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How Alex vs. A-Rod Was Really Made: A Deep Dive With Director Erik LeDrew & Editor Kevin Barth
How do you make one of the biggest sports documentaries of the year? In this episode of Frame By Frame, Daniel sits down with director Erik LeDrew and editor Kevin Barth, the creative minds behind HBO’s Alex vs. A-Rod.
They break down the entire storytelling journey—from early brainstorming sessions and gaining Alex Rodriguez’s trust, to the emotional Colorado shoot that became the heart of the series, to spending 88 weeks in the edit shaping one of the most vulnerable portraits of A-Rod ever shown on screen.
This conversation goes deep into the director–editor relationship, how to collaborate under pressure, why certain scenes almost didn’t make the cut, and what it truly takes to build a multi-year documentary from scratch
If you love filmmaking, storytelling, sports docs, or the craft behind documentaries, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
00:00 – Intro
Daniel sets up the episode and introduces Erik & Kevin.
02:00 – How Erik & Kevin First Connected
Their creative partnership and early projects that shaped their process.
08:30 – Origin of the Alex vs. A-Rod Documentary
A-Rod’s blind spots, the initial pitch, and why this project mattered.
14:00 – Building Trust With A-Rod
How they got him comfortable enough to open up emotionally.
20:00 – Developing the Structure & Tone
The “writer’s room” process and mapping out the psychological heart of the story.
27:00 – Editing a Multi-Year Documentary
Finding rhythm, musicality, pacing, and what gets left on the cutting room floor.
33:00 – The Colorado Shoot
The make-or-break moment of the doc—and why it almost didn’t work.
45:00 – Balancing Objectivity & Collaboration With A-Rod
Navigating notes, integrity, and the fine line between access and honesty.
52:00 – Working With HBO
Why HBO was the ideal partner and how their feedback elevated the project.
58:00 – Storytelling Lessons & Advice for Filmmakers
Erik and Kevin share what they’ve learned across their careers.
1:05:00 – The Frame They’re Most Proud Of
A powerful closing reflection on their favorite moments in the film
1:10:00 – Closing Thoughts
Daniel wraps the conversation and previews what’s next.
View all episodes
By Daniel MoggHow do you make one of the biggest sports documentaries of the year? In this episode of Frame By Frame, Daniel sits down with director Erik LeDrew and editor Kevin Barth, the creative minds behind HBO’s Alex vs. A-Rod.
They break down the entire storytelling journey—from early brainstorming sessions and gaining Alex Rodriguez’s trust, to the emotional Colorado shoot that became the heart of the series, to spending 88 weeks in the edit shaping one of the most vulnerable portraits of A-Rod ever shown on screen.
This conversation goes deep into the director–editor relationship, how to collaborate under pressure, why certain scenes almost didn’t make the cut, and what it truly takes to build a multi-year documentary from scratch
If you love filmmaking, storytelling, sports docs, or the craft behind documentaries, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
00:00 – Intro
Daniel sets up the episode and introduces Erik & Kevin.
02:00 – How Erik & Kevin First Connected
Their creative partnership and early projects that shaped their process.
08:30 – Origin of the Alex vs. A-Rod Documentary
A-Rod’s blind spots, the initial pitch, and why this project mattered.
14:00 – Building Trust With A-Rod
How they got him comfortable enough to open up emotionally.
20:00 – Developing the Structure & Tone
The “writer’s room” process and mapping out the psychological heart of the story.
27:00 – Editing a Multi-Year Documentary
Finding rhythm, musicality, pacing, and what gets left on the cutting room floor.
33:00 – The Colorado Shoot
The make-or-break moment of the doc—and why it almost didn’t work.
45:00 – Balancing Objectivity & Collaboration With A-Rod
Navigating notes, integrity, and the fine line between access and honesty.
52:00 – Working With HBO
Why HBO was the ideal partner and how their feedback elevated the project.
58:00 – Storytelling Lessons & Advice for Filmmakers
Erik and Kevin share what they’ve learned across their careers.
1:05:00 – The Frame They’re Most Proud Of
A powerful closing reflection on their favorite moments in the film
1:10:00 – Closing Thoughts
Daniel wraps the conversation and previews what’s next.