Netflix has once again provided a compelling agenda for adoring fans eager to learn more about their icons as the original episodes of Harper’s Bazaar Portrait Mode landed on the channel.
The documentary series pairs iconic personalities in a unique experiment, where they sit down to make drawings or paintings of one another and discuss their lives in a straightforward manner.
The newest season of the show keeps with the show’s personal interview and creative challenges format, providing viewers with a more informal and unscripted alternative to the quality of an interview.
The newest episodes were released through the Netflix site on September 10, further adding to Netflix’s repertoire of entertainment and documentary-like programming.
The Origin of Portrait Mode: The first use of that series at some point was for this series from Harper’s Bazaar in which they have had different celebrities drawing one another. Past examples of this series have included Mark Wahlberg, and Iliza Shlesinger. This simple concept then creates a far more informal feel.
The celebrities are required to focus on their work, while also chatting about their careers, personalities etc and makes for some funny or unexpectedly revealing moments. Most of the drawings themselves are not actually the main focus.
They provide an informal activity, which allows for guests to mix with each other in a natural way and for viewers to see another side of the celebrities they may already be familiar with through films, TV or music.
Interviews with celebrities can get a bit slick, in particular if the celebrity is promoting a huge project. Portrait Mode is different as it engages the guest.
The drawing game can quiet the boring conversation. Players interact with each other’s images; tease each other about drawing skill and answer questions about their drawing while attempting to portray the person on the other side.
Together, these ingredients provide the programme with a unique balance between entertainment and discussion. It is part interview, part experiment in creative television and part celebrity game show.
In addition, the format is enjoyed when two stars are already familiar to each other. Co-stars can easily go through the process reminiscing on their working relationship, dropping hints about themselves, while friends or lovers can transform the portrait challenge into light-hearted rivalry.
While Portrait Mode started as a digital video series for Harper’s Bazaar, its launch on Netflix gives the format with a much broader streaming audience.
The new release increases the series to two seasons on Netflix, with the new episodes maintaining their original format of celebrity pairings shooting each other while responding to personal questions.
The move fits into Netflix’s long term model of including shorter, character focused fare to its portfolio of scripted series and movies. The September 1960 Netflix line-up of new programming includes returning hits like The Gentlemen, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, and various reality, documentary and entertainment concepts.