Listen to this articleMagnolia Hill Productions is a production company founded by Sam Haskell, in a development deal with Warner Bros Television. Magnolia Hill is known most recently for its work with Dolly Parton on the Netflix series ‘Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings’ and the NBC TV movies: ‘Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors’ and the Emmy nominated ‘Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors – Circle of Love.’
Below is our recent interview with Sam Haskell, President of Magnolia Hill Productions.
Q: Sam, let’s start with your background. What were you doing before Magnolia Hill?
A: Prior to forming Magnolia Hill I spent the majority of my career in entertainment at the William Morris Agency. In 1977 I graduated from the University of Mississippi, and in the fall of 1978 I moved to Los Angeles and fought my way into the renowned William Morris Agency mailroom. By May 1980, I was promoted to agent in the TV Variety Department where I packaged specials starring Lily Tomlin, Lynda Carter, Debbie Allen, David Frost and Diana Ross. In 1990, I became the Agency’s youngest Senior Vice-President, and in 1994, was elevated to the position of West Coast Head of Television. In 1997 I was named Executive Vice President and a member of the WMA Board of Directors, and, in 1999, I was appointed to the esteemed position of Worldwide Head of Television. In that role I oversaw the “packaging” of all agency-represented network projects, including such mega-hits as “Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” “Mad About You,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Lost,” “Murphy Brown,” “Sisters,” “Suddenly Susan,” “Live with Regis & Kathie Lee,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “King of Queens,” “Las Vegas” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” among many others.
Q: Where did the idea for Magnolia Hill Productions come from?
A: The idea for Magnolia Hill Productions came because after I had left William Morris and thought I would enter retirement, my dear friend Peter Roth from Warner Bros. called to ask what I was doing? He invited me to join him and the Warner Bros. family and told me to build a sandbox and invite my friends in to play. The first person I thought of was Dolly Parton. We have since produced 11 beautiful films together.
Q: What does your typical day look like?
A: On any day, Magnolia Hill is working on several projects in various stages of development and production. We approach anything we take on with strong enthusiasm and passion. Of course, family is paramount in my life, so spending time with my wife Mary, our children, and our grandsons is always the best time spent outside the office.
Q: Can you give us any hints as to what else we might expect to see from Magnolia Hill this year?
A: Most recently, we finished an original Dolly Netflix musical that will air this holiday season on Netflix. With all new music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, it’s something truly special. Grab your tissue box!
Q: How do you bring ideas to life?
A: We bring ideas to life through collaboration. I strongly believe that everyone who is in a creative position needs to work constructively with other talented individuals. It’s a team effort where everyone involved brings something to the table.
Q: What is one strategy that has helped you grow Magnolia Hill?
A: Partnering with an impactful and respected artist who has something meaningful to say – Dolly Parton. We’ve had the opportunity to work with Dolly on two films about her life as a little girl, growing up in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. Both ‘Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors’ and ‘Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors – Circle of Love’ which aired on NBC were successful critically as well as commercially, and touched the hearts of so many viewers. We have since produced an 8-episode anthology series based on the songs and stories of Dolly’s music called ‘Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings’ for Netflix.
Q: What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive?
A: I am a very determined worker and have been throughout my career. If I believe in something, I won’t stop until I get it done. Persistence and enthusiasm have helped me make many artists’ dreams come true.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: Enjoy the ride! Hard work is the cornerstone of success, but make sure you find the joy that you deserve.
Q: Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
A: This business is not about money, it’s about art and bringing quality entertainment to life.
Q: What is the best $100 you recently spent?
A: Every weekend I take my grandsons to their favorite place in Los Angeles, an amusement center with arcade games and miniature golf. I happily spend $100 to let them play games, run around, and just be kids.
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