Planning and executing events is no easy task, but there are surprisingly few films that delve into the intricacies of this profession. While there are plenty of movies that feature large events, only a handful truly capture the challenges and responsibilities faced by event and production managers. These films offer valuable insights into logistics planning, teamwork, and communication.
1. The First Monday in May
This documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and showcases the year-long planning process of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's 2015 exhibition, "China: Through the Looking Glass." It provides an interesting glimpse into the decision-making and execution of a large-scale event.
2. Burden of Dreams
A powerful documentary that follows director Werner Herzog's ambitious attempt to make "Fitzcarraldo," a film about building an opera house in the heart of the Amazon jungle. It serves as a cautionary tale about the clash between artistic vision and the realities of production.
3. The Ultimate Wedding Planner
This documentary follows the journey of Yoshitaka Nojiri, a renowned Japanese wedding planner who oversees an astonishing 17,000 weddings annually. It offers a closer look at the meticulous details and important considerations involved in planning weddings.
4. Big Night
A heartwarming film that celebrates the joy and significance of a well-crafted meal. It highlights how food can bring people together, spark conversations, and create unforgettable experiences for guests.
5. The Great Escape
For a lesson in logistics planning, look no further. This critically acclaimed film tells the true story of Allied POWs and their audacious plan to escape captivity. From forging documents to organizing transportation, it showcases the intricacies of building elaborate plans.
6. Gimme Shelter
This seminal documentary about the Rolling Stones' free concert at Altamonte Speedway in 1969 serves as a cautionary tale for event planners and production managers. It reminds us of the importance of carefully selecting third-party vendors.
7. Best in Show
From backstage dramas to eccentric characters, this movie provides endless entertainment. It mirrors the quirky individuals one may encounter when organizing events, creating a relatable and humorous experience.
8. Lost in La Mancha
This film chronicles director Terry Gilliam's ill-fated attempt to make a movie about Don Quixote. It serves as a reminder that even the most imaginative and ambitious plans can be thwarted by accidents, bad luck, and unforeseen circumstances.
9. Ocean's Trilogy
Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's trilogy exemplifies the coolness under pressure that event planners and production managers must possess. Danny Ocean and his team craft and execute intricate plans to achieve their goals, showcasing the importance of staying calm and collected.
10. 12 Angry Men
Though not directly related to event planning, this film is a masterpiece in decision-making and consensus-building. It demonstrates how individuals with different perspectives and personalities can come together to make crucial decisions, a skill essential to event managers.
What movies do you recommend for event planners and production managers? Share your suggestions in the comments below.
