The Most Memorable Moments Making 'Back In Time,' The Back To The Future Documentary

I guess a lot of people want to see an in-depth documentary on Back to the Future. Not once, but twice, the film called Back in Time has used Kickstarter to raise funds to make a feature-length documentary about the classic time travel trilogy. Both times, the film's goals were quickly and easily funded. This latest round, which just started last week, happened in a mere few days.

To celebrate, the filmmakers behind this documentary (director Jason Aron, executive producer Louis Krubich and producer Lee Leshen) did two things. They added some really cool new stretch goals and reward levels to their campaign, then spoke exclusively to /Film us about their best memories, so far, in making Back in Time.

Below, read the most memorable moments making the Back to the Future documentary, Back in Time, and read about the stretch goals and rewards on Kickstarter.

The Best Moments Making a Back to the Future Documentary

The Call From Adam Goldberg:

Executive Producer Louis Krubich: "The surprise when Adam F. Goldberg called us to produce with us. We thought it was a scam or something but we're humbled that he wanted to join the project. Perfect fit. Then it was great to be able to shoot on the set of The Goldbergs, the backdrop was perfect and it all came together."

In honor of this first moment, the filmmakers wish to announce they're adding these three new rewards to the Kickstarter, with more on the way:

  • Signed copy of The Goldbergs Back to the Future-themed episode script
  • A GoBot from Adam's personal childhood collection, signed by Adam
  • A trip to visit the set of The Goldbergs and meet the cast
  • The First Day and the Sheas

    Director Jason Aron: "Nothing beats the start of a journey. On the first day when we shot the footage for our original Kickstarter video we met the Sheas in Hubbardston, Massachusetts. We also met two machines – including one used in the movie – and the screen used Toyota pickup used in Back to the Future Parts II and III. Not to mention some amazing screen used costumes and props. It was an amazing way to start this journey.Producer Lee Leshen: "Bill and Patrick Shea – I met them and their Time Machines on the second trip up to Massachusetts and got the chance to ride in the Part 3 car. I remember thinking when I got out, "Ok, that's it. I've ridden in a Time Machine – if it all ends tomorrow, I've had a full life."

    Interviewing Michael J Fox

    Aron: "I think the day you interview Marty McFly is the day you know you've made it as a Back to the Future documentary. The reality of Michael J. Fox though is that he is one of the most down to Earth regular guys you can meet and you almost forget you're in the room with greatness."

    Meeting Christopher Lloyd

    Leshen: "Christopher Lloyd was particularly memorable, as, for me, that was the first interview with a cast member. I don't often get star struck, but, he's not a star – he's Christopher Lloyd. There's never going to be another actor like him. He's both Doc Brown, and Judge Doom. He's Reverend Jim and Switchblade Sam. He taught me about time travel in a way my seven-year old brain could understand. And now he's...standing in the doorway to the backyard where we were setting up for his shoot, softly saying, 'This must be the place.' We all looked up, saw who it was (as if his unmistakeable signature tone could belong to anyone else), fell silent for a moment, and I believe collectively thought, 'That's Doc Brown. This is why we're here. It's real.' He gave us a great interview and then stuck around for about twenty minutes afterward, just chatting, and he was gracious enough to sign some rewards for the follow up Kickstarter campaign. Absolute class, through and through.

    The Delorean Car Show

    Aron: "The Delorean Car Show in Dayton Ohio was a great shoot for us. We were among hundreds of Delorean owners and it was stainless steel overload. We also drove there so it was a great road trip for the crew and it was our first time meeting Christopher Lloyd."

    Speaking with Bob Gale

    Leshen: "Like Christopher Lloyd, he's a guy that helped shape our childhoods, whether he knows it or not. Bob has been a champion for this project from the start, just like Steven Spielberg was for Back to the Future. He made things happen, opening doors for us that we could never even think to walk through without his help. He's been available to us night and day; I mean, who gives that kind of access to unknown filmmakers? But, there's a reason – he cares deeply about the Back to the Future franchise, second only to the love and appreciation he has for the fans. I think he sees that we have a great respect for the films and that we're fans first, so he's comfortable with us acting as 'Junior Caretakers' of the franchise for a little while under his guidance."

    The King of the Slackers

    Leshen: "James Tolkan, AKA Principal Strickland [was a highlight]. I shouldn't be telling you this, as I'm sure he's struck fear into the hearts of every person who will read this, but...nicest. guy. ever.

    Documenting Secret Cinema

    Aron: "For me it was my first time visiting London so I got to kill many birds with one stone on this trip. I rode the Tube for the first time and still have my Oyster card. On the way home we had a stopover in Paris and I was able to see the Eiffel Tower and Louvre for the first time. Some really nice perks while also getting to shoot an amazing spectacle of Back to the Future." [Watch another team's clip here.]

    The First Flight

    Aron: "We have traveled all over the world together filming this documentary and it has been amazing. But when you look back at our first travel shoot after the first Kickstarter we all went to Las Vegas together to shoot a Delorean owners convention in Vegas. I think for all of us that was when we knew that this documentary was 'real.' The irony is that at that moment I don't think we had any clue how big it would get."

    Save the Clock Tower

    Krubich: "Getting to see Courthouse Square in person, and going to the top of the Clock Tower, now City Hall."

    Everyone From the Crew

    Leshen: "Everyone from the Back to the Future crew we've interviewed has been so welcoming, and so open to discuss their unique experience working on the films. The level of access they've granted us is unbelievable. From cinematographer Dean Cundey, to production illustrator Andrew Probert, to the man that SCORES OUR LIVES, Alan Silvestri, to Jill and Greg Henderson of Hendo Hover....Uhhh...did I mention we got to ride Hoverboards???

    Finally, a reminder, here's the latest trailer for Back in Time. It's scheduled to open in October 2015.