Netflix has given a greenlight to “Famous Last Words,” a unique documentary series format that features the final major interview from cultural icons. Those subjects secretly film their conversations, which remain untouched and unseen — until they are aired posthumously.
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Emmy winner Brad Falchuk will produce the show via his Teley-Vision banner, which has a multi-year deal with Netflix. Banijay’s BSNA is also behind the show, along with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — where the interviews will be preserved and housed in its library.
Falchuk and Mikkel Bondesen will executive produce with David Goldberg and showrunner David Friedman.
“From the moment that Mikkel Bondesen brought the format to our company and Netflix, everyone was on board,” Falchuk said in a statement. “Netflix is the perfect place for this unique show. The experience for the audience and the participant is moving, odd, and transcendent. It’s not like any other interview show that has ever been made. It’s a true celebration of life and the opportunity to have the last word.”
“Famous Last Words” is based on the Danish TV format “Det Sidste Ord,” which has earned acclaim for the sensitive touch that comes with giving living notables (such as musicians, athletes, comedians, actors, business leaders and politicians) a chance to reflect on their lives.
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In Denmark, “Det Sidste Ord” (“The Last Word”) was the creation of Mikael Bertelsen, who also hosts the series there. Bertelsen interviews subjects at Royal Danish Library, which holds footage until the person has died, when it is then edited and broadcast. According to Monocle magazine, around six interviews have already aired.
Like the Danish original, “Famous Last Words” will center on “notable personalities who have spent their lives making significant contributions to humanity and culture. However, the guests and episodes are to be announced and aired only after the passing of the participant.”
Netflix noted that only the interviewee and interviewer will be present at the closed-door recording session. Keeping the privacy of the recording, the chat will be shot by remotely operated cameras. Per the streamer, “the docuseries results in a time capsule containing intimate conversations that capture the heartfelt reflections of luminaries. This approach not only captures the raw and emotional reflections of the guests, but also creates an intimate and safe space for the guest, knowing that their interview is confidential and will not air until after their death.”
“Famous Last Words” is Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision’s second series (following “The Brothers Sun”) and first non-scripted, under its Netflix deal.
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