MRC Non-Fiction announced the production of a new documentary, Girl You Know It’s True, about the quick rise and fast fall of the ’80s pop duo, Milli Vanilli.
In 1987, German producer Frank Farian put together two young men, Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus, to create Milli Vanilli. The two became overnight stars with the release of “Girl You Know It’s True,” a Top 10 hit that was popular across the globe. The duo went on to win a Grammy for Best New Artist and ended up selling over 10 million records before losing it all amid a lip-syncing scandal.
It was later shockingly discovered that Morvan and Pilatus never sang a note on the songs recorded for their debut album. There had long been speculation that these two men, with thick European accents, could not have created hits like “Girl You Know It’s True” and “Blame It On the Rain.”
And yet, the news came as a shock to many and was one of the biggest scandals in music history. This led to the duo being stripped of their awards and accolades, their financial freedom, their dignity as artists in the industry and the tragic death of Pilatus in 1998.
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Now, MRC’s Non-Fiction is excited to tell Milli Vanilli’s tale.
“For 30 years, Fab and Rob have been unfairly maligned while the industry machinations that exploited them continued to flourish,” said Amit Dey, Head of MRC Non-Fiction, in a written statement. “Luke and Bradley’s perspective comes from a place of empathy and understanding for characters who were caught in a game where nobody explained the rules. We’re excited to go on that journey with Fab and the whole team.”
The project will feature never-before-seen footage and interviews with the vocalists who recorded the projects but were never allowed to speak on them. There will also be an exclusive interview with the surviving member, Morvan.
“Milli Vanilli has made an indelible mark on music and pop culture history, yet the truth of what happened is more bizarre than anyone knows,” says director Luke Korem. “There are so many layers, characters, and twists that have never before been revealed. I’m elated to partner with MRC and share the truth behind what has been dubbed the greatest con in music history.”
MRC has listed Girl You Know It’s True as the first of four music documentaries planned in a partnership between Fulwell 73’s Music & Sports and MRC’s Non-Fiction divisions.
