John Rotondi                                                                                            click here → John Rotondi's Work Website

During the late '80's I was working at Lorimar Telepictures in Culver City, California, as the Engineer for the Music Scoring Stage on the lot - often referred to as 'The MGM Scoring Stage' - in honor of what had been the original MGM studios. It was here that our crew, led by Scoring Mixer Danny Wallin, recorded the live orchestra to picture each week for Michael Landon's final TV series, Highway to Heaven.

When Highway to Heaven ended production, all the cast and crew were invited to a wrap party at the new MGM Building across from the lot. This event was one that always stood out in my memory regarding Mr. Landon - specifically regarding the unique relationship he had with his people.

The evening started with a famous big band playing in the large atrium. After a while, the proceedings began with a short film that was created by the members of Mr. Landon's staff - unbeknownst to him - paying tribute to him! While it was done in a humorous way, it was a true outpouring of admiration for Mr. Landon from his people. Apparently, he had been keeping all the same people around him as his production staff, throughout the various shows he produced since starring in Bonanza. Unlike other production companies where people are 'daily' or 'weekly' or 'seasonal' contract labor who come and go in a transient way, Mr. Landon's staff was truly a family of people who had grown together over many years, and through many different productions. It was obvious from the film, from the words of the presenters, and from Mr. Landon's brief but heartfelt speech afterward, that there was a great love and mutual respect between him and every one of his staff members, each of whom he appeared to know personally by name.

I will never forget what a special evening it was, and what a special man Michael Landon was. He not only produced well-crafted, quality family entertainment, but he also provided a creative and nurturing work environment for his staff - things that are truly special and almost non-existent in much of the entertainment business, or any business for that matter, today.