Amplify Pictures Producing Two-Part Doc on Soap Operas

Amplify Pictures has begun production on Soaps, a two-part documentary directed by Matt Wolf (Pee-wee as Himself, Spaceship Earth) exploring the unseen world of soap operas.

Soaps offers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to The Bold and the Beautiful, which is a singular family venture. It has been helmed and written by Bradley Bell for over 30 years and was created by William Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, who also created The Young and the Restless.

The documentary provides a look into the rapid-fire process in which soap operas are made and explores those who have brought TV’s longest-running continuous stories to viewers for nearly half a century.

Soaps is produced by Joe Lewis (100 Foot Wave, Fleabag, Transparent) and Lauren Haber (Nuclear Family, Trophy) for Amplify Pictures; Wolf for Polari Pictures; and Lindsay Panell (Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul). It is executive produced by Rachel Eggebeen and Colin King Miller for Amplify Pictures.

“Soaps have built universes that generations have escaped into, but the world behind the camera is just as fascinating as the drama onscreen,” said Joe Lewis, CEO of Amplify Pictures. “Matt’s films uniquely explore the intersection of creativity and legacy, and we’re thrilled to work with him on an epic look at this significant but often overlooked cultural institution.”

“When I first visited the set of The Bold and the Beautiful, I was blown away by the herculean effort that goes into bringing these stories to life,” Wolf said. “It’s a fascinating and unexpected world that is ripe for a documentary. I’m so grateful to be welcomed by the Bell family and the tight-knit group of actors and behind-the-scenes crew, who tirelessly bring this show to life and have made the genre flourish. Amplify Pictures is the perfect partner because they understand the sweet spot between art and popular culture, which is the core of this project.”