Legendary songwriter and musician Diane Warren is getting her own documentary. A press release has announced a doc feature about Warren is now in production from director Bess Kargman (“Defying Gravity: The Untold Story of Women’s Gymnastics”).
Hailing from film and TV studio XTR, the as-yet untitled project “offers insight to Diane through never-before-seen archival footage and intimate interviews for a firsthand look at the career that has cemented her place in music history as one of the most prolific songwriters of all time,” per the source. “This feature documentary will unveil the mystique shrouding this private, hard-working, and successful songwriter. Filmed in cinéma vérité, this intimate portrait will reveal what has compelled Diane to write continuously since the age of 14 and focus a lens on her process, life, and enduring work ethic.”
Warren’s music has been featured in over 100 films; most recently, her song “Somehow You Do” played in addiction drama “Four Good Days.” She received her 12th Oscar nomination this year for “Io Si” (“Seen”), the anthem of Sophia Loren-starrer “The Life Ahead.” “RBG’s” “I’ll Fight,” “The Hunting Ground’s” “Til It Happens to You,” and “Beyond the Light’s” “Grateful” are among the other tunes for which she’s received Academy Award nods.
Warren won Golden Globes for “Io Si” (“Seen”) and “Burlesque’s” “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me.” She also received a Grammy for writing Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me,” the theme song for 1996 feature “Up Close and Personal.”
She has collaborated with the likes of Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, Cher, Aretha Franklin, Janelle Monáe, and Mariah Carey.
“Diane’s impact on our culture has been profound and transcends generations of music fans,” said Kargman, “I remember — with great fondness — singing her hit songs a cappella as a college student. It is an honor to chronicle her inspiring story and document the life and career of the most prolific songwriter of our time for this film.”
“I know there are a lot of music documentaries, but this is the first one about me! I am looking forward to ‘turning back time’ — see what I did there? — and sharing my story,” Warren joked. “There will be looking back and there will also be looking forward, which to me is always the most exciting part.”
Warren’s upcoming projects include a Paramount musical drama based on her song catalogue. She collaborated with choreographer Susan Stroman and screenwriter and Harvey Weinstein accuser Louisette Geiss on the #MeToo-themed musical “The Right Girl.” A filmed version of the stage show was presented at the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Massachusetts last fall.
“First Position,” “Strictly Ballet,” and “Coach” are among Kargman’s credits.
