Appeal for 'home footage' of Princess Diana for 'landmark theatrical documentary' of her life
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Documentary producers have appealed for home footage of Princess Diana with a view to using it on the big screen, as they create the first ever cinema release film of the late royal’s life.
Lightbox, the company behind Whitney, about the late Whitney Houston, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, and Untouchable, which covered the Harvey Weinstein scandal, has asked royal fans to dig out any old videos they may have of the princess as they embark on their next project.
The company intends to create a “landmark theatrical documentary” about Diana, who died in 1997, exclusively using archive footage.
The effect, they say, will be an immersive film that unfolds in real time.
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Simon Chinn, the producer of Diana and co-founder of Lightbox said: “We are currently looking for any footage of the Princess of Wales that might have been shot by any fans or members of the public.
“Our aim is to tell the story of the Princess of Wales in a way that’s never been done before, exclusively through archive footage, as if the story was unfolding in the present.
“As part of that we very much want to reflect the experience of people across the country who came into contact with her and managed to capture that moment on film.
“Diana famously said she wanted to be seen as ‘the Queen of people’s hearts’ and it was her ability to connect with people - and reach them emotionally – even in the most fleeting of interactions that made her special and this is a huge part of the story that we want to tell.
“In addition, if anybody has footage of the wedding day celebrations on the 29 July 1981, such as the street parties that took place up and down the country, or if anyone might have filmed the week leading up to Diana's funeral in 1997, we would be grateful for them to get in touch, as this type of home movie footage will allow us to re-tell these two historic events through the eyes of the public.”
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The company has said they are not concerned about the quality of the footage, and would encourage any submissions.
Ed Perkins, the director of Diana added: “Our intention is to make an insightful, intelligent and thoughtful film that will pay tribute to Diana’s life, as well as the world which shaped it and which she helped to shape.
“We will approach this story, as we do with all the films we undertake, with the sensitivity, compassion and respect that it deserves.”
Lightbox is producing the first feature length documentary about Tina Turner made with her full participation.
Perkins also directed Tell Me Who I Am, the award-nominated Netflix original, which is streaming now.
Anyone with footage to share with the team should email: lucile.smith@lightboxent.com.
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