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Netflix Drops 4 Comedy Icon Docs in October
23 Oct
Summary
- Four biographical documentaries on comedy icons premiered in October.
- Directors Judd Apatow and Neil Berkeley used unique filmmaking approaches.
- Netflix's Ted Sarandos has a personal connection to two subjects.
Netflix premiered four biographical documentaries in October, each celebrating a unique comedy icon: Martin Mull, Norm Macdonald, Maria Bamford, and SCTV.
Filmmakers Judd Apatow and Neil Berkeley employed distinct directorial styles. Apatow often includes himself in his documentaries to enhance personal connection, as seen in Maria Bamford's film. Berkeley, conversely, prefers to remain behind the camera, focusing entirely on the subject.
"Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald" utilized a found-footage approach due to Macdonald's nature as an unreliable narrator, and his passing in 2021 necessitated this format. The film's brilliance, according to Berkeley, lies in its ability to feel like Norm himself.
Netflix's VP of Original Documentaries, Adam Del Deo, highlighted the importance of trust and intimacy between filmmakers and subjects for authenticity. He noted that Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos's strong affinity for Bamford's comedy played a role in her documentary's path to the platform.
Sarandos's support was also crucial for the Martin Mull documentary, "Who Is Martin Mull?" His personal connection to Mull, dating back to a high school concert, spurred its completion. Sarandos, a noted comedy enthusiast, appears in both documentaries and owns Mull's artwork.
