Marilyn Magness is the former Imagineer and Executive Creative Director of Live Show
Development for the Walt Disney Company, responsible for all entertainment for Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Paris Disneyland.
Marilyn has directed spectaculars both on stage and in the sky, multiple international tours, film premiers, Emmy-winning television specials, Broadway’s “Peter Pan”, “The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular”, Olympic Opening Ceremonies, Super Bowl Halftime Shows, Presidential Inaugurations, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Pasadena Rose Parade, the Grand Openings of Disney Resorts and Cruise Lines around the world and a myriad of global theme park and corporate musical celebrations
On a personal note, Marilyn has been married for 47 years to college sweetheart, Steve Carroll. She is the Co Founder of NOXNOP. She plays honky-tonk piano, loves downhill skiing, and is the world’s worst cook.
New Holiday Animated Short “No Chimney? No Problem!”
Veteran Disney creative leader and writer director Marilyn Magness teams up with producer Lou Murray to deliver a warm 2D Christmas story for kids and families.
A new 2D animated holiday short is coming to YouTube just in time for Christmas. “No Chimney? No Problem!” is an approximately 11 minute film from NOXNOP, a micro entertainment studio co created by writer director Marilyn Magness and producer Lou Murray.
Blending classic holiday heart with a modern family setting, “No Chimney? No Problem!” follows a child who discovers there is no chimney where they are spending Christmas. Convinced that Santa will never find them, panic sets in until a magical book, a little bit of North Pole know how, and the power of belief show that Santa has a way to reach every child, no matter where they live.
“Growing up, I loved the feeling that Christmas magic could find you anywhere,” said writer director Marilyn Magness. “Today many kids live in apartments, condos, townhouses, or blended households. I wanted to tell a story that reassures them that they are seen, loved, and never ‘off the route’ for Santa. If this short makes even one child feel more included at Christmas, it will have done its job.”
“No Chimney? No Problem!” was created by a small international team using a nimble, AI supported workflow. Animation was crafted by 2D animator Cris Moras, with original music score, sound design, and final mix by Scott Erickson. The film also features the holiday song “When You Believe in Santa Claus,” by Jason Freese released earlier this season on major streaming platforms.
“In a matter of weeks, we built a micro studio from our laptops and brought a full animated short to life,” said producer and NOXNOP co founder Lou Murray. “For years I worked in large scale live entertainment, arenas, and theme parks. This project is proof that you do not always need a giant machine to make something that feels special. With the right story, the right collaborators, and smart use of new tools, a tiny team can still create something joyful and rewatchable for families everywhere.”
The short is designed to be a “put it on and let it play” holiday piece that parents can feel good about sharing with their kids. Warm colors, classic 2D animation, and a story centered on love, inclusion, and belief aim to give families a new tradition they can return to each year.
“We created NOXNOP to tell hopeful stories that children will want to watch again and again,” added Magness. “This is our first chapter, and we are already dreaming about the next ones.”