Barbra Streisand to Be Subject of Multi-Part Documentary Directed by Frank Marshall
Production is underway on what is described as “the definitive multi-part documentary” on Barbra Streisand, with Frank Marshall directing and Alex Gibney producing, it was announced Thursday by Sony Music Vision, which is developing the doc in partnership with Columbia Records, Jigsaw Productions and the Kennedy/Marshall Company.
The doc will offer “an intimate and comprehensive exploration of every facet of the iconic multi-hyphenate,” producers announced, further touting full access to the personal archives of the singer, actor and director, “including hundreds of hours of personal, never-before-seen video, photographs, audio recordings, and personal keepsakes from throughout her acclaimed career.”
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Said Streisand in a statement, “For years I’ve been thinking about the best way to share the vast amount of content I’ve been safely storing in my vault. These films, photos and music masters — many never seen or heard by the public — hold some of my most cherished memories. I’m so pleased that producer Alex Gibney and director Frank Marshall have agreed to take this journey with me. My appreciation to Tom Mackay, head of Sony Music’s Premium Content team, for his belief in the project. And especially to Sony Music Chairman Rob Stringer who has unwaveringly supported so many of my creative endeavors.”
Said Marshall: “I’m thrilled to be working with Alex again and to have the opportunity to bring Barbra’s incredible life story to the screen. We have been given unprecedented access to archival footage from decades of her groundbreaking career and intimate visibility to the trailblazing she continues to do in life today. Uncovering these remarkable moments illustrate why she has become an enduring icon to a global audience of all generations.”
“People have been talking about the need for the definitive documentary on Barbra Streisand for years,” said GIbney. “After a series of wonderful conversations and rigorous research, we are moving forward with Frank Marshall at the helm. I am delighted to produce this film on Barbra, a legendary singer, extraordinary actor, director, and political activist who inspires us all. Did I forget to mention that she’s a great storyteller who is funny as hell?”
The documentary is a co-production of Jigsaw Productions and the Kennedy/Marshall Company; its producers include Alex Gibney, Frank Marshall, Aly Parker, Michele Farinola, Tom Mackay and Jay Landers. The film will be presented and distributed by Sony Music Vision in partnership with Columbia Records, the star’s label since 1962.
Global sales for the doc will be led by Krista Wegener of Sony Music Vision.
The project comes on the heels of Streisand digging through her own archives in the service of writing a long-awaited, 970-page memoir, “My Name Is Barbra,” which was published by Viking to strong reviews in November 2023.
In April, Streisand released a new single, “Love Will Survive,” the Emmy-nominated end-title theme for “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” and her first original recording for a TV series.
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