The Challenge

The clearance process for Luther: Never Too Much was uniquely complex due to the extensive use of music-related archival materials. Music documentaries inherently involve multiple layers of rights—master recordings, publishing, and performance footage—all requiring separate permissions. Despite strong support from the Vandross estate and his record label, the sheer volume of archival materials meant that managing and organizing every element demanded meticulous attention to detail.

Our Approach

Strategic Collaboration:
Julia led the effort by working closely with exceptional music supervisors, the Vandross estate, and the Sony Music archives. This collaboration provided invaluable access to personal archives and rare materials, ensuring that each element was properly vetted and cleared.

Meticulous Negotiation:
The project required navigating several legal and licensing challenges. Some archival items had multiple rights holders, and in cases where ownership was unclear, extensive research and negotiation were essential. Julia’s strategy focused on consolidating sources and purchasing bulk deals to streamline the process and manage costs effectively.

Creative Problem-Solving:
Music is the heart of the documentary. To honor Luther’s legacy without compromising the budget, the team strategically selected and negotiated for key pieces of performance and interview footage. This careful curation helped maintain the emotional impact of the film while mitigating the financial challenges associated with licensing high-profile music materials.

The Impact

The final music selections were pivotal in shaping the documentary’s tone and storytelling. By securing carefully chosen archival footage of Luther’s performances, the film not only celebrated his musical genius but also immersed audiences in the emotional journey of his career. The nuanced approach to clearance enabled the documentary to convey both the triumphs and struggles of an iconic artist, enhancing its historical accuracy and emotional resonance.

Behind the Scenes & Lessons Learned

While no single moment stands out above all others, the entire process of unearthing rare and long-lost footage and photographs was incredibly rewarding. Julia emphasizes the importance of early engagement with music supervisors, meticulous record-keeping, and maintaining strong communication with all rights holders. Her advice to other producers?

“Engage a music supervisor as early as possible, keep detailed records of rights holders and contracts, and always have a backup plan.”

Project Outcome

Luther: Never Too Much has garnered significant recognition, with selections at prestigious film festivals like Sundance and Tribeca, and won two NAACP Image Awards in 2025 for Outstanding Documentary and Outstanding Directing in a Documentary. This success underscores the effectiveness of our innovative, collaborative approach to complex music clearance and highlights Luther Vandross’ enduring legacy.