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Behind The Films

Discover the stories behind the stories as Arena opens up its production archives for several of its films, including correspondence letters received from artists, performers, writers and viewers over its 30 year history.

  • My Way

    Anthony Wall, Arena's Series Editor, discusses the origins of both the song and the Arena film, My Way. Read David Bowie's management letters and hear the unreleased home recording of his version of Comme d'Habitude, the tune that was to become My Way.

  • Voices From The island

    In 1993, the year before South Africa’s era defining elections, Arena made a film about the island that imprisoned Nelson Mandela and the leadership of the ANC for over 25 years, Robben Island. Adam Low recounts the extraordinary problems that beset the filming in South Africa.

  • Punk And The Pistols

    The definitive film on Punk took over 5 years to film and as the Punk attitude seeped into the production, the project was passed from production to production. Paul Tickell, the director, tells how he managed to tame and produce this unruly film for Arena.

  • The Chelsea Hotel

    Go behind the scenes (literally for Jim Jarmusch in this story) of the dinner sequence - when Burroughs dined with Warhol in the Chelsea Hotel.

  • Heavy Metal

    The Heavy Metal fans of 1989 confront the 'head-banger' stereotype and give an insight into their passion for the music in the making of Arena: Heavy Metal

  • No, Not This One

    Filming with contributors can be an occupational hazard for an Arts programme. Take a look at some of the rejection letters from actors, performers and writers who have refused to appear in Arena films.

  • Losey On Bunuel

    Following the broadcast of Arena: The Life and Time of Don Luis Bunuel, the American fim director, Joseph Losey wrote to Arena recalling his long lunches in Paris with Luis Bunuel.