Film Lens
Soap Life is a documentary that examines the decline of daytime television dramas, particularly soap operas, which have been a significant part of American television for over 50 years. The film features over 70 interviews with actors, producers, writers, and fans, providing an insider perspective on the reasons behind the cancellations and budget cuts faced by these shows in the late 2000s. Producer Matthew D'Amato and director Sako Brockmann traveled across the country to gather these insights, focusing on the current state and future of the genre.
The film was produced following the cancellation of many long-running soap operas in 2011, driven by executive producer John Grossman's desire to document this pivotal moment in American culture. The project was primarily self-funded, with additional support from Kickstarter for post-production and distribution. Notable figures interviewed include Agnes Nixon, creator of All My Children, and Eileen Fulton from As the World Turns, among others, who share their experiences and thoughts on the soap opera industry's evolution.
Why Watch
- •Meet Agnes Nixon, creator of iconic soap operas.
- •Find out why daytime dramas are declining.
- •See interviews with soap opera stars like Eileen Fulton.
Did You Know
•The film features over 70 interviews with industry professionals and fans.
•Production began in May 2011, following many soap cancellations in 2011.
•John Grossman was inspired to create the film after his wife, Carmen, expressed concern over soap opera cancellations.
•The film has a runtime of 67 minutes and was released in 2013.
Perfect For
Soap opera fansTelevision history enthusiastsDocumentary lovers