A documentary about a prolific songwriter Diane Warren is in the works. To be produced by XTR, the film will be directed by Bess Kargman, who came to prominence for her series Defying Gravity: The Untold Story of Women’s Gymnastics. The production will include archival footage and personal interviews.
In a statement announcing the project, Justin Lacob, XTR’s head of development, said: “With the popularity of music documentaries exploding, it’s finally time to tell the story of this prolific and legendary songwriter who has powered many superstars to the top of the charts. Diane Warren is one of the most prodigious, accomplished songwriters of our time. … This documentary gives an intimate look at all aspects of her life and career to pay homage to an unparalleled talent in the music and entertainment industry.
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Diane accolade was echoed by colleague Todd Garner, executive producer, who added: “Diane’s impact on our culture has been profound and transcends generations of music fans — I remember (with great fondness) singing her hit songs a cappella as a college student. It is an honor to chronicle her inspiring story and document the life and career of the most prolific songwriter of our time for this film.”
Warren, paradoxically, is arguably the losingest composer in recent Oscar history. At last month’s Academy Awards she failed to win a golden statuette for the dozenth time, prompting The Wrap to lament: “SNUB: Diane Warren for ‘Io Si (Seen)’ from ‘The Life Ahead.’ She’s now on a 12-time losing streak that stretches between five different decades. Please someone give her an Oscar.
Soon.”
Not that Warren hasn’t tried. The 64-year-old artist has been writing songs since a teenager and has racked up an impressive list of superstar vocalists who’ve wrapped their lips around her compositions, including Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Cher, Snoop Dogg, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, Missy Elliott, Demi Lovato, among others. In 1996, Celine Dion recorded Warren’s “Because You Love Me,” written as a tribute to the father who’d encouraged her songwriting career.
Among her hits are “Don’t Turn Around” for Ace of Base, “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” for Aerosmith, “How Do I Live” for LeAnn Rimes and “Un-Break My Heart” for Toni Braxton, “I Get Weak” for Belinda Carlisle, “If I Could Turn Back Time” for Cher. She’s received 15 Grammies, and 32 of her songs have been Top 10 choices on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.