Prince: The Uncut Story
A six-part documentary series about the life and times of Prince was described as "dead in the water" due to the fallout of his 2016 death without a will. The project, which was in the works since 2018, was abandoned by Netflix after a dispute over editorial control with the divided heirs of the musician’s estate.
The Battle Over Control
The documentary, directed by Ezra Edelmen, who is known for his Emmy-winning 2016 documentary "O.J.: Made In America," was initially agreed to be a six-part series. However, Edelmen delivered nine hours of TV, which was deemed a breach of contract, invalidating the agreement. This allowed the estate to withhold music rights, making it difficult for the documentary to move forward without Prince’s music.
Factual Inaccuracies and Sensationalization
Representatives for the late artist’s estate claimed that the first cut of the film was filled with "dramatic" factual inaccuracies and "sensationalized" renderings of certain events from Prince’s life. Edelmen’s violation of the agreement enabled the estate to withhold music rights, which would have made the documentary unfeasible.
Prince’s Estate: A Complex Legacy
Prince’s estate is operated by his former manager on behalf of three court-determined heirs. However, one of the three court-determined heirs sold their share to Primary Wave Music, leading to a lawsuit between the parties. The documentary deal was arranged before the estate had been settled, and Comerica Bank was put in place as interim executor.
What Went Wrong
According to sources, the factual inaccuracies in the first cut had no connection to "drug use or sexual stuff," but rather related to sensationalization and a lack of fact-checking, despite Edelmen having access to Prince’s archive. Some sources also claimed that the issues were more about "control," with the estate feeling the documentary was not sufficiently positive.
Edelmen’s Reaction
Edelmen was said to be "devastated" over the collapse of his project. However, a willingness by all parties to compromise has been suggested.
Prince Year by Year: 1977-2016 Photographs
Explore Prince’s four decades in the public eye through this collection of photographs.
Conclusion
The abandoned Prince documentary serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the musician’s estate and the challenges of creating a factual and respectful tribute to his life. The dispute over editorial control and the breach of contract highlights the importance of careful planning and communication in large-scale documentary projects.
FAQs
Q: Why was the Prince documentary abandoned?
A: The documentary was abandoned due to a dispute over editorial control with the divided heirs of the musician’s estate.
Q: What was the main issue with the first cut of the film?
A: The first cut of the film was filled with "dramatic" factual inaccuracies and "sensationalized" renderings of certain events from Prince’s life.
Q: Why did Edelmen deliver nine hours of TV instead of the agreed six?
A: The reason for this is unclear, but it is likely due to a creative decision rather than a technical issue.
Q: Will there be another Prince documentary?
A: There is no official word on a new Prince documentary, but with the ongoing disputes surrounding the estate, it remains uncertain.
Q: How can fans pay tribute to Prince’s life and legacy?
A: Fans can pay tribute to Prince’s life and legacy by listening to his music, exploring his filmography, and supporting the organizations and charities he supported during his lifetime.
