
Unmanageable | The Elliott Roberts Story
UNMANAGEABLE TRAILER
Part pirate, part prophet, the story of a monumental life. One of the most successful music executives in history, who changed the industry forever, rewriting the rules of rock and roll. With a career spanning several decades, from his humble beginnings in the Bronx, New York he climbed his way to the top of the Los Angeles music scene. During one of the most tumultuous times in our history, emerged the 60's and 70's Laurel Canyon music scene, with Elliot leading the way. At the time a burgeoning enclave of musicians, hippies and artists from all walks of life who lived, worked and created together. Elliot Roberts hung out, had long hair, and was one with his clients and friends. Shepherding their careers fearless and respected as someone who always put his artist first, with his own code for doing business, while always protecting the art. Gaining him the trust of many great music icons, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan to name a few. Often facing epic battles with labels and promoters alike, he was unequaled in how he fought for his clients but in a way thriving on the drama. A Bronx boy that new how to take care of himself and get what he wanted. A visionary cowboy who operated in the style of a lovable pirate. Together the manager and his clients were like no one else, each was often unmanageable and will remain forever unequaled.
GALLERY
PRODUCTION TEAM
Robert Cappadona- Director, Producer
Robert is a seasoned producer and manager whose career bridges radio, music, film, and podcasting. He got his start as a morning show producer at Boston’s iconic WBCN FM, featured in the documentary WBCN and The American Revolution. After moving to Los Angeles, he joined the legendary Lookout Management under the mentorship of the great Elliot Roberts, eventually becoming Head of College Promotions for Neil Young’s Vapor Records.
At McDaniel Entertainment, Capadona worked on Grammy-winning campaigns and recordings for artists like the Eagles, Sheryl Crow, Maroon 5, and Santana, collaborating with top producers including John Shanks (2005 Grammy Producer of the Year) and Mike Elizondo (2008 nominee). His work helped drive the success of Santana’s “The Game of Love,” which earned both ASCAP and BMI Song of the Year honors. Later, as VP of Content Production for Next Chapter Podcasts, he produced series for James Carville, NBA star Caron Butler, the groundbreaking Play On Shakespeare project, and How I Got Greenlit with Alex Keledjian and Emmy-winner Ryan Gibson.
Capadona is co-owner of New Monkey Studio, the renowned facility founded by Elliott Smith, and heads Canyon Music Management, where he guides the career of Joachim Cooder, percussionist and co-architect of the Grammy-winning Buena Vista Social Club. His music supervision credits include Larger Than Life: The Kevyn Aucoin Story, which screened at festivals including Doc NYC and Edinburgh. He is currently producing and co-directing Unmanageable: The Elliott Roberts Story.
Matt Rabinowitz - Director
Matt has been immersed in film for as long as he can remember. Born into a showbiz family in Los Angeles, movies have always been at the heart of his world — first as an avid viewer, then as a hands-on filmmaker. Over the years, he’s worn nearly every hat on a set, working as a director, producer, writer, cinematographer, actor, set painter, production assistant, and even animal wrangler. As an actor, he trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and has appeared in films by celebrated directors including Jonathan Demme (Rachel Getting Married), Paul Thomas Anderson (Inherent Vice), and Cameron Crowe (Elizabethtown and Aloha).
Rabinowitz made his feature directorial debut with The Frontier, which premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival and was praised by the LA Times as “an intimate family drama that subtly and delightfully subverts expectations.” He’s also directed a number of acclaimed documentaries, including West of the World (profiling the band Infantree), The Rides (chronicling the supergroup of Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Barry Goldberg), and The Battle of Princeton (following artist Jonathan Carroll’s struggle to stage an exhibit at Princeton University).
In addition to his film work, Rabinowitz has collaborated with Neil Young on various projects, including the launch of the Pono music player, where he interviewed artists and industry icons like Steve Martin, Jack White, T Bone Burnett, Marcus Mumford, Mo Ostin, and the Foo Fighters. He is currently deep into production on Unmanageable, an epic documentary chronicling the life and legacy of legendary music manager Elliot Roberts.
LOUIS BLACK - Executive Producer
Louis is a cornerstone of American independent film culture and a driving force behind South by Southwest (SXSW), one of the world’s most influential creative festivals. A New York native who found his artistic home in Austin, Texas, Black co-founded The Austin Chronicle in 1981, helping shape it into one of the country’s leading alternative weeklies. His passion for storytelling and independent art played a key role in defining Austin’s creative identity as a haven for music, film, and countercultural voices.
In 1987, Black co-founded the SXSW Film Festival, transforming a regional music conference into a global platform for independent filmmakers and creators. Under his leadership, SXSW became a launchpad for fresh talent, introducing audiences to filmmakers like Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez, while establishing itself as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and discovery.
Beyond SXSW, Black has continued to shape the creative landscape as a writer, producer, and distributor. He has championed acclaimed documentaries like Richard Linklater: Dream is Destiny and The Return, all while remaining a tireless advocate for Austin’s artists and a vital voice for independent film.
Bill Bentley - Producer
Bill, a Texas native raised in Houston and Austin, has dedicated over five decades to the music industry. Starting as a drummer, his passion for music led him to roles such as writer, publicist, producer, and label executive, earning him respect across various genres.
His career gained momentum as the music editor for the Austin Sun and L.A. Weekly, where he covered diverse styles, including Texas blues, country, punk, and jazz. In 1984, he joined Slash Records, beginning a significant chapter at Warner Bros. Records, where he represented artists like Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., and Green Day. Since 2006, he has served as Neil Young’s personal press representative.
Bentley has also produced tribute albums for icons such as Roky Erickson, Doug Sahm, and Lou Reed, commended for uniting influential voices. A collaboration with jazz singer Jimmy Scott earned him a Grammy nomination, emphasizing his dedication to American roots music.
In 2019, Bentley published Smithsonian Rock & Roll: Live and Unseen, a visual exploration of American music history. He continues to write for various publications and is currently working on a personal memoir highlighting his extensive journey in music. Whether behind a drum kit, a typewriter, or a mixing console, Bill Bentley remains a vital force in preserving and championing the spirit of rock & roll.
Adam CK Vollick-Cinematographer
Adam is a Canadian cinematographer, director, and photographer recognized for his evocative visual storytelling and innovative filmmaking style. He began his career in music documentaries and concert films, honing a distinct cinéma vérité approach that enables audiences to experience the raw emotion and authenticity of his subjects.
Throughout his career, Vollick has collaborated with legendary artists such as Daniel Lanois, Neil Young, and Willie Nelson, creating a rich tapestry of visual narratives that resonate with fans and critics alike. His notable projects include Here Is What Is and Later That Night with Lanois, alongside Frontier, Barn, and Paradox, all of which showcase the talents of Neil Young and Willie Nelson. Additionally, Vollick directed the documentary Mountaintop, a captivating insight into Neil Young's recording process that highlights his unique artistic vision.
Currently, Adam is immersed in multiple projects, particularly the anticipated documentary Unmanageable: The Elliot Roberts Story, which promises to shed light on pivotal moments in the music industry. Known for his ability to craft visually compelling narratives, Vollick continues to be a dynamic and innovative force in the world of filmmaking, pushing boundaries and inspiring audiences through his work.
Laura Russo - Producer
Laura is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, producer, and director known for her bold storytelling, visual sophistication, and emotionally resonant narratives. She began her creative journey in New York City, working as a high-fashion model and actor, where she developed a sharp eye for composition, character, and the subtleties of visual storytelling. That early foundation ultimately led her behind the camera, where she found her true voice as a filmmaker committed to pushing boundaries and exploring complex human stories.
Her debut feature, Road Reps, earned multiple awards for its inventive and offbeat narrative style, following a string of acclaimed short films — including one starring the late, legendary Ed Asner. Russo’s ability to blend visual elegance with layered, thought-provoking storytelling has drawn attention for its originality and emotional clarity. Her psychological thriller Fear Frequency was met with critical acclaim at festivals and secured distribution, further establishing her as a rising force in independent film. Russo’s upcoming projects include the sci-fi thriller Human in the Loop and the documentary Unmanageable: The Elliott Roberts Story,
Whether working in narrative fiction or documentary, Russo’s films consistently reflect her commitment to emotional depth, striking imagery, and stories that challenge and resonate. With every project, she continues to carve out a space for authentic, compelling, and fearless filmmaking.