Behind the Scenes of “The New Yorker Documentary”: A Conversation with Filmmakers Marshall Curry and Jason Curry
The recent documentary chronicling The New Yorker magazine has resonated deeply with audiences, sparking conversations about journalism, cultural impact, and the enduring power of long-form storytelling. filmmakers Marshall Curry and Jason Curry recently discussed the making of the film, revealing fascinating insights into its creation and the unexpected paths they navigated. Their discussion, featuring comedian Judd Apatow, highlighted the filmS success in not only documenting a legendary publication but also inspiring a new generation.
A film That Inspires future Journalists
One of the most rewarding outcomes, according to Jason Curry, has been the film’s impact on aspiring journalists. He shared a especially moving anecdote: ”Someone told me they hadn’t considered journalism before, but after watching the film, it felt like something they’d want to pursue.” This, he believes, is a powerful testament to the film’s ability to capture the allure and importance of the profession.
Marshall Curry playfully suggested directing these potential journalists toward Columbia Journalism School, a testament to the film’s influence.
The Search for the Perfect Soundtrack
Crafting the film’s atmosphere extended beyond visuals and interviews. The filmmakers faced a unique challenge: finding a song for the final sequence that embodied the spirit of New York City while complementing the film’s narrative.
They needed a track that could seamlessly transition between david Remnick’s reflections on the magazine’s importance and lively party footage, culminating in a memorable credit sequence.
Here’s how they found their solution:
* A Tip from a Music Expert: Jason Curry reached out to Kelefa Sanneh, a noted music critic featured in the film, for suggestions.
* An Unexpected Collaboration: Sanneh proposed an intriguing idea: a cover of Taylor Swift’s “Welcome to New York” by Matt Berninger, the lead singer of the indie-rock band The National.
* A Fortuitous Connection: Jason Curry had a pre-existing friendship with Berninger, and his wife worked as a fiction editor at The New Yorker.
* A Tight Deadline: Berninger was willing to record the song within a 24-hour window before leaving for tour.
* Swift’s Approval: Remarkably, taylor Swift granted permission to use the unreleased version of the song after a speedy email exchange.
The resulting track proved to be a perfect fit, offering the desired dynamic range and a clever, poppy sensibility. It’s expected to be officially released at a later date.
The Power of Connection and Serendipity
The story behind securing the song underscores a recurring theme in the film’s creation: the power of connections and unexpected opportunities. It highlights how a combination of professional relationships, a willingness to explore unconventional ideas, and a bit of luck can lead to remarkable results.
Judd apatow’s humorous reaction – questioning how Jason Curry had Taylor Swift’s email address – perfectly captured the surprise and delight surrounding this achievement.
This documentary isn’t just a historical account of The New Yorker; it’s a celebration of journalism, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, and, as evidenced by the reactions it’s generating, a potential catalyst for the next generation of writers and reporters. It’s a film that clearly resonates, and its impact is only just beginning to unfold.
(Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article contained an inaccuracy regarding Harold Ross’s educational background. This has been corrected.)
