The entertainment industry has long been a subject of fascination for audiences around the world. From the glamour of Hollywood to the grit of reality TV, the world of entertainment is a complex and multifaceted beast that has captivated viewers for decades. One of the best ways to gain insight into this industry is through documentaries, which offer a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of entertainers, the making of movies and TV shows, and the inner workings of the industry as a whole.

2. The Interview List

You need three tiers of interviewees:

• "The Beatles: Eight Days a Week" (2016): This documentary explores the life and career of the Beatles, featuring interviews with the band members and archival footage.
• "The Story of Film: An Odyssey" (2011): This documentary explores the history of film, covering topics such as the early days of cinema, the rise of Hollywood, and the impact of digital technology on the industry.
• "Jodorowsky's Dune" (2013): This documentary explores the making of Alejandro Jodorowsky's planned adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune, featuring interviews with Jodorowsky and other key players.
• "The Imposter" (2012): This documentary explores the story of a young Frenchman who impersonated a missing Texas boy, featuring interviews with the imposter and his family.

• "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" (2011): A documentary about the life of Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master who owns a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo.
• "The September Issue" (2009): A documentary that follows the creation of the September issue of Vogue magazine.
• "Inside Job" (2010): A documentary that explores the causes and consequences of the 2008 financial crisis.
• "The Artist is Absent" (2012): A documentary about the life and work of performance artist Marina Abramovic.

At its core, an entertainment industry documentary serves as a post-mortem or a celebration of the creative process. They generally fall into three categories:

The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002): A stylized look at the life of legendary producer Robert Evans. It’s a masterclass in how the "business" side of show business is just as dramatic as any thriller.

Some of the most iconic entertainment industry documentaries have been those that focus on the golden age of Hollywood. Films like "Sunset Boulevard" (1950) and "The Last Picture Show" (1971) offer a nostalgic look at the early days of cinema, while documentaries like "The Story of Louis B. Mayer" (1953) provide a glimpse into the lives of the studio moguls who ruled Hollywood.