Feature film documentary chronicles the iconic songwriter’s career and talent behind some of music’s most beloved hits

XTR, the premium nonfiction film and television studio, has announced a feature film documentary about iconic songwriter and musician Diane Warren. Her songs have been featured in more than 100 motion pictures resulting in 12 Academy Award nominations. She is a Grammy winner with 15 nominations, a two-time Golden Globe Award winner with six nominations and Emmy winner. Warren is one of the most accomplished and successful songwriters of all time.

Warren’s credits span all genres of music including artists such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Christina Aguilera, Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Paloma Faith, Andra Day, Demi Lovato, LeAnn Rimes, Common, Janelle Monáe, Missy Elliott, Charlie Puth, Zendaya, and more. She has written songs for music icons, including Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Cher with hit songs including “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” (Aerosmith), “If I Could Turn Back Time” (Cher), “Blame it on the Rain” (Milli Vanilli), “Un-Break My Heart” (Toni Braxton), “Rhythm of the Night” (DeBarge) and “How Do I Live” (LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood).

The feature film documentary is currently in production and offers insight to Warren through never-before-seen archival footage and intimate interviews for a firsthand look at the career that has cemented her place in music history as one of the most prolific songwriters of all time. The untitled documentary is directed by Bess Kargman, known for her Sports Emmy nominated, PGA Award winning documentary series Defying Gravity: The Untold Story of Women’s Gymnastics, as well as the Tribeca Film Festival winning, Sports Emmy nominated ESPN Films short Coach, and the NAACP Image Award nominated, Sundance Selects feature film First Position; and executive produced by Bryn Mooser, Kathryn Everett and Justin Lacob for XTR, Todd Garner/Broken Road (All My Life, Tag, Mortal Kombat) and Risa Shapiro, a manager and producer who launched the careers of Julia Roberts, Jennifer Connelly, Rosie O’Donnell, David Duchovny, Andie MacDowell and more, and executive produced Burlesque and Dear Mom, Love Cher.

Throughout her career, Warren has penned nine No. 1 and 32 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001, presented with the ASCAP Founders Award in 2017, and has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is the sole owner of her publishing company Realsongs. She most recently received her 12th Oscar nomination for the original song “IO SÌ (SEEN)” from the Netflix film The Life Ahead. Her newest original song is “Somehow You Do” which is performed by Reba McEntire and was written for the recently released feature film Four Good Days.

“With the popularity of music documentaries exploding, it’s finally time to tell the story of this prolific and legendary songwriter who has powered many superstars to the top of the charts. Diane Warren is one of the most prodigious, accomplished songwriters of our time,” says Justin Lacob, Head of Development at XTR. “This documentary gives an intimate look at all aspects of her life and career to pay homage to an unparalleled talent in the music and entertainment industry.”

This feature documentary will unveil the mystique shrouding this private, hard-working, and successful songwriter. Filmed in cinéma vérité, this intimate portrait will reveal what has compelled Diane to write continuously since the age of 14 and focus a lens on her process, life and enduring work ethic.

“Having worked with Diane on four of the movies of her Oscar nominated songs, I have such a deep appreciation and love of Diane and her unparalleled talent,” states Todd Garner, executive producer. “I am truly excited for the rest of the world to see not only her process, but to dig deeper into where these incredible songs come from.”

“Diane’s impact on our culture has been profound and transcends generations of music fans — I remember (with great fondness) singing her hit songs a cappella as a college student,” adds Bess Kargman. “It is an honor to chronicle her inspiring story and document the life and career of the most prolific songwriter of our time for this film.”

“I know there are a lot of music documentaries, but this is the first one about me! I am looking forward to ‘turning back time’ (see what I did there) and sharing my story. There will be looking back and there will also be looking forward, which to me is always the most exciting part,” shares Diane Warren.

Warren is also portrayed in an episode of Selena: The Series, which just released its final episodes this week.