{"ab":false,"abStatus":null,"abTestId":null,"abVariation":false,"abVariationAutomated":false,"absoluteUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/10-best-documentaries-about-filmmaking","afterPostBody":null,"aifeatures":null,"allowedSlugConflict":false,"analytics":null,"analyticsPageId":"34798772071","analyticsPageType":"blog-post","approvalStatus":null,"archived":false,"archivedAt":0,"archivedInDashboard":false,"areCommentsAllowed":true,"attachedStylesheets":[],"audienceAccess":"PUBLIC","author":null,"authorName":null,"authorUsername":null,"blogAuthor":{"avatar":"","bio":"Grant Patten - VP, Marketing","cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"cosObjectType":"BLOG_AUTHOR","created":1557244191140,"deletedAt":0,"displayName":"Grant Patten","email":"grant@frontrowinsurance.com","facebook":"","fullName":"Grant Patten","gravatarUrl":"https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/9751f803d54c2340cccdf5025adc9aa4","hasSocialProfiles":false,"id":9474946913,"label":"Grant Patten","language":null,"linkedin":"","name":"Grant Patten","portalId":61352,"slug":"grant-patten","translatedFromId":null,"translations":{},"twitter":"","twitterUsername":"","updated":1557244191140,"userId":null,"username":null,"website":""},"blogAuthorId":9474946913,"blogPostAuthor":{"avatar":"","bio":"Grant Patten - VP, Marketing","cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"cosObjectType":"BLOG_AUTHOR","created":1557244191140,"deletedAt":0,"displayName":"Grant Patten","email":"grant@frontrowinsurance.com","facebook":"","fullName":"Grant Patten","gravatarUrl":"https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/9751f803d54c2340cccdf5025adc9aa4","hasSocialProfiles":false,"id":9474946913,"label":"Grant Patten","language":null,"linkedin":"","name":"Grant Patten","portalId":61352,"slug":"grant-patten","translatedFromId":null,"translations":{},"twitter":"","twitterUsername":"","updated":1557244191140,"userId":null,"username":null,"website":""},"blogPostScheduleTaskUid":null,"blogPublishInstantEmailCampaignId":null,"blogPublishInstantEmailRetryCount":null,"blogPublishInstantEmailTaskUid":"DONE","blogPublishToSocialMediaTask":"DONE","blueprintTypeId":0,"businessUnitId":0,"campaign":null,"campaignName":null,"campaignUtm":null,"category":3,"categoryId":3,"cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"checkPostLevelAudienceAccessFirst":true,"clonedFrom":null,"composeBody":null,"compositionId":0,"contentAccessRuleIds":[],"contentAccessRuleTypes":[],"contentGroup":952267656,"contentGroupId":952267656,"contentTypeCategory":3,"contentTypeCategoryId":3,"contentTypeId":null,"created":1599749554823,"createdById":7915797,"createdTime":1599749554823,"crmObjectId":null,"css":{},"cssText":"","ctaClicks":null,"ctaViews":null,"currentState":"PUBLISHED","currentlyPublished":true,"deletedAt":0,"deletedBy":null,"deletedByEmail":null,"deletedById":null,"domain":"","dynamicPageDataSourceId":null,"dynamicPageDataSourceType":null,"dynamicPageHubDbTableId":null,"enableDomainStylesheets":null,"enableGoogleAmpOutputOverride":false,"enableLayoutStylesheets":null,"errors":[],"featuredImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/la-mancha-kid-stays-forweb600x400.jpg","featuredImageAltText":"10 Best Documentaries about Filmmaking / Best Movies about Filmmaking","featuredImageHeight":400,"featuredImageLength":0,"featuredImageWidth":600,"flexAreas":{},"folderId":null,"footerHtml":null,"freezeDate":1600091544000,"generateJsonLdEnabledOverride":true,"hasContentAccessRules":false,"hasUserChanges":true,"headHtml":null,"header":null,"htmlTitle":"10 Best Documentaries about Filmmaking / Best Movies about Filmmaking","id":34798772071,"includeDefaultCustomCss":null,"isCaptchaRequired":true,"isCrawlableByBots":false,"isDraft":false,"isInstanceLayoutPage":false,"isInstantEmailEnabled":true,"isPublished":true,"isSocialPublishingEnabled":false,"keywords":[],"label":"<span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_name\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"text\" >10 Best Documentaries about Filmmaking / Best Movies about Filmmaking</span>","language":"en","lastEditSessionId":null,"lastEditUpdateId":null,"layoutSections":{},"legacyBlogTabid":null,"legacyId":null,"legacyPostGuid":null,"linkRelCanonicalUrl":null,"listTemplate":"prox_frontrow/templates/blog/blog-listing.html","liveDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","mab":false,"mabExperimentId":null,"mabMaster":false,"mabVariant":false,"meta":{"public_access_rules_enabled":false,"public_access_rules":[],"tag_ids":[949708709,949709454,4153051246,30486043401],"topic_ids":[949708709,949709454,4153051246,30486043401],"enable_google_amp_output_override":false,"generate_json_ld_enabled":true,"post_body":"\n\n\n\n <span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>documentaries about filmmaking</strong>.</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order):</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#lamancha\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#burden\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Burden of Dreams</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#finalcut\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven’s Gate</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#shining\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#americanmovie\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>American Movie</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#kidstays\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#easyriders\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tarkovsky\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#electric\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#cuttingedge\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"lamancha\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>1.<span> </span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/la-mancha.jpg\" alt=\"Lost in La Mancha\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p>Film critic Leonard Maltin has described <a href=\"https://geni.us/O6tZ\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Lost in La Mancha</i></span></a> (2002) [Amazon Link] as one of the best films about the process of moviemaking. A follow-up to this documentary, <a href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8591046/\"><span><i>He Dreams of Giants</i></span></a>, was released in 2019.</p>\n<p>Director Terry Gilliam had a very hard time making his Don Quixote movie, which he started on in 1989 and finally released in 2018 as <i>The Man Who Killed Don Quixote</i>. All the trials and tribulations associated with finally getting this movie made are documented in these documentaries, which stand on their own as fascinating documents of the filmmaking process.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"burden\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>2.<span> </span>Burden of Dreams</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/burden-of-dreams-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Burden of Dreams\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B019WMTVPG/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B019WMTVPG&amp;linkId=68c9a1709cbd3db6390ec3721845f7cc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Burden of Dreams</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 1982 \"making-of\" documentary film, shot during and about the chaotic production of Werner Herzog's film <i>Fitzcarraldo</i>.</p>\n<p>Filming on location in the jungles of Peru, the crew (unsurprisingly) experienced challenges with the extreme heat and other weather issues. Herzog’s determination to literally have a steamship manually pulled over a steep mountain also proved challenging – but it all makes for amusing viewing.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"finalcut\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>3.<span> </span>Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</h2>\n<p><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/heavens-gate.jpg\" alt=\"Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Director Michael Cimino's <i>Heaven's Gate</i> has been widely panned as among the worst box-office bombs – and to many, even one of the <i>worst movies</i> of all time, period – but its making-of documentary, on the other hand, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00F1BKSVY/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00F1BKSVY&amp;linkId=857eb86c55d55279d17ec51143314edb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], has been critically acclaimed. This doc is available as an extra on the <i>Heaven’s Gate</i> DVD (Disc Two - Bonus Features).</p>\n<p>The production faced numerous setbacks, including cost overruns, significant retakes, bad press, and rumours of Cimino's allegedly authoritarian directorial style. It’s all on display in this fascinating making-of doc – “warts and all”.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"shining\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>4.<span> </span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/room237-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Room 237 DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000I2J0W4/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B000I2J0W4&amp;linkId=de834ac7086ce095bc71fcdf5f00306d\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Making of \"The Shining\"</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 30-minute documentary directed by Stanley Kubrick's daughter Vivian. Kubrick fans will find this making-of doc particularly fascinating, as it includes footage of Kubrick actually directing on set. It is included as an extra on the regular movie DVD.</p>\n<p>Another related documentary is <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00D6I7CSQ/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00D6I7CSQ&amp;linkId=e4437f7d99ba4c0fc6bf2028b2357c5c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Room 237</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], which is an entertaining and often amusing exposition of the many interpretations of this much-discussed horror film.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"americanmovie\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/american-movie.jpg\" alt=\"American Movie DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></a></span>5.<span> </span>American Movie</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>American Movie</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a humorous document of the 1996–97 making of <i>Coven</i>, an independent horror film directed by American filmmaker Mark Borchardt.</p>\n<p><i>Coven</i> experienced numerous setbacks, including poor financing, a lack of planning, and overall ineptitude from the friends and family Borchardt hired as his production team. However, this often-comical ineptitude is what makes the movie funny and memorable.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"kidstays\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>6.<span> </span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/dL0V8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/kid-stays-picture-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"The Kid Stays in the Picture DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">The Kid Stays in the Picture</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is particularly important for any burgeoning (or established) film producers to watch, as this documentary focuses on the career of one of the most successful producers of all time, Robert Evans (produced <i>Rosemary's Baby, Love Story, The Godfather, Chinatown</i>, and others). All film producers can learn a lot from Evans’ storied career.</p>\n<p>This documentary utilizes Evans' narration interspersed mostly with photographs from Evans' life, brief film snippets, and interviews to tell the story of his film producing career.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"easyriders\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>7.<span> </span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/SJoZB0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/easy-riders.jpg\" alt=\"EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a documentary (based on the book by Peter Biskind) on 1970s Hollywood/the “American New Wave”, a period of American cinema known for the production of such films as <i>The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Chinatown, Taxi Driver, Jaws, Star Wars, The Exorcist</i>, and <i>The Last Picture Show</i>.</p>\n<p>It would make sense to watch this in conjunction with the aforementioned <i>The Kid Stays in the Picture</i>, since Bob Evans produced some of the notable ‘70s-era movies discussed in <i>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i>, including the masterpiece <i>Chinatown</i>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tarkovsky\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>8.<span> </span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/jgHuDlB\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/Sacrifice-Tarkovsky-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] follows this renowned Russian filmmaker as he was working on his final production, <i>The Sacrifice</i>. The documentary can be found on Disc Two of <i>The Sacrifice </i>DVD.</p>\n<p>This documentary includes some interesting interviews with Tarkovsky, and examines his meticulous creative process and uncompromising vision. The focus is not so much on Tarkovsky's career, but on the man himself – his thoughts, ideas and personality.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"electric\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>9.<span> </span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/wgWK89\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/electric-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Electric Boogaloo DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a funny documentary about Cannon Films, which produced mainly “B movies” from 1967 to 1994.</p>\n<p>This production company was known for creating “schlock” films but some cult classics also, including <i>Runaway Train</i> (1985), <i>The Delta Force</i> (1986) and Charles Bronson’s <i>Death Wish</i> series.</p>\n<p><i>Electric Boogaloo</i> pays tribute to this era of “schlock” filmmaking with a nostalgic look back that's arguably more entertaining than much of Cannon's own “B movie” product.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"cuttingedge\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span>10. </span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/cutting-edge.jpg\" alt=\"The Cutting Edge DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/qGSsXdl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] focuses on the underappreciated craft of movie editing. Kathy Bates narrates this history of the art of editing, punctuated by dozens of scenes to illustrate the power of editing in heightening reality and making a visceral impact on the viewer.</p>\n<p>Notable directors who make appearances in this documentary include James Cameron, Sean Penn, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Quentin Tarantino.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2>Get Film Insurance | Film Production Insurance | Filmmaking Insurance | Documentary Film Insurance</h2>\n<p>If you’re watching documentaries about filmmaking, chances are that you’re a filmmaker or planning to be one. And if you’re a filmmaker, you’ll want to consider insuring your valuable filmmaking gear and film productions. Consider Front Row Insurance:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/documentary-organization-of-canada-insurance-program\">Members of the Documentary Organization of Canada</a></span> (DOC) have exclusive access to an insurance program designed for Canadian documentary producers.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://shortshoot.frontrowinsurance.com/\">Short-Term Film Insurance</a></span> (Canada): provides coverage for up to 15 consecutive days of shooting, with no minimum premium. The coverage is available online 24/7. Covers rented gear, rented locations, rented props, sets, wardrobes, and more. Quotes are free.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://digigearinsure.frontrowinsurance.com/\">DigiGear Insurance</a></span> (Canada): custom equipment insurance for owners of: cameras, sound and lighting gear working in the film/TV industry. Also available online. Quotes in 2 minutes. Policy available in 5 minutes. Shop from your phone.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>US-based filmmakers can view <a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/usa\"><span>Front Row’s US policies here</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row has 51 staff in 8 offices that have a combined 530+ years of experience serving the film industry. Front Row is the largest film insurance broker in Canada. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for the lowest possible cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row ensures that clients receive the money they are owed per the insurance policy, as quickly as possible.</i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\" noopener\">THE BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS | TOP BOOKS ON FILMMAKING/VIDEOGRAPHY</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/top-20-filmmaking-youtube-channels\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE BEST YOUTUBE CHANNELS ON FILMMAKING</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/best-software-for-filmmakers\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE BEST SOFTWARE FOR FILMMAKERS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/best-music-documentaries-rockumentaries\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 10 BEST MUSIC DOCUMENTARIES / THE BEST ROCKUMENTARIES</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\" noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/20-best-podcasts-about-filmmaking\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 20 BEST PODCASTS ABOUT FILMMAKING</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://stories.frontrowinsurance.com/10-best-documentaries-about-filmmaking/\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Web Story: The best docs about filmmaking</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p></span>\n","post_summary":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>documentaries about filmmaking</strong>.</p>\n","blog_post_schedule_task_uid":null,"blog_publish_to_social_media_task":"DONE","blog_publish_instant_email_task_uid":"DONE","blog_publish_instant_email_campaign_id":null,"blog_publish_instant_email_retry_count":null,"rss_body":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>documentaries about filmmaking</strong>.</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order):</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#lamancha\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#burden\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Burden of Dreams</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#finalcut\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven’s Gate</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#shining\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#americanmovie\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>American Movie</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#kidstays\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#easyriders\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tarkovsky\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#electric\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#cuttingedge\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"lamancha\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>1.<span> </span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/la-mancha.jpg\" alt=\"Lost in La Mancha\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p>Film critic Leonard Maltin has described <a href=\"https://geni.us/O6tZ\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Lost in La Mancha</i></span></a> (2002) [Amazon Link] as one of the best films about the process of moviemaking. A follow-up to this documentary, <a href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8591046/\"><span><i>He Dreams of Giants</i></span></a>, was released in 2019.</p>\n<p>Director Terry Gilliam had a very hard time making his Don Quixote movie, which he started on in 1989 and finally released in 2018 as <i>The Man Who Killed Don Quixote</i>. All the trials and tribulations associated with finally getting this movie made are documented in these documentaries, which stand on their own as fascinating documents of the filmmaking process.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"burden\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>2.<span> </span>Burden of Dreams</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/burden-of-dreams-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Burden of Dreams\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B019WMTVPG/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B019WMTVPG&amp;linkId=68c9a1709cbd3db6390ec3721845f7cc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Burden of Dreams</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 1982 \"making-of\" documentary film, shot during and about the chaotic production of Werner Herzog's film <i>Fitzcarraldo</i>.</p>\n<p>Filming on location in the jungles of Peru, the crew (unsurprisingly) experienced challenges with the extreme heat and other weather issues. Herzog’s determination to literally have a steamship manually pulled over a steep mountain also proved challenging – but it all makes for amusing viewing.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"finalcut\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>3.<span> </span>Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</h2>\n<p><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/heavens-gate.jpg\" alt=\"Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Director Michael Cimino's <i>Heaven's Gate</i> has been widely panned as among the worst box-office bombs – and to many, even one of the <i>worst movies</i> of all time, period – but its making-of documentary, on the other hand, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00F1BKSVY/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00F1BKSVY&amp;linkId=857eb86c55d55279d17ec51143314edb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], has been critically acclaimed. This doc is available as an extra on the <i>Heaven’s Gate</i> DVD (Disc Two - Bonus Features).</p>\n<p>The production faced numerous setbacks, including cost overruns, significant retakes, bad press, and rumours of Cimino's allegedly authoritarian directorial style. It’s all on display in this fascinating making-of doc – “warts and all”.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"shining\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>4.<span> </span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/room237-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Room 237 DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000I2J0W4/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B000I2J0W4&amp;linkId=de834ac7086ce095bc71fcdf5f00306d\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Making of \"The Shining\"</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 30-minute documentary directed by Stanley Kubrick's daughter Vivian. Kubrick fans will find this making-of doc particularly fascinating, as it includes footage of Kubrick actually directing on set. It is included as an extra on the regular movie DVD.</p>\n<p>Another related documentary is <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00D6I7CSQ/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00D6I7CSQ&amp;linkId=e4437f7d99ba4c0fc6bf2028b2357c5c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Room 237</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], which is an entertaining and often amusing exposition of the many interpretations of this much-discussed horror film.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"americanmovie\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/american-movie.jpg\" alt=\"American Movie DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></a></span>5.<span> </span>American Movie</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>American Movie</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a humorous document of the 1996–97 making of <i>Coven</i>, an independent horror film directed by American filmmaker Mark Borchardt.</p>\n<p><i>Coven</i> experienced numerous setbacks, including poor financing, a lack of planning, and overall ineptitude from the friends and family Borchardt hired as his production team. However, this often-comical ineptitude is what makes the movie funny and memorable.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"kidstays\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>6.<span> </span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/dL0V8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/kid-stays-picture-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"The Kid Stays in the Picture DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">The Kid Stays in the Picture</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is particularly important for any burgeoning (or established) film producers to watch, as this documentary focuses on the career of one of the most successful producers of all time, Robert Evans (produced <i>Rosemary's Baby, Love Story, The Godfather, Chinatown</i>, and others). All film producers can learn a lot from Evans’ storied career.</p>\n<p>This documentary utilizes Evans' narration interspersed mostly with photographs from Evans' life, brief film snippets, and interviews to tell the story of his film producing career.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"easyriders\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>7.<span> </span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/SJoZB0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/easy-riders.jpg\" alt=\"EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a documentary (based on the book by Peter Biskind) on 1970s Hollywood/the “American New Wave”, a period of American cinema known for the production of such films as <i>The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Chinatown, Taxi Driver, Jaws, Star Wars, The Exorcist</i>, and <i>The Last Picture Show</i>.</p>\n<p>It would make sense to watch this in conjunction with the aforementioned <i>The Kid Stays in the Picture</i>, since Bob Evans produced some of the notable ‘70s-era movies discussed in <i>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i>, including the masterpiece <i>Chinatown</i>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tarkovsky\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>8.<span> </span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/jgHuDlB\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/Sacrifice-Tarkovsky-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] follows this renowned Russian filmmaker as he was working on his final production, <i>The Sacrifice</i>. The documentary can be found on Disc Two of <i>The Sacrifice </i>DVD.</p>\n<p>This documentary includes some interesting interviews with Tarkovsky, and examines his meticulous creative process and uncompromising vision. The focus is not so much on Tarkovsky's career, but on the man himself – his thoughts, ideas and personality.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"electric\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>9.<span> </span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/wgWK89\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/electric-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Electric Boogaloo DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a funny documentary about Cannon Films, which produced mainly “B movies” from 1967 to 1994.</p>\n<p>This production company was known for creating “schlock” films but some cult classics also, including <i>Runaway Train</i> (1985), <i>The Delta Force</i> (1986) and Charles Bronson’s <i>Death Wish</i> series.</p>\n<p><i>Electric Boogaloo</i> pays tribute to this era of “schlock” filmmaking with a nostalgic look back that's arguably more entertaining than much of Cannon's own “B movie” product.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"cuttingedge\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span>10. </span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/cutting-edge.jpg\" alt=\"The Cutting Edge DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/qGSsXdl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] focuses on the underappreciated craft of movie editing. Kathy Bates narrates this history of the art of editing, punctuated by dozens of scenes to illustrate the power of editing in heightening reality and making a visceral impact on the viewer.</p>\n<p>Notable directors who make appearances in this documentary include James Cameron, Sean Penn, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Quentin Tarantino.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2>Get Film Insurance | Film Production Insurance | Filmmaking Insurance | Documentary Film Insurance</h2>\n<p>If you’re watching documentaries about filmmaking, chances are that you’re a filmmaker or planning to be one. And if you’re a filmmaker, you’ll want to consider insuring your valuable filmmaking gear and film productions. Consider Front Row Insurance:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/documentary-organization-of-canada-insurance-program\">Members of the Documentary Organization of Canada</a></span> (DOC) have exclusive access to an insurance program designed for Canadian documentary producers.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://shortshoot.frontrowinsurance.com/\">Short-Term Film Insurance</a></span> (Canada): provides coverage for up to 15 consecutive days of shooting, with no minimum premium. The coverage is available online 24/7. Covers rented gear, rented locations, rented props, sets, wardrobes, and more. Quotes are free.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://digigearinsure.frontrowinsurance.com/\">DigiGear Insurance</a></span> (Canada): custom equipment insurance for owners of: cameras, sound and lighting gear working in the film/TV industry. Also available online. Quotes in 2 minutes. Policy available in 5 minutes. Shop from your phone.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>US-based filmmakers can view <a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/usa\"><span>Front Row’s US policies here</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row has 51 staff in 8 offices that have a combined 530+ years of experience serving the film industry. Front Row is the largest film insurance broker in Canada. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for the lowest possible cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row ensures that clients receive the money they are owed per the insurance policy, as quickly as possible.</i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\" noopener\">THE BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS | TOP BOOKS ON FILMMAKING/VIDEOGRAPHY</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/top-20-filmmaking-youtube-channels\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE BEST YOUTUBE CHANNELS ON FILMMAKING</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/best-software-for-filmmakers\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE BEST SOFTWARE FOR FILMMAKERS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/best-music-documentaries-rockumentaries\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 10 BEST MUSIC DOCUMENTARIES / THE BEST ROCKUMENTARIES</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\" noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/20-best-podcasts-about-filmmaking\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 20 BEST PODCASTS ABOUT FILMMAKING</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://stories.frontrowinsurance.com/10-best-documentaries-about-filmmaking/\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Web Story: The best docs about filmmaking</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p>","rss_summary":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>documentaries about filmmaking</strong>.</p>\n","keywords":[],"composition_id":0,"is_crawlable_by_bots":false,"html_title":"10 Best Documentaries about Filmmaking / Best Movies about Filmmaking","use_featured_image":true,"published_at":1649095301787,"layout_sections":{},"past_mab_experiment_ids":[],"password":null,"featured_image_width":600,"featured_image_height":400,"publish_timezone_offset":null,"theme_settings_values":null,"head_html":null,"footer_html":null,"attached_stylesheets":[],"enable_domain_stylesheets":null,"include_default_custom_css":null,"meta_description":"The best documentaries on filmmaking! We'll discuss Lost in La Mancha/He Dreams of Giants, Burden of Dreams, Final Cut, The Making of The Shining & more.","meta_keywords":null,"deleted_by":null,"featured_image_alt_text":"10 Best Documentaries about Filmmaking / Best Movies about Filmmaking","enable_layout_stylesheets":null,"tweet":null,"tweet_at":null,"campaign_name":null,"campaign_utm":null,"tweet_immediately":false,"publish_immediately":true,"security_state":"NONE","scheduled_update_date":0,"placement_guids":[],"property_for_dynamic_page_title":null,"property_for_dynamic_page_slug":null,"property_for_dynamic_page_meta_description":null,"property_for_dynamic_page_featured_image":null,"property_for_dynamic_page_canonical_url":null,"preview_image_src":null,"legacy_blog_tabid":null,"legacy_post_guid":null,"performable_variation_letter":null,"style_override_id":null,"has_user_changes":true,"css":{},"css_text":"","unpublished_at":0,"published_by_id":7915797,"allowed_slug_conflict":false,"ai_features":null,"link_rel_canonical_url":null,"page_redirected":false,"page_expiry_enabled":null,"page_expiry_date":null,"page_expiry_redirect_id":null,"page_expiry_redirect_url":null,"deleted_by_id":null,"state_when_deleted":null,"cloned_from":null,"staged_from":null,"personas":[],"compose_body":null,"featured_image":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/la-mancha-kid-stays-forweb600x400.jpg","header":null,"last_edit_update_id":null,"last_edit_session_id":null},"metaDescription":"The best documentaries on filmmaking! We'll discuss Lost in La Mancha/He Dreams of Giants, Burden of Dreams, Final Cut, The Making of The Shining & more.","metaKeywords":null,"name":"<span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_name\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"text\" >10 Best Documentaries about Filmmaking / Best Movies about Filmmaking</span>","nextPostFeaturedImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Filmmaker%20Instagrammers/insta-shutterstock_1171276837-forweb600.jpg","nextPostFeaturedImageAltText":"Top 10 Filmmaker Instagram Influencers","nextPostName":"Top 10 Filmmaker Instagram Influencers / Best Filmmaker Instagrammers","nextPostSlug":"articles/top-10-filmmaker-instagram-influencers","pageExpiryDate":null,"pageExpiryEnabled":null,"pageExpiryRedirectId":null,"pageExpiryRedirectUrl":null,"pageRedirected":false,"pageTitle":"10 Best Documentaries about Filmmaking / Best Movies about Filmmaking","parentBlog":{"absoluteUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles","allowComments":true,"ampBodyColor":"#404040","ampBodyFont":"'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif","ampBodyFontSize":"18","ampCustomCss":"","ampHeaderBackgroundColor":"#ffffff","ampHeaderColor":"#1e1e1e","ampHeaderFont":"'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif","ampHeaderFontSize":"36","ampLinkColor":"#416bb3","ampLogoAlt":"Front Row Insurance logo","ampLogoHeight":63,"ampLogoSrc":"https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/61352/front-row-logo.png","ampLogoWidth":175,"analyticsPageId":137640,"attachedStylesheets":[],"audienceAccess":"PUBLIC","businessUnitId":null,"captchaAfterDays":7,"captchaAlways":false,"categoryId":3,"cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"closeCommentsOlder":0,"commentDateFormat":"medium","commentFormGuid":"7a447743-bbf2-4b55-a759-b405bf392a7d","commentMaxThreadDepth":3,"commentModeration":true,"commentNotificationEmails":["mike@frontrowinsurance.com","grant@frontrowinsurance.com"],"commentShouldCreateContact":true,"commentVerificationText":"","cosObjectType":"BLOG","created":1401900293000,"createdDateTime":1401900293000,"dailyNotificationEmailId":"952268096","dateFormattingLanguage":"en_US","defaultGroupStyleId":"","defaultNotificationFromName":"","defaultNotificationReplyTo":"","deletedAt":0,"description":"The Front Row Insurance Blog where you can learn and converse about all things entertainment insurance related.","domain":"","domainWhenPublished":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","emailApiSubscriptionId":283237,"enableGoogleAmpOutput":true,"enableSocialAutoPublishing":false,"generateJsonLdEnabled":false,"header":null,"htmlFooter":"<!-- DELTA-->","htmlFooterIsShared":false,"htmlHead":"<!-- Blog Schema by Front Row Insurance // https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/ -->\n\n<script type=\"application/ld+json\">\n {\n \"@context\": \"http://schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n \"mainEntityOfPage\":{\n \"@type\":\"WebPage\",\n \"@id\":\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/10-best-documentaries-about-filmmaking\"\n },\n \"headline\": \"10 Best Documentaries about Filmmaking / Best Movies about Filmmaking\",\n \"image\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/la-mancha-kid-stays-forweb600x400.jpg\"\n },\n \"datePublished\": \"2020-09-14 13:52:24\",\n \"dateModified\": \"\",\n \"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"') }}\"\n },\n \"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"FRONT ROW INSURANCE BROKERS\",\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/61352/images/Logos/FR_logo_%5BConverted,-Inverted%5D.png\"\n }\n },\n \"description\": \"The best documentaries on filmmaking! 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We'll discuss Lost in La Mancha/He Dreams of Giants, Burden of Dreams, Final Cut, The Making of The Shining & more.\"\n }\n </script>\n <!-- End Schema --> \n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n window._mNHandle = window._mNHandle || {};\n window._mNHandle.queue = window._mNHandle.queue || [];\n medianet_versionId = \"3121199\";\n</script>\n<script src=\"https://contextual.media.net/dmedianet.js?cid=8CU76IWTZ\" async=\"async\"></script>","postsPerListingPage":10,"postsPerRssFeed":10,"publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"publicTitle":"The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","publishDateFormat":"medium","resolvedDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","rootUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles","rssCustomFeed":"","rssDescription":"RSS feeds for ","rssItemFooter":"<IMG style=\"WIDTH: 144px; HEIGHT: 78px\" title=\"\" border=0 alt=\"\" align=center src=\"http://focusinsurance.web6.hubspot.com/Portals/61352/images//logo_final.jpg\" width=138 height=78 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Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"slug":"fr/blogue"}},"updated":1693318083280,"updatedDateTime":1693318083280,"urlBase":"www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles","urlSegments":{},"useFeaturedImageInSummary":true,"usesDefaultTemplate":false,"weeklyNotificationEmailId":"952268106"},"password":null,"pastMabExperimentIds":[],"performableGuid":null,"performableVariationLetter":null,"personas":[],"placementGuids":[],"portableKey":null,"portalId":61352,"position":null,"postBody":"\n\n\n\n <span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>documentaries about filmmaking</strong>.</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order):</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#lamancha\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#burden\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Burden of Dreams</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#finalcut\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven’s Gate</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#shining\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#americanmovie\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>American Movie</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#kidstays\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#easyriders\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tarkovsky\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#electric\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#cuttingedge\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"lamancha\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>1.<span> </span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/la-mancha.jpg\" alt=\"Lost in La Mancha\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p>Film critic Leonard Maltin has described <a href=\"https://geni.us/O6tZ\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Lost in La Mancha</i></span></a> (2002) [Amazon Link] as one of the best films about the process of moviemaking. A follow-up to this documentary, <a href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8591046/\"><span><i>He Dreams of Giants</i></span></a>, was released in 2019.</p>\n<p>Director Terry Gilliam had a very hard time making his Don Quixote movie, which he started on in 1989 and finally released in 2018 as <i>The Man Who Killed Don Quixote</i>. All the trials and tribulations associated with finally getting this movie made are documented in these documentaries, which stand on their own as fascinating documents of the filmmaking process.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"burden\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>2.<span> </span>Burden of Dreams</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/burden-of-dreams-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Burden of Dreams\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B019WMTVPG/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B019WMTVPG&amp;linkId=68c9a1709cbd3db6390ec3721845f7cc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Burden of Dreams</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 1982 \"making-of\" documentary film, shot during and about the chaotic production of Werner Herzog's film <i>Fitzcarraldo</i>.</p>\n<p>Filming on location in the jungles of Peru, the crew (unsurprisingly) experienced challenges with the extreme heat and other weather issues. Herzog’s determination to literally have a steamship manually pulled over a steep mountain also proved challenging – but it all makes for amusing viewing.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"finalcut\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>3.<span> </span>Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</h2>\n<p><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/heavens-gate.jpg\" alt=\"Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Director Michael Cimino's <i>Heaven's Gate</i> has been widely panned as among the worst box-office bombs – and to many, even one of the <i>worst movies</i> of all time, period – but its making-of documentary, on the other hand, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00F1BKSVY/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00F1BKSVY&amp;linkId=857eb86c55d55279d17ec51143314edb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], has been critically acclaimed. This doc is available as an extra on the <i>Heaven’s Gate</i> DVD (Disc Two - Bonus Features).</p>\n<p>The production faced numerous setbacks, including cost overruns, significant retakes, bad press, and rumours of Cimino's allegedly authoritarian directorial style. It’s all on display in this fascinating making-of doc – “warts and all”.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"shining\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>4.<span> </span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/room237-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Room 237 DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000I2J0W4/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B000I2J0W4&amp;linkId=de834ac7086ce095bc71fcdf5f00306d\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Making of \"The Shining\"</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 30-minute documentary directed by Stanley Kubrick's daughter Vivian. Kubrick fans will find this making-of doc particularly fascinating, as it includes footage of Kubrick actually directing on set. It is included as an extra on the regular movie DVD.</p>\n<p>Another related documentary is <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00D6I7CSQ/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00D6I7CSQ&amp;linkId=e4437f7d99ba4c0fc6bf2028b2357c5c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Room 237</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], which is an entertaining and often amusing exposition of the many interpretations of this much-discussed horror film.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"americanmovie\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/american-movie.jpg\" alt=\"American Movie DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></a></span>5.<span> </span>American Movie</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>American Movie</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a humorous document of the 1996–97 making of <i>Coven</i>, an independent horror film directed by American filmmaker Mark Borchardt.</p>\n<p><i>Coven</i> experienced numerous setbacks, including poor financing, a lack of planning, and overall ineptitude from the friends and family Borchardt hired as his production team. However, this often-comical ineptitude is what makes the movie funny and memorable.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"kidstays\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>6.<span> </span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/dL0V8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/kid-stays-picture-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"The Kid Stays in the Picture DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">The Kid Stays in the Picture</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is particularly important for any burgeoning (or established) film producers to watch, as this documentary focuses on the career of one of the most successful producers of all time, Robert Evans (produced <i>Rosemary's Baby, Love Story, The Godfather, Chinatown</i>, and others). All film producers can learn a lot from Evans’ storied career.</p>\n<p>This documentary utilizes Evans' narration interspersed mostly with photographs from Evans' life, brief film snippets, and interviews to tell the story of his film producing career.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"easyriders\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>7.<span> </span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/SJoZB0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/easy-riders.jpg\" alt=\"EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a documentary (based on the book by Peter Biskind) on 1970s Hollywood/the “American New Wave”, a period of American cinema known for the production of such films as <i>The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Chinatown, Taxi Driver, Jaws, Star Wars, The Exorcist</i>, and <i>The Last Picture Show</i>.</p>\n<p>It would make sense to watch this in conjunction with the aforementioned <i>The Kid Stays in the Picture</i>, since Bob Evans produced some of the notable ‘70s-era movies discussed in <i>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i>, including the masterpiece <i>Chinatown</i>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tarkovsky\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>8.<span> </span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/jgHuDlB\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/Sacrifice-Tarkovsky-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] follows this renowned Russian filmmaker as he was working on his final production, <i>The Sacrifice</i>. The documentary can be found on Disc Two of <i>The Sacrifice </i>DVD.</p>\n<p>This documentary includes some interesting interviews with Tarkovsky, and examines his meticulous creative process and uncompromising vision. The focus is not so much on Tarkovsky's career, but on the man himself – his thoughts, ideas and personality.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"electric\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>9.<span> </span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/wgWK89\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/electric-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Electric Boogaloo DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a funny documentary about Cannon Films, which produced mainly “B movies” from 1967 to 1994.</p>\n<p>This production company was known for creating “schlock” films but some cult classics also, including <i>Runaway Train</i> (1985), <i>The Delta Force</i> (1986) and Charles Bronson’s <i>Death Wish</i> series.</p>\n<p><i>Electric Boogaloo</i> pays tribute to this era of “schlock” filmmaking with a nostalgic look back that's arguably more entertaining than much of Cannon's own “B movie” product.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"cuttingedge\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span>10. </span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/cutting-edge.jpg\" alt=\"The Cutting Edge DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/qGSsXdl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] focuses on the underappreciated craft of movie editing. Kathy Bates narrates this history of the art of editing, punctuated by dozens of scenes to illustrate the power of editing in heightening reality and making a visceral impact on the viewer.</p>\n<p>Notable directors who make appearances in this documentary include James Cameron, Sean Penn, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Quentin Tarantino.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2>Get Film Insurance | Film Production Insurance | Filmmaking Insurance | Documentary Film Insurance</h2>\n<p>If you’re watching documentaries about filmmaking, chances are that you’re a filmmaker or planning to be one. And if you’re a filmmaker, you’ll want to consider insuring your valuable filmmaking gear and film productions. Consider Front Row Insurance:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/documentary-organization-of-canada-insurance-program\">Members of the Documentary Organization of Canada</a></span> (DOC) have exclusive access to an insurance program designed for Canadian documentary producers.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://shortshoot.frontrowinsurance.com/\">Short-Term Film Insurance</a></span> (Canada): provides coverage for up to 15 consecutive days of shooting, with no minimum premium. The coverage is available online 24/7. Covers rented gear, rented locations, rented props, sets, wardrobes, and more. Quotes are free.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://digigearinsure.frontrowinsurance.com/\">DigiGear Insurance</a></span> (Canada): custom equipment insurance for owners of: cameras, sound and lighting gear working in the film/TV industry. Also available online. Quotes in 2 minutes. Policy available in 5 minutes. Shop from your phone.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>US-based filmmakers can view <a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/usa\"><span>Front Row’s US policies here</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row has 51 staff in 8 offices that have a combined 530+ years of experience serving the film industry. Front Row is the largest film insurance broker in Canada. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for the lowest possible cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row ensures that clients receive the money they are owed per the insurance policy, as quickly as possible.</i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\" noopener\">THE BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS | TOP BOOKS ON FILMMAKING/VIDEOGRAPHY</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/top-20-filmmaking-youtube-channels\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE BEST YOUTUBE CHANNELS ON FILMMAKING</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/best-software-for-filmmakers\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE BEST SOFTWARE FOR FILMMAKERS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/best-music-documentaries-rockumentaries\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 10 BEST MUSIC DOCUMENTARIES / THE BEST ROCKUMENTARIES</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\" noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/20-best-podcasts-about-filmmaking\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 20 BEST PODCASTS ABOUT FILMMAKING</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://stories.frontrowinsurance.com/10-best-documentaries-about-filmmaking/\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Web Story: The best docs about filmmaking</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p></span>\n","postBodyRss":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>documentaries about filmmaking</strong>.</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order):</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#lamancha\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#burden\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Burden of Dreams</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#finalcut\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven’s Gate</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#shining\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#americanmovie\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>American Movie</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#kidstays\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#easyriders\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tarkovsky\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#electric\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#cuttingedge\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"lamancha\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>1.<span> </span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/la-mancha.jpg\" alt=\"Lost in La Mancha\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p>Film critic Leonard Maltin has described <a href=\"https://geni.us/O6tZ\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Lost in La Mancha</i></span></a> (2002) [Amazon Link] as one of the best films about the process of moviemaking. A follow-up to this documentary, <a href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8591046/\"><span><i>He Dreams of Giants</i></span></a>, was released in 2019.</p>\n<p>Director Terry Gilliam had a very hard time making his Don Quixote movie, which he started on in 1989 and finally released in 2018 as <i>The Man Who Killed Don Quixote</i>. All the trials and tribulations associated with finally getting this movie made are documented in these documentaries, which stand on their own as fascinating documents of the filmmaking process.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"burden\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>2.<span> </span>Burden of Dreams</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/burden-of-dreams-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Burden of Dreams\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B019WMTVPG/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B019WMTVPG&amp;linkId=68c9a1709cbd3db6390ec3721845f7cc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Burden of Dreams</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 1982 \"making-of\" documentary film, shot during and about the chaotic production of Werner Herzog's film <i>Fitzcarraldo</i>.</p>\n<p>Filming on location in the jungles of Peru, the crew (unsurprisingly) experienced challenges with the extreme heat and other weather issues. Herzog’s determination to literally have a steamship manually pulled over a steep mountain also proved challenging – but it all makes for amusing viewing.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"finalcut\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>3.<span> </span>Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</h2>\n<p><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/heavens-gate.jpg\" alt=\"Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Director Michael Cimino's <i>Heaven's Gate</i> has been widely panned as among the worst box-office bombs – and to many, even one of the <i>worst movies</i> of all time, period – but its making-of documentary, on the other hand, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00F1BKSVY/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00F1BKSVY&amp;linkId=857eb86c55d55279d17ec51143314edb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], has been critically acclaimed. This doc is available as an extra on the <i>Heaven’s Gate</i> DVD (Disc Two - Bonus Features).</p>\n<p>The production faced numerous setbacks, including cost overruns, significant retakes, bad press, and rumours of Cimino's allegedly authoritarian directorial style. It’s all on display in this fascinating making-of doc – “warts and all”.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"shining\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>4.<span> </span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/room237-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Room 237 DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000I2J0W4/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B000I2J0W4&amp;linkId=de834ac7086ce095bc71fcdf5f00306d\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Making of \"The Shining\"</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 30-minute documentary directed by Stanley Kubrick's daughter Vivian. Kubrick fans will find this making-of doc particularly fascinating, as it includes footage of Kubrick actually directing on set. It is included as an extra on the regular movie DVD.</p>\n<p>Another related documentary is <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00D6I7CSQ/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00D6I7CSQ&amp;linkId=e4437f7d99ba4c0fc6bf2028b2357c5c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Room 237</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], which is an entertaining and often amusing exposition of the many interpretations of this much-discussed horror film.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"americanmovie\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/american-movie.jpg\" alt=\"American Movie DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></a></span>5.<span> </span>American Movie</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>American Movie</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a humorous document of the 1996–97 making of <i>Coven</i>, an independent horror film directed by American filmmaker Mark Borchardt.</p>\n<p><i>Coven</i> experienced numerous setbacks, including poor financing, a lack of planning, and overall ineptitude from the friends and family Borchardt hired as his production team. However, this often-comical ineptitude is what makes the movie funny and memorable.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"kidstays\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>6.<span> </span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/dL0V8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/kid-stays-picture-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"The Kid Stays in the Picture DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">The Kid Stays in the Picture</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is particularly important for any burgeoning (or established) film producers to watch, as this documentary focuses on the career of one of the most successful producers of all time, Robert Evans (produced <i>Rosemary's Baby, Love Story, The Godfather, Chinatown</i>, and others). All film producers can learn a lot from Evans’ storied career.</p>\n<p>This documentary utilizes Evans' narration interspersed mostly with photographs from Evans' life, brief film snippets, and interviews to tell the story of his film producing career.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"easyriders\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>7.<span> </span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/SJoZB0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/easy-riders.jpg\" alt=\"EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a documentary (based on the book by Peter Biskind) on 1970s Hollywood/the “American New Wave”, a period of American cinema known for the production of such films as <i>The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Chinatown, Taxi Driver, Jaws, Star Wars, The Exorcist</i>, and <i>The Last Picture Show</i>.</p>\n<p>It would make sense to watch this in conjunction with the aforementioned <i>The Kid Stays in the Picture</i>, since Bob Evans produced some of the notable ‘70s-era movies discussed in <i>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i>, including the masterpiece <i>Chinatown</i>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tarkovsky\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>8.<span> </span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/jgHuDlB\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/Sacrifice-Tarkovsky-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] follows this renowned Russian filmmaker as he was working on his final production, <i>The Sacrifice</i>. The documentary can be found on Disc Two of <i>The Sacrifice </i>DVD.</p>\n<p>This documentary includes some interesting interviews with Tarkovsky, and examines his meticulous creative process and uncompromising vision. The focus is not so much on Tarkovsky's career, but on the man himself – his thoughts, ideas and personality.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"electric\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>9.<span> </span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/wgWK89\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/electric-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Electric Boogaloo DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a funny documentary about Cannon Films, which produced mainly “B movies” from 1967 to 1994.</p>\n<p>This production company was known for creating “schlock” films but some cult classics also, including <i>Runaway Train</i> (1985), <i>The Delta Force</i> (1986) and Charles Bronson’s <i>Death Wish</i> series.</p>\n<p><i>Electric Boogaloo</i> pays tribute to this era of “schlock” filmmaking with a nostalgic look back that's arguably more entertaining than much of Cannon's own “B movie” product.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"cuttingedge\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span>10. </span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/cutting-edge.jpg\" alt=\"The Cutting Edge DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/qGSsXdl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] focuses on the underappreciated craft of movie editing. Kathy Bates narrates this history of the art of editing, punctuated by dozens of scenes to illustrate the power of editing in heightening reality and making a visceral impact on the viewer.</p>\n<p>Notable directors who make appearances in this documentary include James Cameron, Sean Penn, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Quentin Tarantino.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2>Get Film Insurance | Film Production Insurance | Filmmaking Insurance | Documentary Film Insurance</h2>\n<p>If you’re watching documentaries about filmmaking, chances are that you’re a filmmaker or planning to be one. And if you’re a filmmaker, you’ll want to consider insuring your valuable filmmaking gear and film productions. Consider Front Row Insurance:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/documentary-organization-of-canada-insurance-program\">Members of the Documentary Organization of Canada</a></span> (DOC) have exclusive access to an insurance program designed for Canadian documentary producers.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://shortshoot.frontrowinsurance.com/\">Short-Term Film Insurance</a></span> (Canada): provides coverage for up to 15 consecutive days of shooting, with no minimum premium. The coverage is available online 24/7. Covers rented gear, rented locations, rented props, sets, wardrobes, and more. Quotes are free.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://digigearinsure.frontrowinsurance.com/\">DigiGear Insurance</a></span> (Canada): custom equipment insurance for owners of: cameras, sound and lighting gear working in the film/TV industry. Also available online. Quotes in 2 minutes. Policy available in 5 minutes. Shop from your phone.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>US-based filmmakers can view <a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/usa\"><span>Front Row’s US policies here</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row has 51 staff in 8 offices that have a combined 530+ years of experience serving the film industry. Front Row is the largest film insurance broker in Canada. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for the lowest possible cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row ensures that clients receive the money they are owed per the insurance policy, as quickly as possible.</i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\" noopener\">THE BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS | TOP BOOKS ON FILMMAKING/VIDEOGRAPHY</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/top-20-filmmaking-youtube-channels\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE BEST YOUTUBE CHANNELS ON FILMMAKING</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/best-software-for-filmmakers\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE BEST SOFTWARE FOR FILMMAKERS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/best-music-documentaries-rockumentaries\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 10 BEST MUSIC DOCUMENTARIES / THE BEST ROCKUMENTARIES</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\" noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/20-best-podcasts-about-filmmaking\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 20 BEST PODCASTS ABOUT FILMMAKING</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://stories.frontrowinsurance.com/10-best-documentaries-about-filmmaking/\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Web Story: The best docs about filmmaking</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p>","postEmailContent":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>documentaries about filmmaking</strong>.</p>","postFeaturedImageIfEnabled":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/la-mancha-kid-stays-forweb600x400.jpg","postListContent":"\n\n\n\n <span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>documentaries about filmmaking</strong>.</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order):</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#lamancha\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#burden\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Burden of Dreams</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#finalcut\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven’s Gate</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#shining\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#americanmovie\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>American Movie</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#kidstays\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#easyriders\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tarkovsky\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#electric\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#cuttingedge\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"lamancha\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>1.<span> </span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/la-mancha.jpg\" alt=\"Lost in La Mancha\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p>Film critic Leonard Maltin has described <a href=\"https://geni.us/O6tZ\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Lost in La Mancha</i></span></a> (2002) [Amazon Link] as one of the best films about the process of moviemaking. A follow-up to this documentary, <a href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8591046/\"><span><i>He Dreams of Giants</i></span></a>, was released in 2019.</p>\n<p>Director Terry Gilliam had a very hard time making his Don Quixote movie, which he started on in 1989 and finally released in 2018 as <i>The Man Who Killed Don Quixote</i>. All the trials and tribulations associated with finally getting this movie made are documented in these documentaries, which stand on their own as fascinating documents of the filmmaking process.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"burden\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>2.<span> </span>Burden of Dreams</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/burden-of-dreams-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Burden of Dreams\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B019WMTVPG/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B019WMTVPG&amp;linkId=68c9a1709cbd3db6390ec3721845f7cc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Burden of Dreams</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 1982 \"making-of\" documentary film, shot during and about the chaotic production of Werner Herzog's film <i>Fitzcarraldo</i>.</p>\n<p>Filming on location in the jungles of Peru, the crew (unsurprisingly) experienced challenges with the extreme heat and other weather issues. Herzog’s determination to literally have a steamship manually pulled over a steep mountain also proved challenging – but it all makes for amusing viewing.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"finalcut\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>3.<span> </span>Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</h2>\n<p><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/heavens-gate.jpg\" alt=\"Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Director Michael Cimino's <i>Heaven's Gate</i> has been widely panned as among the worst box-office bombs – and to many, even one of the <i>worst movies</i> of all time, period – but its making-of documentary, on the other hand, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00F1BKSVY/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00F1BKSVY&amp;linkId=857eb86c55d55279d17ec51143314edb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], has been critically acclaimed. This doc is available as an extra on the <i>Heaven’s Gate</i> DVD (Disc Two - Bonus Features).</p>\n<p>The production faced numerous setbacks, including cost overruns, significant retakes, bad press, and rumours of Cimino's allegedly authoritarian directorial style. It’s all on display in this fascinating making-of doc – “warts and all”.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"shining\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>4.<span> </span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/room237-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Room 237 DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000I2J0W4/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B000I2J0W4&amp;linkId=de834ac7086ce095bc71fcdf5f00306d\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Making of \"The Shining\"</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 30-minute documentary directed by Stanley Kubrick's daughter Vivian. Kubrick fans will find this making-of doc particularly fascinating, as it includes footage of Kubrick actually directing on set. It is included as an extra on the regular movie DVD.</p>\n<p>Another related documentary is <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00D6I7CSQ/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00D6I7CSQ&amp;linkId=e4437f7d99ba4c0fc6bf2028b2357c5c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Room 237</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], which is an entertaining and often amusing exposition of the many interpretations of this much-discussed horror film.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"americanmovie\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/american-movie.jpg\" alt=\"American Movie DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></a></span>5.<span> </span>American Movie</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>American Movie</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a humorous document of the 1996–97 making of <i>Coven</i>, an independent horror film directed by American filmmaker Mark Borchardt.</p>\n<p><i>Coven</i> experienced numerous setbacks, including poor financing, a lack of planning, and overall ineptitude from the friends and family Borchardt hired as his production team. However, this often-comical ineptitude is what makes the movie funny and memorable.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"kidstays\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>6.<span> </span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/dL0V8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/kid-stays-picture-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"The Kid Stays in the Picture DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">The Kid Stays in the Picture</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is particularly important for any burgeoning (or established) film producers to watch, as this documentary focuses on the career of one of the most successful producers of all time, Robert Evans (produced <i>Rosemary's Baby, Love Story, The Godfather, Chinatown</i>, and others). All film producers can learn a lot from Evans’ storied career.</p>\n<p>This documentary utilizes Evans' narration interspersed mostly with photographs from Evans' life, brief film snippets, and interviews to tell the story of his film producing career.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"easyriders\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>7.<span> </span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/SJoZB0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/easy-riders.jpg\" alt=\"EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a documentary (based on the book by Peter Biskind) on 1970s Hollywood/the “American New Wave”, a period of American cinema known for the production of such films as <i>The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Chinatown, Taxi Driver, Jaws, Star Wars, The Exorcist</i>, and <i>The Last Picture Show</i>.</p>\n<p>It would make sense to watch this in conjunction with the aforementioned <i>The Kid Stays in the Picture</i>, since Bob Evans produced some of the notable ‘70s-era movies discussed in <i>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i>, including the masterpiece <i>Chinatown</i>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tarkovsky\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>8.<span> </span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/jgHuDlB\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/Sacrifice-Tarkovsky-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] follows this renowned Russian filmmaker as he was working on his final production, <i>The Sacrifice</i>. The documentary can be found on Disc Two of <i>The Sacrifice </i>DVD.</p>\n<p>This documentary includes some interesting interviews with Tarkovsky, and examines his meticulous creative process and uncompromising vision. The focus is not so much on Tarkovsky's career, but on the man himself – his thoughts, ideas and personality.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"electric\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>9.<span> </span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/wgWK89\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/electric-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Electric Boogaloo DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a funny documentary about Cannon Films, which produced mainly “B movies” from 1967 to 1994.</p>\n<p>This production company was known for creating “schlock” films but some cult classics also, including <i>Runaway Train</i> (1985), <i>The Delta Force</i> (1986) and Charles Bronson’s <i>Death Wish</i> series.</p>\n<p><i>Electric Boogaloo</i> pays tribute to this era of “schlock” filmmaking with a nostalgic look back that's arguably more entertaining than much of Cannon's own “B movie” product.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"cuttingedge\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span>10. </span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/cutting-edge.jpg\" alt=\"The Cutting Edge DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/qGSsXdl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] focuses on the underappreciated craft of movie editing. Kathy Bates narrates this history of the art of editing, punctuated by dozens of scenes to illustrate the power of editing in heightening reality and making a visceral impact on the viewer.</p>\n<p>Notable directors who make appearances in this documentary include James Cameron, Sean Penn, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Quentin Tarantino.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2>Get Film Insurance | Film Production Insurance | Filmmaking Insurance | Documentary Film Insurance</h2>\n<p>If you’re watching documentaries about filmmaking, chances are that you’re a filmmaker or planning to be one. And if you’re a filmmaker, you’ll want to consider insuring your valuable filmmaking gear and film productions. Consider Front Row Insurance:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/documentary-organization-of-canada-insurance-program\">Members of the Documentary Organization of Canada</a></span> (DOC) have exclusive access to an insurance program designed for Canadian documentary producers.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://shortshoot.frontrowinsurance.com/\">Short-Term Film Insurance</a></span> (Canada): provides coverage for up to 15 consecutive days of shooting, with no minimum premium. The coverage is available online 24/7. Covers rented gear, rented locations, rented props, sets, wardrobes, and more. Quotes are free.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://digigearinsure.frontrowinsurance.com/\">DigiGear Insurance</a></span> (Canada): custom equipment insurance for owners of: cameras, sound and lighting gear working in the film/TV industry. Also available online. Quotes in 2 minutes. Policy available in 5 minutes. Shop from your phone.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>US-based filmmakers can view <a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/usa\"><span>Front Row’s US policies here</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row has 51 staff in 8 offices that have a combined 530+ years of experience serving the film industry. Front Row is the largest film insurance broker in Canada. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for the lowest possible cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row ensures that clients receive the money they are owed per the insurance policy, as quickly as possible.</i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\" noopener\">THE BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS | TOP BOOKS ON FILMMAKING/VIDEOGRAPHY</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/top-20-filmmaking-youtube-channels\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE BEST YOUTUBE CHANNELS ON FILMMAKING</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/best-software-for-filmmakers\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE BEST SOFTWARE FOR FILMMAKERS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/best-music-documentaries-rockumentaries\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 10 BEST MUSIC DOCUMENTARIES / THE BEST ROCKUMENTARIES</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\" noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/20-best-podcasts-about-filmmaking\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 20 BEST PODCASTS ABOUT FILMMAKING</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://stories.frontrowinsurance.com/10-best-documentaries-about-filmmaking/\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Web Story: The best docs about filmmaking</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p></span>\n","postListSummaryFeaturedImage":"","postRssContent":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>documentaries about filmmaking</strong>.</p>","postRssSummaryFeaturedImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/la-mancha-kid-stays-forweb600x400.jpg","postSummary":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>documentaries about filmmaking</strong>.</p>\n","postSummaryRss":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>documentaries about filmmaking</strong>.</p>","postTemplate":"prox_frontrow/templates/blog/blog-post.html","previewImageSrc":null,"previewKey":"PPBhfOzA","previousPostFeaturedImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Filmmaking%20Schools/ryerson-image-arts-shutterstock_789206398-forweb600.jpg","previousPostFeaturedImageAltText":"TMU School of Image Arts: Top Film Schools in Canada","previousPostName":"The Best Filmmaking Schools in Canada / Top Film Schools in Canada","previousPostSlug":"articles/best-filmmaking-schools-in-canada","processingStatus":"PUBLISHED","propertyForDynamicPageCanonicalUrl":null,"propertyForDynamicPageFeaturedImage":null,"propertyForDynamicPageMetaDescription":null,"propertyForDynamicPageSlug":null,"propertyForDynamicPageTitle":null,"publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"publishDate":1600091544000,"publishDateLocalTime":1600091544000,"publishDateLocalized":{"date":1600091544000,"format":"medium","language":"en_US"},"publishImmediately":true,"publishTimezoneOffset":null,"publishedAt":1649095301787,"publishedByEmail":null,"publishedById":7915797,"publishedByName":null,"publishedUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/10-best-documentaries-about-filmmaking","resolvedDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","resolvedLanguage":null,"rssBody":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>documentaries about filmmaking</strong>.</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order):</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#lamancha\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#burden\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Burden of Dreams</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#finalcut\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven’s Gate</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#shining\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#americanmovie\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>American Movie</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#kidstays\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#easyriders\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tarkovsky\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#electric\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#cuttingedge\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"lamancha\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>1.<span> </span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/la-mancha.jpg\" alt=\"Lost in La Mancha\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p>Film critic Leonard Maltin has described <a href=\"https://geni.us/O6tZ\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Lost in La Mancha</i></span></a> (2002) [Amazon Link] as one of the best films about the process of moviemaking. A follow-up to this documentary, <a href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8591046/\"><span><i>He Dreams of Giants</i></span></a>, was released in 2019.</p>\n<p>Director Terry Gilliam had a very hard time making his Don Quixote movie, which he started on in 1989 and finally released in 2018 as <i>The Man Who Killed Don Quixote</i>. All the trials and tribulations associated with finally getting this movie made are documented in these documentaries, which stand on their own as fascinating documents of the filmmaking process.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"burden\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>2.<span> </span>Burden of Dreams</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/burden-of-dreams-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Burden of Dreams\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B019WMTVPG/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B019WMTVPG&amp;linkId=68c9a1709cbd3db6390ec3721845f7cc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Burden of Dreams</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 1982 \"making-of\" documentary film, shot during and about the chaotic production of Werner Herzog's film <i>Fitzcarraldo</i>.</p>\n<p>Filming on location in the jungles of Peru, the crew (unsurprisingly) experienced challenges with the extreme heat and other weather issues. Herzog’s determination to literally have a steamship manually pulled over a steep mountain also proved challenging – but it all makes for amusing viewing.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"finalcut\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>3.<span> </span>Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</h2>\n<p><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/heavens-gate.jpg\" alt=\"Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Director Michael Cimino's <i>Heaven's Gate</i> has been widely panned as among the worst box-office bombs – and to many, even one of the <i>worst movies</i> of all time, period – but its making-of documentary, on the other hand, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00F1BKSVY/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00F1BKSVY&amp;linkId=857eb86c55d55279d17ec51143314edb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], has been critically acclaimed. This doc is available as an extra on the <i>Heaven’s Gate</i> DVD (Disc Two - Bonus Features).</p>\n<p>The production faced numerous setbacks, including cost overruns, significant retakes, bad press, and rumours of Cimino's allegedly authoritarian directorial style. It’s all on display in this fascinating making-of doc – “warts and all”.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"shining\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>4.<span> </span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/room237-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Room 237 DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000I2J0W4/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B000I2J0W4&amp;linkId=de834ac7086ce095bc71fcdf5f00306d\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Making of \"The Shining\"</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 30-minute documentary directed by Stanley Kubrick's daughter Vivian. Kubrick fans will find this making-of doc particularly fascinating, as it includes footage of Kubrick actually directing on set. It is included as an extra on the regular movie DVD.</p>\n<p>Another related documentary is <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00D6I7CSQ/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00D6I7CSQ&amp;linkId=e4437f7d99ba4c0fc6bf2028b2357c5c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Room 237</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], which is an entertaining and often amusing exposition of the many interpretations of this much-discussed horror film.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"americanmovie\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/american-movie.jpg\" alt=\"American Movie DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></a></span>5.<span> </span>American Movie</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>American Movie</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a humorous document of the 1996–97 making of <i>Coven</i>, an independent horror film directed by American filmmaker Mark Borchardt.</p>\n<p><i>Coven</i> experienced numerous setbacks, including poor financing, a lack of planning, and overall ineptitude from the friends and family Borchardt hired as his production team. However, this often-comical ineptitude is what makes the movie funny and memorable.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"kidstays\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>6.<span> </span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/dL0V8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/kid-stays-picture-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"The Kid Stays in the Picture DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">The Kid Stays in the Picture</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is particularly important for any burgeoning (or established) film producers to watch, as this documentary focuses on the career of one of the most successful producers of all time, Robert Evans (produced <i>Rosemary's Baby, Love Story, The Godfather, Chinatown</i>, and others). All film producers can learn a lot from Evans’ storied career.</p>\n<p>This documentary utilizes Evans' narration interspersed mostly with photographs from Evans' life, brief film snippets, and interviews to tell the story of his film producing career.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"easyriders\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>7.<span> </span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/SJoZB0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/easy-riders.jpg\" alt=\"EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a documentary (based on the book by Peter Biskind) on 1970s Hollywood/the “American New Wave”, a period of American cinema known for the production of such films as <i>The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Chinatown, Taxi Driver, Jaws, Star Wars, The Exorcist</i>, and <i>The Last Picture Show</i>.</p>\n<p>It would make sense to watch this in conjunction with the aforementioned <i>The Kid Stays in the Picture</i>, since Bob Evans produced some of the notable ‘70s-era movies discussed in <i>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i>, including the masterpiece <i>Chinatown</i>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tarkovsky\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>8.<span> </span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/jgHuDlB\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/Sacrifice-Tarkovsky-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] follows this renowned Russian filmmaker as he was working on his final production, <i>The Sacrifice</i>. The documentary can be found on Disc Two of <i>The Sacrifice </i>DVD.</p>\n<p>This documentary includes some interesting interviews with Tarkovsky, and examines his meticulous creative process and uncompromising vision. The focus is not so much on Tarkovsky's career, but on the man himself – his thoughts, ideas and personality.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"electric\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>9.<span> </span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/wgWK89\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/electric-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Electric Boogaloo DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a funny documentary about Cannon Films, which produced mainly “B movies” from 1967 to 1994.</p>\n<p>This production company was known for creating “schlock” films but some cult classics also, including <i>Runaway Train</i> (1985), <i>The Delta Force</i> (1986) and Charles Bronson’s <i>Death Wish</i> series.</p>\n<p><i>Electric Boogaloo</i> pays tribute to this era of “schlock” filmmaking with a nostalgic look back that's arguably more entertaining than much of Cannon's own “B movie” product.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"cuttingedge\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span>10. </span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/cutting-edge.jpg\" alt=\"The Cutting Edge DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/qGSsXdl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] focuses on the underappreciated craft of movie editing. Kathy Bates narrates this history of the art of editing, punctuated by dozens of scenes to illustrate the power of editing in heightening reality and making a visceral impact on the viewer.</p>\n<p>Notable directors who make appearances in this documentary include James Cameron, Sean Penn, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Quentin Tarantino.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2>Get Film Insurance | Film Production Insurance | Filmmaking Insurance | Documentary Film Insurance</h2>\n<p>If you’re watching documentaries about filmmaking, chances are that you’re a filmmaker or planning to be one. And if you’re a filmmaker, you’ll want to consider insuring your valuable filmmaking gear and film productions. Consider Front Row Insurance:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/documentary-organization-of-canada-insurance-program\">Members of the Documentary Organization of Canada</a></span> (DOC) have exclusive access to an insurance program designed for Canadian documentary producers.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://shortshoot.frontrowinsurance.com/\">Short-Term Film Insurance</a></span> (Canada): provides coverage for up to 15 consecutive days of shooting, with no minimum premium. The coverage is available online 24/7. Covers rented gear, rented locations, rented props, sets, wardrobes, and more. Quotes are free.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://digigearinsure.frontrowinsurance.com/\">DigiGear Insurance</a></span> (Canada): custom equipment insurance for owners of: cameras, sound and lighting gear working in the film/TV industry. Also available online. Quotes in 2 minutes. Policy available in 5 minutes. Shop from your phone.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>US-based filmmakers can view <a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/usa\"><span>Front Row’s US policies here</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row has 51 staff in 8 offices that have a combined 530+ years of experience serving the film industry. Front Row is the largest film insurance broker in Canada. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for the lowest possible cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row ensures that clients receive the money they are owed per the insurance policy, as quickly as possible.</i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\" noopener\">THE BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS | TOP BOOKS ON FILMMAKING/VIDEOGRAPHY</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/top-20-filmmaking-youtube-channels\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE BEST YOUTUBE CHANNELS ON FILMMAKING</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/best-software-for-filmmakers\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE BEST SOFTWARE FOR FILMMAKERS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/best-music-documentaries-rockumentaries\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 10 BEST MUSIC DOCUMENTARIES / THE BEST ROCKUMENTARIES</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\" noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/20-best-podcasts-about-filmmaking\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\">THE 20 BEST PODCASTS ABOUT FILMMAKING</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://stories.frontrowinsurance.com/10-best-documentaries-about-filmmaking/\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Web Story: The best docs about filmmaking</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p>","rssSummary":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>documentaries about filmmaking</strong>.</p>\n","rssSummaryFeaturedImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/la-mancha-kid-stays-forweb600x400.jpg","scheduledUpdateDate":0,"screenshotPreviewTakenAt":1649095301960,"screenshotPreviewUrl":"https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubshot/22/04/04/d1cdbbe3-84bc-4f59-87ab-1a78fcdb56cd.png","sections":{},"securityState":"NONE","siteId":null,"slug":"articles/10-best-documentaries-about-filmmaking","stagedFrom":null,"state":"PUBLISHED","stateWhenDeleted":null,"styleOverrideId":null,"subcategory":"normal_blog_post","syncedWithBlogRoot":true,"tagIds":[949708709,949709454,4153051246,30486043401],"tagList":[{"categoryId":0,"cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"contentIds":[],"cosObjectType":"TAG","created":1401901709000,"deletedAt":0,"description":"","id":949708709,"label":"Short film 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about filmmaking</strong>.</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order):</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#lamancha\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#burden\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Burden of Dreams</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#finalcut\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven’s Gate</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#shining\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#americanmovie\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>American Movie</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#kidstays\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#easyriders\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tarkovsky\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#electric\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#cuttingedge\" rel=\" noopener\"><span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"lamancha\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>1.<span> </span>Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/la-mancha.jpg\" alt=\"Lost in La Mancha\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p>Film critic Leonard Maltin has described <a href=\"https://geni.us/O6tZ\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Lost in La Mancha</i></span></a> (2002) [Amazon Link] as one of the best films about the process of moviemaking. A follow-up to this documentary, <a href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8591046/\"><span><i>He Dreams of Giants</i></span></a>, was released in 2019.</p>\n<p>Director Terry Gilliam had a very hard time making his Don Quixote movie, which he started on in 1989 and finally released in 2018 as <i>The Man Who Killed Don Quixote</i>. All the trials and tribulations associated with finally getting this movie made are documented in these documentaries, which stand on their own as fascinating documents of the filmmaking process.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"burden\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>2.<span> </span>Burden of Dreams</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/burden-of-dreams-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Burden of Dreams\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B019WMTVPG/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B019WMTVPG&amp;linkId=68c9a1709cbd3db6390ec3721845f7cc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Burden of Dreams</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 1982 \"making-of\" documentary film, shot during and about the chaotic production of Werner Herzog's film <i>Fitzcarraldo</i>.</p>\n<p>Filming on location in the jungles of Peru, the crew (unsurprisingly) experienced challenges with the extreme heat and other weather issues. Herzog’s determination to literally have a steamship manually pulled over a steep mountain also proved challenging – but it all makes for amusing viewing.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"finalcut\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>3.<span> </span>Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</h2>\n<p><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/heavens-gate.jpg\" alt=\"Final Cut: The Making &amp; Unmaking of Heaven's Gate\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Director Michael Cimino's <i>Heaven's Gate</i> has been widely panned as among the worst box-office bombs – and to many, even one of the <i>worst movies</i> of all time, period – but its making-of documentary, on the other hand, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00F1BKSVY/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00F1BKSVY&amp;linkId=857eb86c55d55279d17ec51143314edb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven's Gate</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], has been critically acclaimed. This documentary is available as an extra on the <i>Heaven’s Gate</i> DVD (Disc Two - Bonus Features).</p>\n<p>The production faced numerous setbacks, including cost overruns, significant retakes, bad press, and rumours of Cimino's allegedly authoritarian directorial style. It’s all on display in this fascinating making-of doc – “warts and all”.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"shining\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>4.<span> </span>The Making of \"The Shining\" / Room 237</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/room237-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Room 237 DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000I2J0W4/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B000I2J0W4&amp;linkId=de834ac7086ce095bc71fcdf5f00306d\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Making of \"The Shining\"</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a 30-minute documentary directed by Stanley Kubrick's daughter Vivian. Kubrick fans will find this making-of doc particularly fascinating, as it includes footage of Kubrick actually directing on set. It is included as an extra on the regular movie DVD.</p>\n<p>Another related documentary is <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00D6I7CSQ/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00D6I7CSQ&amp;linkId=e4437f7d99ba4c0fc6bf2028b2357c5c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Room 237</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], which is an entertaining and often amusing exposition of the many interpretations of this much-discussed horror film.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"americanmovie\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/american-movie.jpg\" alt=\"American Movie DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i></a></span>5.<span> </span>American Movie</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/bSAJpq\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>American Movie</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a humorous document of the 1996–97 making of <i>Coven</i>, an independent horror film directed by American filmmaker Mark Borchardt.</p>\n<p><i>Coven</i> experienced numerous setbacks, including poor financing, a lack of planning, and overall ineptitude from the friends and family Borchardt hired as his production team. However, this often-comical ineptitude is what makes the movie funny and memorable.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"kidstays\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>6.<span> </span>The Kid Stays in the Picture</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/dL0V8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/kid-stays-picture-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"The Kid Stays in the Picture DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">The Kid Stays in the Picture</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is particularly important for any burgeoning (or established) film producers to watch, as this documentary focuses on the career of one of the most successful producers of all time, Robert Evans (produced <i>Rosemary's Baby, Love Story, The Godfather, Chinatown</i>, and others). All film producers can learn a lot from Evans’ storied career.</p>\n<p>This documentary utilizes Evans' narration interspersed mostly with photographs from Evans' life, brief film snippets, and interviews to tell the story of his film producing career.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"easyriders\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>7.<span> </span>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/SJoZB0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/easy-riders.jpg\" alt=\"EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a documentary (based on the book by Peter Biskind) on 1970s Hollywood/the “American New Wave”, a period of American cinema known for the production of such films as <i>The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Chinatown, Taxi Driver, Jaws, Star Wars, The Exorcist</i>, and <i>The Last Picture Show</i>.</p>\n<p>It would make sense to watch this in conjunction with the aforementioned <i>The Kid Stays in the Picture</i>, since Bob Evans produced some of the notable ‘70s-era movies discussed in <i>Easy Riders, Raging Bulls</i>, including the masterpiece <i>Chinatown</i>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tarkovsky\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>8.<span> </span>Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/jgHuDlB\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/Sacrifice-Tarkovsky-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] follows this renowned Russian filmmaker as he was working on his final production, <i>The Sacrifice</i>. The documentary can be found on Disc Two of <i>The Sacrifice </i>DVD.</p>\n<p>This documentary includes some interesting interviews with Tarkovsky, and examines his meticulous creative process and uncompromising vision. The focus is not so much on Tarkovsky's career, but on the man himself – his thoughts, ideas and personality.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"electric\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>9.<span> </span>Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/wgWK89\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/electric-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Electric Boogaloo DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a funny documentary about Cannon Films, which produced mainly “B movies” from 1967 to 1994.</p>\n<p>This production company was known for creating “schlock” films but some cult classics also, including <i>Runaway Train</i> (1985), <i>The Delta Force</i> (1986) and Charles Bronson’s <i>Death Wish</i> series.</p>\n<p><i>Electric Boogaloo</i> pays tribute to this era of “schlock” filmmaking with a nostalgic look back that's arguably more entertaining than much of Cannon's own “B movie” product.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"cuttingedge\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><span>10. </span>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</h2>\n<p><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Documentaries%20about%20Filmmaking/cutting-edge.jpg\" alt=\"The Cutting Edge DVD\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i><span><a href=\"https://geni.us/qGSsXdl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] focuses on the underappreciated craft of movie editing. Kathy Bates narrates this history of the art of editing, punctuated by dozens of scenes to illustrate the power of editing in heightening reality and making a visceral impact on the viewer.</p>\n<p>Notable directors who make appearances in this documentary include James Cameron, Sean Penn, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Quentin Tarantino.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2>Get Film Insurance | Film Production Insurance | Filmmaking Insurance | Documentary Film Insurance</h2>\n<p>If you’re watching documentaries about filmmaking, chances are that you’re a filmmaker or planning to be one. And if you’re a filmmaker, you’ll want to consider insuring your valuable filmmaking gear and film productions. Consider Front Row Insurance:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/documentary-organization-of-canada-insurance-program\">Members of the Documentary Organization of Canada</a></span> (DOC) have exclusive access to an insurance program designed for Canadian documentary producers.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://shortshoot.frontrowinsurance.com/\">Short-Term Film Insurance</a></span> (Canada): provides coverage for up to 15 consecutive days of shooting, with no minimum premium. The coverage is available online 24/7. Covers rented gear, rented locations, rented props, sets, wardrobes, and more. Quotes are free.</li>\n<li><span><a href=\"https://digigearinsure.frontrowinsurance.com/\">DigiGear Insurance</a></span> (Canada): custom equipment insurance for owners of: cameras, sound and lighting gear working in the film/TV industry. Also available online. Quotes in 2 minutes. Policy available in 5 minutes. Shop from your phone.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>US-based filmmakers can view <a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/usa\"><span>Front Row’s US policies here</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row has 51 staff in 8 offices that have a combined 530+ years of experience serving the film industry. Front Row is the largest film insurance broker in Canada. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for the lowest possible cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row ensures that clients receive the money they are owed per the insurance policy, as quickly as possible.</i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\" noopener\">THE 10 BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS | TOP BOOKS ON FILMMAKING / VIDEOGRAPHY</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\" noopener\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p>"},"deleted_at":1604936332170,"id":"post_body","label":"Blog Content","name":"post_body","type":"rich_text"}}}

10 Best Documentaries about Filmmaking / Best Movies about Filmmaking

10 Best Documentaries about Filmmaking / Best Movies about Filmmaking

Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 documentaries about filmmaking.

(in no particular order):

  1. Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants
  2. Burden of Dreams
  3. Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven’s Gate
  4. The Making of "The Shining" / Room 237
  5. American Movie
  6. The Kid Stays in the Picture
  7. Easy Riders, Raging Bulls
  8. Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky
  9. Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films
  10. The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing

 

1. Lost in La Mancha / He Dreams of Giants

Lost in La Mancha

Film critic Leonard Maltin has described Lost in La Mancha (2002) [Amazon Link] as one of the best films about the process of moviemaking. A follow-up to this documentary, He Dreams of Giants, was released in 2019.

Director Terry Gilliam had a very hard time making his Don Quixote movie, which he started on in 1989 and finally released in 2018 as The Man Who Killed Don Quixote. All the trials and tribulations associated with finally getting this movie made are documented in these documentaries, which stand on their own as fascinating documents of the filmmaking process.

 

2. Burden of Dreams

Burden of Dreams

Burden of Dreams [Amazon Link] is a 1982 "making-of" documentary film, shot during and about the chaotic production of Werner Herzog's film Fitzcarraldo.

Filming on location in the jungles of Peru, the crew (unsurprisingly) experienced challenges with the extreme heat and other weather issues. Herzog’s determination to literally have a steamship manually pulled over a steep mountain also proved challenging – but it all makes for amusing viewing.

 

3. Final Cut: The Making & Unmaking of Heaven's Gate

Final Cut: The Making & Unmaking of Heaven's GateDirector Michael Cimino's Heaven's Gate has been widely panned as among the worst box-office bombs – and to many, even one of the worst movies of all time, period – but its making-of documentary, on the other hand, Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven's Gate [Amazon Link], has been critically acclaimed. This doc is available as an extra on the Heaven’s Gate DVD (Disc Two - Bonus Features).

The production faced numerous setbacks, including cost overruns, significant retakes, bad press, and rumours of Cimino's allegedly authoritarian directorial style. It’s all on display in this fascinating making-of doc – “warts and all”.

 

4. The Making of "The Shining" / Room 237

Room 237 DVD

The Making of "The Shining" [Amazon Link] is a 30-minute documentary directed by Stanley Kubrick's daughter Vivian. Kubrick fans will find this making-of doc particularly fascinating, as it includes footage of Kubrick actually directing on set. It is included as an extra on the regular movie DVD.

Another related documentary is Room 237 [Amazon Link], which is an entertaining and often amusing exposition of the many interpretations of this much-discussed horror film.

 

American Movie DVD5. American Movie

American Movie [Amazon Link] is a humorous document of the 1996–97 making of Coven, an independent horror film directed by American filmmaker Mark Borchardt.

Coven experienced numerous setbacks, including poor financing, a lack of planning, and overall ineptitude from the friends and family Borchardt hired as his production team. However, this often-comical ineptitude is what makes the movie funny and memorable.

 

6. The Kid Stays in the Picture

The Kid Stays in the Picture DVDThe Kid Stays in the Picture [Amazon Link] is particularly important for any burgeoning (or established) film producers to watch, as this documentary focuses on the career of one of the most successful producers of all time, Robert Evans (produced Rosemary's Baby, Love Story, The Godfather, Chinatown, and others). All film producers can learn a lot from Evans’ storied career.

This documentary utilizes Evans' narration interspersed mostly with photographs from Evans' life, brief film snippets, and interviews to tell the story of his film producing career.

 

7. Easy Riders, Raging Bulls

EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS DVDEasy Riders, Raging Bulls [Amazon Link] is a documentary (based on the book by Peter Biskind) on 1970s Hollywood/the “American New Wave”, a period of American cinema known for the production of such films as The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Chinatown, Taxi Driver, Jaws, Star Wars, The Exorcist, and The Last Picture Show.

It would make sense to watch this in conjunction with the aforementioned The Kid Stays in the Picture, since Bob Evans produced some of the notable ‘70s-era movies discussed in Easy Riders, Raging Bulls, including the masterpiece Chinatown.

 

8. Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky

Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky DVDDirected by Andrei Tarkovsky [Amazon Link] follows this renowned Russian filmmaker as he was working on his final production, The Sacrifice. The documentary can be found on Disc Two of The Sacrifice DVD.

This documentary includes some interesting interviews with Tarkovsky, and examines his meticulous creative process and uncompromising vision. The focus is not so much on Tarkovsky's career, but on the man himself – his thoughts, ideas and personality.

 

9. Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films

Electric Boogaloo DVDElectric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films [Amazon Link] is a funny documentary about Cannon Films, which produced mainly “B movies” from 1967 to 1994.

This production company was known for creating “schlock” films but some cult classics also, including Runaway Train (1985), The Delta Force (1986) and Charles Bronson’s Death Wish series.

Electric Boogaloo pays tribute to this era of “schlock” filmmaking with a nostalgic look back that's arguably more entertaining than much of Cannon's own “B movie” product.

 

10. The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing

The Cutting Edge DVDThe Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing [Amazon Link] focuses on the underappreciated craft of movie editing. Kathy Bates narrates this history of the art of editing, punctuated by dozens of scenes to illustrate the power of editing in heightening reality and making a visceral impact on the viewer.

Notable directors who make appearances in this documentary include James Cameron, Sean Penn, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Quentin Tarantino.

 

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