Judd Apatow to Produce Documentary on Eels’ Founder in ‘The Way I Was Made’
Utopia Originals to Produce Documentary on Eels Frontman Mark Oliver Everett
Utopia Originals has announced the development of a documentary titled The Way I Was Made: The Story of a Man Called E, which centers on Mark Oliver Everett, the founder of the Los Angeles indie pop rock band Eels. The film highlights Everett’s lifelong struggles with mental health and his journey through the music industry.
Three-time Emmy Award winner Judd Apatow will produce the documentary alongside Utopia founder Robert Schwartzman, with Gus Black set to direct.
This project is the latest addition to Utopia’s collection of rock documentaries, following titles such as Meet Me in the Bathroom, Hung Up on a Dream: The Zombies Documentary, and Pavements.
Everett’s personal story is marked by tragedy. As a teenager, he discovered his father had died under troubling circumstances. In a tragic turn, he later lost both his sister and mother shortly after his musical aspirations began to flourish. Instead of chasing fame, Everett turned his grief into creativity, producing an acclaimed body of work that spans 15 studio albums, starting with his 1996 debut, Beautiful Freak. This album featured the UK Top Singles “Novocaine for the Soul” and “Susan’s House,” with “Novocaine” achieving two weeks at the top of Billboard’s Modern Rock chart in the United States.
Critics and peers alike have praised Eels, with notable musicians such as Tom Waits and Pete Townshend recognizing the significance of Everett’s story. Townshend remarked on the impact of Everett’s 2008 memoir Things the Grandchildren Should Know, citing it as a reflection of how early adversity can shape an artist’s perspective.
Eels’ music has gained exposure in numerous films and television shows, including the Shrek franchise, American Beauty, and Yellowjackets. The documentary is being produced independently and is currently in production with Kevin Gasser as an executive producer.
Gus Black, who has collaborated with Eels on multiple video projects, noted, “E’s story is a truly unique and compelling tale of an American original. Shaped by harrowing circumstances, he chose to forge his own artistic path — one full of jarring twists, dark turns, and unexpectedly bright forecasts.”
Apatow expressed excitement about the project, stating, “I’ve always thought E’s story would make for a fantastic documentary. I am confused by why it has taken this long.”
Schwartzman emphasized the significance of the storytelling, saying, “Writing music and lyrics can be a powerful form of medicine. It’s rare that a music story so honestly explores the intersection of songwriting and mental health." He praised Black’s approach to portraying Everett’s story with profound honesty and vulnerability.
In addition to this project, Apatow is currently developing a new feature film starring Glen Powell for Universal Studios.
