Behind the Scenes on Steph Curry's 'Portrait of an Artist' | Sportuality Episode 19
Gotham Chopra takes us behind the scenes of his groundbreaking IMAX documentary collaboration with Steph Curry. In this episode, he and Varun Soni explore what it really takes to capture one of basketball’s greatest artists in his element—and why following just one game revealed more truth than any highlight reel ever could.
Episode Overview
In this captivating conversation, Gotham Chopra and Varun Soni dive deep into the creative process behind Portrait of an Artist: Stephen Curry. From the bold decision to shoot on IMAX to the unexpected storytelling power of a messy, low-scoring game, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it means to document greatness through an artistic lens.
Key Topics & Timestamps
The Summer of IMAX
00:00
- Gotham discusses the ambitious vision of shooting Steph Curry’s documentary on IMAX
- Why this format was chosen and what it adds to the storytelling experience
- The scale and technical considerations of this unique project
Following One Game
7:20
- The creative decision to build the entire documentary around a single game
- How focusing on one moment in time creates narrative depth
- The risks and rewards of this unconventional approach
What If Steph Didn’t Perform Well?
11:30
- An honest conversation about the uncertainty of the project
- How documentarians handle when reality doesn’t match expectations
- The courage required to commit to a concept without guaranteed results
Finding the Story
16:15
- The Kings game turned out to be messy and tough—not a highlight-reel performance
- Why this “imperfect” game became the most authentic choice
- How struggle and difficulty reveal more about an artist than perfection
- The deeper truths that emerge when things don’t go as planned
The IMAX Experience and Steph’s Reaction
21:40
- How Steph Curry responded to seeing himself on the massive IMAX screen
- The emotional and visceral impact of the format on both subject and audience
- What it feels like to experience your own story at that scale
Alan Watts’ Impact on the Film
25:45
- The philosophical underpinnings of the documentary
- How Alan Watts’ teachings shaped the film’s meditation on artistry and presence
- Spirituality woven into the narrative of athletic excellence
Gotham’s Portrait as an Artist
30:15
- A reflective moment where Gotham examines his own creative journey
- What it means to be an artist documenting another artist
- The parallel paths of creation and storytelling
Soni’s Impact on This Documentary
33:20
- Varun’s perspective on the project and its spiritual dimensions
- How the collaboration between filmmaker and chaplain enriches the work
- The role of contemplation in understanding greatness
Defining an Artist
37:20
- What makes someone an artist beyond their primary craft?
- Is Steph Curry an artist? What does that really mean?
- The intersection of athleticism, creativity, and expression
Taking the Shot
40:30
- Final thoughts on the filmmaking process
- The moment of commitment—when you have to trust your vision
- What audiences can expect from the full documentary
Notable Insights & Quotes
- On authenticity: Sometimes the “failed” moment tells a truer story than the perfect performance
- On scale: IMAX isn’t just bigger—it transforms how we see and understand the subject
- On artistry: The question isn’t whether an athlete is an artist, but whether they approach their craft with artistic intention
- On risk: Great documentaries require betting on your subject and your vision, even when the outcome is uncertain
Resources & Links
🎬 Watch Portrait of an Artist: Stephen Curry
- In theaters October 9th
- Get tickets: https://www.imax.com/movie/portrait-of-an-artist-stephen-curry
Why You Should Listen
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into capturing greatness on film, or if you’re curious about the spiritual and artistic dimensions of elite athletics, this episode is essential listening. Gotham and Varun explore not just what happened in making this documentary, but why it matters—and what it reveals about the nature of artistry itself.
Whether you’re a Steph Curry fan, a documentary enthusiast, or someone interested in the intersection of sports and spirituality, this conversation will change how you think about both the game and the craft of filmmaking.
Don’t miss it. Listen to the full episode of Sportuality now, and catch Portrait of an Artist: Stephen Curry in IMAX theaters October 9th.