A filmmaker known for the ordinary turns to pop spectacle
John Wilson, whose indie hit The History of Concrete and the HBO series How To with John Wilson made him one of the most sought-after documentary voices around, has been shooting Harry Styles at Madison Square Garden since August, according to two sources briefed on the production. The film is expected to combine performance footage with an inside view of the singer's world. One of those sources said it would center on genuine human stories drawn from everyone connected to the tour, from Styles and his audience to the many people working out of sight.[S1]
Wilson built his reputation by examining everyday details and the odd ways people behave, which makes him an unexpected pick for a polished pop portrait. The comparison is less strange in the current market: Nathan Fielder moved from absurdist comedy into the Elizabeth Holmes project You Can See Everything, and Billie Eilish brought James Cameron aboard to direct her concert film Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour, which reached cinemas this summer. Wilson started out directing music videos and is represented by UTA.[S1]
Production, rights and a possible cinema release
Universal Pictures Content Group, Peanut World Pictures and Styles are the producers, and UPCG will hold worldwide rights. Distribution is still being settled, though people with knowledge of the plans said the documentary could be positioned for a theatrical launch through Universal. Representatives for Styles, Wilson and Universal did not respond immediately when asked for comment.[S1]
The residency is the biggest single engagement ever staged at Madison Square Garden, part of Styles' Together, Together tour. It opened in late August and is scheduled to continue until the end of October, generating a steady stream of viral clips along the way. Over the weekend, a photograph taken by a fan showing Wilson following Styles with a camera circulated widely on social media.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6]
