Watch An Accidental Studio

The movie An Accidental Studio is a 2019 documentary directed by Bill Jones and Kim Leggett. The film explores the history of HandMade Films, a production company co-founded by former Beatle George Harrison, and the story behind some of their most iconic movies. The documentary interviews various people who were involved in HandMade Films including Ray Cooper, Harrison's friend and collaborator, Denis O'Brien, the company's former CEO, and several other key players.

The movie starts with the story of how Harrison came to start HandMade Films. After the success of the Monty Python film Life of Brian, the British government withdrew funding for the film, leaving the Pythons in financial ruin. Harrison, a fan of the group, decided to help them out by personally funding their movie. From this moment on, Harrison realized he could use his wealth to make movies that he wanted to see, and so began his foray into film production.

The documentary then goes on to explain how HandMade Films became a force in the British film industry, producing movies like Time Bandits, Withnail and I, and Mona Lisa. The films were often offbeat, quirky and unique, but always had an undercurrent of social commentary.

The movie delves into the personal relationships between the people behind HandMade Films, and how their personalities and lifestyles influenced the company's ethos. Cooper, who was tasked with finding and selecting projects to produce, talks about his love for the offbeat and unusual, and how this was reflected in the films he chose to produce. O'Brien, who came on board later as HandMade's CEO, talks about how he brought in a more business-focused mindset, helping the company expand and grow.

Throughout the film, we see behind-the-scenes footage from some of HandMade's most famous films, including interviews with the actors and directors who worked on them. We get a sense of the creative forces at play, and how HandMade's unconventional approach to filmmaking allowed for a level of artistic freedom that was not found in other traditional production companies.

An Accidental Studio also touches on some of the challenges and difficulties that HandMade Films faced over the years. As the company expanded, it needed to take on bigger and more expensive projects, which put a strain on its resources. At one point, the company was forced to sell its back-catalogue of films to pay off debts, putting many of its classic movies in jeopardy.

The documentary also explores Harrison's role in HandMade Films, and how his dedication to the company was a reflection of his passion for artistic expression. The filmmakers examine how HandMade Films represented an extension of Harrison's interests, which included music and spirituality. As a result, the company had a unique identity that set it apart from other film studios.

An Accidental Studio is a fascinating exploration of a film studio that represented a unique perspective on filmmaking. HandMade's legacy has endured long after its heyday, and this documentary serves as a tribute to the people who made it all possible. With interviews from key players, behind-the-scenes footage, and a glimpse into the company's creative and personal dynamics, this film is a must-see for fans of classic British cinema.

An Accidental Studio is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.