Welcome to Whatever It Takes:
Life Lessons from Degrassi and Elsewhere in the World of Music and Television
This Just In
"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 k.d. 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 recognises the value of Canadian talent and who has built a career out of making sure that that talent is recognised around the world."
— Elaine Lui, founder, LaineyGossip.com
Praise for Whatever It Takes
- 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
- 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, just a kid from Winnipeg
- 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
- Remarkably relatable, incredibly inspiring … Stephen Stohn might secretly be the Dos Equis guy. — Ricardo Hoyos, actor and musician
- One of the best books about the industry that I've ever read. Inspiring and brutally honest. Degrassi inspired me to start creating ... this book inspires me to never stop — Shane Dawson, YouTube star
- How do I explain my friend Stephen Stohn ... or, for that matter, why everyone ought to read this book? I believe Stephen may actually be the most accomplished human in Canadian entertainment history. I’m serious. He has played a pivotal role as either producer, lawyer, creator, composer, senior executive, industry leader, entrepreneur, or all of the above in more entertainment of all kinds than anyone I have ever heard of. Good for him, but what has that got to do with us? Here’s what: Stephen accomplished all this because he approaches life with an open heart, a sense of wonder, and a gentle humanity that allows him not only to see the best in everyone and everything, but also to work with absolutely anyone while making them feel safe, supported, and special. Stephen has been so successful in everything he does because, aside from being brilliant, Stephen is a truly evolved person. 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
- 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, actor and musician
- From his escapades as a young hippie, dharma bum, and aspiring musician to becoming one of the top entertainment lawyers in the most formative period in Canadian music cultural history, and onward to Degrassi, 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, authored by a lawyer (they can be dry), although anybody that knows Stephen would know better than to say that. — Tom Cochrane, musician
- Who knew that mild-mannered Stephen Stohn is the Hunter S. Thompson of Canadian entertainment lawyers? — Ivan Fecan, media mogul
- 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
- This book will motivate you … just as Stephen Stohn has motivated me. — “Maestro Fresh” Wes Williams, rapper, actor, and motivational speaker
- I thought I knew everything about Stephen Stohn (and Degrassi), but after reading Whatever It Takes I was proven wrong. After fifteen-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 also 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 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 a 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 … the book filled me with trips down memory lane as well as fascinating behind-the-scenes secrets I never knew. — Miriam McDonald, actor