Directing

David Leaf

Born April 20, 1952 (age 74)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. David Leaf (born April 20, 1952) is an American writer, producer and director known for documentaries, music programs and pop culture retrospectives. Among his best known documentaries are The Night James Brown Saved Boston (2008), The U.S. vs. John Lennon (2006) and Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of SMiLE (2004). He also wrote the landmark Br…

Known For

James Brown - The Night James Brown Saved BostonJames Brown - The Night James Brown Saved Boston · 2008
James Brown - The Night James Brown Saved Boston
6.72008
MovieDocumentaryMusic
On April 5, 1968, soul legend James Brown performed a concert in Boston that many say shielded that city from the kinds of devastating riots that ripped other cities apart after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of SmileBeautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile · 2004
Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile
7.02004
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Through modern day interviews, archival footage and vintage audio tapes, this documentary tells the story of the legendary and unfinished 1967 Beach Boys album SMiLE, intended to be the follow-up to their landmark album Pet Sounds, as well as Brian Wilson's ultimate decision to revisit the material 36 years later.
Stayin' Alive: A Grammy Salute to the Music of the Bee GeesStayin' Alive: A Grammy Salute to the Music of the Bee Gees · 2017
Stayin' Alive: A Grammy Salute to the Music of the Bee Gees
7.62017
MovieMusicDocumentary
A star-studded tribute concert celebrating the iconic pop trio's impressive career.
You Can't Do That! The Making of 'A Hard Day's Night'You Can't Do That! The Making of 'A Hard Day's Night' · 1995
You Can't Do That! The Making of 'A Hard Day's Night'
8.01995
MovieMusicDocumentary
Thirty years after A Hard Day's Night, its producer, director, writer and others describe its making. United Artists Records came to Walter Shenson, asking him to produce a movie so UA could issue a soundtrack album. Shenson signed Lester to direct, and they got the Beatles to agree to star. Shenson sent Owen to Dublin to spend time with the Fab Four; from this came a script built around their being prisoners of their own success. Phil Collins, himself an extra on A Hard Day's Night, hosts this examination of a seminal film: what was ad-libbed, why was it a hit, what was its influence on other movies, and how did it define the way the public viewed each Beatle for years to come?
Bee Gees - Live by RequestBee Gees - Live by Request · 2001
Bee Gees - Live by Request
6.62001
MovieMusic
Celebrating 35 years of hitmaking, the Bee Gees take the stage in New York City with host Mark McEwen taking the requests as Barry, Maurice and Robin play your favorite songs from the last four decades. From A&E's popular "Live by Request" music series, the brothers Gibb perform five new classics and over a dozen all-time favorites in this unique, intimate concert captured in glorious surround sound. Songs: This Is Where I Came In, She Keeps on Coming, Sacred Trust, Man in the Middle, Massachusetts, To Love Somebody, I Started a Joke, Jive Talkin', How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, Gotta Get a Message To You, Acoustic Medley: New York Mining Disaster/Run to Me/Too Much Heaven/Islands in the Stream/Holiday/A Woman in Love/Guilty/Nights on Broadway, Wedding Day, Lonely Days, How Deep Is Your Love, You Should Be Dancin'.
Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?)Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?) · 2010
Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?)
7.12010
MovieDocumentaryMusic
The life and work of the enigmatic singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson.
The Beach Boys: 25 Years Together - A Celebration In WaikikiThe Beach Boys: 25 Years Together - A Celebration In Waikiki · 1987
The Beach Boys: 25 Years Together - A Celebration In Waikiki
1987
MovieMusic
Enjoy the Beach Boys in a 90 minute concert celebrating their 25 year anniversary with guest artists like Glen Campbell, Ray Charles, The Everly Brothers, Jeffery Osborne, Belinda Carlisle and Three Dog Night. The concert was recorded in December 1986 on the sunny Waikiki beach in Hawaii.
The U.S. vs. John LennonThe U.S. vs. John Lennon · 2006
The U.S. vs. John Lennon
6.62006
MovieDocumentary
A documentary on the life of John Lennon, with a focus on the time in his life when he transformed from a musician into an antiwar activist.

Filmography

Sort
You Can't Do That! The Making of 'A Hard Day's Night'You Can't Do That! The Making of 'A Hard Day's Night' · 1995
You Can't Do That! The Making of 'A Hard Day's Night'
8.01995
MovieMusicDocumentary
Thirty years after A Hard Day's Night, its producer, director, writer and others describe its making. United Artists Records came to Walter Shenson, asking him to produce a movie so UA could issue a soundtrack album. Shenson signed Lester to direct, and they got the Beatles to agree to star. Shenson sent Owen to Dublin to spend time with the Fab Four; from this came a script built around their being prisoners of their own success. Phil Collins, himself an extra on A Hard Day's Night, hosts this examination of a seminal film: what was ad-libbed, why was it a hit, what was its influence on other movies, and how did it define the way the public viewed each Beatle for years to come?

Writer

Bee Gees - Live by RequestBee Gees - Live by Request · 2001
Bee Gees - Live by Request
6.62001
MovieMusic
Celebrating 35 years of hitmaking, the Bee Gees take the stage in New York City with host Mark McEwen taking the requests as Barry, Maurice and Robin play your favorite songs from the last four decades. From A&E's popular "Live by Request" music series, the brothers Gibb perform five new classics and over a dozen all-time favorites in this unique, intimate concert captured in glorious surround sound. Songs: This Is Where I Came In, She Keeps on Coming, Sacred Trust, Man in the Middle, Massachusetts, To Love Somebody, I Started a Joke, Jive Talkin', How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, Gotta Get a Message To You, Acoustic Medley: New York Mining Disaster/Run to Me/Too Much Heaven/Islands in the Stream/Holiday/A Woman in Love/Guilty/Nights on Broadway, Wedding Day, Lonely Days, How Deep Is Your Love, You Should Be Dancin'.

Consulting Producer