Director Rob Reiner returns to Filmmaker Toolkit to talk with IndieWire features writer Jim Hemphill about “This is Spinal Tap.” Released in 1984 to widespread acclaim, Reiner’s debut feature created a new form of comedy that inspired countless hours of “mockumentary” TV episodes and films in the decades to follow. On the occasion of the film’s theatrical re-release in a new 4K restoration, Reiner reflects on its making and the challenges he faced getting the movie out into the world.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices