About American Masters: Inventing David Geffen

American Masters: Inventing David Geffen is a documentary film that was released in 2012. It falls into the genre of documentaries and provides an in-depth look at the life and career of David Geffen, an American business magnate, philanthropist, and record executive. The film explores Geffen's journey and important contributions to the entertainment industry.

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• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

American Masters: Inventing David Geffen provides a comprehensive overview of David Geffen's life, starting from his childhood in Brooklyn to his rise as a prominent figure in the music and film industries. The documentary interviews Geffen himself, as well as his friends, colleagues, and artists he has worked with to reveal a personal and professional portrait of this influential figure.

The film takes a close look at Geffen's early struggles and his determination to succeed in the entertainment industry. It explores his role in co-founding Asylum Records and creating his own record label, Geffen Records, which signed top artists such as Jackson Browne, Eagles, and Joni Mitchell. The documentary also delves into Geffen's venture into film production, highlighting his successes with the Geffen Film Company.

American Masters: Inventing David Geffen showcases Geffen's impact on shaping the careers of numerous artists and his ability to recognize talent. It also discusses his philanthropic endeavors and his significant contributions to Broadway, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and other charitable causes. The film paints a portrait of Geffen as a complex and influential figure in both the business and creative realms.

Making / Production

The documentary American Masters: Inventing David Geffen was directed by Susan Lacy, known for producing and creating the American Masters series. Lacy worked closely with Geffen to create an intimate portrait of his life and career.

The production of the film involved extensive research and interviews with various individuals who knew Geffen personally or had worked with him. The interviews shed light on Geffen's impact on the entertainment industry and provided valuable insights into his motivations and successes.

Actors

• David Geffen: Himself

The documentary primarily features interviews with David Geffen himself, allowing him to share his stories and experiences firsthand. Geffen's interviews provide a personal and intimate perspective on his life and career.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• David Geffen started his career in the entertainment industry working as an agent for several well-known artists, including Laura Nyro and Crosby, Stills & Nash.
• Geffen co-founded DreamWorks SKG, a film studio, alongside Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg.
• He has been recognized with various awards and accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry, including being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Awards

American Masters: Inventing David Geffen received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards. It won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Nonfiction Special.

Quotes

• "You can point to a lot of people in the world, many times over, who are much more talented than I am, much more brilliant. But I don't know anyone who's worked harder." - David Geffen

Music / Soundtrack

The documentary features a selection of music from various artists who were associated with David Geffen throughout his career, including Jackson Browne, Eagles, Joni Mitchell, and other iconic musicians who were signed to Geffen Records.