Showbiz Kids (HBO)

Gritty scrutiny of child stardom in Hollywood.

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About Showbiz Kids (HBO)

Released: 2020

Platform: Max

Rating: TV-MA

Run time:

Cast
Cameron Boyce, Todd Bridges, Diana Serra Cary, Marnie Cooper, Milla Jovovich, Tricia Miranda, Jada Pinkett Smith, Demi Singleton, Jeff Slater, Marc Slater, Melanie Slater, Todd Thaler, Henry Thomas, Wil Wheaton, Mara Wilson, Evan Rachel Wood

About Showbiz Kids (HBO)

Showbiz Kids is a 2020 HBO documentary directed by former child actor Alex Winter. The movie provides an in-depth look at the highs, lows, and harsh realities of navigating Hollywood as a child star. The film juxtaposes interview footage from several famous individuals who spent their formative years in the limelight, presenting a compelling analysis of both the pros and cons of early fame.

Making / Production

The documentary is produced by Bill and Ted star Alex Winter, with Glen Zipper as executive producer. The project is a far-reaching exploration that includes firsthand accounts from actors who lived through these experiences, alongside professional analysis from psychologists and specialists in the field of childhood development.

Actors

  • Evan Rachel Wood - Wood talks candidly about her experiences as a child actor, offering an honest and often heartbreaking look at the challenges she faced.
  • Henry Thomas - Famous for his role in E.T, Thomas provides a well-rounded perspective of a young star's exposure to the harsh realities of fame.
  • Wil Wheaton - Known for his role in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Wheaton shares intriguing insights about growing up amidst the pressures of Hollywood.
  • Mara Wilson - Having starred in Matilda among other films as a child, Wilson offers a unique viewpoint on the early success and its impact on her personal and professional life.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Director Alex Winter started acting at the age of 13 and used his firsthand experience to help shape the narrative of Showbiz Kids.
  • Actor Henry Thomas auditioned for E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial when he was just nine years old.
  • Despite common perceptions, not all child actors 'go off the rails' – many transition smoothly into their adult lives and careers.

Quotes

  • "I didn't even know who I was when I wasn't working" – Evan Rachel Wood.
  • "There's no regard for us as people" – Mara Wilson.
  • "It's a very hard thing to navigate" – Henry Thomas.

Music, Soundtrack

  • Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" was used prominently in the promotional material for the film.
  • Alex Winter collaborated with acclaimed composer Peter Nashel on the film’s score to create a moving, emotional backdrop to this powerful exploration of early fame.