We had the incredible experience of filming with Stevie Wonder in his Wonderland studios. We filmed as he composed and talked to him about his life in music. And what a life. By the time he’d graduated from high school he’d recorded twelve albums, had eight top-ten singles and was not only writing but producing songs (please take note Michael Gove, you idiot!).
Amongst others, we also got to interview the extremely insightful Syreeta, as well as the charming and funny Berry Gordy, (he welcomed us to his home with croissants and coffee) and we got to film in the original, tiny, Motown studios in Detroit. There were photos on the wall of all their artists, including Stevie, a very young and happy Michael Jackson playing baseball and – incredibly – Irene Ryan, better known as the Granny on the TV series The Beverley Hillbillies. Much of our filming with Stevie took place in the early hours of the morning, which is when he likes to work. It’s one of the few times that jetlag has worked for us!
This film, made for South Bank Show, was one of the first we made when we set up our company and was nominated for the Rose D’Or de Montreux, one of TV’s most revered International Awards.Those of you lucky enough to see Stevie perform on Clapham Common on Sunday 29th June at the Calling Festival, will be witnessing one of the greatest musicians of our time. Enjoy.