All articles tagged with #documentary filmmaking
Baz Luhrmann’s Epic: Elvis Presley in Concert combines 59 hours of unseen early-1970s footage with an off-camera Elvis interview to craft a dreamlike, self‑telling portrait of the King—celebrating his onstage energy and production instincts while revealing Colonel Parker’s control that shaped his touring, acting ambitions, and Vegas years; a visually lush, humanizing concert documentary now in cinemas.
Morgan Spurlock, the influential documentary filmmaker known for "Super Size Me," passed away at 53 after a battle with cancer. Despite his career being marred by allegations of sexual misconduct and alcoholism, Spurlock's work significantly impacted the documentary genre, blending journalism with a personal narrative style. His legacy includes notable projects like the FX show "30 Days" and his contributions to raising awareness about fast food's health impacts.
Six directors of standout 2023 documentary features gathered for The Hollywood Reporter's annual Documentary Roundtable. The directors discussed their paths to their projects, the use of different techniques in documentary filmmaking, the challenges of breaking through in a crowded market, and the importance of earning the trust of their subjects. They also touched on the resistance they face when tackling certain subject matters and the fear of the future of documentary filmmaking.
Documentary filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon explores the socioeconomic relationship between Appalachia and its central resource, coal, in her new film "King Coal." Through intimate and philosophical storytelling, Sheldon captures the decline of the coal industry and its impact on the region's communities. The film highlights the intergenerational perspectives of Central Appalachians, including Sheldon's coal miner grandfather, as they grapple with the loss of their once-dominant industry and search for a new direction. Sheldon also focuses on the role of children in shaping the future of Appalachia and challenges the myths surrounding coal's significance.
Liz Garbus, a renowned documentary filmmaker, has made a name for herself by telling complex stories in a cinematic way and building trust with her subjects. Her knack for making even the most nervous of subjects feel comfortable was evident in her high-profile docuseries Harry & Meghan for Netflix and Archewell. Garbus has also ventured into scripted TV and movies, directing episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale and prepping the Untitled Orphan Project starring Ellen Pompeo for Hulu and ABC Signature. She runs the production company Story Syndicate with her husband, Dan Cogan, and has more than 15 documentaries in the pipeline.