Behind-the-scenes

For other uses, see Behind the Scenes (disambiguation). "Making-of" and "Making Of" redirect here. For other uses, see Making Of (disambiguation).

In filmmaking, behind-the-scenes (BTS), also known as the making-of, the set, or on the set, is a documentary film that features the production of a film or television program. This is often referred to as the EPK (electronic press kit) video, due to its main usage as a promotional tool, either concurrent with theatrical release or as a bonus feature for the film's DVD or Blu-ray release.

History

Shorter behind-the-scenes documentaries are often used as a bonus on DVDs, as it offers more insight into the film, how it was made, and to credit the film crew. Occasionally, some films have included a "making of the making-of" as a joke.^[1] The making-of is also often released for TV as a part of the promotion of the film.

Purpose

Behind-the-scenes footage allows viewers to have a greater appreciation for the work that goes into creating movie magic and other aspects of the entertainment industry. Lesser recognized but essential jobs get a moment to shine. Similarly, behind-the-scenes allows the opportunity to spotlight how new technology elevates scenes.

The extra footage acts as an incentive for fans to buy physical copies. For example, bloopers allow fans to see a new side of their celebrity idols. Likewise, by seeing how the set looks before special effects are added in, fans have a new appreciation for the actors and technology.

When streaming services post behind-the-scenes footage of shows on social media, it can also grab the attention of new audiences and increase viewership.

Examples

• Burden of Dreams, the Fitzcarraldo making-of ^[2]
• Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse, the Apocalypse Now making-of ^[3]
• Lost in La Mancha, a making-of documentary of the failed The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, which was eventually completed more than 15 years later ^[4]
• Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond, a behind-the-scenes of the 1999 Andy Kaufman biopic Man on the Moon^[5]
• The End of an Era, the making-of docuseries of Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour^[6]

See also

• Development hell
• Director's cut
• The Criterion Collection – a home media company specializing in special features on important and popular movie titles

References

1. "Special Features: DVD Extras". Videomaker.com. Retrieved 2017-07-11.
2. Burden of Dreams (1982)|The Criterion Collection
3. Hearts Of Darkness - Trailer – YouTube
4. Lost in La Mancha | Film | The Guardian
5. Holub, Christian (October 19, 2017). "Jim Carrey looks back on Andy Kaufman role in new Netflix documentary". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
6. Disney Plus (2025-11-13). Taylor Swift | The End of an Era | Official Trailer | Disney+. Retrieved 2025-12-04 – via YouTube.

Further reading

• Robinet, Fabrice (April 6, 2018). "Oh for the Days of the Making-Of Featurette — Seriously". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331.