Documentary filmmaker vows to avoid using AI again after latest project

Innovative documentary brings Pharrell Williams’ story to life with Lego: Morgan Neville’s new documentary “Piece by Piece” offers a unique perspective on the career of music icon Pharrell Williams, utilizing Lego animation to tell the story of the prolific producer and artist.

Unconventional production during unprecedented times: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated creative solutions for the documentary’s production, leading to a blend of remote interviews and innovative storytelling techniques.

• Neville conducted interviews with Pharrell’s collaborators, including Kendrick Lamar and Missy Elliott, remotely during lockdowns.
• The concept of using Lego animation originated from Pharrell himself during their initial meeting, requiring approval from Lego’s film office for the use of their products.
• Interviewees were not initially informed that their interviews would be animated with Lego, adding an element of surprise to the production process.

Star-studded cast and creative control: The documentary features an impressive lineup of music industry heavyweights, with some having input on their Lego representations.

• High-profile artists like Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg were given the opportunity to approve their Lego character designs.
• The film focuses primarily on Pharrell’s role as a producer rather than delving deeply into his personal life, a decision Neville found more compelling for the narrative.

Behind-the-scenes insights and creative decisions: Neville provides a glimpse into the filmmaking process, revealing the challenges and choices made during production.

• Some anecdotes, including stories about Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake, were ultimately left out of the final cut.
• Neville discusses his controversial use of AI to recreate Anthony Bourdain’s voice in a previous documentary, stating that he has since avoided using AI in his work.

Future projects and industry implications: The documentary’s unique approach may influence future productions in the music documentary genre.

• Neville’s next project will focus on Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles career and the formation of Wings, suggesting a continued interest in exploring music history through innovative storytelling methods.
• The success of “Piece by Piece” could potentially inspire other filmmakers to experiment with unconventional animation techniques in documentary filmmaking.

Balancing creativity and authenticity: The use of Lego animation in a documentary about a real person raises questions about representation and storytelling in non-fiction filmmaking.

• The decision to animate interviews without initially informing subjects highlights the delicate balance between creative vision and transparency in documentary production.
• The approval process for Lego character designs for high-profile artists demonstrates the importance of maintaining a collaborative relationship with subjects in biographical documentaries.

Exploring new frontiers in music documentaries: “Piece by Piece” represents a departure from traditional documentary formats, potentially opening doors for more experimental approaches in the genre.

• The blend of remote interviews and animated storytelling showcases the adaptability of documentary filmmaking in the face of production challenges.
• By focusing on Pharrell’s role as a producer, the documentary sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of the music industry, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the creative process behind hit songs.

Reflecting on AI in filmmaking: Neville’s comments on his past use of AI to recreate Anthony Bourdain’s voice and his current stance on the technology highlight ongoing debates in the film industry.

• The director’s decision to avoid AI following the controversy surrounding the Bourdain documentary underscores the ethical considerations filmmakers must navigate when using emerging technologies.
• This stance may influence other documentarians to carefully consider the implications of using AI in their work, particularly when representing real people.

Navigating the intersection of art and commerce: The collaboration between the filmmakers and Lego demonstrates the potential for creative partnerships between artists and brands in documentary production.

• The involvement of Lego in the project raises questions about the balance between artistic vision and commercial interests in documentary filmmaking.
• The success of this collaboration could pave the way for similar partnerships in future documentaries, potentially opening up new avenues for funding and creative expression.

Looking ahead: Implications for music documentaries: As “Piece by Piece” breaks new ground in its approach to storytelling, it may set a precedent for future music documentaries to explore innovative presentation methods while maintaining focus on the subject’s artistic contributions.