John Wilson’s ‘The History of Concrete’ Reveals the Struggle to Make a Documentary
John Wilson’s latest documentary, "The History of Concrete," follows his quest to film and sell a film about the material that builds our world. The movie mixes on‑location footage with the meta‑narrative of pitching the project to Hollywood, revealing the industry’s appetite for familiar stories a…
By Felo News Desk · Published
John Wilson, best known for his HBO series How To, has taken a new direction with his latest feature, The History of Concrete. The film is both a literal history of the building material and a commentary on the modern documentary market. It follows Wilson as he travels from Las Vegas to New Orleans, Italy, and remote sites, capturing the evolution of concrete while also documenting the often invisible process of pitching a documentary to studios and streaming services.
From Pitch to Production
Wilson’s journey began in a series of Zoom meetings where he presented the idea of a film titled “The History of Concrete” to a panel of Hollywood executives. The reactions were mixed—some laughed at the title, others sighed at the prospect of a documentary about a building material. “Who wants to watch a movie called ‘The History of Concrete’?” one executive muttered, highlighting the perceived market risk.
Despite the skepticism, Wilson persisted. He argued that the story was unique and that the documentary format could bring a new perspective to a subject that had been largely ignored. He also noted that the budget he requested was comparable to a Netflix documentary and to the cost of an episode of his own series, which helped make the proposal more palatable.
On‑Location Stories and Human Connections
While the film’s title suggests a technical focus, Wilson’s camera uncovers the human stories that concrete supports. He follows a professional “gum buster,” a grieving local musician named Jack, and a tattoo preservationist who asks his father where Chef Boyardee is buried. These encounters illustrate how concrete is not just a material but a backdrop for everyday life.
Jack, whom Wilson met in a liquor store next to his home, becomes a central figure in the narrative. Wilson describes his relationship with Jack as one that blends journalistic distance with personal familiarity, a balance he feels is necessary when dealing with multiple subjects simultaneously.
Meta‑Documentary: The Struggle to Sell a Film
The film’s meta‑aspect is one of its most compelling elements. Wilson captures the tension of pitching a documentary that, on the surface, seems dull. He reflects on how the industry often favors retelling familiar stories—triple homicides, career retrospectives—over original, technical subjects. This observation is woven throughout the documentary, offering viewers a glimpse into the gatekeeping that shapes what gets made.
Wilson also recounts a memorable moment involving Kim Kardashian and Dwyane Wade at a GQ dinner. The footage, shot without a score, captures an awkward, candid interaction that underscores the surreal nature of celebrity events. Although Wilson did not interact with Kardashian, the scene serves as a comedic relief that balances the film’s more serious moments.
Finishing Touches and Final Shots
As the film neared completion, Wilson and his producers faced a tight deadline. In a last‑minute decision, Wilson shot a scene at Chef Boyardee’s grave on Christmas Eve, a moment that would become the film’s closing image. The urgency of this shoot—completed just days before the film’s Sundance premiere—highlights the unpredictable nature of documentary filmmaking.
Overall, Wilson’s documentary is a layered exploration of a seemingly mundane subject, presented through the lens of a filmmaker who is as invested in the process of creation as he is in the material itself.
What’s Next for the Film?
Now released by Magnolia Pictures, The History of Concrete is available in theaters and on streaming platforms. Wilson plans to continue exploring the intersection of art and production, hoping that his experience will help other filmmakers navigate the complex world of documentary funding.
While the film’s reception is still unfolding, it already sparks conversation about the kinds of stories that resonate with audiences and the challenges of bringing niche subjects to mainstream attention.
For those interested in the behind‑the‑scenes of documentary filmmaking, the film offers a rare glimpse into the realities of pitching, producing, and ultimately delivering a finished product.
Key facts
- John Wilson’s film mixes concrete history with a meta‑look at documentary pitching
- The documentary highlights human stories connected to concrete
- Hollywood often favors familiar narratives, making niche subjects hard to sell
- Last‑minute production choices can define a film’s final impact
- The film’s release offers insight into documentary funding and distribution
Why it matters
By exposing the hidden struggles of documentary production, the film invites viewers to reconsider what stories are deemed worthy and how industry dynamics shape the stories we see.
Frequently asked questions
What inspired John Wilson to make a documentary about concrete?
Wilson wanted to create a definitive film on a subject he felt was underexplored and to share the creative process of documentary production with his audience.
How did the film’s title affect its reception?
The title initially met skepticism, but Wilson’s persistence and the film’s unique perspective helped it gain traction.
Did Wilson interview Kim Kardashian?
No, he captured a candid moment at a GQ dinner without direct interaction.
What was the most challenging part of producing the film?
Securing funding and navigating Hollywood’s expectations for familiar storytelling were significant hurdles.
Where can viewers watch the film?
It is available in theaters and through Magnolia Pictures’ streaming platform.
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “John Wilson on ‘The History of Concrete’ and What’s Wrong With the Documentary Space: ‘People Are Retelling Stories That Have Already Happened’”
