In a recent episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast”, the producers behind the docuseries focusing on “Mr. McMahon”, Bill Simmons and David Shoemaker, shared their experience of working with WWE and Vince McMahon. They discussed the WWE’s initial participation in the docuseries and their subsequent departure, McMahon’s relentless energy during filming, and the access they were given to WWE’s extensive library.
David Shoemaker revealed that WWE participated in the initial stages of the docuseries but is no longer associated with the project. He explained, “I mean, clearly Vince wouldn’t have agreed initially if he was not comfortable with it. We were able to create the documentary we envisioned because of that autonomy. As for what happens next, the WWE staff might have secretly previewed the docuseries, but mainly, they will view it simultaneously with the rest of the world.”
Regarding access to the WWE’s archives, Bill Simmons noted, “We were allowed access to their comprehensive library. That was part of our agreement. What I find most exciting is that many documentaries turn out to be hagiographies or autobiographies, but ours is not. We genuinely strove for balance in all aspects. Whether others believe we achieved that balance, I can’t say. But it’s rare to see such balanced documentaries these days.”
Shoemaker also spoke about McMahon’s astonishing energy levels during the interviews. “He was constantly active, maintaining his energy with a thermos which, I believe, was filled with multiple five-hour energy drinks. He never seemed weary, continuing unceasingly. He’s been quoted saying he sleeps only three hours a day. At some point, he stated, ‘My physician and trainer suggested I get more sleep. I’m trying.’ He had plenty of time to record, with only three hours allotted for sleep.”
It was essential to maintain a flexible schedule for filming with McMahon, as Shoemaker outlines, “The whole atmosphere reflected his indifference to timing. This is what you hear from his employees. If a creative meeting is supposed to start at two PM, it invariably starts around eight PM instead. He doesn’t apologise for being late; he simply states, ‘That’s just how things happen when I’m involved.’ I quickly learnt I needed to be open and flexible with my schedule. The filming crew, having worked with some of the world’s most famous personalities, had never experienced anything like this before.”
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