The Incredible true story of Sam Smith’s rise to stardom best kept secret in the music business.
“I want to be the first male diva“
BEFORE THE FAME Sam was an aspiring young artist seeking stardom and with one dream only and a determination “I WANT TO BE A STAR”. But, as Sam had no professional experience, no personal or creative direction they would not have been able to achieve their dream. Venus & Mars Music stepped in and created a personal development plan designed specifically for Sam.
After 3 years on V&M’s course, Sam emerged … liked a butterfly from a cocoon as an informed person and a burgeoning pop star with all their professional firsts already achieved … including First charts, first studio album & singles, photoshoot, documentary, self-penned album and more.
“I WANT TO BE A STAR“
The title of Sam’s documentary is taken from a quote Sam made in the documentary
“I’ve gone on an incredible, incredible journey”
The documentary is a glowing tribute to Sam who is centre-stage throughout, performing and chatting about their life, loves, dreams, sexuality
… and their “incredible” journey.
Reviews’ (extracts) for Sam’s Documentary
A Film that is fascinating and unprecedented …Sam Smith Their Incredible Journey is the unique and exclusive account of the discovery and formative years of a much-loved global superstar. We are now used to every stage of every youngster’s life being documented on video and social media so might expect every future celebrity to be trailing none too revealing baggage of their childhood selves, but this film is different. Not only has this material been long unavailable and never-before seen, but it captures the evolution of ambition into art, the process and sympathetic teamwork of nurturing a star into being, the recognition and blossoming of a true natural talent in a film that is fascinating and unprecedented. James Norton
”In my opinion the documentary portrayed a relatable and human side of Sam Smith that I did not know about. Where before there was an amazing voice without a story, for the first time I saw the human behind the star. Seeing the humble and hardworking beginning of his career combined with the warmth and passion of everyone involved, has made me a fan. Rosane De Souza – independent viewer
This exceptional documentary about award-winning pop star Sam Smith is a clear and important story about what goes into discovering, nurturing, educating, developing, liberating and promoting an artist in the making.
Martin Fanning Windmill Lane Pictures
A beautiful documentary “Sensitively edited” (Bob Shennan BBC) from hours of step-by-step film, audio and video records of Sam on his journey to success. Prior to his current career Sam had a remarkable creative and successful journey with Venus and Mars Music (V&M) and it is all intentionally captured in this beautiful documentary. It could also be described as a master class in ‘How to Become a Global Pop Star’… inspiring, insightful and Sam’s truth, wrapped up in a touch of sweetness. This is a rare fulfilment of the criteria for a proper documentary. Vivienne Best
“We took Sam to the edge of his awesome career and gave him the canvas on which he could, and did, paint the landscape of his future” Betty Kane Director V&M 2010.
‘WHEN SAM MET BOB’
was the life defining meeting for Sam with Bob of ‘Ria John Bob’. At that time Sam (14 years old) had their eye on a career in Musicals and it was in a Sylvia Young musicals’ class that Sam met Bob. ‘My Story’ is Sam writing about that.
‘MY STORY’ is an extract from ‘Sam’s Story by Sam “Sam however then started attending Saturday School in Sylvia Young’s school. Although this Highlighted Sam’s want and hunger for the music industry it opened the biggest door he’s ever opened, his singing Teacher Bob took immediate interest.” Sam 4 06 09
Bob saw Sam’s real potential and knew they should be in pop where they could write and perform original songs. He introduced Sam and their parents to his own “artist-centric” label Venus & Mars Music.
V&M (John & Dee) agreed with Bob’s views but, aware of the danger of pushing young artists too soon, John and Dee thought Sam was too young to sign. Instead, they arranged studio time with Bob and trusted producer Adam Helal. Both had Sam’s interest at heart and taught Sam studio technique while recording songs of Sam’s choice including ‘Breathless’ / ‘Feeling Good’ / ‘Mac The Knife’ / ‘Let There Be Love’ / ‘My Love Is Your Love’ / ‘Rehab’ … and all without Sam signing a contract!
Sam loved every minute. Bob and Adam also produced Sam’s first album ‘Sam Smith Diva Boy’ of which Sam said… “I love Sam Smith Diva Boy, I’ve grown up with it and I’ve grown as a person with it”
After months of getting to know Sam and with the constant lobbying of John and Dee by Sam’s parents, V&M signed the then 15 year-old Sam, under the guardianship of their parents and also with the proviso that their parents would always be with Sam (as Sam was still a minor).
So started Sam’s 3-year V&M journey of discovery. V&M produced a personal development plan for Sam which included nurturing their dreams, uncovering and developing their arts and skills and finding their creative direction. Sam’s voice was developed initially by Bob and then by ‘Doctor Voice’ the accomplished voice and life coach of whom Sam said … “He is honestly a miracle worker!” Sam achieved all his professional firsts with V&M. Sam Smith Firsts
Sam emerged from their V&M journey like a butterfly from a cocoon as an informed person, conceptual artist and a burgeoning popstar
Sam was a creative person with a gigantic imagination and a dedication to becoming a star. They were also an excellent listener and learner. Sam was always concerned about equality for all and never hesitated to express love and appreciation to V&M. What Sam Said
‘Sam Smith Diva Boy’ is taken from step by step records of Sam’s journey. This isn’t just a tribute it’s the truth, preserved by those who lived it.
“We understand that Sam’s story stirs strong emotions, but this is a deeply personal account of Sam’s early journey, created by the people who nurtured Sam’s dreams, developed Sam’s talent long before fame arrived. For truth and legacy we invite you to explore this fabulous story. John and Dee and the V&M Team