Which features 'Matilda' star Mara Wilson
Ah, show business. The glitz, the glamour, the money - that's what we're all trained to believe whenever we hear of someone wanting to become a star. But this new documentary is aiming to put the industry directly under the spotlight once and for all.
Looking back on his past, director Alex Winter was moved to make the 'Showbiz Kids' documentary. He himself was a child who grew up in the showbiz environment and in this HBO original, he aims to expose the stress and hardship that every family goes through while they try to forge a path for their young star.
Winter, who you'll know from playing Bill in 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure' opposite Keanu Reeves, relies on the perspectives of many of his peers to explore the complexities of growing up under the glare of Hollywood’s spotlight. And there are some pretty phenomenal guests who make appearances throughout the documentary.
From the 'Showbiz Kids' trailer, we see Henry Thomas, who played child star Elliott in 'E.T.' (and came back on our screens in 'A Haunting of Hill House'), and Mara Wilson, who played the title role of Matilda in the 1996 classic of the same name. The late Cameron Boyce, who tragically died last year at the age of 20, will also feature.
There will be a number of other appearances throughout, such as Evan Rachel Wood ('American Gothic' and 'Westworld'), Wil Wheaton ('Stand By Me'), Milla Jovovich (the 'Resident Evil' franchise), and Jada Pinkett Smith who will talk about the pressure of being a parent to children thrust in the spotlight. Diana Serra Cary, who died in February of this year, will also appear.
Be sure to hit record when 'Showbiz Kids' arrives on Sky Documentaries Saturday, July 18.