Fame (soundtrack)

Fame
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Alan Parker
Produced by	David De Silva Alan Marshall
Written by	Christopher Gore
Music by	Michael Gore
Cinematography	Michael Seresin
Edited by	Gerry Hambling
Production company	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Distributed by	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer United Artists
Release date	May 12, 1980 (1980-05-12) (New York City) May 16, 1980 (1980-05-16) (United States)
Running time	133 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$8.5 million
Box office	$21.2 million

Fame is a 1980 American teen musical drama film directed by Alan Parker, and written by Christopher Gore. The film follows a group of students during their studies at the High School of Performing Arts in New York City, from their auditions to their freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years.

Producer David De Silva conceived the premise in 1976 before commissioning Gore to write the script. The script, originally titled Hot Lunch, became the subject of a bidding war among a host of established film studios before it was sold to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), and was retitled by Parker during filming. After he signed on to direct the film, Parker rewrote the script with Gore, aiming for a more dramatic and darker tone. He encountered difficulties with the New York Board of Education, whose members criticized the script's subject matter and forbade the production from filming in the actual school, and U.S. labor union representatives who objected to the British crew members involved with the film. Principal photography commenced in July 1979 and concluded after 91 days, with a budget of $8.5 million. The film was shot on location in New York City. Music composer Michael Gore worked with lyricist Dean Pitchford to produce five original songs for the film, including the title song "Fame".

MGM gave Fame a platform release which involved opening the film in select cities before expanding distribution in the following weeks. The film was a box office success, grossing $21.2 million during its North American theatrical run. It received a mixed critical response; reviewers praised the music, while criticism was aimed at the dramatic tone, pacing and direction. Fame received several awards and nominations, including two Academy Awards for Best Original Song ("Fame") and Best Original Score (Michael Gore), and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song ("Fame"). The film spawned a media franchise encompassing several television series, stage musicals, and a remake that was released in 2009.