Inside the Glamorous World of Soap Operas: A Deep Dive into ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’

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Renowned documentary director Matt Wolf is helming the project “Soaps,” an insightful feature film that delves into the family empire behind the most influential soap operas in the industry, with a special focus on the widely acclaimed “The Bold and the Beautiful.

The series ‘Soaps’ offers viewers a unique glimpse into the realm of soap operas, providing exclusive behind-the-scenes insights at ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’, one of the remaining five daytime shows still in production. ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ is a distinctive family-run business that has been led and written by Bradley Bell for over three decades, and was initially conceived by the iconic duo William Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, who also created ‘The Young and the Restless.’ A heartfelt tribute to a sometimes underestimated art form, ‘Soaps’ delves into the fast-paced production process of soap operas while highlighting the individuals responsible for captivating television audiences with their continuous stories since the late 1960s.

The series ‘Soaps’ is being created by Joe Lewis (known for HBO’s “100 Foot Wave,” “Fleabag,” and “Transparent”) along with Lauren Haber (HBO’s “Nuclear Family” and CNN’s “Trophy”). This production is a collaboration between Amplify Pictures, where Lindsay Panell (Netflix’s “Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul”) and Wolf (responsible for Neon’s “Spaceship Earth” and HBO’s “The Stroll”) from Polari Pictures are also involved. Rachel Eggebeen and Colin King Miller, who work for Amplify Pictures, are serving as executive producers. The project is being financed by Amplify Pictures, with filming currently taking place in Los Angeles.

As a dedicated fan, I’d put it like this: “From the captivating worlds in soaps that countless generations have immersed themselves in, the happenings behind the camera are just as intriguing as the drama unfolding on screen. The work of visionaries like Matt is exceptional, as he masterfully uncovers the intersection of creativity and legacy. I’m beyond excited to collaborate with him on a grand exploration delving into this often underestimated cultural phenomenon, brought to life by Amplify Pictures.

I’m thrilled to be associated with the direction of the highly anticipated HBO Sundance title, “Pee-wee as Himself.” This captivating two-part documentary delves into the life story of the talented artist and performer Paul Reubens, intertwined with his iconic character, Pee-wee Herman. I’m privileged to be part of its world premiere happening in Park City on the opening night of the festival.

Upon my initial tour of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ set, I was astonished by the colossal work that goes into crafting these tales. It’s an intriguing and unforeseen realm brimming with potential for a documentary. I am deeply appreciative for the warm reception from the Bell family and the dedicated team of actors and technicians who relentlessly breathe life into this series, contributing significantly to the soap opera genre. Amplify Pictures is an ideal collaborator because they grasp the essence of where art meets pop culture, which lies at the heart of this production.

Beyond his notable directorial roles, Wolf has also been credited with additional directing projects such as:
– “Spaceship Earth,” a documentary about Biosphere 2 for Neon, premiered at Sundance.
– “Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell,” a film about the renowned cult cellist and disco producer Arthur Russell.
– “Teenage,” a documentary based on Jon Savage’s book about the origins of youth culture.
– “Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project,” a documentary focusing on activist Marion Stokes, who recorded television 24 hours a day for three decades.
In addition to these directorial roles, Wolf also produced HBO’s critically acclaimed film “The Stroll,” which offers an insight into the history of New York’s Meatpacking District from the perspective of transgender sex workers. The film received numerous accolades, including a Special Jury Prize at Sundance and a Peabody Award.

For Amplify Pictures, an independent studio recognized for creating Emmy-winning scripted series, documentaries, and theatrical productions, the arrival of “Soaps” marks a significant moment. They are currently preparing to debut Ryan White’s Sundance title, “Come See Me in the Good Light,” which will have its world premiere this weekend in Park City. This documentary feature is unique as it tells a love story about poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley, who are navigating life and mortality following an incurable diagnosis. The film’s executive producers include singers-songwriters Brandi Carlile and Sara Bareilles, author Glennon Doyle, soccer icon Abby Wambach, and comedian Tig Notaro, making it a highly anticipated project.

Among the projects showcased in Amplify Pictures’ portfolio are:

1. The Emmy-winning multiple times over docu-series “100 Foot Wave,” airing on HBO and set to release season 3 this year.
2. “Bollywood Dance U,” an exhilarating new documentary series delving into the cutthroat world of competitive collegiate Bollywood Fusion dance, helmed by Smriti Mundhra (Indian Matchmaking).
3. “Game Changers,” a series that dives deep into the origins of video games that significantly shaped our world, now streaming on Max.

Wolf is repped by CAA.

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2025-01-22 20:56