Watch Who the F**k is Arthur Fogel?
- 2014
- 1 Season
Who the F**k is Arthur Fogel? is a compelling 2014 documentary production from the renowned television network, Epix. The film would appeal to anyone interested in music, business, and the power dynamics in the global entertainment industry. Primarily focused on the mega success story of Arthur Fogel, a titanic figure in the music industry, the documentary offers an in-depth look into his life, his professional journey, and the landmark events that shaped his career.
The film kicks off by addressing the titular question, showcasing how Fogel, a little known figure outside the inner circles of the music industry, wields unprecedented power and influence. As the CEO of Global Touring and Chairman of Global Music, Fogel sits at the top of the concert touring business, a position that comes with enormous responsibilities. He is a man frequently associated with the most successful and influential musical artists in the world, the one who makes the pieces fall into place for some of the grandest concerts ever held.
Through a wide array of interviews with the man himself, as well as with an array of superstars – including U2, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and The Police, among others, the film brings to life the inseparable connection between Fogel and the music phenomenon he helped create. His triumphs in the high-stakes world of concerts, from his humble beginnings as a drummer for a band in Canada, to shaping some of the most successful international tours of all time, are explored in great detail.
Directed by Ron Chapman, the film digs deep into the world of Arthur Fogel, allowing viewers to witness how the business mind behind some of the most groundbreaking music tours operates. Chapman's narrative navigates masterfully through Fogel's game-changing approach in an industry that was previously dominated by ticket sales. The anchor for Fogel’s success story is his strategic shift from emphasis on record sales to conducting large-scale concerts. This paradigm shift under Fogel's influence transformed the global concert touring industry into a multi-billion-dollar business.
However, the documentary is not only about Arthur Fogel's successes. It also presents an honest portrayal of his struggles, setbacks, and fumbles, which shaped his acuity for the business world. The highs and lows of his groundbreaking decisions lend the film a balanced perspective, making it a more genuine, relatable, and inspiring story.
Who the F**k is Arthur Fogel? goes beyond typical documentaries by presenting a comprehensive examination of the rapidly changing, tumultuous, and at times, risky nature of the music industry. At the same time, it highlights Fogel's stories of dealing with artists, their quirks, egos, and demands, offering an unseen side of the music business that is both intriguing and entertaining. The documentary examines how Fogel's ability to coordinate, manage, and balance the varying demands and personalities within an artist's team has positioned him as one of the most respected figures in the industry.
Furthermore, the film seamlessly incorporates key historical events from the wider music industry, juxtaposing them against Fogel's personal timeline. This strategy enhances the viewer's understanding of Fogel's context, further illuminating his accomplishments.
The film is peppered with commentary and reflections from some of the biggest names in the music industry, many of whom credit their global success to Fogel’s strategic acumen. Interviews with Bono, Sting, Andy Summers, Madonna, and Lady Gaga lend the film a star-studded appeal, giving it a popular culture relevance that transcends the business arena.
Despite being a documentary of a corporate power player, Who the F**k is Arthur Fogel? is not a dry or overtly technical film. It is nuanced, engaging, and at times even amusing, much like the man it features. It successfully combines business and history with entertainment and personal storytelling, resulting in a unique documentary that effectively appeals to varied audiences.
In conclusion, Who the F**k is Arthur Fogel? is an eye-opening, revealing, and impactful documentary. It is not just a biographical film about a successful music business executive, but a snapshot of an era in the music business, a captivating journey that weaves together the nuances of the corporate world, global entertainment, and the magic of concerts. It packs a punch for both dedicated music fans and business enthusiasts alike, offering a compelling exploration of a less visible side of the industry.