About Everything Is Copy -- Nora Ephron: Scripted & Unscripted (HBO)

"Everything Is Copy — Nora Ephron: Scripted & Unscripted" is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary writer, filmmaker, and journalist, Nora Ephron. First aired on HBO in 2016, this documentary explores the life and career of Ephron through interviews, clips, and personal stories shared by those who knew her best. Ephron’s son, Jacob Bernstein, plays an active role by interviewing friends and family and exploring his mother’s private and professional life.

Making / Production

The film is a productive collaboration between HBO Documentary Films and writer/director Jacob Bernstein. Bernstein paints a clear picture of his mother's brilliance and complexity, from her Hollywood success to her private struggles. The documentary is also co-directed by seasoned documentarian Nick Hooker.

Actors

• Nora Ephron: Although Nora passed away in 2012, her spirit is strongly present throughout the film. Archive footage and interviews give a glimpse into her exceptional career and candid personality.
• Jacob Bernstein: As Nora’s son and one of the directors of the documentary, Jacob both probes and shares intimate aspects of his mother’s life, shedding light on her character, career influences, and writing process.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title "Everything Is Copy" comes from a phrase Nora's mother, a screenwriter herself, would often say about turning real life into usable material.
• Director Jacob Bernstein is Ephron's son from her second marriage to reporter Carl Bernstein.

Awards

This documentary was nominated for the "Best Documentary Screenplay" at the Writers Guild of America Awards in 2017.

Quotes

• "Everything is copy"
• "Take notes, everything is copy."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film does not heavily rely on soundtrack but utilizes subtly composed music to evoke the emotional tone of the narrative. The decision to focus more on dialogue and visual components gives the audience a closer connection to the storyline.