The world of celebrity documentaries is undergoing a significant transformation, with productions such as Netflix’s “Harry & Meghan” pushing the boundaries of this genre. Sara Bernstein, a former HBO producer and current executive at Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s Imagine Entertainment, sheds light on this evolving landscape. She notes that the fees and access demanded by subjects have increased, leading to a shift in content and production dynamics. While “Harry & Meghan” is not the only documentary that explores this approach, its success has sparked discussions within the industry.
One aspect that sets documentaries like “Harry & Meghan” apart is the level of editorial control exerted by the subjects themselves. Bernstein acknowledges that celebrities and personalities of a certain magnitude now understand their value to the industry and the audience. As a result, they desire a more participatory role in the documentary-making process. This trend has led to subjects becoming producing partners or second producers in projects. However, Bernstein emphasizes that maintaining some level of editorial control is crucial, even as celebrities become more involved in the production.
Examining the case of “Harry & Meghan,” Bernstein raises an important question: how should viewers approach celebrity documentaries? Should they view them as hard-hitting explorations into the lives of these public figures, or simply as glimpses into their personal lives? Bernstein suggests that the entertainment value of these documentaries may outweigh their informative aspect. The ongoing debate surrounding “Harry & Meghan” and similar productions indicates that this dynamic is likely to persist in the future, fundamentally changing the genre.
In recent years, celebrities themselves have begun stepping into the world of documentary-making. Bernstein highlights Imagine’s Apple TV+ production, “The Super Models,” which counts Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington as executive producers. While involving celebrities in the production process can bring unique perspectives, Bernstein advocates for the preservation of editorial control. Balancing the involvement of celebrities as producers while maintaining the integrity of the documentary’s message is crucial in this evolving landscape.
The rise of streaming platforms has significantly impacted the documentary genre, enabling it to reach larger and more diverse audiences. Bernstein notes that in the past, HBO was the main player in the premium documentary space. However, the emergence of multiple streamers has created new opportunities for documentary filmmakers to captivate viewers. Nonetheless, Bernstein acknowledges the challenge of creating impactful and enlightening documentaries that are not solely reliant on headline-grabbing subjects or exclusive access to celebrities. She calls for more platforms and broadcasters to take risks and cater to an audience hungry for informative content.
Documentaries have the potential to foster a greater understanding of complex issues and evoke empathy in audiences. Bernstein emphasizes the role that documentary makers can play in shedding light on conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas situation. By allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the experiences of others, documentaries can generate empathy and encourage a deeper appreciation of different perspectives.
The world of celebrity documentaries is experiencing a significant shift due to factors like increased subject control, evolving production dynamics, and the emergence of streaming platforms. The success of productions like “Harry & Meghan” has opened up new avenues for celebrities to participate in the filmmaking process. However, finding the right balance between entertainment and information remains a challenge. Moving forward, it is crucial for filmmakers, platforms, and broadcasters to take risks and provide audiences with diverse and enlightening content. Documentaries have the power to bring about positive change by fostering empathy and understanding in audiences, and this potential should not be overlooked by those shaping the future of the genre.
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