Behind the Scenes: Documentaries on Film Studios

Description: This documentary captures the making of Werner Herzog's 'Fitzcarraldo', showcasing the extreme lengths to which a studio and its director will go to realize a vision.

Fact: Herzog's determination to move a real steamship over a mountain is one of the most famous tales of filmmaking perseverance.

Description: This film documents the chaotic production of 'Apocalypse Now', offering a raw look at how a studio can navigate through production nightmares to create a cinematic masterpiece.

Fact: The documentary was made by Eleanor Coppola, Francis Ford Coppola's wife, who captured the behind-the-scenes drama.

Description: This documentary follows aspiring filmmaker Mark Borchardt as he attempts to complete his low-budget horror film, offering a grassroots perspective on the indie film scene and studio dynamics.

Fact: The film was a surprise hit at Sundance and became a cult classic for its portrayal of the filmmaking process.

Description: This documentary captures the disastrous attempt to film 'The Man Who Killed Don Quixote' by Terry Gilliam, showcasing the unpredictable nature of film production and the resilience of a studio's creative team.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a 'making of' documentary but became a story of a film that never was.

Description: While focusing on the life of Harlan Ellison, this documentary provides a window into the world of Hollywood studios through the eyes of a prolific writer, showing how studios adapt literature into film.

Fact: Ellison's sharp wit and candidness offer a unique perspective on the film industry's inner workings.

Description: This documentary traces the journey of Pixar Animation Studios from its inception to its status as a leading animation studio. It explores the creative genius behind hits like 'Toy Story' and 'Finding Nemo', showcasing the studio's impact on the film industry.

Fact: The film features interviews with Pixar's co-founder Steve Jobs, offering a unique perspective on the studio's business and creative evolution.

Description: While not exclusively about a single studio, this documentary discusses the transition from film to digital in the movie industry, featuring insights from various studios and filmmakers. It's an essential watch for understanding how technology has transformed film production.

Fact: The film includes interviews with over 70 filmmakers, including James Cameron, David Fincher, and Martin Scorsese.

Description: This documentary delves into the making of one of the greatest films ever made, offering insights into the production challenges, casting decisions, and the legendary director Francis Ford Coppola's vision. It's a must-watch for understanding how a studio can shape a cinematic masterpiece.

Fact: The film includes interviews with key cast members like Al Pacino and Marlon Brando, providing firsthand accounts of the film's production.

Description: This documentary explores the art of film editing, featuring insights from various studios and editors, showing how editing shapes the narrative and emotional impact of films.

Fact: It includes interviews with legendary editors like Walter Murch and Thelma Schoonmaker.

Description: This documentary provides a detailed look at the making of 'Twelve Monkeys', highlighting the creative process and studio dynamics behind this cult classic.

Fact: It includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with Terry Gilliam, Bruce Willis, and Brad Pitt.