmaking. These conversations not only celebrate past achievements but also look forward with optimism to innovations that will continue to define the film industry.
IN THIS EPISODE.
Rodney Stone and Darrel Campbell
Filmmaker/Music Producer/Distributor Rodney Stone and Writer/Producer Darrell Campbell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-stone-3bb80713/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrel-campbell-90417134/
Rodney Stone is an entertainment executive, producer, distributor, and actor with more than 40 years of experience in film and television. Throughout his career, he has worked with leading entertainment companies including Warner Bros., Sony, Hallmark, and Paramount.
His producing credits include The Last Ride, starring Henry Thomas and Kaley Cuoco, Senior Moment, starring Christopher Lloyd and William Shatner, The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend, Christmas at the Chateau, and Last Ounce of Courage. He also played an instrumental role in the development of Hallmark Pictures & Television and previously served as Warner Bros.’ Marketing Director to the Inspirational Market.
Stone began his career as a recording artist and actor before moving into film production. Today, he and his wife, Tamara, are managing partners of Short Horse Productions. They have been married for more than 40 years and have four children.
Darrel Campbell is a screenwriter, producer, author, director, and actor with decades of experience across film and television. He began his career as a professional actor in New York before moving into writing and production, with early work including NBC’s Days of Our Lives and projects centered around basketball legend Pete Maravich.
Campbell wrote and produced The Pistol: Birth of a Legend and later worked with Wind Dancer, Walt Disney Television, ABC, and Warner Bros. His television credits include Carol & Company, Home Improvement, The Lion King’s Timon & Pumbaa, and Tom and Jerry.
His additional film work includes Redemption of the Ghost and Last Ounce of Courage, which he wrote and directed. He later founded Percussion Films, where he continues developing and producing film and television projects across a wide range of genres.
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS.
NATALIE MCFARLAND
PRESIDENT, FOUNDER
MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS
After freelancing her way through college, Natalie established McFarland Productions in 2014, which has continued to grow rapidly over the last few years. Her passion and focus have always remained the same; capturing, understanding, preserving and promoting Ranching, Farming, Western Lifestyle and AgriBusiness. She has always had a love for the western culture and even at a young age it was unmistakably clear she would someday find a career serving the industry.
Natalie grew up on a small ranch, rodeoed, showed horses in a variety of disciplines, showed livestock, and participated in 4H and Oregon High School Equestrian Teams. She has trained herding dogs and started colts, worked with sheep and cattle and has had the experience of racing to finish up a hayfield before a rainstorm hit. She understands the joys, sorrows, wins, losses and hard work of ranchers and farmers. That’s why McFarland Productions can produce authentic marketing campaigns for the businesses, organizations, events, and brands of the western and agriculture industry – it’s who she is.
With a passion for building community surrounding brands, Natalie focuses on building real connections between companies/brands and the people that make up their community. Telling the stories of your customers and making them apart of the brand’s story is her main focus. Creating real, human, meaningful connections and strengthening community within the western and agriculture industry through strategic marketing services.
SCOUT FOSTER
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC STORYTELLING
MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS
Scout’s faithfulness to the agriculture and western sports industry is rooted in tradition. Growing up in Central Florida, she stood by her family as they supported different sectors of the industry, including raising beef cattle, bucking bulls for local rodeos, and spending weekends with her grandparents who lived on Disney’s Wilderness Preserve.
Moving away from The Mouse, Scout graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Nation’s top agricultural communications college at Texas Tech University in 2022.
Now residing in Crockett, she and her husband, Lane, keep busy raising beef cattle and bucking bulls with her family. Scout also loves gardening, raising chickens, reading, and her two dogs: Rue and Dill.
