Documentary First
Documentary First is your bi-weekly podcast exploring the craft of documentary filmmaking. Each episode features in-depth interviews with filmmakers, industry experts, and professionals, providing valuable tips and behind-the-scenes insights on how powerful documentaries are made. Whether you're a seasoned documentarian, an aspiring filmmaker, or just curious about documentary storytelling, you'll find expert advice, creative inspiration, and practical knowledge. Tune in and discover what it takes to create compelling documentaries that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.
S1 E250 · Thu, April 24, 2025
Episode 250 | Blake Lively’s Hollywood Harassment Showdown – with Entertainment Lawyer Anne Easton
What happens when a Hollywood star stands up to sexual harassment on set? In this episode, entertainment lawyer Anne Easton joins us to unravel the legal and ethical firestorm sparked by Blake Lively’s recent case. Blake Lively made headlines by accusing her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni , of sexual harassment — and then faced an alleged smear campaign in retaliation . Anne brings an insider perspective from the world of entertainment law , helping us make sense of this high-profile Hollywood showdown in a conversational, insightful way. We tackle tough questions around celebrity privacy and image rights — how much control can an actor really have over their image and personal information once a story goes public? We also examine how the Me Too movement has changed the film industry, and what it takes to create a truly safe workplace environment in filmmaking today. Anne breaks down the concept of retaliation in plain language, exploring whether smear campaigns like the one Lively alleges can be considered illegal retaliation under entertainment law. She highlights what legal protections exist for those who speak up against misconduct, and where gaps still need to be filled. From the role of intimacy coordinators on set to new laws designed to protect whistleblowers, we cover it all in a clear, down-to-earth way. Beyond this case, Anne’s perspective — shaped by years of advising both major studios and independent filmmakers — adds nuance to every insight. She even shares a peek at her own upcoming creative nonfiction book project, revealing her passion for storytelling beyond the courtroom. It’s a candid, eye-opening discussion that’s equal parts Hollywood drama and practical advice on building safer, more respectful film sets. Tune in to learn how Hollywood is changing and what it means for anyone who wants a safer, more equitable filmmaking world. No DocuView Déjà Vu Timecodes 00:00 Introduction to the Blake Lively Case 03:12 Understanding the Legal Context 06:04 The Background of the Case 09:10 Claims of Sexual Harassment 12:04 Retaliation and Public Perception 14:52 Legal Implications for Filmmakers 17:59 Creating a Safe Set Environment 21:04 Navigating Power Dynamics on Set 23:55 Preventative Measures in Filmmaking 26:50 The Aftermath and Public Image Rights 32:39 Legal Standards for Public Figures 34:12 Image Rights and Public Figures 36:32 The Importance of Image Rights 40:42 Lessons from Blake Lively's Case 42:27 Current Status of Legal Proceedings 45:26 The Importance of Behavior in Legal Matters 46:13 Understanding Your Rights in Media 48:08 Ann
S1 E249 · Thu, April 10, 2025
Episode 249 | How Greg Fitzpatrick Became a Stuntman, Part 1
Get ready to ride shotgun through Hollywood’s wild side! In this electrifying episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor sits down with Greg Fitzpatrick—a stuntman who’s doubled for Ben Stiller and even put his skills to the test for Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man. Greg's no-nonsense journey from ditching law school to becoming an award-winning daredevil in Tinseltown is full of raw, behind-the-scenes stories that every aspiring actor, stunt performer, or director will want to hear. In this candid, high-octane conversation, Greg dives into the gritty realities of stunt work—the epic risks, hilarious mishaps, and relentless hustle that shape a career in film. He reveals how networking, preparation, and a dash of bold risk-taking have propelled him from theater stages to the big screen. Whether you’re dreaming of your own Hollywood breakthrough or just curious about what really goes on behind the camera, this interview packs plenty of inspiration, practical advice, and jaw-dropping tales from the stunt world. Tune in for a deep dive into the adrenaline-fueled world of stunts where every fall is a step toward success! DocuView Déjà Vu Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa, 2023, 95 mins, Watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa (2023) ⭐ 7.6 | Documentary Timecodes 00:00 Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking and Guest Introduction 02:59 The Life of a Stuntman: Behind the Scenes 06:05 The Journey to Acting: From Law School to Hollywood 09:02 Theater and Acting: Building a Foundation 12:02 The Struggles of an Actor: Finding a Footing in LA 15:06 Networking and Community in the Film Industry 17:59 The Breakthrough: Becoming a Stunt Performer 20:51 Transitioning from Stunts to Acting 23:55 The Hustle: Balancing Jobs and Passion 27:09 Preparing for the Role: Doubling for Ben Stiller 27:43 The Journey Begins: From Awareness to Opportunity 30:09 Seizing the Moment: The Importance of Preparation 32:52 The Humbling Experience of Stunt Work 35:44 The Duality of Stunt Work: Gift and Challenge 39:09 Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Stunt Work 42:34 Directing: Bringing Vision to Life 46:55 Documentary Insights: Learning from Experience 48:25 DocuView Déjà Vu Sponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!
S1 E248 · Wed, March 26, 2025
Episode 248: Deep Talks with an Entertainment Lawyer - Part 1
In this exciting episode of Documentary First , host Christian Taylor welcomes Anne Easton, a brilliant entertainment lawyer and creative, to the team! Anne brings a wealth of knowledge and a powerhouse combination of legal expertise, creative insight, and deep industry experience to the table. In this lively conversation, they dive into the often-overlooked but crucial role of legal advice in documentary filmmaking. From navigating contracts and rights management to understanding the importance of forming an LLC, Anne shares why filmmakers should consider legal professionals as early partners in their projects. Anne also explains key legal concepts like indemnity and how they protect filmmakers, while discussing the emotional side of working with lawyers. With a focus on practical tips for indie filmmakers, Anne and Christian highlight how good legal groundwork can smooth the entire production process, ensuring that your creative vision stays protected. Plus, they share some must-see documentaries that perfectly capture the intersection of law and storytelling. She is currently working on a creative non-fiction, coming-of-age book about a young woman from California moving to Saudi Arabia in the early 1980s. DocuView Déjà Vu JOAN DIDION: The Center Will Not Hold, 2017, 94mins, Watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold (2017) - IMDb Katherine Hepburn, 2019, 94 mins, Watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: Katharine Hepburn (2019) - IMDb The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, 2024, Watch on HBO MAX, Series (2 seasons, 12 episodes), IMDB Link: The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (TV Series 2015–2024) - IMDb Timecodes 00:00 Introduction to Documentary First 07:02 Understanding Entertainment Law 20:22 The Importance of Legal Agreements 28:06 Budgeting for Legal Services 34:19 Understanding Indemnity and Its Implications 45:12 Finding the Right Legal Representation 51:20 Documentary Recommendations and Insights Sponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!
S1 E247 · Fri, March 14, 2025
Episode 247 | Eric Gardner, Director of ”Confessions of a CEO”
Are you fascinated by the power of storytelling and the secrets behind captivating documentaries? If you’re into deep dives into reality TV, the creative process, and the art of balancing hard-hitting truths with compelling narratives, this episode is for you. Join host Christian Taylor and visionary documentary filmmaker Eric Gardner as they unpack the making of Confessions of a CEO: My Life in an Out of Balance World —the riveting true story of Tom Gegax. In this heartfelt conversation, Eric shares his personal journey from his early days in reality TV and film school to navigating the ethical and creative challenges of modern documentary filmmaking. Eric opens up about the difficulties of tackling controversial topics and the lengths he goes to maintain factual integrity. He offers candid insights into innovative techniques like AI-enhanced voiceovers and the delicate art of reenactments that bring his stories to life. With a nod to the groundbreaking impact of films like Super Size Me , he also reveals how his experiences—both triumphant and challenging—have shaped his unique perspective on storytelling. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about documentaries, film production, or simply eager to discover how raw, honest storytelling can change the way we see the world. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a dedicated fan of transformative cinema, prepare to be inspired by a conversation that blends creative passion with real-world insights and a genuine love for the art of filmmaking. Go to confessionsofaceomovie.com for more information including how to watch the documentary. DocuView Déjà Vu Eric Gardner: Three Identical Strangers, 2018, 96 mins, Watch on Tubi or Amazon/Prime, IMDB Link: Three Identical Strangers (2018) - IMDb Timecodes 00:00 Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking 03:28 Eric Gardner's Background and Film Overview 05:45 Navigating Controversial Subjects in Documentary 10:11 The Role of Distributors in Documentary Success 18:43 Gardner's Career First Steps 26:00 Editing Battle Stories 33:00 "Confessions of a CEO" 41:00 Challenges To Find Entertainment 44:50 Reenactment Critiques 56:47 Docuview Déjà Vu Segment Sponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!
S1 E246 · Thu, March 06, 2025
Episode 246 | Liz Carpenter, Mover and Shaker in US Politics - Part 2
In this episode of Documentary First , host Christian Taylor sits down with filmmakers Abby Ginzberg and Christy Carpenter to discuss their latest documentary, Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter . The film explores the remarkable legacy of Liz Carpenter—a journalist, author, and women's rights advocate who broke barriers as the press secretary for First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Carpenter was a trailblazer in political communications, known for her wit, tenacity, and dedication to advancing women's voices in government and media. The conversation delves into Liz Carpenter’s lasting impact, the personal and professional journeys of the filmmakers, and the challenges they faced bringing this story to life. Abby and Christy share insights into the intricacies of documentary filmmaking, including the complexities of budgeting, the importance of securing archival rights, and the often-overlooked role of an archival producer. They also discuss how music licensing can be one of the most challenging aspects of post-production. Beyond the technical aspects, the discussion highlights the power of storytelling in shaping historical narratives and inspiring future generations. The episode concludes with documentary recommendations that offer valuable perspectives on women’s history and social change. NOW available for free to watch anywhere on PBS! In the spirit of this release being the month of March and Women's History Month, a number of public television stations will be broadcasting Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter . In-person screenings will also be held in Texas and Tennessee. Go to https://lizcarpenterfilm.com/ to find local listings and events. DocuView Déjà Vu Abby Ginzberg: A Double Life, 2023, 84 mins, Watch on Amazon, Google Play and YouTube Movies, IMDB Link: A Double Life (2023) - IMDb Timecodes 00:00 Introduction to the Documentary and Its Context 02:06 The Journey of Christy Carpenter 03:38 Abby Ginzberg's Documentary Experience 05:30 Liz Carpenter: A Trailblazer in Journalism 09:43 Liz Carpenter's Impact on Women's Rights 10:13 The Structure of the Documentary 12:09 Access and Interviews: Elevating the Story 14:44 Relationships in the Johnson White House 16:34 Balancing Personal and Political Narratives 19:47 The Feminist Legacy of Liz Carpenter 25:44 Distribution and Airing of the Documentary 30:00 Docuview Déjà Vu S
S1 E245 · Sat, March 01, 2025
Episode 245 | Liz Carpenter, Mover and Shaker in US Politics
In this episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor engages with filmmakers Abby Ginzberg and Christy Carpenter about their documentary "Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter." The conversation explores Liz Carpenter's legacy as a trailblazer in journalism and politics, the personal journeys of getting into directing, and the collaborative process of producing the documentary. They discuss the importance of storytelling, the challenges of fundraising, and the impact of Liz's life on their own careers. In this conversation, Ginzberg and Carpenter discuss the intricacies of documentary filmmaking, focusing on budgeting, the importance of archival rights, and the challenges of music licensing. They share insights on the critical roles of archival producers and the extensive research required to gather materials. NOW available for free to watch anywhere on PBS! In the spirit of this release being the month of March and Women's History Month, a number of public television stations will be broadcasting Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter . In-person screenings will also be held in Texas and Tennessee. Go to https://lizcarpenterfilm.com/ to find local listings and events. DocuView Déjà Vu Speaking Truth to Power, 2020/2021, 82 mins, Watch on Prime, IMDB Link: Truth to Power (2020) - IMDb American Experience: The Vote PT#1 & PT#2 , 2020, 120 mins each, watch on PBS, Paramount +, Prime/Amazon, IMDB Links: PT#1 "American Experience" The Vote, Part 1 (TV Episode 2020) - IMDb , PT#2 "American Experience" The Vote, Part 2 (TV Episode 2020) - IMDb Porcelain War, 2024, 87 mins, Yet to be released for public viewing, IMDB Link: Porcelain War (2024) - IMDb <
S1 E244 · Sat, February 22, 2025
Episode 244 | Film Entrepreneurship w/ Teddy Cannon
In this episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor sits down with seasoned media professional Teddy Cannon, whose 25+ years in the industry span politics, entertainment, and documentary filmmaking. Teddy shares his journey growing up in a foreign service family, transitioning from in front of the camera to behind it, and his deep dive into the world of archival production. They explore the critical role of archival producers, the complexities of rights and clearances, and the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking in response to current events. Teddy also discusses the devastating impact of the Palisades Fire on LA’s film industry, the broader challenges of the pandemic and strikes, and why documentaries are on the rise. Plus, he introduces 3PSync and Arcworks—two groundbreaking AI-driven tools designed to revolutionize archival management and streamline the filmmaking process. Docuview Déjà Vu Netflix vs. The World, 2019, 104 mins, Watch on Netflix and various streamers including Prime, IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8407418/reference/ Kiss The Future, 2023, 103 mins, Watch on Paramount +, IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17022868/reference/ Movie: Bank of Dave, 2023, 107 mins, Watch on Netflix or Prime, IMDB Link: https://www. imdb .com/title/tt14308636/reference/ Timecodes 00:00 Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking 02:19 Teddy Cannon's Background and Experience 08:38 The Journey from Politics to Filmmaking 10:55 The Evolution of Teddy's Career in Media 15:31 The Role of Archival Producers in Documentaries 23:48 Challenges in Archival Rights and Clearances 25:40 The Impact of the Palisades Fire 29:57 The State of the Film Industry Post-Fire 34:57 Navigating Industry Changes and Challenges 41:07 The Role of AI in Documentary Production 45:50 Introducing Arcworks: A New Solution for Archival Management 52:04 Docu-View DejaVu Segment
S1 E243 · Thu, January 30, 2025
Episode 243 | Q&A With East Coast Filmmaker Robin Hamilton
In this powerful episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor sits down with Emmy-winning filmmaker Robin Hamilton for a deep dive into the art of storytelling, social justice, and the impact of documentary filmmaking. Robin shares her journey from journalism to filmmaking, her passion for uncovering untold stories, and the responsibility filmmakers have in shaping conversations about history and justice. Together, they explore the significance of Fannie Lou Hamer’s legacy, the challenges of tackling difficult histories, and the bravery required to address controversial topics. Robin reflects on how storytelling can be a tool for healing, resistance, and change—especially in today’s turbulent socio-political climate. Whether you’re a filmmaker, history enthusiast, or just love compelling stories, this episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and motivation to tell stories that truly matter. Robin's Recommended books: “Memoir of a Race Traitor” by Mab Segrest. Link: Memoir of a Race Traitor | The New Press “This Little Light of Mine: the Life of Fannie Lou Hamer” by Kay Mills. Link: https://library.si.edu/donate/adopt-a-book/little-light-mine DocuView Déjà Vu Robin: "Odessa’s Reign", 2021, Short Film, 22 mins, Watch trailer on Around Robin Production Company IMDB Link: Odessa's Reign (2021) - IMDb “13th” , 2016, 100mins, Watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: 13th (2016) - IMDb Timecodes: ⏳ 01:00 – Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking & Current Events 🎥 03:58 – Meet Robin Hamilton: A Filmmaker’s Journey 📖 06:48 – The Impact of Fannie Lou Hamer’s Story 📰 10:10 – From Journalism to Documentary: A Bold Leap 🎬 13:0
S1 E242 · Thu, January 16, 2025
Episode 242 | Interview with Mt. Everest Explorer: Alex Harz
In this episode, filmmaker and Mount Everest summiteer Alex Harz takes us on a breathtaking journey, sharing how he turned a childhood dream into a groundbreaking dual-format documentary series. Alex recounts his early years in Spain and Germany, his passion for storytelling, and his evolution as a filmmaker with a strong business mindset. Listeners will gain insights into the unparalleled challenges of filming on Everest, from navigating deadly icefalls to keeping gear functional in subzero conditions. Alex discusses the creative and technical feats behind producing a 2D film and an immersive VR experience, all while spotlighting the vibrant culture of Nepal and the Sherpa people. He also delves into the decade-long preparation for the climb, the massive editing process, and his strategic approach to budgeting and distribution. This conversation is packed with lessons for filmmakers and adventurers alike. Timecodes 01:00 Introduction to Alex Harz and His Journey 07:44 Transitioning from Film to Mountaineering 13:32 Finding a Greater Purpose 19:22 Challenges of Filming on Everest 26:29 The Technical Aspects of Filming 34:20 Budgeting the Everest Expedition 40:20 DOCU-VIEW DEJAVU SEGMENT
S1 E241 · Fri, December 20, 2024
Episode 241 | "A Remarkable 2024" Retrospective Company Update
In this episode, the team reflects on a groundbreaking year in documentary filmmaking. From innovative theatrical release strategies to building community through outreach and merchandise, they share the key moments that defined their success. Highlights include the D-Day commemoration, expanding audience engagement through social media, and signing a new distribution deal to bring their film into schools. Through teamwork, persistence, and creative problem-solving, the team achieved new milestones while staying true to their storytelling mission. Takeaways 2024 was an incredible year for the team. Balancing compelling stories with smart business strategies is essential. Knowing your audience drives both engagement and monetization. Social media experiments revealed what resonates most. Strategic outreach made theatrical releases possible. Merchandise and events connect audiences to the film’s message. Collaboration and self-education helped overcome challenges. Community-building efforts created lasting impact. Timecodes 00:00 Introduction 02:19 Reflecting on a Successful Year 11:13 Innovative Strategies for Theatrical Release 20:13 Outreach and Engagement Strategies 24:49 D-Day Commemoration and Veteran Experiences 29:07 Building Community Through Content 33:18 Merchandising and Event Engagement 36:54 Reflections on a Year of Achievements Sponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!
S1 E240 · Thu, December 05, 2024
Episode 240 | Documentary First's Next Steps w/ Jake Taylor
In this episode of Documentary First, hosts Christian and Jake Taylor focus on the journey of "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" so far. They explore the challenges of independent filmmaking, the importance of event screenings, and the value of building relationships with audiences. Logistics of pricing for screenings, the role of merchandising, and the long-term commitment required to see a documentary through is also discussed. Takeaways Event screenings are crucial for audience engagement and fundraising. Building relationships with viewers enhances the documentary experience. Merchandising can significantly improve audience interaction. Independent filmmakers face unique financial challenges. Pricing for screenings should reflect the audience's ability to pay. Creating a unique experience at screenings is essential. Patience is key in the documentary filmmaking process. Understanding your audience is vital for success. Every event is an opportunity to share stories and build connections. Timecodes 00:00 Introduction to Documentary First 02:53 The Journey of 'The Girl Who Wore Freedom' 11:08 Challenges and Strategies in Documentary Filmmaking 18:14 The Importance of Screenings and Audience Engagement 25:22 Merchandising as a New Revenue Stream 30:47 Expanding the Documentary Brand 31:12 Archival Footage and Storytelling 32:36 The Battlefield Cross: A Symbol of Sacrifice 35:27 Creating Meaningful Merchandise 39:15 Understanding Audience Preferences 41:04 Investing in Documentary Filmmaking 43:55 The Importance of Event Work 49:55 Finding Your Audience 52:13 Patience in Building a Brand 53:25 DocuView Déjà Vu DocuView Déjà Vu JAKE: Documentary: Secrets & Spies: A Nuclear Game, 2024, Watch on HBO MAX, 4 Episode Series, IMDB Link: Secrets & Spies: A Nuclear Game (TV Series 2024– ) ⭐ 7.3 | Documentary Narrative: The Iron Claw, 2023, 132 mins, Watch on MAX or Prime, IMDB Link: <a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href= "https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21064584/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_6_nm_2_in_0_q_iron%2520claw" data
S1 E239 · Tue, November 19, 2024
Episode 239 | A Fresh Take on Renaissance Man, Leonardo da Vinci - PBS
In this captivating episode of Documentary First , host Christian Taylor sits down with filmmakers Sarah Burns and David McMahon to discuss their forthcoming documentary on the legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Together, they explore the creative process behind bringing Leonardo’s life and genius to the screen, the challenges of capturing his story, and the innovative techniques they used to breathe life into his work. From the importance of curiosity and expert insights to the immersive experience of researching in Italy, Sarah and David share a fascinating look at what it takes to honor Leonardo’s legacy. They also dive into the role of voice, music, and visuals in creating an engaging documentary and share exclusive details about accessing and interpreting da Vinci’s masterpieces. Takeaways Curiosity as a Driving Force: Leonardo’s endless curiosity inspired both the filmmakers and their storytelling approach. Unique Challenges: Limited visual material called for creative methods to portray Leonardo’s genius. Innovative Techniques: The filmmakers used unique storytelling techniques to convey Leonardo's many talents. Expert Perspectives: A diverse cast of experts enriches the film’s exploration of Leonardo’s impact. Immersive Research: Living in Italy allowed the filmmakers to deeply connect with Leonardo’s world. Voice & Music: Carefully chosen voiceovers and a powerful score bring emotional depth to Leonardo’s story. Access to Originals: Viewing Leonardo’s original works was pivotal to the film’s authenticity. Inspiration for Viewers: The documentary celebrates Leonardo’s legacy, inspiring audiences to appreciate his contributions to art and science. DocuView Déjà Vu SARAH: When we Were Kings, 1996, 88mins, Watch on MAX, IMDB Link: When We Were Kings (1996) ⭐ 7.9 | Documentary, Sport DAVID: How to Survive a Plague, 2012, 110 mins, Watch on AMC+ Channels (Prime), IMDB Link: How to Survive a Plague (2012) ⭐ 7.6 | Document
S1 E238 · Thu, November 14, 2024
Episode 238 | Documenting a Viral Country Music TikTok Trend, “Fancy Like Walter Hayes”
In this insightful episode, host Christian Taylor sits down with French filmmaker Matt Beurois, director of Fancy Like Walker Hayes , to explore the heartwarming story of country music sensation Walker Hayes and his family. Beurois shares his journey into documentary filmmaking and provides a behind-the-scenes look at capturing the Hayes family’s rise to fame. From the importance of storytelling and the challenges of balancing creativity with business, to the dynamics of trust, family, and fame, this conversation dives deep into the art and heart of filmmaking. Matt discusses the importance of timing in the music and film industry, lessons learned in navigating contracts and distribution, and the unique support system that has guided Walker and his family. Join us for an inspiring look at the power of family, resilience, and passion in pursuing creative dreams. Links: Trailer for Walker Hayes documentary: https://vimeo.com/996694150/364f20c291?share=copy Matt’s DocuView Déjà Vu: Still: A Michael J Fox Movie, 2023, 95 mins, Watch on Apple TV+, IMDB Link: Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (2023) – IMDb Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking 02:53 Matt Beurois: A French Filmmaker’s Journey 06:03 The Importance of Education and Self-Learning in Filmmaking 09:02 Navigating the Film Industry: Business and Creativity 12:09 The Unique Story of ‘Fancy Like’ and Walker Hayes 17:59 Behind the Scenes: Creating the Documentary 24:01 The Hayes Family: Love, Struggle, and Success 29:30 Crafting the Narrative: The Editing Process 34:05 Family Dynamics on Tour: Balancing Fame and Family 37:27 The Business of Music: Understanding the Industry 46:41 Challenges in Filmmaking: Contracts and Legalities 52:37 DocuView Déjà Vu Recommendations 54:18 What’s coming next for Matt
S1 E237 · Wed, November 06, 2024
Episode 237 | Making a Hit Mini TV Series feat. Evan Wise
In this episode, host Christian Taylor sits down with Emmy-nominated editor and producer Evan Wise, ACE, to delve into his career journey and unique approach to documentary filmmaking. Evan shares his path from a rebellious skate punk in New Jersey to becoming a highly respected editor, working on acclaimed series like HBO’s The Circus and Q: Into the Storm . The conversation turns to his latest project, Chimp Crazy , a four-part HBO series that explores the complex world of primates. Evan offers a behind-the-scenes look at Chimp Crazy , discussing the creative and technical challenges of editing a real-time documentary. He emphasizes the importance of finding a compelling story arc, balancing multiple perspectives, and allowing the audience to interpret the narrative independently. He also shares his unique workflow, which involves producing, writing, and editing simultaneously—an approach that fosters flexibility and creativity. Throughout the episode, Evan provides valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring editors. He highlights essential skills like negotiation, teamwork, and self-advocacy, offering listeners an inside view of the collaborative and often intense world of documentary editing. DocuView Dèjà Vu Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills, 1996, 150 mins, Watch on Amazon / Prime, IMDB Link: Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills (1996) ⭐ 8.2 | Documentary, Crime Diamond Hands: Legends of WallStreetBets, 2022, 89 mins, Watch on Peacock, IMDB Link: Diamond Hands: The Legend of WallStreetBets (2022) ⭐ 4.7 | Documentary Takeaways Hard work and enthusiasm are key for advancing in documentary filmmaking. Building relationships with experienced editors and filmmakers is invaluable for growth. Film school offers resources but isn’t necessary for success in the industry. Starting in entry-level roles, like logger or assistant editor, can lead to an editing career.
S1 E236 · Fri, October 25, 2024
Episode 236 | Conversations with Christian, Part 2 (Free Patreon Episode)
Here is a taste of our new series called Conversation With Christian that is available on Patreon. In this episode, Christian interviews her eldest son, the one with whom her entire film adventure began. In 2011 he joined the military and that life decision had big implications for the whole family. They discuss his military journey and their shared experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss themes of trust, perseverance, and the importance of community. Christian’s son shares his passion for the military and his desire to serve as a warfighter. They also touch on the challenges and rewards of running a business together. Overall, the conversation highlights the lessons learned and the growth that comes from facing difficult circumstances. Support us on Patreon and get Documentary First exclusive content like this episode for $5+ a month. Patreon.com/DocumentaryFirst Takeaways Trust in God's provision and have faith in His plan, even in difficult times. Challenges and setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth. Building a strong community and culture is essential for personal and professional development. Having a mentor or someone with experience can provide valuable guidance and support. Passion and dedication are key to pursuing a fulfilling career or vocation.
S1 E235 · Thu, October 10, 2024
Episode 235 | The Girl Who Wore Freedom Dream Team - Part 3
In this insightful episode of the Documentary First Podcast, Christian Taylor, David Paterson, and Todd Anderson delve into the data and hard-earned lessons from the theatrical release of The Girl Who Wore Freedom . They explore the surprising factors that influenced ticket sales, including screening schedules, ticket pricing, and the often overlooked role of theater advertising—or lack thereof. The team shares their experiences with the logistical hurdles of distributing physical drives and the critical importance of targeted outreach to specific audiences. Reflecting on their journey, the hosts candidly discuss the missteps and lessons learned, underscoring the necessity of strategic planning, research, and building strong partnerships in independent film distribution. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex world of documentary filmmaking and theatrical releases. No DocuView Dèjà Vu this episode Timecodes 00:00 Introduction and Script Confusion 04:21 Theatrical Release Details 07:46 The Impact of Matinee Showings 09:01 Personal Interruption: Wedding Announcement 12:50 Return to Discussion: Advertising and Theater Cooperation 15:52 Personal Interruption: Wedding Update 17:15 Return to Discussion: Naivete and Theater Advertising 2115 The Importance of Deliverables and Advertising 22:13 The Impact of Deliverables on Profit 23:24 The Challenges of Physical Distribution 26:22 The Role of DCP Suppliers in Distribution 27:36 The Importance of Organization and Tracking 28:32 Theaters' Lack of Advertising and Responsibility 29:13 The Importance of Targeted Outreach 30:07 The Impact of Ticket Prices on Profit 31:22 The Success of Film Festival Screenings 32:39 The Importance of Local Outreach and Partnerships 35:36 The Importance of Research and Targeting 38:09 The Success of In-Person Screenings 42:00 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
S1 E234 · Thu, September 26, 2024
Episode 234 | Finding Your Champion, Part 2
In this episode of Documentary First, Christian Taylor is joined by Joe Amodei and Tim Maggiani from Virgil Films Entertainment to dive into the evolving world of film distribution and the diminishing role of film festivals in securing deals. The discussion sheds light on how the dominance of streaming platforms and studios has shifted the landscape, making it increasingly difficult for independent filmmakers to gain visibility through traditional film festivals. The conversation explores the significance of IMDb in shaping a film’s release strategy and public perception. Christian and Tim emphasize the importance of meticulously managing your IMDb page, from the release date to cast listings, to enhance your film’s appeal. They also highlight the critical role of eye-catching key art in capturing attention. The hosts delve into how streaming platforms utilize algorithms to curate content tailored to user preferences, changing the way audiences discover films. They also discuss the growing prominence of ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) services like Tubi and Pluto TV, which provide filmmakers with new avenues to reach diverse audiences. Joe Amodei reflects on his personal connection with Morgan Spurlock, sharing how the success of Spurlock’s documentary Super Size Me profoundly impacted Virgil Films and the documentary industry. He pays tribute to their enduring friendship, underscoring the value of supporting one another in both personal and professional endeavors. DocuView Dèjà Vu IMDB LINK: Morgan Spurlock | Producer, Writer, Director Super Size Me, 2004, 100mins, Watch on Peacock, Pluto, Prime, Roku, Tubi and Plex, IMDB LINK: Super Size Me (2004) ⭐ 7.2 | Documentary Timecodes 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:02 The Changing Role of Film Festivals 09:04 The Impact of IMDb on Release Dates and Perception 14:09 The Influence of Streamers and Studios 20:07 The Dominance of Streamers at Film Festivals 22:46 The Importance of IMDb and Its Limitations 24:03 Adapting to the Changing Distribution Landscape 25:35 Optimizing Your IMDb Page and Key Art 26:32 The Role of Algorithms in Content Curation 28:56 The Rise of Ad-Supported Video on Demand 40:22 DocuView Dèjà Vu - Remembering Morgan Spurlock and 'Super Size Me'
S1 E233 · Thu, September 12, 2024
Episode 233 | Finding Your Champion, Part 1
You know our good friend, Joe Amodei (Supersize Me) from past episodes. Now meet his protégé, Tim Maggiani, who is a great explainer of the modern film distribution process. Joe, a seasoned pro in VHS and DVD sales, admits the need for his distribution company to stay nimble and adaptable to new technology and platforms. Enter Tim. He understands the streaming world yet adheres to the age-old method of cultivating relationships between filmmakers and distributors—a key ingredient to success. By listening to this podcast, one will gain understanding about: what it is like to attend a Hollywood pitch meeting, how a movie is delivered, and why it is important to find a champion for your film. Stay tuned to Documentary First to hear Part 2 later this month! Links: https://www.forksoverknives.com/ DocuView Dèjà Vu Tim Maggiani: "Just. One. Mile.", 2023, 1hr 36min, Watch on Tubi and Prime, IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28619147/ Joe Amodei: “7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story”, 2021, 93 mins, Watch on Tubi and Prime, IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12439210/ Timecodes 00:50 Introduction and Disclaimer 06:50 Joe Amodei's Journey in the Film Industry 14:44 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Film Distribution 19:38 Pitching Films to Distributors and Platforms: The Art of the Pitch 22:36 Building and Maintaining Relationships in the Film Industry 25:05 Creating Compelling Marketing Materials for Film Distribution 30:56 Importance of Ongoing Promotion for Independent Films 33:17 Building Strong Relationships with Filmmakers 38:06 DocuView Dèjà Vu
S1 E232 · Wed, August 28, 2024
Episode 232 | How “To Dye For” Came to Life
Special guests, Whitney and Brandon Cawood, take us behind the scenes of their groundbreaking documentary, To Dye For. This eye-opening film dives deep into the hidden dangers of synthetic dyes and their adverse effects on individuals and families. By incorporating a unique blend of vlog-style storytelling, expert interviews, and emotional family testimonies, To Dye For shines a light on a critical issue often overlooked. In this episode, Brandon and Whitney open up about their personal journey, sharing the urgency that drove them to bring this story to life. They discuss the challenges of wearing multiple hats—handling animation, music composition, and casting—while navigating the financial, marketing, and strategy side of independent filmmaking. Through the process of making this film they learned how to have focus groups and how to rely on God during tough times. We encourage our listeners to see the movie when it releases! Links: http://www.todyeforthedocumentary.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@YesTheory DocuView Dèjà Vu Whitney: “Not So Pretty”, 2022, 4 Episode Documentaty Series, Watch on MAX, IMDB LINK: Not So Pretty (TV Mini Series 2022) ⭐ 6.9 | Documentary Christian: 1. “Brandy Hellville & the Cult fo Fast Fashion”, 2024, 91mins, Watch on MAX, IMDB LINK: Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion (2024) ⭐ 6.2 | Documentary 2. “The Movies That Made Us”, 2019-2921, 3 Season Series, Watch on Netflix, IMDB LINK: The Movies That Made Us (TV Series 2019–2021) ⭐ 7.6 | Documentary, Family, History Brandon: 1. “Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of”, 2015, 101 mins, Watch on various streaming platforms such a Prime, Tubi, Roku, Peacock, IMDB LINK: Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of (2015) ⭐ 7.5 | Documentary 2. “OUTATIME: Saving the DeLoren Time Machine”, 2016, 64 mins, Watch on Amazon, IMDB LINK: OUTATIME: Saving the DeLorean Time Machine (2016) ⭐ 7.4 | Documentary Timecod
S1 E231 · Thu, August 22, 2024
Episode 231 | Escaping Twin Flames Interview w/ Cecilia Peck and Inbal B. Lessner
Cecilia Peck (executive producer) and Inbal B. Lessner (editor) are the creators of Netflix's 2023 doc series, Escaping Twin Flames . Together, they explore their personal journey as filmmakers, how they united as a powerful team, and how they brought this social issue to light. The conversation dives into the unsettling world of the Twin Flames Universe, an online relationship community whose promises of true love masks a controlling environment. Through deep research and with empathy, they unearthed these survivors’ stories. The filmmakers discuss the vital role of editors in shaping a narrative, their support for editors deserving writing credits, and the collaborative effort required to piece together different story arcs. They share unexpected moments that shifted the direction of the series and reflect on how documentaries can influence real-world change, including how shows can affect law enforcement through social pressure. Inbal and Cecilia also talk about the qualities they admire in each other, their commitment to ethical filmmaking, and offer valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers. They emphasize the importance of mastering skills like sound recording and editing, and the value of learning firsthand from filmmakers you respect. DocuView Dèjà Vu Inbal: Fire of Love, 2022, 98 mins, Watch on Hulu & Prime, IMDB LINK: Fire of Love (2022) ⭐ 7.6 | Documentary, Biography Cecilia: Harlan County U.S.A., 1976, 103 mins, Watch on MAX or Amazon, IMDB LINK: Harlan County U.S.A. (1976) ⭐ 8.2 | Documentary Timecodes 00:00 Introduction and Filmmaker Background 08:53 Nominated for an Emmy and Working Together 15:22 From Brave Miss World to Seduced 20:10 Investigating Twin Flames Universe 22:10 Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Documentary Filmmaking 24:30 Pitching to Netflix: From Proof of Concept to Green Light 27:07 The Trade-Off: Ownership vs. Financial Support 29:20 The Role of Editors in Documentary Filmmaking 32:30 Collaborative Editing and Multiple Editors 40:40 Surprising Moments and Impact on Law Enforcement 50:54 The Importance of Ethical Filmmaking 53:10 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
S1 E230 · Wed, August 14, 2024
Episode 230 | Normandy Trip Update feat. Peyton Rabb
DISCLAIMER -- *Documentary First Productions and it’s staff acknowledge the complexity of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Comments made in this video are meant to explore the complexity of violence rather than to promote or stand for a particular cause. -- In this week's episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor is joined by summer intern Peyton Rabb to recount their unforgettable journey to Normandy for the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. The Documentary First Productions team had the profound honor of accompanying 101-year-old WWII veteran Ceo Bauer to the commemorative ceremonies—his first experience in Normandy attending the D-Day commemorations. This deeply moving experience touched not only Ceo and the team but also the people of Normandy and the active-duty military members who took part in the events. Christian and Peyton reflect on the emotional impact of their documentary, "The Girl Who Wore Freedom", which centers around Ceo Bauer’s story and resonates deeply with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. The episode delves into the French perspective on war and freedom, the significance of the D-Day commemorations, and the team's interactions with notable figures like Air Force captain (CPT), Christian Maude. Listeners will be transported to key moments of the trip, from visiting the historic church at Angoville-au-Plain, with its blood-stained pews, to witnessing a reenactment at Utah Beach. Peyton also shares her personal growth from this experience, including the profound effect of receiving Ceo's book. The episode wraps up with thoughtful reflections on the importance of taking risks, the power of storytelling, and the value of intergenerational friendships forged through shared history. Don't miss this powerful conversation that honors the past while inspiring future connections. No DocuView Dèjà Vu this episode. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:03 The 80th Anniversary of Normandy 07:28 The Impact of The Girl Who Wore Freedom 11:10 The French Perspective on War and Freedom 15:25 Exploring the Schedule and Events of the Trip 27:25 Inspiring Support from Captain Christian Maude 29:19 A Special Visit to Angoville Church 36:23 Solemn and Impactful Reenactment at Utah Beach 40:23 The Priceless Moment of Receiving Ceo's Book 47:29 The Incredible Involvement of the U.S. Army 52:07 Personal Growth and Transformation 54:03 The Value of Intergenerational Friendships & Conclusion
S1 E229 · Wed, July 31, 2024
Episode 229 | The Girl Who Wore Freedom Dream Team, Administration (Part 2)
It's Part 2 of 3 in the Dream Team series, Christian Taylor, Todd Anderson, and David Paterson are back! They share about the release of "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" nationally to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This time they dive into administration, specifically getting hard drives to movie theater owners, frustrations, failures, and all. They learned that keeping track of emails and communication is crucial during a theatrical release. It takes money to make money, yet the devil is in the details; Sometimes the operations cost more than expected.
S1 E228 · Thu, July 18, 2024
Episode 228 | Deep Dive Into "Sea Change: The Gulf of Maine" w/ Brian Skerry
Brian Skerry, a renowned documentary filmmaker and photojournalist specializing in marine wildlife discusses his journey in the industry and his latest documentary series, Sea Change, July 24 on PBS. Skerry shares how he started as a diver and developed a passion for underwater photography and filmmaking. He also talks about his transition from photography to becoming a producer for ocean documentaries. We are happy to share this conversation with a producer who won an Emmy for creating Disney+ "Secret of the Whales". Links: Brianskerry.com Instagram.com/brianskerry https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/series/sea-change-the-gulf-of-maine/ DocuView Dèjà Vu Brian: Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story, 2024, 77 mins, Watch on Hulu, IMDB Link: Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story (2024) - IMDb Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple, 2024, 147mins, Watch on HBO Max, IMDB Link: Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple (2024) - IMDb Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction and Background of Brian Skerry 02:22 Brian Skerry's Journey in Filmmaking 08:53 Transitioning into Producing and Directing 19:09 The Importance of Planning and Portfolio Building 26:52 Combining Visual Storytelling and Logistics 35:06 Addressing Climate Change in Documentaries 37:49 The Meaning of the Ocean Being a Carbon Sink 41:21 The Decline of the Gulf of Maine 48:29 The Power of Storytelling in Environmental Conservation 59:43 Research and Exploration in Filmmaking 01:06:34 Where to Watch Sea Change 01:07:30 DocuView Dèjà Vu
S1 E227 · Wed, July 03, 2024
Episode 227 | The Girl Who Wore Freedom Dream Team - Part 1
Our dream team who was in charge of releasing "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" in theaters for the 80th anniversary of D-day, June 6, 2024 reunite! They offer a behind-the-scenes look into the herculean effort in getting our first documentary successfully on the big screen. Throughout the conversation, the team emphasizes the importance of crafting compelling emails, employing creative outreach tactics, and maintaining meticulous follow-up to ensure success. They share their experiences navigating the challenges of securing commitments and marketing the film across different theaters and communities. Their dedication and efforts culminated in a successful theatrical release, significantly raising awareness about D-Day and honoring its legacy No DocuView Dèjà Vu this episode Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:31 How Todd Anderson Got Involved 25:27 Crafting Effective Outreach Emails 29:14 Tracking and Follow-Up 36:08 Reaching Out to Local Communities 38:51 Challenges in Securing Theater Commitments 48:23 Conclusion Sponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!
S1 E226 · Thu, June 20, 2024
Episode 226 | Saffron Cassaday, Directing a Film About Poop
After suffering from Ulcerative Colitis for nearly a decade, filmmaker Saffron Cassaday tried a new treatment known as Fecal Microbiota Transplant: taking stool from a healthy donor and implanting it into the gut of a sick patient. She chronicles this journey in DESIGNER $HIT, https://geni.us/DesignerShit . We were fortunate to have her on the podcast to share about her start in the entertainment industry as a commercial editor and later directing the successful documentary, "Cyber-Seniors" https://cyberseniorsdocumentary.com/. We get into her most recent project, a revealing medical journey that features turning poop into medicine. DocuView Dèjà Vu: Saffron: “Babies” 2010, 79 mins, Watch on Amazon/Prime, IMDB LINK: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1020938/ Christian: “Cat Daddies” 2022, 89 mins, Watch on Plex, Tubi, Prime, IMDB LINK: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10968602/ “Unsung Hero” 2024, 113 mins, Narrative based on a true story, Currently in Theatres, IMDB LINK: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23638614/ Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction 07:16 Choosing to Being Her Own Subject 20:16 Bridging the Generational Gap Through Technology in "Cyber-Seniors" 23:00 My Mom is the Producer! 25:08 Why You Need to Love the Subject Matter You Are Directing 28:10 "Designer Shit" 31:15 Fecal Transplant Treatment Perspectives in the Medical Community 38:34 DocuView Dèjà Vu Sponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!
S1 E225 · Sat, June 08, 2024
Episode 225 | Human Swiss Army Knife Filmmaking w/ Josh Haygood
Did you ever wonder if a "Human Swiss Army Knife" of filmmaking existed? Well, in this episode, you'll meet one: Josh Haygood, also known as "The Fixer." Join us as Christian and Josh chat about how Josh got into filmmaking, transitioning from photography to moving pictures. From his time in Vietnam, devouring National Geographic, to landing jobs with the UN and MTV, Josh's journey is fascinating. We explore Haygood's extensive resume, showcasing his ability to tackle any job in the industry. His versatility and problem-solving skills earned him the nickname "The Fixer" during his years at MTV. He shares some of his experiences about being called to "fix" a project. Haygood worked on a recent documentary project that involved an innovative boating propeller, https://maelstrompropellers.com/ In a segment called "Answer Me This," Christian throws Haygood a few questions about life and media arts. By the end of the episode, we invite Josh to be a "friend of the show" as we are excited to have him back to delve into more areas of filmmaking. DocuView Dèjà Vu: JOSH: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”, 2018, 95 mins, Watch on Netflix or Prime, IMDB LINK: Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018) ⭐ 8.3 | Documentary, Biography, History Josh Haygood's production company link: https://www.banditofilms.com/ Timecodes: (00:00) - Introduction (12:17) How does somebody get to be in your position? (15:23) Development expertise in a thing become really, really good at least one thing. (17:28) The propeller company, the “Maelstrom Propellers” project. (21:46) “What do you want to do with that documentary?” (24:44) "What is one thing a person starting out could do to further their career?" (25:49) Josh names a person that really influenced his life. And why they made a difference to him. (27:39) “Three things that you tell your people when you want to set the tone on any production” (33:23) "What do you do when you're really struggling? When you don't have a project to work on or when the project you're working on isn't going well?" (43:51) "You absolutely seem to love your work and this lifestyle. And I just want to know. Why? This is a crazy job. It's crazy. What is it? Why do you love it so much?" (49:00) DocuView Dèjà Vu Segment - “Won't You Be My Neighbor”
S1 E1 · Mon, May 27, 2024
Bonus Episode | The Genesis of TGWWF - "AM 560 The Answer"
Hey podcast listeners, in anticipation for our limited theatrical release on D-Day, we are sharing a special segment where Christian Taylor was featured on "The Real Story with Jeanne Ives" aired May 26, 2024. Tune in to hear the beginnings of how Taylor got into directing and for updates on "Heroes of Carentan". Stream "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" this Memorial Day on Vudu, Apple TV, Prime Video, and Vimeo.
S1 E224 · Fri, May 24, 2024
Episode 224 | D-Day Theatrical Release, Guest: David Paterson (The Girl Who Wore Freedom)
In this episode, Christian and David Paterson discuss the FIRST ever theatrical release of "The Girl Who Wore Freedom"! They highlight the importance of knowing your audience, reaching out to mom-and-pop theaters, and independent film distribution overall. The conversation explores the reasoning behind having a limited theatrical release for our documentary film. They also touch on the costs associated with distribution and the timing strategy of theatrical releases. The episode concludes with a recommendation for the documentary film "The Greatest Night in Pop", which chronicles the making of the song "We Are the World." https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30796448/ · UPDATE: We have 222 Screenings in 109 Cities and 31 States!!! · NEW SCREENINGS ADDED DAILY FOR THE GIRL WHO WORE FREEDOM · CHECK OUT OUR INTERACTIVE MAP and find a screening in a city near you! Click here: https://i.mtr.cool/snfqwdivme · Be sure to check back frequently, as we'll be adding other locations! Timecodes 00:00 Introduction and Company Update 01:27 Theatrical Release Announcement 08:00 The Importance of Knowing Your Audience 13:27 Customizing Outreach Efforts for Community Engagement 25:29 The Financial Aspects of a Theatrical Release 29:45 Persistence in Securing Theatres 33:41 Tailoring Screenings to the Venue 34:07 Flexibility and Options for Theaters 36:18 Considering the Costs of Distribution 46:09 Timing is Key for Theatrical Releases 52:19 DocuView Dèjà Vu: "The Greatest Night in Pop"
S1 E223 · Fri, May 10, 2024
Episode 223 | Documenting the $40 Billion Industry of NFTs
In this episode, Christian Taylor interviews Nicholas Bruckman, the director of the documentary film 'Minted'. They discuss the film, which explores the world of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and the artists who have embraced this new technology. Bruckman shares how he discovered the story and gained access to the artists involved. The film follows digital artists on their journey of navigating the rise and fall of the NFT market. Bruckman also reflects on the challenges of documentary filmmaking and the importance of telling meaningful stories. The conversation explores the challenges of documentary filmmaking, including the difficulties of telling a macro story and the need to release control when working with local crews. The filmmakers discuss the process of selecting main characters and the challenges of managing expectations and dealing with participants who may not be featured prominently in the final film. Fear and doubt can arise during the creative process and it is important to retain a sense of freedom and exploration. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the financial aspects of documentary filmmaking and the potential of NFTs as a tool for artists. Takeaways The documentary film "Minted" explores the world of NFTs and the artists who have embraced this new technology. Director Nick Bruckman gained access to the artists and followed their journey as they navigated the rise and fall of the NFT market. The film highlights the challenges and opportunities of the digital art world and the impact of NFTs on artists' lives and careers. Bruckman reflects on the importance of documentary filmmaking and the power of storytelling to create meaningful connections. Documentary filmmaking involves challenges such as telling a macro story and releasing control when working with local crews. Selecting main characters can be a difficult process, and managing expectations and dealing with participants who may not be prominently featured in the film is important. Fear and doubt are common during the creative process, but it's important to retain a sense of freedom and exploration. Financial stability in documentary filmmaking can be achieved through various avenues, such as commercial work or adjacent jobs in the industry. NFTs present an interesting tool for artists to explore, but marketing and getting work in front of collectors is still crucial. Timecodes 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 12:48 Exciting News and Distribution Deal for "Minted" 29:34 The Story of Karina and NFTs in Cuba 37:15 Dealing with Fear and Doubt in the Creative Process 52:48 Exploring NFTs as a Tool for Artists
S1 E222 · Thu, April 25, 2024
Episode 222 | The Crazy World of "Mad Props"
In this episode, Christian provides an update on company developments and announces the upcoming trailer for our next documentary, "Heroes of Carentan." She gives an exclusive about the limited theatrical release of "The Girl Who Wore Freedom." Special guests, Tom Biolchini and Juan Pablo Reinoso, producer, director, and writer of "Mad Props," delve into the origins of "Mad Props," detailing its evolution from a TV show concept to a full-fledged documentary. Juan shares insights into his career and how his reunion with Tom sparked their collaboration on this project. The discussion explores the significance of embracing failure and highlights Tom’s natural flair as a host within the documentary. Juan outlines his organic filmmaking approach and the narrative development throughout "Mad Props." As the episode draws to a close, Tom shares his enthusiasm about realizing his childhood dreams through documentary. The conversation spans a variety of topics related to the film’s production, including budgeting, travel logistics, and scheduling. The guests discuss the challenges and strategies of navigating the film festival circuit. They emphasize the positive impact of maintaining a good attitude on set and its influence on the project. Juan reflects on his journey in the film industry, underscoring the importance of perseverance and dedication. Upcoming projects and Juan’s evolving roles in filmmaking are also discussed. Juan then talks about his favorite documentaries and the inherent unpredictability of documentary filmmaking. He stresses the importance of continuous learning and explains the concept of fair use for incorporating movie clips into documentaries. Insights into acquiring film clips and adapting to the dynamic nature of the film industry are shared. Juan highlights the critical roles of persistence and the filmmaker’s involvement in distribution. Lastly, Juan speaks to the generosity and philanthropy of Tom Biolchini, the focus of his documentary, rounding off a thoroughly engaging episode. Takeaways Documentary filmmakers must remain committed to continual learning and adapting to emerging technologies and evolving industry trends. Understanding fair use is paramount for integrating movie clips into documentaries; collaborating with clearance attorneys can provide essential guidance through complex legal landscapes. Persistence and resilience are crucial traits for filmmakers, given the industry's constant flux and the often demanding path to success. Active participation in the film's distribution process is essential, requiring filmmakers to invest significant effort in promoting their work. Moreover, the generosity and philanthropy of individuals like Tom not only enrich the filmmaking community but also leave a lasting impact on the broader world. DocuView Dèjà Vu: Juan Pablo Reinoso: Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about His Father, 2008, 95 mins, Watch on Prime or T
S1 E221 · Thu, April 11, 2024
Episode 221 | Meaningful Stories w/ Alex Ivany of Ifine: Beauty
In this episode, host Christian Taylor interviews Alex Ivany, a visual storyteller, about his journey in the documentary filmmaking industry. Alex shares his passion for social and racial justice, which led him to work on projects that shed light on marginalized communities. He discusses his role as a producer and editor on the film "Ifine: Beauty", which explores the issue of skin bleaching in Sierra Leone. Alex also provides tips for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of networking, continuous learning, and finding a mentor. The episode concludes with a call to support the film and join the documentary filmmaking community. Alex Ivany's email: ivanyproductions@gmail.com Takeaways • Networking and asking questions are essential for aspiring filmmakers to gain knowledge and opportunities. • Putting in the hours of practice and learning from experienced mentors can help filmmakers improve their craft. • Volunteering and helping others in the industry can lead to valuable connections and opportunities. • Filmmakers have the power to tell stories that promote social justice and shed light on marginalized communities. • Continuous education and staying informed about social issues are crucial for documentary filmmakers. DocuView Dèjà Vu: Alex: Searching for Sugar Man, 2012, PG-13, 96mins, Watch on Prime, IMDB Link: Searching for Sugar Man (2012) - IMDb The Last Repair Shop, 2023, 39 mins, PG, Watch on Hulu, IMDB Link: The Last Repair Shop (2023) - IMDb Christian: The Trial of Adolf Eichmann, 1997, 90mins, Watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: The Trial of Adolf Eichmann (TV Movie 1997) - IMDb Timecodes 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Introduction of Guest and Film 03:08 Guest's Background and Journey into Filmmaking 08:28 Transition to Editing and Working on '13th' 14:14 Transition to Producing and "Ifine: Beauty" 20:49 Passion for Social Justice and Racial Justice 24:07 Origin of "Ifine: Beauty" and Topic of Skin Bleaching 30:54 Life Cycle of the Film and Festival Circuit 35:22 Availability of the Film and Social Media 38:48 Reception of the Film in Sierra Leone 42:52 Tips for New Filmmakers 47:35 Importance of Education and Social Justice Filmmaking 48:26 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
S1 E220 · Thu, March 28, 2024
Episode 220 | Directing Going to Mars
In this episode, Christian Taylor interviews Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, the directing duo behind the documentary "Going to Mars, the Nikki Giovanni Project." They discuss their background in filmmaking, the founding of Rada Studios https://radastudio.org/ , and their dedication to telling stories of the Black Diaspora. The conversation also covers their award nominations and recognition, the cinematic beauty of "Going to Mars," the challenges of making the film, and their favorite documentaries. Takeaways: • Movies and storytelling have always inspired Joe Brewster, leading him to pursue a career in filmmaking. • Storytelling is deeply rooted in Black culture and the South, as Brewster learned from his father's preaching. • Brewster believes that telling stories and creating films is a more significant way to make an impact than practicing medicine. • Representation of Black characters and their experiences in film and television is important to Brewster, as it was lacking during his childhood. DocuView Dèjà Vu: Michèle: “I Called Him Morgan”, 2017, 92mins, Watch on Amazon Prime, IMDB Link: I Called Him Morgan (2016) - IMDb Joe: Making Do The Right Thing, 1989, 60mins, IMDB Link: Making Do the Right Thing (TV Movie 1989) - IMDb Slaying Goliath, 2008, 70mins, IMDB Link: Slaying Goliath (2008) - IMDb Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:00 Founding Rada Studios 08:45 Award Nominations and Recognition 15:10 The Cinematic Beauty of "Going to Mars" 23:18 Challenges of Making the Film 28:26 Revealing Nikki Giovanni's Story 31:06 Favorite Documentaries: "I Called Him Morgan" and "Slaying Goliath" 39:45 Conclusion
S1 E219 · Fri, March 15, 2024
Episode 219 | Editor Extraordinaire Yvette Amirian
In this episode, host Christian Taylor interviews award-winning editor Yvette Amirian about her journey from documentary to narrative editing. Yvette shares her experiences working on various projects, including "EXmas" and "It Takes a Village". She discusses the differences between editing documentary and narrative films, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of both. Yvette also offers valuable tips for breaking into the film industry, highlighting the importance of building relationships and being kind to others. She shares her perspective on being a woman in the editing industry and the challenges she has faced. The episode concludes with a discussion on choosing the right editing software and the evolution of editing technology. The importance of involving editors from the beginning of a project is emphasized, as well as the value of fresh eyes in the editing process. Yvette recommends the documentaries 'Three Identical Strangers' and 'The Other Side of Home' as must-watch films. Takeaways: • Building and maintaining relationships is crucial in the film industry. • Networking and nurturing genuine connections can lead to opportunities and collaborations. • Breaking into the film industry requires determination, perseverance, and a willingness to take on various roles and projects. • Editing documentary and narrative films have different challenges and skill sets. • Documentaries often require creating a story from scratch, while narratives involve working with scripts and existing footage. • Living and working in Hollywood can provide unique opportunities and challenges. • Having a supportive community and network is essential for success. • Choosing the right editing software depends on the project and industry standards. • Avid Media Composer is widely used in the industry, but other software like Premiere and DaVinci Resolve also have their merits. • Early experiences with editing can shape an editor's understanding and appreciation for the craft. • Involving editors from the beginning of a project can lead to a more cohesive and effective final product. • Fresh eyes in the editing process can provide valuable perspectives and insights. DocuView Déjà Vu: Three Identical Strangers, 2018, 96mins, Watch on Hulu or Prime, IMDB LINK: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7664504/reference/ The Other Side of Home, 2016 - Short Documentary, 40mins, IMDB LINK: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5664922/reference/ Watch on Kanopy: https://www.kanopy.com/en Time codes: 00:00 Introduction and Patreon Shoutouts 01:32 Introduction of Guest, Yvette Amirian 03:47 Yvette's Journey from Documentary to Narra
S1 E218 · Thu, February 29, 2024
Episode 218 | Getting Distributed w/ Joe Amodei Part 2
In this conversation, Christian Taylor interviews Joe Amodei, CEO of Virgil Films and Entertainment, about the film distribution industry. They discuss the changes in the industry, including the consolidation of companies and the impact of streaming services. Joe emphasizes the importance of collaboration between filmmakers and distributors, as well as the need for filmmakers to be involved in the marketing and distribution process. He also explains how distribution expenses affect the release of a film and the challenges of advertising in the current landscape. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the joy and heartache of the film business, Joe's favorite movies and Oscar predictions. Takeaways • The film distribution industry is undergoing significant changes, including the consolidation of companies and the rise of streaming services. • Filmmakers need to collaborate with distributors and be actively involved in the marketing and distribution process. • Understanding distribution expenses is crucial for filmmakers, as these costs are deducted from the film's proceeds. • Filmmakers should stay informed by reading trade publications and staying up to date with industry trends. • The film business can be both rewarding and challenging, and it requires a love for the industry and perseverance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:48 Virgil Films and Entertainment 06:26 Changes in the Film Industry 08:20 Consolidation of Companies 09:18 Netflix's Strategic Moves 10:26 Opportunities for Independent Filmmakers 12:19 Distribution Expenses 15:02 Collaboration between Filmmakers and Distributors 16:35 The Process of Distributing a Film 21:19 Understanding Distribution Expenses 23:07 Marketing and Advertising Challenges 25:04 Distribution Anecdote 27:15 The Joy and Heartache of the Film Business 28:40 The Importance of Reading Trade Publications 30:20 Favorite Movies and Oscar Predictions 33:02 Recognition in the Entertainment Industry 33:51 Closing Remarks
S1 E217 · Wed, February 14, 2024
Episode 217 | Award-Winning Cinematography w/ Laela Kilbourn
In this episode, Christian and Chad interview award-winning cinematographer Laela Kilbourn. They discuss her work on the documentary film Girl State, which premiered at Sundance 2024. Laela shares her experiences working with directors and the importance of trust in the DP-director relationship. She also explains the role of prime lenses in cinematography and how they can create a more cinematic look. Laela shares her journey in the film industry, from starting as a film loader to becoming a cinematographer. She discusses the challenges of advancing in the industry and the need to take risks and make sacrifices to pursue your passion. In this conversation, Laela discusses the challenges of building a stable career in filmmaking and the importance of developing relationships with directors and producers. She shares her experiences with discouragement and the determination that kept her going. The impact of strikes and COVID-19 on the industry is also discussed. Laela emphasizes the changing landscape of filmmaking and the opportunities available to new filmmakers. She provides advice for aspiring filmmakers with limited resources and highlights the importance of collaboration. Last of all, Laela shares her experience filming underground in New York and recommends two documentaries: "Morena's" and "Senna". DocuView Déjà Vu: Laela: Morena(s) 2022. 70 mins, IMDB Link: Morena(s) (2022) - IMDb Senna 2010, 106mins, Watch on Amazon, IMDB Link: Senna (2010) - IMDb Chad: Keys to the City: Chronicles of a NY Locksmith, 2023, 32 mins, Link: Keys to the City: Chronicles of a New York Locksmith Christian: Sour Grapes, 2016, 85mins, Watch on multiple streamers (Freevee, Tubi, Plex, Pluto, Roku, Prime) IMDB Link: Sour Grapes (2016) - IMDb Bottle Shock, 2008, Narrative, 110mins, Watch on multiple streamers (Freevee, Tubi, Plex, Pluto, Roku, Prime) , IMDB Link: Bottle Shock (2008) - IMDb Takeaways Trust and collaboration are key in the DP-director relationship. Prime lenses can create a more cinematic look by narrowing the depth of field. Advancing in the film industry often requires taking risks and ma
S1 E216 · Thu, February 01, 2024
Episode 216 | Getting Distributed w/ Joe Amodei Part 1
In this episode, Christian Taylor interviews Joe Amodei of Virgil Films Entertainment about the changing landscape of film distribution. They discuss the role of distributors in acquiring and selling the rights to films, the rise of streaming platforms, and the challenges faced by filmmakers in finding trustworthy distributors. Joe shares his insights and experiences from his 20 years in the industry and offers advice for filmmakers considering self-distribution. Takeaways The role of distributors is to acquire and sell the rights to films, including digital platforms, TV channels, DVD, theatrical release, and international markets. While there are aggregators and self-distribution options available, working with a reputable distributor can provide valuable expertise, connections, and resources. Filmmakers should carefully vet distributors and consider their track record, reputation, and transparency before entering into distribution agreements. Docu-View Déjà Vu recommendation: Joe: "George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey" - 1984, 110 mins, Watch on MAX or rent/buy from Amazon, IMDB Link: George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey (1984) - IMDb This film provides insights into the life and work of filmmaker George Stevens, including his experiences filming during World War II. BOOK: “My Place In The Sun” by George Stevens Jr Timecodes 00:00 Introduction and Company Update 02:14 Joe Amodei's Background and Virgil Films Entertainment 04:26 The Evolution of Film Distribution 09:00 The Changing Landscape of Film Distribution 12:34 Reaching Out to Distributors and Types of Films Distributed 14:24 The Rise of Aggregators and Self-Distribution 23:35 The Challenges of Finding a Trustworthy Distributor 31:02 Documentary Recommendation: "George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey" Support us on Patreon
S1 E215 · Thu, January 18, 2024
Episode 215 | Honoring WWII Veteran George Ciampa (Ep. 115 Re-release)
On this very special podcast, we honor George Ciampa as Christian shares the news of his recent passing. George Ciampa, a World War II veteran and filmmaker, came on our podcast many times and can be heard on episodes #116, #117, #120, #121. He was born in 1925, served in the Graves Registration Service during WWII, and became a filmmaker in his 80's. You can visit George's website: http://LetFreedomRingForAll.org to learn more about his story. Our first recording with George Ciampa was released in May 2021 and plays after a short introduction by Christian Taylor and Jason Rugg.
S1 E214 · Thu, January 04, 2024
Episode 214 | Entertainment Blogging w/ Josh Sharpe
In this episode, Jason and Christian provide a year-in-review and updates on their documentary films. They also introduce guest Josh Sharpe, a film/entertainment/theater journalist. Josh shares his background in reporting for cinema and offers tips for conducting interviews. The importance of reviews for filmmakers is discussed, along with the different types of interviews and the process of film reviewing. In this conversation Josh Sharpe discusses the world of movie reviews and how it has evolved with technology. He talks about how some reviewers start their own movie review websites or blogs to review what they want. He emphasizes the importance of writing about and watching as many movies as possible to develop one's own taste and to stay informed. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology on film criticism, including the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and podcasting. Takeaways: Starting a personal movie review website or blog is a great way for aspiring film critics to practice their writing and review the films they want. Writing about and watching as many movies as possible is important for developing one's own taste and staying informed about the film industry. Technology has greatly influenced film criticism, with platforms like TikTok and podcasting providing new avenues for people to share their opinions on movies. Film reviewers should strive for objectivity and avoid potential conflicts of interest, such as being paid to promote a movie they are reviewing. DocuView DéjàVu: Josh Sharpe: Best Worst Thing That Could Have Ever Happened, 2016, 95 mins, Watch (Rent/Buy) on Prime or Apple TV, IMDB Link: Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened (2016) - IMDb Jason: Greta Gerwig & James Cameron from Variety - Directors on Directors Series, 42:21 mins, YouTube, Link: Greta Gerwig & James Cameron | Directors on Directors Christian: A fiction film, “Leave The World Behind”, 2023, 138 mins, Genres: Psychological Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: Leave the World Behind (2023) - IMDb The Movie Proposal Podcast link: The Movie Proposal Timecodes 00:00 Introduction and Recap 01:10 Year in Review and Patreon Support 05:25 Update on "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" 08:08 Update on "Heroes of Carent
S1 E213 · Thu, December 21, 2023
Episode 213 | Part 2 of "Dear Sirs" with Mark Pedri and Carrie McCarthy, PhD
In this episode, filmmakers Mark and Carrie Pedri discuss the challenges they faced in producing their film Dear Sirs. They talk about the difficulties of funding the project and the decision to go with crowdfunding and local grants. They also share their experiences of filming and the importance of storytelling techniques in documentaries. The filmmakers highlight the use of personal moments, music, and archival footage in their film. They recommend the documentary "Minding the Gap" and the series "Harry and Meghan". The episode concludes with information on where to watch "Dear Sirs": https://www.dearsirsfilm.com/. This conversation explores the concept of emotional intelligence and its importance in the various aspects of life including its components, and how to develop it. We also explore the role of emotional intelligence in the workplace, leadership, and relationships. Takeaways Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions as well as the emotions of others. The components of emotional intelligence include self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Developing emotional intelligence involves practicing self-reflection, mindfulness, and active listening. Emotional intelligence is crucial in the workplace for effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Emotionally intelligent leaders are able to inspire and motivate their team members, and they create a positive work environment. Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in building and maintaining healthy relationships. DocuView DéjàVu Mark: Minding the Gap, 2018, 93mins, watch on Hulu or Amazon, IMDB Link: Minding the Gap (2018) ⭐ 8.0 | Documentary, Sport Christian: Harry & Megan, Documentary Series - 6 Episodes, watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: Harry & Meghan (TV Series 2022) ⭐ 5.1 | Documentary Timecodes 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:36 Background of Filmmakers 03:05 Challenges of Funding 04:12 Production Decisions 06:36 Crowdfunding Campaign 08:56 Lessons Learned from Crowdfunding 10:41 Challenges of Filming 12:51 Lessons Learned from Production 15:12 Storytelling Techniques 19:59 Incorporating Personal Moments 22:13 Integration of Music in the Film 23:52 Archival Footage and Photos 30:30 Recommendation: "Minding the Gap" 37:54 Recommendation: "Harry and Meghan" 42:21 Where to Watch "Dear Sirs" 01:30 Definition and Importance of Emotional Intelligence 07:45 Components of Emotional Intelligence 14:20 Developing Emotional Intelligence 21:10 Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace 29:40 Emotional Intelligence and Leadership 36:
S1 E212 · Thu, December 07, 2023
Episode 212 | Part 1 of "Dear Sirs" with Mark Pedri and Carrie McCarthy, PhD
Hey, Documentary First tribe! 🎙️ Get ready for an intimate ride with Mark Pedri and Carrie McCarthy, the dynamic duo behind "Dear Sirs." In Episode #212, we're diving deep into family secrets, WWII revelations, and the magic of storytelling. This isn't just a podcast; it's a personal invitation to join us on an emotional rollercoaster of discovery and the power of sharing untold stories. From a mysterious knife in a grandfather's bed to leaving LA for Wyoming, every moment is a leap of faith. Tune in to hear about their immersive storytelling process, the challenges of connecting with veteran communities, and the unexpected treasures found in the grandfather's house. This conversation is just the beginning; Part 2 awaits with more revelations, emotions, and insights into the making of this incredible documentary. Don't miss out—press play and become part of the "Dear Sirs" journey! Buckle up, hit play, and let's embark on this incredible journey together! 🚀 #DocumentaryFirst #DearSirs #BehindTheScenesMagic DocuView DéjàVu Carrie: Boy’s State, 2020, 109mins, Watch on Apple TV+, IMDB: Boys State (2020) - IMDb Mark & Christian to share their next episode. DF212 Summary Introduction and a message of thanks to listeners for their support. 0:00 Introducing Mark & Carrie Pedri and their recent project, their BIOs and film awards for “Dear Sirs”. 3:58 Finding your audience and engagement, and veteran stories. 7:32 Building a bridge to connecting the civilian community to the military community. How did this story start? 13:10 A man's life and WWII experiences through personal belongings. 20:37 Storytelling techniques to who was the crew and their personal experiences in doing all the things to capture the story. 25:19 Documenting WWII experiences and survivor's guilt. 31:10 WWII veteran's experiences and the importance of archival research and finding the right people to help. 39:12 Hills to climb: Personal and Filmmaking Hills, Editing and Feedback - Critical yet Gentleness and sensitivity is required 48:35 Documentary filmmaking similarities to Ken Burns and the use of music that leads the story telling. 53:44 DocuView DéjàVu 55:57
S1 E211 · Fri, November 24, 2023
Episode 211 | Nick Bruckman - Not Going Quietly
In this compelling episode of Documentary First, Christian engages in a candid and profound conversation with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Nick Bruckman. The spotlight is on Bruckman's recently released film, "Not Going Quietly," a poignant exploration of resilience featuring the inspiring Ady Barkan. The duo delves into the raw and transparent process of making the film, unraveling the intricate threads of Nick's personal journey into filmmaking, shaped by a family legacy rooted in social advocacy and disability activism. The discussion spans the breadth and depth of "Not Going Quietly," offering insights into Nick's profound connection with Ady Barkan and his family, as well as the transformative impact of bringing this powerful feature to life. As the conversation unfolds, Nick also gives a sneak peek into another upcoming project, "Minted," a documentary delving into the fascinating world of NFTs. Beyond the creative process, the episode ventures into the pragmatic realms of budgeting and distribution, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of filmmaking. Nick shares invaluable advice for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of carving out a niche and identifying a marketable skill within the industry to provide income stability. Brimming with wisdom and practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the art of documentary filmmaking. Plus, for our Patreon supporters, there's an exclusive extra with Nick where he shares what it’s like to work with Bradly Whitford and The Duplass Brothers! As the episode concludes, the anticipation lingers for future conversations with Nick Bruckman, promising even more captivating discussions on the horizon. Timecodes Documentary filmmaking with Nick Brockman. 0:00 The impact of Ady Barkan and “Not Going Quietly” 3:23 Healthcare activism and personal stories. 8:57 Empathy and connection through documentary filmmaking with Ady. 13:46 Personal experiences with healthcare challenges. 18:07 How did this story come to Nick and how it evolved from a short YouTube promo to a Feature. 24:03 Budget and distribution thoughts. 30:24 “Minted” - All about NFTs and their impact on society. 35:21 Nick’s brief story of getting into filmmaking and advice to filmmakers. 40:44 *No Docuview DéjàVu this week. Nick Bruckman's websites: https://nickny.com/ https://peoples.tv/
S1 E210 · Thu, November 09, 2023
Episode 210 | Gail Gilbert - Puppy Love
In this week's episode of Documentary First, we dive into the heartwarming tale of "Puppy Love," a documentary chronicling the incredible journey of four paralyzed puppies on the road to recovery. What began as Gail's casual filming of her new puppy's antics took an unexpected turn when the pup faced paralysis. This documentary captures the tireless efforts to help the puppies heal, with a diverse team of camera operators capturing every moment. Gail's meticulous editing, guided by screenwriting principles, resulted in a 76-minute emotional rollercoaster that has left audiences laughing and in tears. This project was a labor of love, with volunteers pouring their time and resources into rescuing dogs in need. Remarkably, the production costs stayed under $15,000, thanks to the dedication of everyone involved. The film sheds light on the vital role of raw food company Darwin's, whose sponsorship was born out of a positive impact on one of the featured dogs. Their collaboration is a testament to the potential positive change that can come from these stories. Gail shares valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers, stressing the importance of dedication, consistency, and never deleting footage or audio. She also highlights the significance of media training and the stark contrast it made in her PR efforts. With recent release on streaming platforms, Gail looks forward to future screenings, including a dream showing at the Museum of the Dog in NYC. She and Christian discuss the distribution process, expressing gratitude for the support from Documentary First and underlining the crucial role of a strong distributor relationship in successful film promotion. In the end, "Puppy Love" stands as a powerful testament to the lengths individuals will go to save an animal, showcasing the enduring power of perseverance, sacrifice, and the bond between humans and animals. Gail's insights into production challenges, collaborative efforts, and future plans for the film offer a captivating glimpse into the world behind this heartwarming documentary. In "Puppy Love" the dogs are put on a raw diet to help with their recovery. It was so successful that they continue eating raw today. Some dogs eat home made raw food and others eat food from Darwin's Natural Pet Products. https://www.darwinspet.com DocuView Déjà Vu: Gail: The Pigeon Tunnel, 2023, 92 mins, Watch on Apple TV+, IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28486633/?ref_=ext_shr The Deepest Breath, 2023, 108 mins, Watch on Netflix, IMDB Link; https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24132732/?ref_=ext_shr Timecodes: Filmmaking journey and first feature film. 0:00 Documentary filmmaking and puppy paralysis. 1:46 Filmmakin
S1 E209 · Thu, October 26, 2023
Episode 209 | What's Your Focus? w/ Ken Burns - The American Buffalo (Part 2 of 2)
Welcome back to another exciting week of Documentary First. In part two of our conversation with documentary legend, Ken Burns, we dive into the vital aspect of collaboration in filmmaking. Ken emphasizes the profound history he shares with two of his current collaborators, who are stepping into new endeavors as his company continues it’s storytelling journey. Drawing an analogy to a conductor orchestrating a musical ensemble, Ken underscores the significance of every individual involved in the filmmaking process. While he acknowledges a roster of long-term collaborators, he underscores a core group of key individuals. Ken's distinctive approach to documentary filmmaking involves eschewing rigid timelines, allowing stories to organically evolve. His mission is to craft narratives of depth and richness, achieved through meticulous research. This ethos means that he and his team are in a perpetual state of pre-production, research, and filming until each project reaches its fullest potential. The conversation pivots towards a statement Ken makes, likening their approach to recording music prior to editing, wherein the music itself dictates the pace and rhythm, rather than being an added layer. Christian seizes this moment to dissect this invaluable nugget of wisdom, highlighting its transformative impact on Ken's filmmaking process. Ken provides illuminating examples of projects where this technique has been applied, emphasizing the primacy of musical integrity. For Christian, this revelation resonates deeply, affirming the choices made while creating "The Girl Who Wore Freedom," a project inspired by Ken's storytelling prowess. Their discussion evolves from music to the integration of sound effects, breathing life into static images. Ken imparts a powerful philosophy: "there's no copyright on technique. There's no copyright on the stuff that we use, there's no copyright even on style," underscoring the open, collaborative nature of the creative process. Yet, even with this rich discussion, we've merely scratched the surface of Ken Burns' intricate filmmaking methodology. In our segment, DocuView Déjà Vu, Ken offers some film recommendations, with Christian guiding him to two standout selections—one from the past and one from the present. In this episode, we also introduce one of Ken’s latest endeavors, "Unum," a unique tool any filmmaker can use as a research tool for their own works or for the public to learn more about historical stories his company has worked to unveil and place into context. Unum can be explored further on his webpage at: Ken Burns UNUM DocuView Déjà Vu Recommendations: Ken: (OLD) The Night Mail, 1936, 25mins, Short Documentary, IMDB Link: <a title="" href= "https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028030/reference/" target="_bla
S1 E208 · Mon, October 16, 2023
Episode 208 | What’s Your Focus? w/ Ken Burns - The American Buffalo (Part 1 of 2)
Today, we are honored to host a distinguished figure in the realm of filmmaking, none other than the renowned Ken Burns. With profound admiration for his craft, Christian finds it hard to articulate just how deeply grateful she is for the wisdom and insights Mr. Burns brings to the art of documentary filmmaking. Our conversation with Ken traverses his illustrious journey, commencing with his ability to channel early setbacks into the driving force behind his enduring success. As a producer, Ken's knack for tackling multifaceted challenges is nothing short of extraordinary, guided by a unique perspective that sets him apart in the industry. Above all, we uncover the power of tenacity, of consistently placing one foot in front of the other. Delving into the roots of Ken's storytelling prowess, we learn of the profound influence his first family experiences had on him, igniting a passion that would define his career. Ken's remarkable talent lies in his ability to weave expansive narratives into profoundly personal experiences. He also shares a poignant moment with his father-in-law, who posed the thought-provoking question: "Who are you trying to wake up?" Ken's fascination with the resurrection of history through storytelling comes to the forefront, demonstrating his mastery in infusing emotion to enrapture audiences. With generosity, he provides vivid examples of this craft, drawing from a wellspring of experiences that run deep. This vulnerability, Ken eloquently describes as a form of "emotional archaeology." A privileged glimpse into Ken's latest endeavor awaits, set to grace screens on October 16 & 17 - "The American Buffalo." He graciously unveils the journey, the meticulous creative process, and the profound emotional investment behind this expansive series. Through his work, Ken not only urges us to connect with the human story but also implores us to unearth our best selves and take meaningful action. With so much more to uncover in this enlightening conversation, we'll take a momentary pause. Join us in our next episode as we continue our exploration of the wisdom and insights of this extraordinary filmmaker. While this episode won't feature our DocuView Déjà Vu segment, rest assured, it will make a triumphant return in our next installment. Timecodes: (00:27) - Ken’s (shortened:) BIO (04:17) - Producers are problem solvers (07:07) - How Ken’s origin story influences his work. (11:40) Resurrecting the past in story telling and using emotion to engage the audience. (16:32) Vulnerability in storytelling is emotional archeology. (18:14) - “The American Buffalo” Story (33:22) - Closing remarks - Stay tuned for the next episode. #TheAmericanBuffaloPBS https://kenburns.com/films/the-american-buffalo/
S1 E207 · Thu, October 12, 2023
Episode 207 | Mastering Film Promotion with Andrew Cohen, A Guide for Filmmakers
Welcome back, listeners, to another insightful episode of Documentary First! Today, we’re thrilled to have Andrew Cohen, a seasoned expert from Impact 24 PR, back with us. In this installment, we’re diving deep into the world of film promotion, and how filmmakers can truly make their mark with the help of a skilled PR company or publicist. Andrew shares invaluable insights on two fundamental PR principles that every filmmaker should embrace. First and foremost, the importance of kicking off your promotional efforts early, right from the pre-production phase. And secondly, the power of documenting your creative journey. Throughout the episode, Andrew takes us through what these principles look like in action, and the incredible benefits they bring to any project. Christian also lends her own experiences and successes with these principles, shedding light on how she’s integrated them into her own endeavors. But that’s not all! Christian opens up about her initial challenges with her first publicist, and probes Andrew on the crucial factors to consider when seeking the perfect fit. Andrew offers invaluable advice on how the landscape of PR is evolving and emphasizes the need for adaptability and realistic expectations. And as always, he reminds us that networking remains paramount in finding that ideal PR partner. But wait there’s more! Fresh from the bustling scene of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Andrew shares his recent experiences and the exciting trends he observed. To cap it off, Christian puts Andrew on the spot, asking him to unveil his Top 5 Film Festivals that every filmmaker should have on their radar, whether they’ve submitted a film or not. So, grab your notebooks, folks, because today’s episode is packed with actionable strategies and insider tips to elevate your film’s promotional game. Let’s get started! Timecodes: Part 2 – Conversation with Andrew Cohen. 0:00 How can filmmakers up their game? 3:48 How to get the best from hiring the right publicist or PR company? 7:58 Film festivals and networking. 15:36 DocuView Déjà Vu Segment. 23:01 Last Thoughts from Andrew 27:31 DocuView Déjà Vu Recommendations: Andrew: Gimme Shelter, 1970, GP, 91 mins, Prime, IMBD Link: Gimme Shelter (1970) ⭐ 7.8 | Documentary, Music, Thriller Josh: Full Swing, 2023 – Series, Netflix, IMDB Link: Full Swing (TV Series 2023– ) ⭐ 8.0 | Documentary, Sport Christian: Spy OPS, 2023 – Series, Netflix, IMDB Link: <a title="" href= "https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28637385/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_4_nm_4_q_spy%2520op
S1 E206 · Fri, September 29, 2023
Episode 206 | Andrew Cohen of Impact24, Do You Need a Publicist?
Get ready for an episode packed with surprises! First up, our beloved former host, Josh Lindsay, makes a triumphant return, stepping in for Jason Rugg. His presence adds a special spark to today's show. And that's not all - we're also joined by the PR powerhouse, Andrew Seth Cohen from "Impact 24 PR." Discover how Andrew and Christian's paths converged when "Impact 24 PR" extended a helping hand to Documentary First during their electrifying "Emmy" run. Christian's excitement knows no bounds, thanks to the stellar filmmakers that "Impact 24 PR" has introduced to our audience. For filmmakers, navigating the realm of publicists and PR can feel like a mystifying maze. That's precisely why Andrew's insights are invaluable. Beyond his PR wizardry, Andrew is a seasoned animator, adding another layer to his creative repertoire. In this episode, Andrew unveils his deep-seated passion for storytelling and filmmaking, revealing how it seamlessly melded with his role as a PR specialist. He spills the beans on his strategies for propelling films into the Emmy spotlight. We wrap things up with a cliffhanger! What are the common missteps filmmakers make in their PR journey, whether they're teaming up with a publicist or going solo? The answer lies in our next episode, so be sure to tune in! Timecodes: Introduction to Andrew Seth Cohen and his story 00.00 Emmy campaign strategies for filmmakers. 9:33 Filmmaking, awards, budget and PR strategies. 14:01 DocuView Déjà Vu Segment. 19:05 DocuView Déjà Vu Recommendation links: Andrew: The Two Escobars, 2010, 104mins, ESPN 30 for 30 or Disney+, IMDB Link: The Two Escobars (2010) ⭐ 8.1 | Documentary, Biography, Sport Josh: Quarterback, 2023, Series, Netflix, IMDB Link: Quarterback (TV Series 2023– ) ⭐ 8.1 | Documentary, Sport Christian: “Ganz normale Manner - Der vergessene Holocaust” (Ordinary Men), 2022, 58mins, Netflix, IMDB Link: Ganz normale Männer - Der 'vergessene Holocaust' (TV Movie 2022) ⭐ 7.0 | Documentary, History, War
S1 E205 · Thu, September 14, 2023
Episode 205 | Nicolás Humberto Repetto Composer for "A Run for More"
This week, embark on a musical journey with Nicolas Humberto Repetto, a composer whose roots trace back to Argentina before finding a new home in sunny Florida at the tender age of five. His enchantment with music, especially the violin, as well as his gift for composition and orchestration, bloomed during his formative middle school years. The intoxicating harmonies of triumph and the seductive allure of composition and orchestration beckoned Nicolas to the sprawling landscapes of LA. Here, he delved deeper into his passion for film scoring, skillfully merging it with cutting-edge technology. Discover the riveting tale of how Nicolás Humberto Repetto sculpted the original score for a new feature documentary, “A Run for More,” which made it’s debut on Apple Music, May 3, 2023, followed by a widespread digital release. This cinematic masterpiece, directed by Pulitzer Prize-winner, Ray Whitehouse, unravels the compelling narrative of Frankie Gonzales-Wolfe—a transgender luminary vying for a seat in the San Antonio city council. Join Christian and Jason as they dive into Nicolas’ creative process and unravel the pivotal dynamic between Director and Composer. Hear the invaluable lessons gleaned from the crucible of experience, exploring the art of scoring on a budget and the exhilaration of orchestrating with a full-fledged symphony. Peek behind the curtains of the human psyche, discovering the interplay of emotions and music, and delve into the subtle “psychology” that underpins collaborative artistry. As tradition dictates, we conclude this week’s “composition” with DocuView Déjà Vu, coupled with a succinct company update. Timecodes: • Introduction to Nicolás Repetto. 0:00 • **How did you become interested in music?** 2:47 • Films Nicolas has worked on and what work he is most proud of. 7:20 • How “A Run for More” came to be and Nicolas’ process in working on the score 12:39 • Defining some music terminology. 18:52 • **The Composer / Director Relationship and the importance of chemistry.** 24:03 • Words of advice and lessons learned. 33:55 • What Nicolas is most proud of in “A Run for More”? 39:44 • DocuView Déjà Vu 40:50 Related Links: "A Run For More" Documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20562778/ Hollywood scores and soundtracks. What do they sound like by Every Frame a Painting: https://youtu.be/IEfQ_9DIItI No Film School website: https://nofilmschool.com/ No Film School article: https://nofilmschool.com/composer-collaboration DocuView Déjà Vu: Nicolas: The Sound of Identity, 2020, 90 mins, Freevee/The Roku Channel/Prime, IMDB Link: <a href= "https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1015658
S204 E1 · Thu, August 31, 2023
Episode 204 | Heartfelt Journey, Filmmaker's Healing with Craig Renaud
Get ready for an emotional and captivating journey in this week's episode of Documentary First. Join hosts Christian and Jason as they dive deep into an heartfelt conversation with none other than Craig Renaud, an acclaimed Peabody award-winning filmmaker. Brace yourself for a raw and touching exchange as Craig opens up about his personal connection to his latest project "SOUTHERN STORYTELLERS." Venture into the world of "SOUTHERN STORYTELLERS," a mesmerizing three-part miniseries that escorts you into the heart of the American South. Craig Renaud, known for his prowess in bringing compelling stories to life, introduces us to some of the region's most influential creators. Through his lens, we get to journey alongside these remarkable individuals and explore the very essence of the places they call home. But this isn't just any project for Craig – it's a poignant departure from his norm. For the first time, he's embarking on a creative endeavor without his brother and longtime collaborator, Brent. The bond between these two was unbreakable, forged through countless shared experiences. As Craig delves into their gripping journey, he recounts their early days of covering global conflicts and reveals the heart-wrenching truth about Brent, the first American journalist tragically lost in the turmoil of Ukraine in 2022. The conversation delves even deeper into Craig's creative process, unveiling the intricate threads that weave his documentaries into compelling narratives. Tune in as he shares the intimate details of how "SOUTHERN STORYTELLERS" emerged from his own healing journey – a project that became more than just a film, but a means to cope with loss. But that's not all – hear exclusive insights into Craig's upcoming projects, including a touching tribute to his brother Brent. Amidst the anecdotes and industry wisdom, Craig reminds us that mistakes are an inevitable part of the creative process and offers a powerful dose of encouragement for those who might be on the brink of giving up. Of course, no episode of Documentary First is complete without our DocuView Déjà Vu segment, offering a fresh perspective on past gems. Plus, Christian provides a company update and a sneak peek into what's on the horizon – a future episode featuring Craig, where he unravels the challenges faced by independent filmmakers striving to carve a niche and make their mark. Learn firsthand the art of collaborating with PBS, especially when it comes to showcasing the magic of documentary films. Don't miss this chance to embark on an emotional rollercoaster, as Craig Renaud's story resonates deeply and reminds us of the power of storytelling, healing, and the unbreakable bonds that shape our lives. Tune in now! Timecodes: Introduction to Craig Renaud. 0:00 Working with his brother Brent Renaud & John Alpert. 1:47 How to make peace with the loss. 8:43 The process of doing a document
S1 E203 · Thu, August 17, 2023
Episode 203 | Prehistoric Planet 2 with Anže Rozman and Kara Talve
Get ready for a riveting ride in this week's podcast episode as we delve into the mesmerizing world of original music. Hosts Christian and Jason are joined by two master composers who are also part of the remarkable music collective, Bleeding Fingers Music. Hold on to your headphones, because these composers, Kara Talve and Anže Rozman, aren't just any ordinary talents – they're the musical maestros mentored by none other than the legendary Hans Zimmer himself! Listen to Kara and Anže discuss their inspiring symphony (no pun intended) of passion for music and film composition. Prepare to be get a little jealous as they recount the incredible privilege of being under the tutelage of Hans Zimmer. But brace yourselves for more than just a walk past memory lane; They experimented with musical instruments never invented before on their latest masterpiece, Pre-Historic Planet II. But wait, there's a plot twist! The second half of the episode takes an unexpected turn with Christian's overdue update. Picture this: a double screening extravaganza in the vibrant setting of Ormond Beach, Florida, coupled with a serendipitous encounter with new friend, Michelle. Then, get ready to time-travel as Christian recounts her captivating journey to Fort Campbell, KY. She unearthed treasures hidden deep within the WWII archives at the Pratt Museum that will breathe life into the "Heroes of Carentan" project. Feel the surge of excitement as Christian and Zach Callaghan craft this narrative masterpiece over the upcoming weeks. Tune in now to experience the crescendo of creativity, mentorship, musical marvels, unexpected encounters, and the forging of epic historical tales. Timecodes: Introduction of our guests. 0:00 Prehistoric Planet is available on Apple TV. Some of the credits are incredible, including BBC's "The Universe, and the Planets" and IMAX feature "The Great Bear Rainforest" (co-composed with Hans Zimmer), and the opening title music for "Frozen Planet II." Kara Talve has worked on Prehistoric Planet alongside Hans Zimmer and is principal composer on "The Simpsons." Kara and Anže’s background. 4:15 Creative process for prehistoric music. 12:50 The creative process for the Prehistoric Planet series and how it was different from the rest of the series. The idea of making instruments out of fossil materials. The last instrument built for season two is the "Tricera-tone," built out of a metal tr
S1 E202 · Thu, August 03, 2023
Episode 202 | Human Footprint - Part 2
In part 2 of “Human Footprint” Christian and Jason continue their chat with the creators and directors of Human Footprint, Neil Losin & Nate Dappen. Listen to how Neil & Nate filmed the series on a budget, with a small crew of a maximum of 5 people. Hear some of their favorite experiences while grinding and pushing their team to the limit. Seeing elephants from a helicopter and people on dog sleds hunting Polar Bears are just two of the experiences that have marked their lives while making Human Footprint. Music is key to setting the tone and emotion to visuals. We learn about their connection with PBS helping out with some of the licensing of the music used as well as how their “Hip-Hop” composer Andy Young came to be a part of the project. To close, Neil & Nate gave their pearls of wisdom and pieces of advice to filmmakers. Along with Christian’s best reminder of not getting discouraged, don’t give up - DO NOT QUIT!!! PBS Link: https://www.pbs.org/show/human-footprint/ Intro to Documentary First. 0:00 Welcome back to Documentary First, continuing the conversation with Nate & Neil from Human Footprint. What was the budget and how was it used, travel and music? Traveling for the show. 1:20 A lot of travel for 120 days of filming. Shooting in 44 different cities, 80 beds, sets, states, Arctic Sea Ice. Shooting 4 different acts for 4 different episodes Allot of pre-production and research in preparation for all the travel. Starbucks budget larger than the actual food budget…… Team of 5 people max. Pushing everyone to their limits. Shooting dogs, rats, starlings, cities and cities. How they economized their travel costs. 5:47 Listen to people and give them what they need. Learned to economize in various ways. Neil’s unique experience and favorite place The evolution of tusklessness and elephants. Flying over the park in a helicopter. Nate’s most unique experience. 10:05 Episode about how dogs have shaped culture. Unique experience in the Arctic with a young Inuit sled dog hunter. Arctic adventure. The sun doesn't se
S1 E201 · Thu, July 20, 2023
Episode 201 | Human Footprint - Part 1
Witness an unexpected journey of science and photography colliding with filmmaking to become an amazing PBS series called “Human Footprint”. Who said science couldn’t be engaging and thought provoking? In this Part 1 episode, Christian and Jason chat with the creators and directors of “Human Footprint”, Neil Losin & Nathan Dappen. They tell us their journey of making “terrible” videos, a partnership with fellow geek scientist Shane Campbell-Staton and the serendipitous connection to PBS that allowed them to share their vision: cultivating a love for science, looking after the Earth and observing mankind’s impact on the environment and culture. This is an amazing journey into filmmaking from an unconventional starting point. The perseverance, grind and fun along the way, including making connections with the right people at the right time, result in a great story about getting funding from unconventional sources. Timecodes: Introduction to our guests. 0:00 How the series came to be. 2:51 The hopeful impact and awareness of story on the viewer. 7:01 How they met and started collaborating. 10:54 Living on two different coasts and have never lived int he same place and possibly see each other more than their partners. 17:39 How long did it take to get the show greenlit? 21:42 How did they get to the pitch point? 28:18 The importance of getting a grant. 32:25 How did you did the grants help to get you started? 36:39 How did you pitch the idea to PBS? 41:30 What was the budget for the series? 46:02 The difference between producing and directing. 52:10 DocuView Déjà Vu 55:13 Documentary First Update 1:05:21 DocuView Déjà Vu: NEIL: “Particle Fever”, 2013, 99 mins, Watch on “Curiosity Stream” with a subscription, IMDB Link: Particle Fever (2013) ⭐ 7.4 | Documentary JASON: Check out “Human Footprint”, 2023, PBS, Series, IMDB Link: Human Footprint (TV Series 2023– ) ⭐ 6.8 | Documentary
S1 E200 · Thu, July 06, 2023
Episode 200 | To The Stars Through Hardship - Per Aspera Ad Astra!
Welcome to the latest episode of Documentary First, as we celebrate a momentous achievement: Our 200th Episode! Join Christian and Jason as they dive deep into the past four years of our thought-provoking and inspiring podcast. Together, they remind us of the indispensable quality that every filmmaker must possess: tenacity. Prepare to be encouraged and motivated as they unveil the secrets to success in the ever-evolving world of cinema. For a filmmaker, perseverance is the key that unlocks the gateway to the stars. These stars can take many forms, both figurative and literal, representing the pinnacle of our aspirations. Just like steadfast guides, the stars watch over us, ever-present and within our grasp. They serve as a constant reminder that even though our goals may seem distant, they remain visible and within reach. With every courageous step we take towards our cinematic vision, we are bound to encounter challenges along the way. But fear not! These very adversities become the stepping stones that lead us towards the dazzling radiance of the stars we were destined to reach. Get ready to be inspired as we continue to share the remarkable odyssey of filmmaking. We have an abundance of new, talented filmmakers waiting in the wings, eager to join us and delve into their unique processes and awe-inspiring experiences. It's a rollercoaster ride you won't want to miss! And that's not all! Brace yourselves, because DocuView Déjà Vu is making a triumphant return! Get ready to rediscover your love for documentary films and relive those unforgettable cinematic moments. So buckle up, dear listeners, as we embark on another thrilling chapter filled with passion, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of our cinematic dreams. Welcome to a podcast that will ignite your imagination and leave you craving more. Let's make magic happen together! Summary Intro to Documentary First. 0:00 Welcome back to Documentary First and inside look at a documentary filmmaker journey. Episode 200. How the podcast was born. Being an improviser as a filmmaker. 6:01 Finding volunteers and flying people across the world. Being an improviser, solving problems. Journey from not finished movie to completed movie. Heroes of Carentan. How the film industry has changed. 10:59 How the world has changed since pre-Covid. The challenges for independent filmmakers. The art of turning adversity into advantage. The difference between a filmmaker and everyone else. The best piece of advice Jason has ever gotten. Do the next thing first.
S1 E199 · Thu, June 22, 2023
Episode 199: Joe Amodei Returns with Cannes Report - Part II
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Documentary First! In this week's continuation from last week's episode, we dive deeper into the fascinating world of film festivals and film markets. Joe Amodei, our experienced distributor and filmmaker, shares valuable insights and personal experiences that every filmmaker should know. If you're passionate about filmmaking, you definitely don't want to miss this! At the 2023 Film Festival in Cannes, Joe had 33 meetings where he pitched his films and listened to other pitches. He takes us through this experience and shares the lessons he’s learned, highlighting what he would do differently next time (01:06). The landscape of the film industry is changing, with the merging of premium cable channels and streaming platforms leading to a shift in distribution strategies. Filmmakers and distributors are now focusing more on transactional and A-VOD sites, like Tubi, Pluto, Amazon, and iTunes. This change opens up opportunities for a wider range of genres and films from different countries to gain acceptance (02:15). Joe reflects on the transformation he's witnessed in the market, for one, he now feels more comfortable approaching booths from other countries, a stark contrast to the hesitations he’s had in the past (05:11). Christian raises an important question about who the target consumers are for movies considering the lack of information shared by streamers. Joe shares his observations, revealing that streamers like Netflix are increasingly focused on international growth rather than solely on the United States. This shift presents both advantages and limitations for filmmakers who are seeking opportunities overseas (05:53). Joe has been in the movie biz for 20 years and he shares how he deals with beginning filmmakers and those with more extensive backgrounds differently. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and having honest conversations regarding the future of the industry (07:18). The conversation takes a reflective turn as Christian asks Joe whether filmmakers should continue to make films. Joe's replies by stating the resilience of the film industry and emphasizes the importance of creating quality content (10:05). Exploring popular genres, Joe and Christian discuss current trends. From horror to true crime, teen romantic dramas, comedies, family films, and even faith-based movies, each genre presents unique opportunities (13:18). The discussion then shifts to documentaries, a genre that poses challenges in terms of profitability. Christian and Joe engage in a lively debate about the difficulties faced by documentary filmmakers in making money (17:04). Towards the end, Christian and Joe remind us of their unwavering passion for filmmaking. They share heartfelt stories about the power of film to make a difference in people's lives and society as a whole (20:55). Wrapping up the episode, Christian expresses g
S1 E198 · Fri, June 09, 2023
Episode 198 | Joe Amodei Returns with Cannes Report - Part I
This episode is one of a 2-part series where Christian and Jason talk with Joe Amodei about his recent trip to the Cannes Film Festival. 00:50 - Joe describes himself as “a film geek.” He explains why he prides himself in being referred to as not a “suit.” 03:34 - Joe’s involvement with Oscar Best Picture, “Gosford Park.” 07:27 - An inside look at Cannes. 09:29 - What it was like promoting a documentary called “The Third Wave” (IMDB: The Third Wave (2007) - IMDb ). 11:59 - Christian reviews her experience going to Sundance Film Festival 13:03 - Joe shares the difference between the 2 festivals, such as no Q&A’s at Cannes. 15:21 - How to get into Cannes Film Festival, both practical and impractical ways 18:23 - Joe makes it clear that he goes to “Cannes every year not to attend the film festival. But to attend the film market.” 23:09 - Joe explains the role of a distributor at film festivals. 25:45 - Christian asks what an independent filmmaker should do to maximize the film festivals, they unpack some very blunt, straight-forward steps. 29:47 - Joe makes the following profound statement “if you're looking to sell your movie, looking to raise money, make revenue to pay back investors, then these film festivals aren't going to do anything for you. BUT being at a film MARKET, walking around and trying to sell your film, to countries all over the world, and being a part of the industry, is where you need to be to be a part of the film industry” 32:48 - Joe reiterates his encouragement to young filmmakers and producers that help is available. 34:36- Joe warns NOT to be clueless about the industry you are in. You have to read the trades. You have to subscribe to Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, and Indie Wire, even if it costs you $200 a year. It is well worth it. You have to stay up with the trades. If you don't, you're going to get lost. It's really an ongoing education. Things are changing in the business almost every day. Part 2 of this 2-part series will be released later this month. NOTE - NO DocuView DejaVu this episode
S1 E197 · Fri, May 26, 2023
Episode 197: Sound Design and AI w/ Sound Designer of Citizen Sleuth - Part 2
We're picking up right where we left off from the last episode, talking about AI and how it relates to sound design with Nathan Ruyle. Nathan Ruyle - IMDb Nathans Company “This Is Sound Design” website: This is Sound Design 00:12 - Right out the gate Christian, Jason and Nathan discuss AI vs. good live sound recordings. We discuss that “the tools are only as good as the material you're feeding it.” There is no way around in achieving greatness unless you are investing in quality material. 03:30 - The AI discussion leads to asking about location sound and its challenges. Location sound is very different from sound design and final mix. Hear how Nathan unpacks these differences in reference to his movie “Citizen Sleuth”. 04:29 - Nathan shares how he used spectral tools to identify sounds in his documentary; yet due to use of camera audio and limited crew, there were still challenges in parsing them out. Even big budget films face audio challenges, which further highlights the nature of the industry. 07:42 - Nathan discusses how narrative and documentary filmmaking informs each other. In both narrative and documentary films, the use of Foley is essential to capturing the complete soundscape. Even with high-quality sound recording, certain details like footsteps or subtle moments may be missed. Therefore, techniques like Foley are crucial in both types of films to enhance the overall experience. 09:36 - Christian points out there is a difference between Foley and sound effects. 12:28 - History of Jack Foley & Foley experiences 16:32 - The legalities and clearance for the music 18:16 - Foley and music for the HBO Documentary called “United Skates”. 22:52 - Christian explains some terms, such as what are “stems”? 24:07 - Christian asks on behalf of new filmmakers who are still working in lower budget independent films. Do they have any ability to hire Nathan and his team at all? She asks him to give some sort of budget spectrum that they work on for all kinds of different films? And what does the look like in terms of rates. Nathan gives an overview of what his team can provide. They have an ultra low budget rate sheet, where it kind of breaks down three budget options in great detail where you can see all the different parts of the process. 27:08 - Nathan’s company “This Is Sound Design” recently released “Joyland”. IMDB: Joyland (2022) - IMDb If you're in LA or want to come to LA and need help for a movie, they would be more than happy to have you visit for a tour. 31:04 - DocuView Déjà Vu Jason: “Citizen Sleuth” (2023), 23 mins, IMDB: <a href= "https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26591050/?ref_=
S1 E196 · Thu, May 11, 2023
Episode 196 | Sound Design of SXSW True Crime Documentary, Citizen Sleuth, w/ Nathan Ruyle - Part 1
Get ready for an engaging episode of the podcast, where Christian and Jason chat with Nathan Ruyle, the sound designer behind the hit film "Citizen Sleuth." With over 100+ credits to his name, Nathan has an impressive BIO and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to sound design. In part one of this deep dive, Nathan discusses his creative approach to sound design and how it helped to bring the mystery of the film to life. Nathan Ruyle - IMDb Nathans Company “This Is Sound Design” website: This is Sound Design At 01:53, Nathan sums up the unique sound design in "Citizen Sleuth" and how it was used to create an experiential feeling for the audience. Without relying on reenactments, Nathan used sound to immerse the audience in the experience of the crime, making them feel as though they were right there at the scene. Christian shares at 05:17 how she realized the importance of communicating emotions to the composer and sound department to ensure that the audience is moved through the story by the driving forces of sound and music. Nathan's approach to sound design is from a creative perspective, and he sees it as an opportunity to problem-solve and use his imagination. At 08:13, Nathan explains how his work encompasses all facets of post-production sound and how he and his team designed the sound to match the look and feel of the story. Christian asks Nathan to sum up the sound of the film and Nathan gives a captivating answer that will leave you intrigued. At 14:29, Christian picks out two examples from the film to discuss how Nathan and his team handled the sound in those moments. Nathan also explains mediated voices and mediated technology. At 15:42 and how it adds character and feeling to the story. Jason was curious about how Nathan made the dialogue consistent, even when recorded in different locations, and Nathan explains his technique in detail at 23:35. As this episode went a little long, Christian, Jason, and Nathan decided to split it into two parts. Be sure to tune in to part two to hear more about AI-specific tools and other interesting sound design topics. And don't forget to catch the next episode, where DocuView Déjà Vu takes center stage!
S1 E195 · Thu, April 27, 2023
Episode 195 | 3 Tools of Filmmaking w/ Award-Winning Director D. Mitry
Step right up, folks! This week on Documentary First, we're shaking things up and diving into the world of narrative filmmaking. Our special guest is none other than D. Mitry, a talented writer, director, and producer whose short films have won international acclaim. D. Mitry's new film, “Hedgehog”, is taking the festival circuit by storm, and he's here to share his top three tools for any filmmaker looking to create a powerful, impactful story. But first, let's talk about D. Mitry's fascinating backstory. Born in the Soviet Union, D. Mitry didn't launch his filmmaking dream until 2015, but since then, his work has made waves across the globe. He's the mastermind behind “My True Fairytale”, a feature film that pays tribute to his daughter Alyssa after her tragic passing. This deeply personal project was acquired for worldwide distribution by Gravitas Ventures and had its world premiere at Cinequest in March 2021. Now D. Mitry has a new film on the horizon: “Hedgehog”. This short film explores the conflict between Ukrainian and Russian forces through the eyes of a young girl and a wounded soldier. D. Mitry discusses the challenges of telling a powerful story with minimal words and allowing images and stillness to speak for themselves. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong "movie family" of passionate collaborators who share a love for the project. And what about those top three tools for filmmakers? D. Mitry's first tool is "Economy of Writing," which means using every element of your story to its fullest potential to avoid overwriting. This is especially important for indie filmmakers who must be resourceful and conscientious about their budget. His second tool describes "movie family" as a group of collaborators who share a love for the project and thus can weather any challenges that come their way. Finally, D. Mitry stresses the importance of choosing a story that speaks to one on a personal level and has the power to make an impact in the world. So buckle up, folks, and get ready for a thrilling ride through the world of narrative filmmaking with D. Mitry on Documentary First! Social Media Links for The Hedgehog Film Website: https://www.thehedgehogfilm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehedgehogfilm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHedgehogFilm ** DocuView Déjà Vu: Dmitry: “Reggie's Forest” & “The Girl Who Wore Freedom” Reggie’s Forest IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14014074/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 The Girl Who Wore Freedom: <a href= "https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/
S1 E194 · Thu, April 13, 2023
Episode 194 | Top 5 Filmmaking Business Tips w/ Joe Amodei
Join hosts Christian and Jason as they dive deep into the ever-changing world of filmmaking with seasoned filmmaker, Joe Amodei. With over 20 years of firsthand experience and a passion for film history, Joe shares invaluable insights on the business side of filmmaking in this thought-provoking episode. Discover the Top 5 things every filmmaker needs to know to succeed in this dynamic industry. From mastering the distribution business by staying updated with trade publications, to immersing yourself in diverse movies from all eras to learn from the masters, Joe's advice is practical and eye-opening. Understand how film marketing in the digital era has changed as traditional print media is no longer dominant. Learn how to effectively promote your film using social media and other modern strategies to get the word out and attract audiences. Joe explains that as a filmmaker, you're not just an artist, you're also a businessperson. Setting clear objectives for your film, whether to gain exposure, make money, or reach a wide audience will enhance your workflow. If you're a filmmaker looking to thrive in today's ever-evolving landscape, this episode is a must-listen. Gain valuable insights from Joe Amodei's wealth of experience and elevate your understanding of the multifaceted world of filmmaking. Get ready to be inspired, educated, and motivated to take your film career to new heights. Time Codes 0:00 - Jason introduces Joe 1:08 - Transformation of the film industry over the years 2:07 - How Joe has seen the film industry change over the last 20 years. 8:22 - Renting movies vs owning movies 9:18 - Christian shares a VHS story 13:20 - How did Netflix react to the streaming revolution? 19:20 - Knowing the business of business 25:18 - Advertising your film to your audience 28:48 - The 4 Top Trades to read 29:41 - Christian parallels the film industry with the acting industry - understand your market 30:41 - Top 5 Things: 1. Learn the distribution business as best you can, get every trade and read them. (Listen to the episode to hear which ones!) 33:18 - 2. Watch movies, all kinds, all the time from all ages, learn the masters. 35:35 - 3. Educate yourself on film marketing, and how in a no print world, you can get the word out about your film, learn social media. 37:25 - Christian shares a real life scenario 42:14 - 4. Determine your objective with your film. Have people see it? Make money? Exposure? Determine your objective before you even start, and make a plan to achieve it. 44:57 - 5. When you make a film you're opening a business. You must understand the basic principles of business in order to achieve your goals. 50:19 - DocuView Déjà Vu Joe: Fire of Love, 2022, 98 mins, IMDB: <a class="css-1llm9d6" tabindex="0" role="button" href= "https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16227014/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1"
S1 E193 · Fri, March 31, 2023
Episode 193 | Animation in Documentary Filmmaking - A Partnership Re-emerging
In this episode Jason Rugg, our loyal host and trusty dusty button pushing guy, is our guest guru on animation and how animation in documentary filmmaking is making a resurgence. With Jason’s extensive background in animation, Christian questions Jason about how animation works and they discuss the history, as well as the pros and cons of using animation in documentary storytelling. Referencing this article , Christian and Jason unpack how the animation revival mentioned is still relevant in today’s filmmaking. Additionally, they dive into the various aspects of animation and motion graphics within storytelling and film making with these various examples: The Sinking of the “Lusitania” “Ryan” a short by Chris Landreth (2004) They also discuss costs of animation referencing these films: “ A Head Shorter ” by Sasha Bortnik “ An Inconvenient Time " - The Story of Ruth Ravina “ Chicago 10 “ by Brett Morgen DocuView Déjà Vu: Jason: “Ryan” a short by Chris Landreth (2004) IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414469/?ref_=fn_al_tt_12 Christian: "MH370: The Plane that Disappeared", Series, 2023, IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26739535/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 Timecodes: 02:20 - Jason Rugg’s Bio 04:19 - Motion Graphics vs Animation 06:00 - Motion Capture vs Live Animation 10:20 - Math & Animation 12:55 - The rebirth/resurgence of animation in documentary film making with examples 23:00 - The cost of animation, examples and styles such as “parallaxing” 30:57 - Striking the right balance between animation and story asking questions like do you have an art director or an illustrator? 40:06 - Advice from Jason about where to start with animation if you are interested in using this medium in your storytelling, including finding the right style of animation to compliment your story 45:43 - DocuView Déjà Vu 47:46 - Update & Wrap up
S1 E192 · Thu, March 16, 2023
Episode 192 | Reactions to the Oscars and Keeping it Creative
Get ready for an exciting new episode of Documentary First! In episode 192, we're diving deep into the impact of life on the process of filmmaking. With team members experiencing unexpected life events, we explore how creativity is affected when life gets in the way. You won't want to miss the insightful thoughts the team received from another filmmaker, Flo Plana, and Christian's thrilling experience winning not one, but TWO camera packages at a local fundraising film festival. Plus, with the 2023 Oscars fresh on our minds, we delve into the winners, losers and what we think this year's Oscars might mean for the future of filmmaking. Is the Academy still relevant? And how does a film get nominated? Join us for this fascinating conversation, and don't forget to check out our bonus segment on the future of the film industry, exclusively available to our Patreon supporters. DocuView Déjà Vu Segment Jason: "Glitch: The Rise & Fall of HQ Trivia", 2023, HBO Max https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26618018/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_5 Zach: "All The Beauty and The Bloodshed", 2022, 122 mins, Prime Video https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21374850/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2 Christian: "Chicken People", 2016, 83 mins https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4819510/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 Conversation Time Codes: 00:30 - Zach Callaghan Bio 01:37 - Zach gives a writing update on the Taking Carentan Project 02:26 - Flo Plana came to town and gives some great suggestions to deepen the story lines of “Taking Carentan” 04:37 - Jason poses an idea for an episode - "What makes a good sizzle?" 05:58 - Topic adjustments including "Reflections on life and filming" - How life impacts or happens in the process of making a film. 10:47 - Creativity & Emotions - thoughts by Zach & Jason 13:47 - Where do creative story ideas come from? 15:48 - Christian shares about her experience a the "Patrick Live On Film Festival & Fundraiser" in the Chicago area. In particular, one short film "Fraser Syndrome and Me" had a profound impact and she was able to meet the film maker. Along with a new realization about the power of documentary films. 26:18 - Raffles, Raffles, Raffles - Christian wins 3 and 2 of those were film packages that will help with the May filming in Fort Campbell for "Taking Carentan" 27:07 - The morning after the Oscars show. The team recaps the Oscars and wonders whether this year is an indication of a changing industry 39:06 Jason Rugg was reminded of this video during the Oscars recap: Maggie Rogers - f
S1 E191 · Wed, March 01, 2023
Episode 191 | Top 5 Cinematography Skills Needed with Chad Gilchrist
Welcome to Episode 191. Chad Gilchrist, grip and lighting guru extraordinaire, and Director of Photography for “Taking Carentan”, joins the podcast today to talk about the Top 5 skills every cinematographer needs to develop in order to be successful. Before we get into the episode, I wanted to let you know we’re starting something really new. We have extra bonus content exclusively for our Patreon supporters. And this week, it’s going to be an extended interview with Chad talking about his work on Steven Spielberg’s favorite show of the year, “The Bear”. You don’t want to miss this! Chad comes to the team with an amazing wealth of knowledge and skills from a variety of projects with some pretty impressive films. This episode’s focus is on The Top 5 Skills every aspiring cinematographer needs to develop and why those skills are important. > Tip No.1: Develop a strong network. Build friendships and relationships. There is a ripple effect in networking. A key to networking is not seeing what one can get out of it for him or herself. The question rather is: Am I genuinely curious about other people? There really is a butterfly effect. You don’t know where and when the fruits will blossom from the seeds that you planted years ago, but it is always important to keep planting seeds. > Tip No.2: Learn the techniques, technical skills, and then remember that it’s about how you use them. “Creativity with what you have is filmmaking…Make it great with what you have” – Jason Rugg > Tip No.3: Go do the thing! > Tip No.4: Learn great communication. It matters how you manage people, it matters how you communicate, learning how to work with others is critical to success. > Tip No.5: Be flexible and adaptable. Filmmaking is never the thing that you pictured it being – ever. Chad and Jason expound on technology and resources useful to them from experience. They give a couple of situations when networking was a good thing for them to do. The team shares some resources available for listeners: Roger Deakin's Cinematography Books: https://www.rogerdeakins.com/ Dale Carnegie’s book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People": https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en/resources/how-to-win-friends-and-influence-people-chapter-1 ASC: https://theasc.com/ Brent Forrester's Online Classes: https://www.brentforrester.com/ DocuView Déjà Vu Chad: Navalny, 2022, 1hr 39mins, HBO Max IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17041964/ Jason: YouTube videos – 2 parts called “Halo four is worse than you remember” Part 1 – <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjZMRcpbK2
S1 E190 · Wed, February 15, 2023
Episode 190 | Got Taste? with Jeff Kurtenacker
Interested in improving your creative workflow? Jeff Kurtenacker is back to explain why it all starts with developing good taste. But it doesn’t end there, listen in to discover what it takes to improve your skills, whether it is composing music, directing films, etc. Breakdown: 00:00-06:05 What is Taste? 06:06-14:02 Pathway to Excellence 14:03-21:36 How to Receive Constructive Criticism 21:37-31:44 DocuView Déjà Vu DocuView Déjà Vu: Jason: HBO’s The Last of Us Podcast (2023) https://listen.hbo.com/the-last-of-us-podcast Jeff: Myth & Mogul: John DeLorean (2021) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14968268/ Christian: American Factory (2021) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9351980/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DocumentaryFirst Follow our Substack Blog: https://documentaryfirst.substack.com/ Join our newsletter (bottom of page): https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/ Watch our first feature film NOW on these platforms: https://geni.us/TheGirlWhoWoreFreedom Buy a DVD or stream in FRENCH from The Girl Who Wore Freedom Shop: https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/buynow/ Donate to help us tell more stories: https://givebutter.com/LivingStoriesLtd
S1 E189 · Thu, February 02, 2023
Episode 189 | The Music Cue Sheet - A Conversation with Jeff Kurtenacker
Christian and Jason do a deep dive into "the dreaded cue sheet" with Jeff Kurtenacker. What is a music cue sheet and why is it important for your film? The benefits outweigh the costs. It is more than just a tracking document! It's a sheet that you submit, it requires assigning a name for every piece of music in a film and adding timecodes where each piece of music starts and ends. A composer is acknowledged, and many rights are associated with it, like for some, who's names are attached to a publisher, the profits go to the performing rights organization such as ASCAP, BMI, or CSAC, etc. will collect royalties of performances or showings of this film on your behalf. No matter if the score is only instrumental or has lyrics, musicians are supposed to be paid upfront in addition to royalties anytime anywhere it is used. Jeff & Christian share their experiences learning this element of the music business. If you are a producer or director, think twice about the music you're using in your film. Breakdown: 0:00 - Introductions and set up about the music cue sheet and its function 9:18 - Who does the tracking for royalties, the organizations. Who is ASCA & BMI and their functionality 12:03 - What does it look like for Jeff as the composer and publisher 13:19 - Christian share her perspective as the filmmaker and uses the example of TGWWF and how it works with "managed rights" 19:30 - Jeff & Christian unpack more about music rights and "public domain" 23:19 - Jeff re-iterates the need to protect the integrity of the work as it was intended to be used. 26:50 - Christian shares the story The Go-Go's and the reason they split up as it relates top royalties and music rights. 32:54 - Budgets for music rights in film, TV, and social media 36:47 - Is the music crucial to the story-telling? This impacts the decision to pay for the licensing & rights. 39:37 - Jeff gives a middle of the road option for music 41:05 - DocuView Déjà Vu Christian: Meltdown: Three Mile Island - NETFLIX, Docu-Series - 4 Episodes, 2hrs 52 mins total IMDB link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19757508/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3 Jeff: Chernobyl, Minis Series, HBO Max, 5 Episodes, 5hrs 30 mins total IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7366338/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 Jason: Podcast Episode recommendation - Show is 20000 Hertz - Episode on "The Price Is Right Theme song" Podcast link: <a href= "https://podcasts.app
S1 E188 · Thu, January 19, 2023
Episode 188 | New Year, New Beginnings
This week on the podcast Christian talks with Ben Feithen, Documentary First's CEO, about plans for Documentary First in 2023. The DocFirst team is smaller now, and they ponder how to do more with less? When you hear the word "AI" - do you think about the Terminator series.....????? Well, don't be alarmed, in this podcast we unpack the pros and cons of a few new exciting automation and AI tools. 00:00 - 09:43 - A review on how Ben joined the team to help Christian with Documentary First through her son, Hunter Taylor 09:34 - 20:35 - Ben's thoughts on content ideas, 2023 strategy and an ensuing conversation with Christian about content creation with less resources. How does automation looks like as an answer to our problem and how can "AI" tools can help our social media engagement? 20:35 - 26:38 - Using AI to help create a new blog for Documentary First called "Stories of Service" and using AI tools to help with a backlog of content and stories not used yet. 26:39 - 34:59 - DocuView Déjà Vu: Ben: All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), imdb.com/title/tt1016150 , a remake on Netflix, 148 mins (2hr 28 mins), Ben shares his thoughts from his military background and relevance to what is going on in the world today. Christian: D.B. Cooper: Where Are You?! (2022), imdb.com/title/tt21063148 , Limited 4 Episode Documentary Series on Netflix 35:00 - Wrap up - We want to hear from documentary filmmakers about your experiences and any problems you have bumped into. We would love to work as a community to help solve some of those problems and hear how you may have solved them. Please chime in, whether it's writing an email to christian@documentaryfirst.com , tagging us on any one of the socials or joining us on Patreon and helping us you know, do something pretty great there. We really want to hear from what YOU want to hear. What do you want to know? What questions do you have? Let us know. And we'll keep producing great content for you. Subscribe to "Stories of Service " on Substack: https://documentaryfirst.substack.com/ Visit our new website: www.documentaryfirst.com Make a donation to help us share more stories! https://www.livingstoriesltd.org/ Links and resources mentioned: "Copy AI": https://www.copy.ai/ "ChatGPT": https://openai.com/ Thanks again for listening and we look forward to hearing from you.
S187 E1 · Thu, January 05, 2023
Episode 187 | Carentan Adventures Continued with Chad & Tayler - Part 2
Hear the rest of the story from the film-making duo, the Gilchrist's, and how they collaborated with the local French people, in particular with Francois. Find out how he got to know Christian and provided background extras-- And local police gets involved? Hear how our team avoided penalties; Did we bribe them with cookies...? DocuView Déjà Vu: Chad: The Dissident (2020) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11382384/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3 Christian: Louis Armstrong's Black & Blue (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14447458/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_5
S1 E186 · Thu, December 22, 2022
Episode 186 | Carentan Adventures with Chad & Tayler Part 1
Christian & Jason finally get to chat with Tayler & Chad Gilchrist. We find out how they met Christian and the journey of going to France this past summer to be a part of the team to film the sizzle reel for our Carentan Project. DocuView Déjà Vu: Tayler Gilchrist: Into The Deep (2020) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11394296/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
S1 E185 · Thu, December 08, 2022
Episode 185 | Breaking News and Company Updates
This week there's a lot to recap, but first...introducing a possibly new segment called "News for the Day!" Coming off an East Coast tour, Christian talks new advancements in finding an audience that are made through connections. It is Robbie's last episode, cheers! Please rate and review our film, The Girl Who Wore Freedom, on Rotten Tomatoes! Docu-View DejaVu: Christian: Pepsi, Where's My Jet? (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23022276/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Robbie: Light & Magic (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19896784/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
S1 E184 · Thu, November 24, 2022
Episode 184 | Rerun of Episode 142: Working, the Holidays and Giving Thanks
This episode originally aired on November 26th, 2021. It's a re-airing of a special Thanksgiving episode at the time Documentary First was pitching to distributors like Netflix in Los Angeles and before our Carentan sizzle reel was finished! - - We recollect favorite thanksgiving movies and general thanksgiving. Christian has studio updates and shares future plans with streaming platform, Vudu. We're thankful for all our subscribers and Patreon supporters! Watch "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" this Thanksgiving: https://geni.us/TheGirlWhoWoreFreedom
S1 E183 · Sun, November 13, 2022
Episode 183 | The History of Distribution
Special guest (for the second time) Joe Amodei gives us a history lesson, starting in the 50's & 60's with Bing Crosby & Jerry Lewis, then moving on to the 80's with VHS tapes. Joe shares how he started working at a video store and moved into distribution. He went from building other peoples businesses to building his own personal distribution company, starting with "Supersize Me". Christian shares about the timing of the release of "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" available for video-on-demand on November 1st and about recent in-person events (speaking tour). DocuView Déjà Vu: Jason: "Why You Should Watch Experimental Docs" (Video Essay) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Syn8obfyM Robbie: "Closed for Storm" (2020) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11372428/?ref_=fn_al_tt_0 Christian: "Travelin' Band: Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall" (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21053478/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 Joe: "Sidney" (2020) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16977750/?ref_=fn_al_tt_0
S1 E183 · Thu, November 10, 2022
Episode 183 | The History of Distribution
Special guest (for the second time) Joe Amodei gives us a history lesson, starting in the 50's & 60's with Bing Crosby & Jerry Lewis, then moving on to the 80's with VHS tapes. Joe shares how he started working at a video store and moved into distribution. He went from building other peoples businesses to building his own personal distribution company, starting with "Supersize Me". Christian shares about the timing of the release of "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" available for video-on-demand on November 1st and about recent in-person events (speaking tour). DocuView Déjà Vu: Jason: "Why You Should Watch Experimental Docs" (Video Essay) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Syn8obfyM Robbie: "Closed for Storm" (2020) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11372428/?ref_=fn_al_tt_0 Christian: "Travelin' Band: Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall" (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21053478/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 Joe: "Sidney" (2020) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16977750/?ref_=fn_al_tt_0
S1 E182 · Thu, October 27, 2022
Episode 182 | Story Symposium Part 2
How do you tell a story when the protagonist is a place? Our very own script-writer, Zach Callaghan, says "identity and purpose" are the two big things he looks for. Listen to his process of taking footage shot back in June 2022 for the Carentan project and developing it into a story. DocuView Déjà Vu: Christian: The Martha Mitchell Effect (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16379454 They'll Love Me When I'm Dead (2018) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6893836/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Jason: The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2015) This is a companion documentary to the feature by the same name. YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/D4WAUmyKDq0 Robbie: The Wrecking Crew (2008) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1185418/ Zach: F for Fake (1973) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072962/
S1 E181 · Wed, October 12, 2022
Episode 181 | "Oh the Humanity!" Story Symposium
There has been a team shuffle. Jason Rugg is now in the host seat with Robbie Davis joining Christian and Jason. Christian gives an update before an impromptu "symposium" on story. Life is never linear or straight forward. Christian shares from her heart about the topsy-turviness of life with family and balancing work and priorities/commitments made that need to be honored. Much gratitude was given in the midst of a successful roller coaster event at the 2022 Currahee Military Weekend. Questions discussed: What makes a good story? How do you find a story in the midst of all the information and conversations? There are many treasures to be gleaned from this conversation. Get ready to exercise your cheek muscles. :-) DocuView Déjà Vu: Jason: Brent Forrester's TV Comedy Course https://www.brentforrester.com/webinar Robbie: Undefeated (2011) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1860355/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Christian: The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19034332/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
S1 E180 · Thu, September 29, 2022
Episode 180 | Coming to a Streaming Service Near You!
Today we’re joined by a special guest, but first an update! The Girl Who Wore Freedom will be available on many streaming services soon, thanks to Virgil Films. We discuss E&O Insurance, and then dive into an update about The Documentary First Podcast. Judith Pearson Official Website: https://judithlpearson.com/books/the-wolves-at-the-door/ Virginia Hall: The True Story of America's Greatest Female Spy: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/podcast/history/virginia-hall-the-true-story-of-america-s-greatest-female-spy DocuView Déjà Vu: Robbie: The Sparks Brothers (2021) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8610436/ Jason’s: The Rescue (2021) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9098872 Christian: Count me In (2021) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6889042
S1 E179 · Thu, September 15, 2022
Episode 179 | Movies, Updates, and More Movies
Today we discuss "The Bear" and "Kobra Kai", then jump into discussing the current state of Christian’s next project: funding and budgets! DocuView Déjà Vu: Josh’s: Hands on a Hardbody: The Documentary (1997) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116481/ Jason’s: Obi Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21860836/ Christian’s: Lucy and Desi (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12971802/
S1 E178 · Thu, September 01, 2022
Episode 178 | Riding Solo - Quick Update
Christian has some exciting updates about the Carentan sizzle reel and The Brave Dutch! Also, she recently had a wonderful time zooming in alongside Michèle Phoenix at a screening held at Documentary First's long-time friend, Laura Priebe's, church. If you are interested in live events, you can email Christan@documentaryfirst.com. Tickets for Currahee Military Museum, Toccoa, GA, September 29 event Adult: https://www.toccoahistory.com/storeandmemberships/the-girl-who-wore-freedom-adult-ticket-10 Student or Child: https://www.toccoahistory.com/storeandmemberships/the-girl-who-wore-freedom-student-or-child DocuView Déjà Vu: Christian's: Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed (2021) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14539744/
S1 E177 · Thu, August 18, 2022
Episode 177 | Small Wins
Staying afloat selling a movie has its own set of troubles. This week we celebrate the small wins! The Girl Who Wore Freedom is one step closer to being represented by Virgil Films. Also, new connections introduce new ways of producing income. DocuView Déjà Vu: Christian's: Perfect Bid: The Contestant Who Knew Too Much (2017): www.imdb.com/title/tt6854248 Josh's: Light & Magic (2022): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19896784/ Jason's: The G Word with Adam Conover (2022): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13649532/
S1 E176 · Thu, August 04, 2022
Episode 176 | Distribution 2.0
Today we’re joined by Christian, Josh and Jason! We talk through Christian’s new distribution deal, Error and Omission Insurance and in person screenings of the film! DocuView Déjà Vu: Josh’s: The Staircase (2022): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11324406/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 The Staircase (2004): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388644/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3 Christian’s: Made you Look: A True Story About Fake Art (2020): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11994750/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Jason’s: The Inside Outtakes - Bo Burnham (2022): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XWEVoI40sE RRR: Rise Roar Revolt (2022)(Not a documentary): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8178634/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
S1 E175 · Thu, July 21, 2022
Episode 175 | More on Distribution and Next Steps
Christian is looking for new ways to distribute her film even as her team starts focusing on other projects. Josh wonders how much value there is in putting energy into a film that has already run its course in the film circuit. DocuView Déjà Vu: Josh's: Empire of Dreams: The Story of the 'Star Wars' Trilogy (2004) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416716/ Christian's: Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies and the Internet (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20602042/
S1 E174 · Thu, July 14, 2022
Episode 174 | Sound Perspective
Christian sits down with her sound team, Jeff Kurtenacker (Composer) and Jason Hoban (Sound Engineer), to bounce ideas around concerning the development of her next project, The Brave Dutch. DocuView Déjà Vu: Christian's: Jane (2017) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7207238/ Jeff's: Our Father (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19704638/ Jason's: Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller (2020) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10370750
S1 E173 · Thu, July 07, 2022
Episode 173 | Mourning The Losses
Today we’re back with Josh, Christian and Jason. We stop and remember Brad Freeman of Easy Company, and discuss what’s going on with the film now, and the highs and lows of production. DocuView Déjà Vu: Josh’s: Val (2021) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14731254 Christian’s: Julia (2021) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13782428 Jason’s: Chernobyl: the Lost Tapes (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13913326
S1 E172 · Thu, June 30, 2022
Episode 172 | Notes From the Writer's Desk
Zach Callaghan refreshes us on how he joined the team as a staff writer. Initially hired to help with documentary guideline work, he also shares how he become an impromptu production crew member in France.
S1 E171 · Thu, June 23, 2022
Episode 171 | The Band is Back Together! (sort of)
At the tail-end of her journey in France this Summer, Christian talks with Josh Lindsay about the thick of what was a packed schedule. Screenings, filming a sizzle reel, and honoring veterans were just a few of the things on the list. Listen to hear the rest! DocuView Déjà Vu: American Movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181288/ Somebody Feed Phil: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7752034
S1 E171 · Thu, June 16, 2022
Episode 170 | And We're Back!
Carentan sizzle reel shoot is done! Christian and Co-Producer, Michelle Coupey review the past few weeks with TGWWF and give a quick peek into the most recent shoot in Normandy.
S1 E169 · Thu, June 02, 2022
Episode 169 | Back to Normandy!
By the time you're reading this, Christian will have already left Georgia for France. This is a fresh recollection of the whirlwind of events that's happened on the US side with companies like Delta, Michelin, and the Best Defense Foundation. But now we're off to Normandy to film our next project, and how things like hiring a French crew on site and bringing over the Documentary First team is discussed.
S1 E168 · Thu, May 26, 2022
Episode 168 | Corporate Sponsors
Christian and Jason dive into Christian’s last week of travels for the film, then we dive into corporate sponsorships and what they mean for filmmakers. Christian walks us through her visit to New York City, the players club, site seeing, and visiting Staten Island. After that we dive into corporate sponsorships, what they mean for a filmmaker, a film, and the company sponsoring. XUMO.TV DocuView Déjà Vu: Lost in La Mancha: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0308514/
S1 E167 · Fri, May 20, 2022
Episode 167 | Reims Recap
Today we’re joined by just Christian and Jason, Christian’s back from Reims, France. We discuss Josh’s middle initial, Christian’s visit to the Red Movie Awards, and her wins! Christian gives us the rundown of the film festival. We detour into best networking practices, bringing something to offer. Then Christian gives us an update about her new distribution agreement. DocuView Déjà Vu: Class Action Park: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11015214/ Before the Flood: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5929776/
S1 E166 · Thu, May 12, 2022
Episode 166 | Reviewing a Bit of Our History
This week Christian traveled to Reims, France for the RED Movie Awards (Reims Excellence Director) annual ceremony, and met with local special guests, Dany and Flo, to reminisce about the events that got them to where they are now. Bar of June 6 Website: https://bardu6juin.eatbu.com/?lang=en FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/Bardu6juinEpicerielaMadeleine
S1 E165 · Thu, May 05, 2022
Episode 165 | Distributor D-Day and Good News!
Today is the final episode in our limited series about distribution, where we reveal the name of Christian’s distributor! We talk through distributor woes, Panera woes, new distributor agreements, contracts, and updates about Cannes Film Market. The film is now available for streaming and DVD on the film’s website: https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/ Christian then gives us an update about her time at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, a film made at the festival, and what’s next! JaxandChawn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxandchawn/?hl=en Jason Rugg on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaseruggy The Movie Proposal Podcast: https://themovieproposal.libsyn.com/ DocuView Déjà Vu: Block Buster Podcast: https://www.getblockbuster.com/ We Didn't Start the Fire: The History Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-didnt-start-the-fire-the-history-podcast/id1549243765 The Automat: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4554690/reference/
S1 E164 · Thu, April 28, 2022
Episode 164 | Distribution Discovery #3
Listen to our final episode to our 3-part series on distribution, but first, Christian gives an update on Grueling Glory from Dubuque, IA! Next, she shares victories in gaining self-distribution and informs why paying attention to the fine print matters. DocuView Déjà Vu: Hoop Dreams https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110057/ America to Me (Oak Park episode) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7768836/ Every Frame a Painting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjFqcJQXGZ6T6sxyFB-5i6A Robert's Village https://www.brianbussvideo.com/tulibumu-sub
S1 E163 · Thu, April 21, 2022
Episode 163 | Distribution Discovery #2
It’s part 2 of our series on cutting ties with the Girl Who Wore Freedom’s Distributor! We get an ongoing update about the film, European distribution and how Christian got into her relationship with her distributor. DocuView Déjà Vu: Three Identical Strangers: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7664504/ The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8488126/ Wild Wild Country: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7768848/
S1 E162 · Thu, April 14, 2022
Episode 162 | Distribution Discovery #1
Today is the start of a new limited series of Podcasts about Distribution, expanding upon what we discussed in last week’s episode. We get some updates about upcoming festivals, showings of the film and some unexpected technical hurdles. We talk through the factors that went into the distribution deal coming to an end. DocuView Déjà Vu: The Wolfpack: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2415458 The Go-Go’s: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11394468 Blackfish: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2545118
S1 E161 · Thu, April 07, 2022
Episode 161 | TGWWF Update: A Sad Turn of Events
Today Christian gives us an update about "Grueling Glory", film festivals, and then we dive into a major update about the distribution of the film. Then we get some updates about the "Brave Dutch", and then we dig into a very disappointing development for "The Girl Who Wore Freedom".
S1 E160 · Thu, March 31, 2022
Episode 160 | Voice Over Acting in Film - Actor's Point of View
Today we talk through SRT files for films, the hurdles of working internationally with multiple companies, Dual Mono audio vs Stereo, airborne school, writing the next thing, and then dig into VO work. We talk through equipment, getting started in the industry, practicing, and getting an agent. https://voatlanta.me/ DocuView Déjà Vu - The Alpinist: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11790780/ The Miles Davis Story: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319862/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Super Size Me: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390521/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
S1 E159 · Thu, March 24, 2022
Episode 159 | Cinematography Conversations - The Camera Department
Today we’re joined by Mindy Cook! We talk through the process of making a DCP file, getting it shipped to location for showing the film, backup plans, and traveling to France. Then we dive into some of our favorite cinematography choices in film and television shows. Mindy digs into the nitty gritty of what it means to be in the camera department on films, budgets, and equipment. DocuView Déjà Vu- "Inside Job": https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1645089/ "Blowin’ Up": https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6828722/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2 "My Octopus Teacher": https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12888462/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 "Won’t You Be My Neighbor?": https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7681902/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
S1 E158 · Thu, March 17, 2022
Episode 158 | Doc First Updates with Mindy and Christian
Mindy returns to talk shop behind producer-type work including finding a graphic designer, recruiting, and gathering support. Also, we learn Doc First's short, "Grueling Glory", got into Top 6 at Julien Dubuque Film Festival! Keep listening to hear how we connected a WWII veteran, Richard C. Rung, to being recognized for his efforts in Normandy. DocuView Déjà Vu- "Formula 1: Drive to Survive": https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8289930/ "Generation Wealth": https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5268348/ "The Kingmaker": https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5105734/
S1 E157 · Thu, March 10, 2022
Episode 157 | Chatting Cinematography with Mindy Cook
Today we’re joined by Mindy Cook, a cinematographer, to talk cinematography! But first, some updates about festivals, acceptances into film festivals, new places to watch The Girl Who Wore Freedom and then dive into some Patreon updates! Then Mindy and Christian dig into Cinematographers, what Christian looks for in those team members, what a cinematographer’s relationship with the director is. Team Deakins: https://teamdeakins.libsyn.com/ Wandering DP: http://wanderingdp.com/ Filmmakers Academy Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/filmmakers-academy-podcast/id1382924546 DocuView Déjà Vu- Jiro Dreams of Sushi: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1772925/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Born to Play: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12615654/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Worst Roommate Ever: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8323702/
S1 E156 · Thu, March 03, 2022
Episode 156 | Ever Changing Landscape of Entertainment
Christian’s back from some state-side travel, she recaps her trip, then we dive into some sad news, and some good news! Netflix delivers their verdict, we talk through next steps with AVOD (Advertising-based Video on Demand) streamers, airbus, and some special events after. Then we dive into "The Brave Dutch", people passing on the pitch, and what’s next. My Darling Vivian: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7432980/ Generation Hustle: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11210524/
S1 E155 · Thu, February 24, 2022
Episode 155 | Quick Doc First Update
Christian relays her time with Flavie and Thomas on their trip around the US. They made new connections with the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, for developing a "TGWWF tour." Then Christian talks about taxes, veterans charities, DVDs, and future events in France this Summer. One of our next big projects is to develop a sizzle reel so that we can show investors what we are all about. Café du Monde https://shop.cafedumonde.com/ National WWII Museum https://www.nationalww2museum.org/ Bob Ross Documentary https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14539744/
S1 E154 · Thu, February 17, 2022
Episode 154 | On the Road Again and Revising the Film... AGAIN?!
Thomas Neighbour and Flavie Bass of NormandyDiscoveryTours.com, jump on the podcast from Jackson, MS! Christian shares about translating the movie into French for a Normandy film festival and how Thomas tried out voiceover. Stay tuned til' to the end to hear Jeff Kurtenacker, our composer's, new ditty for "DocuView DejaView". A French Village https://www.amazon.com/A-French-Village-English-subtitled/dp/B01BPRD9EU
S1 E153 · Thu, February 10, 2022
Episode 153 | FLIC Round-Up, TGWWF Update and Deja-Vu DocuView
It's a snow day, and Christian's back from Montana for the Flathead Lake Film Festival. She gives us an update on the trip, the Miracle of America Museum, and Mission Mountain. Feeling Through https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1CqzntEZZ8 Accessible Outdoors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOw2_Zy9-tw Five Came Back https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6587094/ Thin Blue Line https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096257/ Pandas https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7860270/ Your Friend, Ranger Doug https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=887Ot0QI688
S1 E152 · Thu, February 03, 2022
Episode 152 | Rejection and Reflections
Christian talks about people reaching out to her asking for help/advice for their first documentary. Then we get an update on the sub-distribution of The Girl Who Wore Freedom, including some crushing news. We talk about the changing environment of streaming, distribution, different channels, and the way the industry has shifted in the last few years. Then we dive deep into podcast space, understanding advertisers, sponsorships, affiliate links, and how to make money. Dejavu DocuView: The Rescue: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9098872/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Launch, the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/launch/id1319436103 Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6494358/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
S1 E151 · Thu, January 27, 2022
Episode 151 | More Festivals, Sizzle Reel Requirements, and Deja-vu DocuView
The crew’s back together, Christian gives us an update about Documentary First Productions! "Grueling Glory" will be showing at the Flathead Lake International Cinemafest, possibly showing The Girl Who Wore Freedom again. TGWWF has been nominated for several awards at the Red Movie Awards, which qualifies as their French Premiere! Then we talk through the new sizzle reel Christian will be shooting while over in France. Writing the sizzle reel, outlining it, figuring out the first episode of the show, and expanding the series. We talk through some of Christian’s other documentary ideas and projects and pivot to international distribution. Deja-vu DocuView: My Date with Drew: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0378407/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 McMillions: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9148598/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Fyre: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9412098/ Fyre Fraud: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7843600/
S1 E150 · Thu, January 27, 2022
Episode 150 | Production Team Talk for Grueling Glory
Listen to Jeff Kurtenacker, Composer, and Jason Hoban, Sound Engineer talk about their work on "Grueling Glory | The March to Carentan" Documentary First's 9-minute short film. The film is nominated for Best Documentary Short at Flathead Lake International Cinemafest in Polson, Montana, happening January 28-30, 2022. Christian Taylor's recommendations: ・"Sinatra: All or Nothing at All" http://www.jigsawprods.com/sinatra-all-or-nothing-at-all/ ・"The Go-Go's" https://www.sho.com/titles/3463368/the-go-gos ・"My Date With Drew" https://www.amazon.com/My-Date-Drew-Barrymore/dp/B07M5J1C2Y Josh Lindsay's recommendations: ・"Landscapers" https://www.hbo.com/landscapers Jason Hoban's recommendations: ・"The Beatles: Get Back" https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/series/the-beatles-get-back/7DcWEeWVqrkE Jeff Kurtenacker's recommendations: ・"McCartney 3,2,1" https://www.paulmccartney.com/news-blogs/hulu-and-paul-mccartney-come-together-for-original-documentary-music-series-event ・"Muscle Shoals" https://dogwoof.com/muscleshoals ・"Jagged" https://www.hbo.com/movies/music-box-jagged ・"Worth" https://www.netflix.com/title/80226212 ・"McMillions" https://www.hbo.com/mcmillions
S1 E149 · Thu, January 13, 2022
Episode 149 | Our New Short "Grueling Glory", Michèle Phoenix
Today we're joined by Michèle Phoenix, we talk through Grueling Glory, how it happened, and what the experience has been like. Christian talks through some rejections, some film festival updates, and the other projects. Mentioned on the podcast: "Radium Girls" Movie https://www.netflix.com/title/81059876 "Fragments of Light" Book Trailer (Jeff Kurtenacker composed the accompaniment) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl3jwCMgB_I "ALBERT - An Encounter in Normandy" Michèle's Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuI0WJ_I2Ao "Bathtubs Over Broadway" Documentary https://www.bathtubsoverbroadway.com/ "The Movie Business Book" Textbook https://www.routledge.com/The-Movie-Business-Book/Squire/p/book/9781138656291 Check out Michèle Phoenix's website: https://michelephoenix.com/ & Buy her book: https://michelephoenix.com/fragments-of-light/
S1 E148 · Thu, January 06, 2022
Episode 148 | How Covid Has Changed the Film Industry
Emmy Award winning producer, published author, and returning Documentary First guest, Sandy Gordon, walks through Covid safety protocols in the film industry.
S1 E147 · Wed, December 29, 2021
Episode 147 | Just a Quick Update
It is just Christian this time giving a short recap of what her trip was like reconnecting with friends of the film on her recent trip to France. This includes seeing Dany Patrix's family bar be revived, getting a tour guide in author, Denis Van Den Brink, and meeting with the mayor of Carentan in a church bell tower.
S1 E146 · Thu, December 23, 2021
Episode 146 | Doc Podcasting "Why and How?"
Where do podcasts come from? This week we engage in the ins and outs of finding your voice through podcasting. The struggles, the joys, and the technical bumps along the way are all about the process.
S1 E145 · Thu, December 16, 2021
Episode 145 | Year-End Announcement
We wrap this year off with a special announcement- - the rebranding of our film company to: Documentary First. Take a quick behind the scenes look at the roll out of this exciting news with Josh Lindsay and Christian Taylor.
S1 E144 · Wed, December 08, 2021
Episode 144 | Festival Deep Dive and Company Update
On this episode, we’re talking through Christian’s movies/series pitches, where they’ve been pitched and some updates about the film. We talk through Flickfair, their film festival and how Christian discovered them. Then we talk through rebranding and Patreon, which you can support us at here: https://www.patreon.com/DocFirstPodcast
S1 E143 · Wed, December 01, 2021
Episode 143 | Plan, Prepare, Persevere
Today we’re joined by James Mason, the new Director of Living Stories. We talk through what that means, why and what they’re doing, and how things are changing within the organization. We talk about Melissa Perkins leaving the team, how Christian could have prepared better, and the implications of a long term project like a documentary. Then we dive into productivity tools, systems and websites to help put your team on the right track.
S1 E142 · Fri, November 26, 2021
Episode 142 | Working, the Holidays and Giving Thanks
We recollect favorite thanksgiving movies and general thanksgiving. Christian has studio updates and shares future plans with streaming platform, Vudu. We're thankful for all our subscribers and Patreon supporters!
S1 E141 · Wed, November 17, 2021
Episode 141 | Documentarian and the Day Job
Today we’re joined by Mindy Cook, a documentarian cinematographer and “marketing specialist” for the Girl who Wore Freedom. First we dive into talking about the pitch to Netflix, an upcoming Q&A with members of the film. Then we talk about rejection, keep moving forward. Then Mindy walks us through how she joined The Girl Who Wore Freedom, documentary filmmaking, and working in the non-profit sector. Mindy praises mentorship and then we discuss film school.
S1 E140 · Thu, November 11, 2021
Episode 140 | Screenwriting with Zach Callaghan
Today we’re joined by Zach Callaghan, writer on The Brave Dutch, who previously wrote for The Girl Who Wore Freedom. He goes through the process of screen-writing for film. Christian speaks on leading a team with fresh perspectives and allowing them to add their ingredients to a proverbial "stone soup."
S1 E139 · Thu, November 04, 2021
Episode 139 | Minding the Gap with "Ted Lasso"
Today we talk about Ted Lasso, Halloween costumes, and how to deal with the lulls in production. Christian talks through what she’s working on right now, the prep she’s doing for The Brave Dutch, and partnership proposals with various organizations.
S1 E138 · Thu, October 28, 2021
Episode 138 | Post Production Sound with Jason Hoban
Jason Hoban, sound designer for The Girl Who Wore Freedom and Documentary First Podcast, discusses the art and science behind making audio mixes for film, etc. He has wielded the microphone as a foley artist, and has extensive experience editing audio using Pro Tools. In addition, he shares how he got his start as an audio engineer.
S1 E137 · Thu, October 21, 2021
Episode 137 | Screening at Massanutten Military Academy
Today we talk about Research and Development, screening the film for cadets, Christian dealing with a heckler, the emotional journey it sent her on, and how it might change her future films. We talk a little about the future of the podcast, the way production and documentary work intertwine with everything in your life, and boots-on-the-ground research. Today we talk about Research and Development, screening the film for cadets, Christian dealing with a heckler, the emotional journey it sent her on, and how it might change her future films. We talk a little about the future of the podcast, the way production and documentary work intertwine with everything in your life, and boots-on-the-ground research. Mentioned Links: Public Screening Rights: https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/copyright/video Jason Rugg's @Jaxandchawn Favorites: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTP-yhglu6k/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CTkkTQXl7TS/
S1 E136 · Thu, October 14, 2021
Episode 136 | The Brave Dutch Pre-Pro Odyssey & Reflection on Rest
Christian’s back from her Odyssey, we get an update about her trip, the things she learned about. We get a look at how Christian has learned about giving people rest time, including herself. We talk about self-care, then dive into Christian’s great uncle’s journey with the 334th Infantry.
S1 E135 · Thu, October 07, 2021
Episode 135 | Hope On the Walls and Lunch at the Oranjehotel Sounds Fun..At First
Today we're joined by TGWWF and The Brave Dutch Co-Producer, Michelle Coupey, Christian's still in the Netherlands and has some updates about The Girl Who Wore Freedom! Then we dig into the Brave Dutch, Christian's amazing day, learned a bit about Buren, Netherlands ( https://www.visitingthedutchcountryside.com/gelderland/one-day-in-buren-netherlands/ ) and The Brave Dutch Podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-brave-dutch-rhes-low-jr-DfVvMksbz5K/ Christian visited The Oranjehotel internment camp, got to hear the history, the atrocities commited there, and what bits of hope were scrawled into the walls. The Propaganda Cartoon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D6d6_-Vngo " When anyone preaches disunity, tries to pit one of us against the other you know that person seeks to rob us of our freedom and destroy our very lives." https://www.oranjehotel.org/en/
S1 E134 · Fri, October 01, 2021
Episode 134 | Applying Lessons Learned and The Brave Dutch!
Josh is finally back, we talk through some updates about the Girl Who Wore Freedom on Delta Air Lines, Christian gives us an update about a future L'Oréal event, and Fort Bragg. We get an update about Grueling Glory, the short film, it's film festival run, and Christian explains the difference between feature/short film festival submissions. Christian gives us an overview of the Netherlands' role in World War II, the bombings, the surrender, the resistance. Then we dive into the story of The Brave Dutch.
S1 E133 · Thu, September 23, 2021
Episode 133 | Special Ops & Spin-Offs (Sort Of)
We're joined by Flavie again! Christian is in the Netherlands on a pre-production trip. But first, she shares what parts of France she had the visited on the way, including memorials, museums, and the Pegasus Bridge. This recent trip to Europe involves meeting with her son on a mock special-ops mission called Falcon Leap. They attended the Operation Market Garden ceremonies in the Netherlands and talk about its significance.
S1 E132 · Thu, September 16, 2021
Episode 132 | Cue The Music Cue Sheet!
Jeff and Jason play switcheraoo! After a film update, Christian shares about plans to travel to the Netherlands for a scouting trip for "The Brave Dutch." Then, composer Jeff Kurtenacker explains how he had to name each musical piece in the movie, even if it were the shortest of études. All the details must be recorded on the timeline, including who were the authors and performers; In addition, a demonstration of rights needed to be on the cue sheet.
S1 E131 · Thu, September 09, 2021
Episode 131 | Labor Day Lookback - Oh How Far We've Come!
This week, the podcast team took a break during this past Labor Day so we are reposting a previous episode, but before that, Christian reflects on what was happening a year ago during the recording of "Episode 79: Hunter." A lot can happen in a year, since then, Hunter has completed Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) in June 2021 and is now in Pensacola, FL for flight school.
S1 E130 · Thu, September 02, 2021
Episode 130 | Story Moves The Soul & Makes Marketing Meaningful
Mindy got involved on the marketing team for The Girl Who Wore Freedom through listening to The Holy Post podcast. She ran a successful social media campaign with the marketing slogan, "Watch, Rate, Review". Her passion for stories and real-life accounts is what drove her to join the team!
S1 E129 · Thu, August 26, 2021
Episode 129 | Interns!
Christian's finally back home! We're joined by Sam King, the assistant editor of the film, and lead social media editor. Christian gives us a film update, Delta airlines update and some film festival updates! Then we dive into Sam's story, how he joined the project, what he learned and how the project helped mould his career. The things he learned as he became more and more creative learning how to edit with a director. Scriptnotes "Notes on Notes" Episode: https://johnaugust.com/2019/notes-on-notes Jax & Chawn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxandchawn/
S1 E128 · Thu, August 19, 2021
Episode 128 | A Distributor Speaks: Joe Amodei
CEO/President of Virgil Films speaks to Documentary First regarding his experiences as a distributor for over 40 years, including trying to sell "Supersize Me". He starts at the beginning of his career and takes us on a journey from the VHS era to today's streaming market.
S1 E127 · Thu, August 12, 2021
Episode 127 | Getting Real - Life Impacts Work
Today we talk about how life effects work; Check out Jason & Shawn's animation channel on https://www.instagram.com/jaxandchawn/ @JaxandChawn Christian's been gone from home for 4 weeks, dealing with personal issues involving her father, moving him an hour and a half away, and struggling with progress on the film. Then, we talk through flexibility with volunteers, social media mess ups and mistakes. Being patient is a key part of being creative, but it is also about making moves when you can. How to get your show greenlit in 3 easy steps by Sara Schaefer: https://twitter.com/saraschaefer1/status/1421622886574395393?s=10
S1 E126 · Thu, August 05, 2021
Episode 126 | Sub-distribution
Update about sub-distribution for TGWWF, Hoopla and Delta Airline are now streaming our film! Christian goes into the details and shares about other potential distribution deals. Then, she speaks on work-life balance.
S1 E125 · Wed, July 28, 2021
Episode 125 | Filmmaking & Family Balance
Today we dive into Josh's awesome movie-themed-roadtrip, work life balance, and Jason disses Josh. Christian recaps her accidental crimes and gives an update on the grant, blessings from God, and new members of the board. Then we dig into work life balance, how the film has brought together so many people. Christian opens up some wounds about her family life over the course of the last few years and some recent developments with her family.
S1 E124 · Thu, July 22, 2021
Episode 124 | Live and Learn
Today we discuss some lessons learned, mistakes made, and fees paid. Christian fills us in on a week of bad luck, misfiled papers and trying not to incur penalties and fees. We talk about connections, growth, the future of "The Brave Dutch" and sub-distribution.
S1 E123 · Thu, July 15, 2021
Episode 123 | New Projects
First, we get updates on the distribution phase of The Girl Who Wore Freedom. Second, Christian reveals two new projects she has underway, "Grueling Glory" and "The Brave Dutch". Finally, the act of gaining story rights, self-funding pre-production tours, and building a team are discussed. To be added to the DVD pre-sale list, email: christian@normandystories.com
S1 E122 · Thu, July 08, 2021
Episode 122 | Distribution Tips & a Look Back
We’re joined by Jeff Kurtenacker, David Patterson, and Jason comes and goes throughout this episode. We look back on what we’ve learned about distribution, discuss strategies for how to get your film distributed, then recap how Jeff joined the project and how David joined too.
S1 E121 · Thu, July 01, 2021
Episode 121 | More with "Crazy GI George"!
Jason’s back! George is back! Josh, well, he’s gone! We get a quick update on the film, then we dive into George’s film career which for him, started at 81. George recaps his efforts to get gates put on a cemetery and how he brought teachers over to Europe to show them the gravity of the soldiers sacrifices. At that point, George started making documentaries to show the high price of freedom and interviewed people who had lost their freedom. Then, George gives us a list of all the films he's made and goes into why he made each of them.
S1 E120 · Thu, June 24, 2021
Episode 120 | George Becomes a Filmmaker!
George Ciampa is back to finish off his cliff hanger ending from the previous week. But first, an update on more film festival wins, Christian’s travels, and her experiences with D-Day celebrations. Then we get an update on Delta and Michelin. Fort Bragg is opening a museum dedicated to Normandy, and Christian has been invited! George gets back into his story, seeing the German girl again in 1949 in the Ringling Bros. Circus. Then, we start to get to George's career at the LA Times. Finally, we start to touch on his film career, and his efforts to get gates put onto a military cemetery in France.
S1 E119 · Thu, June 17, 2021
Episode 119 | Time to Fly!
Jeff Kurtenacker, the music composer of TGWWF, fills in for Josh Lindsay and Jason Rugg! Christian shares exciting news regarding partnering with Delta and Michelin, and even meeting with Delta Airlines CEO, Ed Bastian, in Atlanta, GA. Then, connections made during film processes are discussed and the latest stats on distribution are shared. Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/DocFirstPodcast
S1 E118 · Thu, June 10, 2021
Episode 118 | What Happens When a Film Releases?
The Girl Who Wore Freedom is out on iTunes and lots of other streaming services. We talk through reviews, strategies, cinnamon rolls, and what it's like to release a film online. We walk through the marketing plan, going grassroots, asking for ratings and letting reviews help bump the film up in the iTunes charts. The marketing wins and losses, plans for the next film, and discoverability. Then an update on the Delta deal and what it is like to to build a collaborative team behind the film, and how different that is compared to having a huge investor.
S1 E117 · Thu, June 03, 2021
Episode 117 | WWII Veteran George Ciampa Returns Again!
This week, George Ciampa joins the pod for another occurrence, but first off, by the time this publishes, The Girl Who Wore Freedom film has been made available for purchase on Apple TV or iTunes as of June 1! Thanks to your support, the film has finally reached a wider audience! George tells more stories of his time at war in Germany, of being "bivouacked" and the Battle of the Bulge. The progression of his personal mental health being surrounded by so much death is discussed as well as happy moments making friends with German trapeze artist, "Margot".
S1 E116 · Wed, May 26, 2021
Episode 116 | WWII Veteran George Ciampa Returns!
Today we’re joined by George Ciampa again, but first we need a film update. Some exciting release news for the film, in flight entertainment, and cable in Canada! And getting ready for the iTunes soft launch of the film. Then, we hear about George Ciampa’s experience at the Battle of the Bulge, and beyond. George digs in and tells us about his experience digging temporary cemeteries, the bombings from German forces and the local farm kids helping support American troops. We talk about military humor, finding moments of joy through the sorrow, and dodging buzz bombs.
S1 E115 · Wed, May 19, 2021
Episode 115 | WWII Veteran, Filmmaker George Ciampa
Today we're joined by George Ciampa, a WWII veteran and documentary filmmaker. But first, an update on the Delta Airlines Partnership, then we dive deep into George's history and how he became a filmmaker. We encounter some tech issues, and keep on trucking, like any podcast or filmmaker should. George walks us through his experience landing on Omaha Beach during D-Day, digging graves and the losses of Operation Tiger.
S1 E114 · Thu, May 13, 2021
Episode 114 | Partnerships and Non-Profit Possibility
This week was kinda quiet on the film front, so we talk through some of the things that happened, future plans for D-Day film screenings and the future of Christian's filmmaking career. Then Christian gives us an update on the Delta Airlines relationship and Christian's next film & Living Stories. Christian talks us through her 501c3 organization, what it means for the future and trying to keep things legal.
S1 E113 · Thu, May 06, 2021
Episode 113 | Translation Deep Dive
Christian gives us her usual update on the film, her experience in the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, and maybe some wins...??? Then she walks us through some of the amazing things she got to see and participate in at the festival, the connections made, and friendships forged. You'll have to listen to find out! Then, we're joined by Michelle Coupey. She's back to talk about translations, transcriptions and being on location. She advises having several team members who speak both languages as it's most helpful for getting entry into locations where you don't speak the language and with the public while filming. Then the we talk about her adventures in translating, and taking poetic license with subtitles.
S1 E112 · Thu, April 29, 2021
Episode 112 | Festival Marketing
Christian's in Dubuque, Iowa for the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival! We talk through the festival activities this week, the overwhelming experience, and how the festival tried to stay COVID-19 free. Christian tells us about Dubuque's unique history, and how the festival makes use of their venues and burning cable cars. Then we get into branding, both personal and for your film, how to grab eyeballs and do something special at a festival while keeping it on brand. In closing, we check in with Jason and Josh's personal projects.
S1 E111 · Thu, April 22, 2021
Episode 111 | Translation
Today we're joined by Michelle Coupey. But first, we need an update about the Film. Christian fill us in on some interesting goings on in Wyoming, and Christian won another award, this time from a monthly film competition. Christian fills us in on new film festivals THIS WEEK, so be sure to listen in and see if you can attend. We talk through the light and dark of a distribution deal. Then, we talk through the hurdles of overcoming dual language film, particularly when you don't speak one of them. Michelle recalls how she met Christian and how she came to work on the film as a co-producer and French translator. Christian explains the different translations methods they tried, and failed, and the system they ended up using.
S1 E110 · Thu, April 15, 2021
Episode 110 | Festival Directing
We're joined by Ron Tucker, director for the Beaufort Film Festival of which The Girl Who Wore Freedom was a part of last February. He has stories galore about the film world and expert advice about making it in the film business.
S1 E109 · Thu, April 08, 2021
Episode 109 | Deliverables - Part 2
*Note: Please excuse the few seconds that got clipped in the beginning, we're adjusting to our new recording software, Zencaster, thanks for understanding! Today we have no guest! Which, feels a little weird. It's just Christian, Josh and Jason this week. In this episode, we talk about the announcement on social media of the TGWWF distribution deal, as well as the release announcement strategy and the people behind the announcement plan. We discuss recent viewership of the film, including how it was received during the free screening weekend (through the Normandie-WWII and Thin Line Film Festivals) by the French people, and in 26 other countries. We talk through the importance of story and film criticism. Christian gives her thoughts about how to hook your audience, what 'The Chosen' gets right, and we discuss grabbing your audience using what they can easily relate to and by the their emotions and compelling them to support your project. We talk through distribution plans, participating in the marketing for The Girl Who Wore Freedom, and being an active participant in helping the film make money. After that, we go back to deliverables!
S1 E108 · Thu, April 01, 2021
Episode 108 | Alex Maier
Today we're joined by Alex Maier, a filmmaker Christian met at the Flathead Lake Film Festival. Alex tells us about his history in hiking/backpacking, how he started making films. We talk through the technical hurdles of being an outdoor filmmaker, the advent of digital cinema, and how it changed the game. Alex tells us about Splitboarding, how he got into it, and the growing movement toward splitboarding. We talk about self distribution, the day job, and what life is like as an outdoor filmmaker.
S1 E107 · Thu, March 25, 2021
Episode 107 | Electric Jesus
What's a “faith based” movie? What about a “faith laced” movie? Chris White, Director, Writer, Producer, and Actor, of the film, “Electric Jesus” joins us to dig into portraying a subculture without parodying or denigrating it, and talks casting and song writing. We talk charisma, how to hook people with an idea, and Chris shares what he's learned from making films.
S1 E106 · Thu, March 18, 2021
Episode 106 | Tim Gray
This week we talk with Tim Gray. Tim is an accomplished award-winning filmmaker with nearly 30 documentary films under his belt. He's won 5 regional Emmys. He is the founder and president of the WWII Foundation, as well as the WWII Film Festival that takes place in Normandy each year.
S1 E105 · Thu, March 11, 2021
Episode 105 | Deliverables - Part 1
This week we hear about website optimization and film deliverables! I swear, it’s more interesting than it sounds! Check out the updated “watch” page for The Girl Who Wore Freedom here: https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/festivals/ Then, Christian’s headed to Iowa! The film has been accepted to YET ANOTHER Festival. With a CASH prize? We dig into the financial aspect of film festivals. Then we talk about Deliverables. What are they? How do they work? What sorts of things do you need to plan ahead for?
S1 E104 · Thu, March 04, 2021
Episode 104 | Festival Lessons
We get an update on how the film festivals went, awards won, and then we get into some facts about The Girl Who Wore Freedom’s Festival run. Christian walks us through the process of entering film festivals. There are many stages, confusing titles, and work arounds. Christian recounts theater experiences, how important and rewarding it is to see/hear how your film impacts people, and how that’s missing during the pandemic. Then we hear about how important film festivals are for local economies.
S1 E103 · Thu, February 25, 2021
Episode 103 | Behind the Strings
We get an update about the film, film festivals, and we hear from Jason and Josh, who were not at all prepared for this. Christian talks us through some of the other films at the festival. Then we are joined by Michael Peroff, a filmmaker who’s film Behind the Strings dives deep into Chamber Music and the Shanghai Quartet. Michael fills us in on how he discovered Chamber Music, his history, and gives us a synopsis of the film and how it’s effected him.
S1 E102 · Thu, February 18, 2021
Episode 102 | Witness Underground
Scott Homon will be the guest for this episode. Here is the link to his website if you would like to check out some of his work. https://www.bananaislandfilms.com/#1 If you would like to take a look at his film you can see it here: https://vimeo.com/467400311
S1 E101 · Thu, February 11, 2021
Episode 101 | Michèle Phoenix - Translation Troubles
Today we’re joined by Michèle Phoenix! But first, as usual, an update about film, distribution, deliverables and an update from Josh and Jason. We talk about the challenges of working on a multi-lingual film, particularly if you don’t speak all the languages. We talk through the workarounds they’ve used to live translate, and work through problems. We talk through Michèle’s history, how she came to work on the film and overcoming obstacles. Christian and Michèle recount several translation stories from making the film, and the beautiful moments they got to experience. Michèle then fills us in on the book she wrote after her experiences on the film. Check out her books and website here: https://michelephoenix.com/ ， Fragments of Light : https://amzn.to/2PyDNZz
S1 E100 · Thu, February 04, 2021
Episode 100 | Party Time!
It’s Episode 100, and we’ve got a whole mess of people on the show. We’ve got Jason Hoban, Jonathan Liu, Bradley Stair, and Jeff Kurtenacker! We’re celebrating 100 episodes of the podcast, and some big news for the film. We get some background on how Documentary First is made, then we dig into some exciting news! We talk through the learning experience of the film, the amazing experience of “Just doing it”. The process of discovering if you can do something. Making something creative.
S1 E99 · Thu, January 28, 2021
Episode 99 | Rudy, Call Sheets and Scripts!
Sandy Gordon is back! But first we have to get some updates about the film, and film festivals. Sandy brought some show and tell today, she brings out some scripts, notebooks, etc from previous projects. Then Sally runs down all the information included on a Call Sheet, how it’s organized and why it’s included on the sheet. Then we talk through how Rudy filled a football stadium.
S1 E98 · Thu, January 21, 2021
Episode 98 | What is a Line Producer?
Sandy Gordon is back, today we’re talking about Line Producing, the Hudsucker Proxy, and how she got involved with their production. Then we dig into line production, what is line production? How does their job affect the budget, and production? Sandy gives some great examples of how line producers help production save time and money. Sandy walks us through all the different things that go into even just planning craft services (food) on the set, the difference it makes to have healthy options vs junk food, and how that changes production.
S1 E97 · Thu, January 14, 2021
Episode 97 | Industry Pro Sandy Gordon
Today we’re joined by Sandy Gordon, Emmy Award winning producer and published author. We talk about her history in film production, how she got started, and what she’s been working on since. Sandy tells us about her first BIG break working on the movie Rudy, how she got involved in TGWWF and then enlightens us about Chicago’s tax incentive for film and TV production. Lots of stuff to learn in this one!
S1 E96 · Thu, January 07, 2021
Episode 96 | Appreciation & Anticipation
In this year end podcast, we look back on what we appreciated about this crazy year and what we’re anticipating for 2021. Jason talks about being a workaholic, Josh talks about his business this year, and Christian takes inventory of her blessings. Then we dive into what we’re anticipating. Josh talks about his plans for next year. Jason talks about agents, managers, and meetings, and Christian lists out everything happening with the film in 2021.
S1 E95 · Thu, December 31, 2020
Episode 95 | Hopes for the New Year
The podcast crew share hopes for the new year by thinking about the limitations, lessons, and innovations they have faced traversing the film-making and voice-over world. Also: Jason is insightful and hilarious? Find out more in this episode.
S1 E94 · Thu, December 24, 2020
Episode 94 | What's Next?
Today we talk about “the next thing”. What will that look like? Financially, distribution wise? Production wise? When is Christian no longer a first time filmmaker? And what in the world is going on in the film industry right now?! It's like the Wild West out there! What’s the ongoing trend for filmmaking and movie studios, film festivals, movie theaters and what does that mean for independent filmmakers? Christian, Josh and Jason talk through some of the different streaming services, distribution plans, changes to movie theaters, and speculate about the future of traditional distribution. They don't seem to have any definitive answers but they are good questions for any filmmaker to ponder! Happy Holidays!
S1 E93 · Thu, December 17, 2020
Episode 93 | Biz Advice That Doesn't Suck
This is an interview with Mark McClain the author of Joy and Success at Work: Building organizations that don't suck (the life out of people). This will be a tie into our recent business conversations... how do you build a business that will be a blessing to the employees and investors.
S1 E92 · Thu, December 10, 2020
Episode 92 | Graphic Design for Films?
Today we’re joined by Emily Mixter, The Girl who Wore Freedom’s Graphic Designer. Emily fills us in on on how she joined the project, why she does volunteer graphic design, branding, and any place graphic design was needed. We talk through Emily’s process, picking color palettes, fonts, and how she makes decisions based on future designs, like for Social Media, Posters, Clothing, etc.
S1 E91 · Thu, December 03, 2020
Episode 91 | The 7 Ps!
The Business of Documentaries Hunter's back to talk shop, but first Christian gives some sage advice about how life does not stop during the filming of a movie. Hunter shares what he’s learned from working on the film, and film festivals. We discuss distribution plans, ways to monetize your current project, and the significance of surrounding yourself with a supportive team. Check out the job postings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/normandy-project-llc/jobs/
S1 E90 · Thu, November 26, 2020
Episode 90 | Jason's Journey
Josh is out! Christian's on pain meds, and Jason is tired. But this week, we made it happen! Christian gives us some great news about some festivals, and then we do things a little differently, as Christian interviews Jason about his journey as a creative.
S1 E89 · Thu, November 19, 2020
Episode 89 | Entertainment Law
Christian’s back home, but Josh isn’t! Christian fills us in on some updates from the film festival this last week, and some of the pitfalls encountered. But, it comes with some great news! Then we’re joined by John Scanlon, who’s operating as the entertainment lawyer for The Girl Who Wore Freedom. We hear about his story, how he joined the project, and some of his own films. He advises when to bring legal counsel on board. If you’re looking to get in touch with John, reach out: John@Scanlon.com
S1 E88 · Thu, November 12, 2020
Episode 88 | Intellectual Property
Christian’s off in Utah! For the Red Rock Film Festival, and indeed, the rocks are red. Christian lets us know how the festival is going so far, the differences in the times of COVID, and some of the films that have been shown already. And, did the film get into a new festival? Yes it did! In Montana! In… January. Then we’re joined by a special guest to talk IP lawyer-ing. What is IP? What does an IP lawyer do and why does a filmmaker need one? Oh! And how much does it cost?
S1 E87 · Thu, November 05, 2020
Episode 87 | Lawyers! Film Festivals! Utah! Oh My.
WGA Registration! Lawyers! Film Festivals! Utah! My, oh, my, what a podcast. What is the difference between an Entertainment Lawyer and an IP Lawyer? What new festivals are TGWWF being submitted to? Christian digs into the deal from Gravitas, red flags in the deal, and what she’s taking away from it.
S1 E86 · Fri, October 30, 2020
Episode 86 | Tech, ToDos & Trouble
LA Femme International Film Festival proves to be a learning experience. Christian learns how new tech can cause issues, why she needs a copyright for her film, and how different festival producers affect the feel of the program. Get 10% off all items at the Girl Who Wore Freedom Store using code: FESTIVAL
S1 E85 · Thu, October 22, 2020
Episode 85 | Emerging!
Christian gives a summary of all the exciting happenings during the Chagrin Doc Fest. Listen to hear about new awards, press, and distribution deals for "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" movie.
S1 E84 · Fri, October 16, 2020
Episode 84 | In Chagrin
Christian’s in Chagrin Falls Ohio, for a little slice of Chagrin, Chagrin Documentary Film Festival that is. Christian fills us in on the history of the Chagrin Doc fest and then... some awards?! The Lady Filmmakers festival had some good news. We talk about film festival politics, festival boards, festival lobbying, etc.
S1 E83 · Thu, October 08, 2020
Episode 83 | Pit Stop
With Boston behind them, Hunter and Christian return home for a brief pit stop before heading out to Chagrin Falls, OH for the Chagrin Documentary Festival. We hear a report from Boston, learn more about sales agents, get a distribution update and learn what to expect from a Drive-In Festival!
S1 E82 · Thu, October 01, 2020
Episode 82 | On the Road
TGWWF is on the road! Look behind the scenes of the journey to our U.S. premiere at the Boston Film Festival. This year, audiences have shrunk, but Christian still gets to experience the live event with her son, Hunter. Jason and Josh finish up the podcast without Christian, discussing upcoming film festivals and reveal a new addition to the team.
S1 E81 · Tue, September 22, 2020
Episode 81 | Festival Run Begins!
Today, we’re getting a huge update about the film and the film festival run! But before we get to the exciting stuff, we have to talk about the business stuff. Hunter has been at the helm of supporting Christian with managing workflows. Christian talks deliverables, the different pieces you have to deliver to a festival or distributor. It involves getting file types, posters, and Blu-ray discs made; Some fun coincidences happen along the way! Then, Christian walks us through the screening timeline, which you can check out on the website here: https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/festivals/
S1 E80 · Fri, September 18, 2020
Episode 80 | David Paterson is Back!
David Paterson joins the discussion of moments leading up to the much anticipated Official Selection screenings! The USA Premiere of TGWWF is quickly approaching as the Boston Film Festival will host the USA Premiere in less than a week on September 24! The Lady Filmmakers Festival in Los Angeles screens the day after on September 25 with a panel including editor Bill Ebel, and special guests all the way from France, Flo and Dany. Christian Taylor plans to attend the World Premiere at the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival in Ohio on October 10, 2020. Christian explains what it takes to obtain a quick turnaround on deliverables film festivals may ask for. David Paterson presents the big picture of this year's circumstances causing many to adopt a mentality similar to a herd of cattle.
S1 E79 · Fri, September 11, 2020
Episode 79 | Hunter
After an update on film festivals, we’re joined by Hunter, the new Head of Business Operations for The Girl Who Wore Freedom . Hunter joined the Army in 2012, serving 4 years in active duty, then transferred to the national guard and recently received a bachelor's degree in business. How did COVID-19 mess up his timelines and plans, and how did he end up working on Christian’s film? Hint: Hunter is the reason why Christian visited Normandy at the D-Day celebrations. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E78 · Fri, September 04, 2020
Episode 78 | Nicole Bernardi-Reis
We begin with exciting film updates, acceptance speeches, & new team members! Then, we’re joined by Nicole Bernardi-Reis: a producer & director known for The Unborn (2009), The Shopping Detective (2007), & Princess Cyd (2017). Nicole emphasizes the importance of setting goals for yourself, the film, & distribution. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E77 · Fri, August 28, 2020
Episode 77 | A Film's Posterity
In this episode, we’re talking about the long-term relationship with a film/filmmaker. David Patterson is back to talk us through what that’s like, and answer some of our questions. But, before we get to all that, we get an update on the film, festival acceptances/rejections, and some unusual reviews! Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E76 · Fri, August 21, 2020
Episode 76 | First-time Filmmaker Elise Jaffe
Our film was accepted into two film festivals & we have another first-time filmmaker to interview! Elise Jaffe is making a feature documentary about using tattoos to reclaim your body after trauma or illness. Elise takes us on her journey of pre-production & what she’s learned listening to this podcast. Learn more at her website: Big Teeth Productions . Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E75 · Fri, August 14, 2020
Episode 75 | Winning Awards!
Our own first-time filmmaker Christian Taylor and Lead Composer Jeff Kurtenacker won awards in film festivals! They fill us in on what it feels like to be selected, nominated, and finally win! Jeff tells us about the emotional journey, particularly when the country hosting the festival is 7 hours ahead of you. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E74 · Fri, August 07, 2020
Episode 74 | Hello from France
Today we’re joined by Flo and Jenny all the way from France! We learn how Flo is uniquely gifted to ask Veterans questions because of his genuine care, interest, and respect for them... and his tips apply to any interview you need to do! We'll also hear about the COVID situation in France and Flo and Jenny's very unique love story. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E73 · Fri, July 31, 2020
Episode 73 | Don't be a Sucker
Today we get some updates about Film Festivals, talk distribution again, and a very specific film festival acceptance. COVID-19 feels like a huge opportunity to scam filmmakers out of money, time, and dreams. Christian brings up the reputability of film festivals, and David educates us on not being a sucker. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E72 · Fri, July 24, 2020
Episode 72 | Distribution
Today we’re talking about distribution, what is it, how does it happen, and how should you approach a distribution deal. We talk about what to look out for, why ‘Hollywood math’ doesn’t mean what you think it means, and why distributors need to try to sell the FILMMAKER, not the other way around. Also, gameshows, dancing babies, robbing banks, and a little bit of everything. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E71 · Fri, July 17, 2020
Episode 71 | Why Back Out of a Festival?
David Paterson is back with us again. We’re stuck in a weird gray area with film festivals, some canceling, some extending, some going online, so what do we do? When and why do you pull out of film festivals? How does the screener process work, why are some festivals making it impossible to pull your film? ALSO, the film won an award??? Apparently?? But it’s a little weird… let’s talk about it. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E70 · Fri, July 10, 2020
Episode 70 | What do Publicists do?
In this episode, we meet The Girl Who Wore Freedom 's Publicist, Morgan Harris. Listen in as he shares the importance of focusing on messaging and building relationships with reporters. What are some elements of a successful campaign and how does it work? What's different in the new normal of COVID-19? Learn more about Morgan's company: https://www.acaciaconsultinggroup.com . Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E69 · Fri, July 03, 2020
Episode 69 | Meet The Girl Who Wore Freedom Social Media Content Creation Team
In this episode, we meet the New Content Creation Team for The Girl Who Wore Freedom: Kyler Redding & Sam King. Even though the film is "done" there's still a ton of content needed to promote it. Why did they volunteer & how are their videos making a difference for engaging the audience? Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E68 · Fri, June 26, 2020
Episode 68 | Audio is King
In this extra-long episode, we have a full house with guests Bill Ebel, Jeff Kurtenacker, and Jason Hoban to discuss the understated importance of great audio. How did they all work together to maintain audio clarity and natural-sounding foley sound effects (on a budget)? Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E67 · Fri, June 19, 2020
Episode 67 | Finalized
Director Christian Taylor is about to complete her first documentary... for the eighth time! Because, as it turns out, finalizing a film with so many moving parts is very difficult. Hear how it's all come together and what you should look out for. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E66 · Fri, June 12, 2020
Episode 66 | Social Media Team (of Friends)
We're joined this week by some volunteers from The Girl Who Wore Freedom social media team: Rebekah Ueland, Bethany Villero, and David Needham. Listen in on how they first discovered the film, how they quickly became friends, and hear the results of their hard work! Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E65 · Fri, June 05, 2020
Episode 65 | Jeff & Bill
Jeff Kurtenacker (our Lead Composer) and Bill Ebel (our Lead Editor) each have their own featured interviews on this podcast that left many lingering questions. Last week , Jeff was asking the questions, but this week it is Bill's turn. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaLay3EM9WBy1kym8lpd-lw . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E64 · Fri, May 29, 2020
Episode 64 | Bill & Jeff
Bill Ebel (our Lead Editor) and Jeff Kurtenacker (our Lead Composer) each have their own featured interviews on this podcast. But after listening to each other's episodes they were left with many questions that had to be answered. Join us next week for part 2! Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaLay3EM9WBy1kym8lpd-lw . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E63 · Fri, May 22, 2020
Episode 63 | Festival Strategy
As film festivals transition to screening online, should we expect them to pick different kinds of films? In this episode, Christian Taylor and David Paterson share news of their first festival rejection and how they've been adjusting their strategy. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaLay3EM9WBy1kym8lpd-lw . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E62 · Fri, May 15, 2020
Episode 62 | David Paterson
Meet David Paterson: pro stunt man, volunteer firefighter, park commissioner, playwright, stay-at-home dad, and last but not least, Executive Producer on The Girl Who Wore Freedom! David is a man with connections and his vast movie experience has been crucial to our success. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaLay3EM9WBy1kym8lpd-lw . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E61 · Fri, May 08, 2020
Episode 61 | Jeff Kurtenacker
In this episode, we speak with Jeff Kurtenacker, the Lead Composer of The Girl Who Wore Freedom. Jeff has over 15 of experience composing music for video games and other media, so what brought him to volunteer for our film? (And why did he try to quit?) Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaLay3EM9WBy1kym8lpd-lw . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E60 · Fri, May 01, 2020
Episode 60 | Bill Ebel
In this episode, we speak with Bill Ebel, the Lead Editor of The Girl Who Wore Freedom. Bill is an award-winning editor who played an invaluable role on our film. Listen in to hear how he helped our first-time filmmaker level up! Want to see the video version of this episode? Check out our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaLay3EM9WBy1kym8lpd-lw . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E59 · Fri, April 24, 2020
Episode 59 | Fan Mail
In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares an update on financial assistance, takes some important time to read and discuss fan mail, and answer some questions from the audience. Want to see the video version of this episode? Be sure to check out our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaLay3EM9WBy1kym8lpd-lw . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E58 · Fri, April 17, 2020
Episode 58 | COVID-19
A lot has changed in the past month. In this episode, hosts Jason Rugg, Josh Lindsey, and Christian Taylor chat (online via Zoom) about the current status of The Girl Who Wore Freedom and how film festivals and so much more have taken an unexpected twist now that we're all sheltering in place. Want to see the video version of this episode? Be sure to check out our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaLay3EM9WBy1kym8lpd-lw . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E57 · Fri, April 10, 2020
Episode 57 | Michelin
In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares what it was like to visit Michelin for events to honor veterans and run a focus group event for her film: The Girl Who Wore Freedom . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E56 · Fri, April 03, 2020
Episode 56 | Birth
In what ways are the final production of a documentary film like giving birth? In this episode, Director of The Girl Who Wore Freedom Christian Taylor shares the analogy and exciting opportunities with Michelin as we continue to move ever closer to being complete. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E55 · Fri, March 27, 2020
Episode 55 | Film Festivals
In this episode, Director of The Girl Who Wore Freedom Christian Taylor shares with her cohosts exactly how she was invited to submit to a staggering number of film festivals (many with fee waivers)! How important is the world premiere and which festival should have that honor? Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E54 · Fri, March 20, 2020
Episode 54 | Reenactors
In the last episode, we met Flavie and Thomas: two French cast members from The Girl Who Wore Freedom who are tour guides and reenactors. Listen in as they discuss the significant role reenactments play when passing history from generation to generation and how they're able to use this experience to both relate to and thank the veterans who liberated them. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E53 · Fri, March 13, 2020
Episode 53 | Guests from Normandy
In this episode, our hosts are joined by Flavie and Thomas: two cast members from The Girl Who Wore Freedom . These two are from Normandy, France but how they wound up staying with Christian was quite the adventure! As a result of their stay, they've played an essential role in documenting the rights and clearances for the film. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E52 · Fri, March 06, 2020
Episode 52 | Animatic?
In this episode, co-hosts Jason Rugg, Joshua Lindsay, and Christian Taylor are joined by guest Yesenia Thomas to discuss exciting plans for an animatic and where things are at with the latest cut of the film. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E51 · Fri, February 28, 2020
Episode 51 | Learning from Sundance
In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares what it was like to visit the Sundance Film Festival and bump into celebrities (sometimes literally)! Her documentary film, The Girl Who Wore Freedom , is almost ready to be submitted to festivals and this turned into the perfect opportunity to learn new things about the industry and the film festival process in general. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E50 · Fri, February 21, 2020
Episode 50 | Surprised by Sundance
In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares what it was like to take a plunge and attend the Sundance Film Festival. Listen in and hear her stories about things that she was surprised by and what she figured out not to do next year! Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E49 · Fri, February 14, 2020
Episode 49 | Rerun of Episode 1: Origins
This episode originally aired on March 6th, 2019. It's been a very exciting couple of weeks and we thought it'd be good to revisit our origin story. -- Today we talk origin stories. We’re looking at how Director Christian Taylor got her start in filmmaking, the necessity of building a good team and how being a Mom helped her as a producer! Christian, Josh, and Jason discuss voiceover, working with a virtual team and the importance in belief. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E48 · Fri, February 07, 2020
Episode 48 | Process
In a previous episode, hosts Christian, Josh, and Jason discuss the important lesson of killing sacred cows (or killing your babies ) in order to set aside personal emotions and improve the film. In this episode, Christian shares how this helped her find peace in pairing down even more of the film to create an even more whole representation of the story. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E47 · Fri, January 31, 2020
Episode 47 | Rewrite (Again)
As we near the final stages of the film, Director Christian Taylor continues to get critical feedback and has to make difficult decisions. This time, more sacred cows are cut out and voiceover work is scrapped and rewritten to accommodate an accelerated pace. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E46 · Fri, January 24, 2020
Episode 46 | Critical Feedback
What should you do when you get critical feedback? In previous episodes, we talked about the practice of killing your babies and working with experienced consultants to make the film better. This episode is all about hearing difficult feedback and deciding to take action or "live with the flaw." Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E45 · Fri, January 17, 2020
Episode 45 | Consultants
It's critically important to get professional help or consulting throughout the entire process of producing a film. How else would a first time filmmaker know what to look out for when trial and error are so costly in both time and money? Is first time filmmaker Christian Taylor ready to take The Girl Who Wore Freedom to the next level or is that still a long way off? Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E44 · Fri, January 10, 2020
Episode 44 | Picture Lock
Thanks to the many focus groups in 2019 Christian Taylor has accumulated a long list of things to fix and improve in The Girl Who Wore Freedom. The goal is to be "picture locked" by February 6th so that we can submit to film festivals and move on to the next stage of the project. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E43 · Fri, January 03, 2020
Episode 43 | Rights & Clearances
When you're making a film, remember to take notes about the archival footage, usage rights, and sources for everything added to the film. Learn from our first time filmmaker, Christian Taylor as she talks to co-hosts Josh Lindsay and Jason Rugg about creating the "rights bible" required for proving their rights to the footage in the film. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E42 · Fri, December 27, 2019
Episode 42 | Birthday in TN
Christian Taylor visits her family in Tennessee and (surprise, surprise), she screens the film. While she was there she hears new stories that make her start thinking about her next film. (Is there some sort of filmmakers Stockholm syndrome?) She goes on from there to an adventure with Flo Planna and ends up cleaning a world war museum's storage locker and returning home with some incredible mementos. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E41 · Fri, December 20, 2019
Episode 41 | Coast to Coast
In this episode, co-host and Director Christian Taylor recap focus groups events from one coast to the other: The Villages, Florida to Phelan, California. These two focus groups were on different ends of the spectrum but both very special for their own unique reasons. Listen to hear the stories and people who have helped make this possible. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E40 · Fri, December 13, 2019
Episode 40 | Branson
In this episode, co-host and Director Christian Taylor recaps her experience running two of the most impactful focus groups so far at the Branson Military Film Festival. Hear how the original girl who wore freedom, Dani Patrix, visited from Normandy and received the key to the city. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E39 · Fri, December 06, 2019
Episode 39 | Collaborators
Collaboration on a project as large as a film like The Girl Who Wore Freedom is difficult. Films take years to produce and it's natural for our priorities or goals to shift along the way. In this episode Director Christian Taylor and co-hosts Jason Rugg and Josh Lindsay discuss how to work with folks and roll with the punches. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E38 · Fri, November 29, 2019
Episode 38 | Blessings
In this special Thanksgiving episode, first-time filmmaker Christian Taylor looks back over the last year and shares the many things for which she's thankful. Want to help us make the film? We need volunteers and donations to help finish work on the film. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E37 · Fri, November 22, 2019
Episode 37 | Networking
In the heat of the moment, you can feel very low when you feel like a meeting or focus group goes poorly. But it's impossible to know how a single conversation will lead to more opportunities and ultimately influence the success of your project. Want to help us make The Girl Who Wore Freedom ? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E36 · Fri, November 15, 2019
Episode 36 | Drowning
Everything is possible, but what's best? In this episode, our hosts discuss what it feels like to make a documentary film and the multitude of options and opinions out there about what should happen next. Film festivals? The Oscars? Distribution rights? In the midst of all of the focus group events, it can be difficult to know what to do. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E35 · Fri, November 08, 2019
Episode 35 | Fundraising
Fundraising is tough. Even the best documentary filmmakers like Ken Burns still has trouble finding doners that make films possible. What works? Hosts Christian Taylor and Josh Lindsey share some of the things that have worked and how to brainstorm new ideas. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E34 · Fri, November 01, 2019
Episode 34 | Entrepreneurship
What does it take to be a voiceover actor? Or a film director? Or a book author? Hosts Christian Taylor and Josh Lindsey discuss entrepreneurship to highlight common skills needed for success in a multitude of careers. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E33 · Fri, October 25, 2019
Episode 33 | Book Publishing
Have you ever wanted to write a book? In May of 2019, Christian Taylor co-authored a book with Peggy Sue Wells to give people another avenue to learn about the stories of veterans and (hopefully) raise some money for the film by the same name, The Girl Who Wore Freedom . Get the book at https://amzn.to/2HtQ9iF . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E32 · Fri, October 18, 2019
Episode 32 | Invest in People
In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares her difficult technique for turning people into your biggest fans. Invest your time to listen to them! Hear how she came to that conclusion and all about her adventures with focus group events in TN. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E31 · Fri, October 11, 2019
Episode 31 | Homecoming
Director Christian Taylor shares an emotional story of serendipity as she reunites two long lost brothers and brings together veterans, French families, and high schoolers for a memorable focus group event in Stoneybrook, NY. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E30 · Fri, October 04, 2019
Episode 30 | How NOT to Make a Documentary
If you're planning to make a documentary, be prepared for a lot of failure and unexpected setbacks. It takes someone like Thomas Edison (or Director Christian Taylor) to spin "1,000 mistakes" into "1,000 small steps to success". Learn some of the mistakes The Girl Who Wore Freedom has already made and what hope to do about it. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
Bonus · Sat, September 28, 2019
Special Edition | Upcoming Screenings
In this special edition episode of Documentary First, we bring you important information about upcoming screenings for The Girl Who Wore Freedom . Listen in and see more at https://www.normandystories.com/screenings . Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E29 · Fri, September 27, 2019
Episode 29 | Killing Your Babies
How many times do you have to watch your dear film before you decide that it really will be okay to cut some things out? In the industry, this is referred to as "killing your babies". In this episode, Christian Taylor, Director of The Girl Who Wore Freedom shares what it's been like to respond to feedback and her own convictions about needing to shorten the film. Want to help us make the film? We're looking for volunteers and need donations. Please visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E28 · Fri, September 20, 2019
Episode 28 | Rejection
What is something you shouldn't do when running a focus group event? In this episode, Director Christian Taylor talks about what she's learned from her recent experience attending four focus groups for The Girl Who Wore Freedom in Colorado earlier this year. One tip: don't be afraid to ask for donations even if you'll get rejected. Speaking of which, have you considered donating to support the film? Visit http://normandystories.com/donate and help us tell the veteran's stories!
S1 E27 · Fri, September 13, 2019
Episode 27 | Volunteers & Partners
Projects like The Girl Who Wore Freedom need volunteers to exist. Volunteers who are hungry for growth have many opportunities to gain real-world experience and do work they'd be proud to show others. It's a win-win situation for both parties. When should someone start getting paid for the work that they do? And how do you find social media influencers and partners to cross-promote your work? Find out how this plan began and how we were approached by the folks at Ike's Soldiers ( ikessoldiers.com ). Do you know someone with fundraising experience? The Girl Who Wore Freedom needs help and we're willing to share a percentage of proceeds to get that work done. Contact us for more information: https://www.normandystories.com/contact .
S1 E26 · Fri, September 06, 2019
Episode 26 | Miniseries
When the idea for The Girl Who Wore Freedom was conceived a lot had to happen in a short amount of time. Now that there is a documentary of the film out there, we take stock of what we have and consider the format. What if a documentary would really work better as a three-part miniseries? What steps are necessary to get listed on Netflix, Amazon Video, or even a cable network like The History Channel? Should a documentary even consider that?
S1 E25 · Fri, August 30, 2019
Episode 25 | More Focus Group Events
Christian has had a chance to catch her breath and is ramping up for focus group events in Denver, Colorado Springs, New York, Branson, and beyond! Find an event near you: https://normandystories.com/events . These focus groups are being organized and spearheaded by people who are passionate about sharing The Girl Who Wore Freedom in their city and helping us raise funds to finish the film. If you're looking to support us and get some cool clothing or souvenirs, check out the new Girl Who Wore Freedom shop: https://normandystories.com/shop .
S1 E24 · Fri, August 23, 2019
Episode 24 | Fatigue
Creating a film is exhausting. Is it even possible to take a break when you're in the midst of creating a feature-length documentary? And what do you do when you want to finish the film, but don't have the money to pay the editor and other team members to get the work done? In this episode, Christian Taylor, director of The Girl Who Wore Freedom , shares the struggle through fatigue and satisfying rewards that shine through it.
S1 E23 · Fri, August 16, 2019
Episode 23 | Getting Feedback
Getting any kind of feedback is hard. If the feedback is only positive, you worry that they're just trying to make you feel good and not being authentic. But it's also really difficult to receive negative feedback! In this episode, podcast host Josh Lindsey and director Christian Taylor talk about how the Chicago focus group event went and how real-world feedback has influenced the development of the film.
S1 E22 · Fri, August 09, 2019
Episode 22 | Q&A with Christian
In this episode, host of the podcast Josh Lindsey asks director Christian Taylor a series of questions to better understand what went on at the Normandy focus group screening of The Girl Who Wore Freedom . We'll hear about things she would have done differently and hear about some emotional and impactful moments.
S1 E21 · Fri, August 02, 2019
Episode 21 | Social media
Social media is an important part of promoting any project, but particularly films. In this episode, we meet Anne Evans, our first social media lead and sister of Director Christian Taylor. Anne shares how she got started in this role and dissect her plan for raising money for The Girl Who Wore Freedom.
S1 E20 · Fri, July 26, 2019
Episode 20 | Screening
What does it take to run a focus group screening? In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares how the eleven screenings were planned for Normandy to gather feedback from the five-hundred people who have seen the film.
S1 E19 · Fri, July 19, 2019
Episode 19 | Eleventh Hour
Director Christian Taylor is in France preparing to screen the film, but the drive doesn't work. In this episode, we celebrate the first focus group event of The Girl Who Wore Freedom in Normandy, France, discuss the struggle to make it a reality, and share first impressions.
S1 E18 · Fri, July 12, 2019
Episode 18 | Mississippi Screening
In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares an update after visiting Mississippi and screening for veterans with dramatically moving results. Because we've been so busy with that, we're also reairing Episode 2 of the Documentary First podcast in lieu of a new episode. Check out normandystories.com for the latest information about our film.
S1 E17 · Fri, July 05, 2019
Episode 17 | Post-Focus Group
In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares an update after running a focus group for The Girl Who Wore Freedom in Normandy for D-Day Celebrations. Because we've been so busy with that, we're also reairing Episode 1 of the Documentary First podcast in lieu of a new episode. Check out normandystories.com for the latest information about our film.
S1 E16 · Fri, June 28, 2019
Episode 16 | Next
Director Christian Taylor looks ahead to the next steps for “The Girl Who Wore Freedom” and speculates about what it will be like to watch the film at the first focus group events.
S1 E15 · Fri, June 21, 2019
Episode 15 | Bilingual
Working with footage and audiences that represent at least two distinct languages is no small task. Director Christian Taylor talks about the complexity of subtitling and her project’s tight turnaround for sound and score.
S1 E14 · Fri, June 14, 2019
Episode 14 | Composer
A good composer understands both emotion and serendipity. There's no better example than how Jeff Kurtenacker came to be the Lead Composer on The Girl Who Wore Freedom. Listen in as Director Christian Taylor shares his story and how she learned to communicate with emotion.
S1 E13 · Fri, June 07, 2019
Episode 13 | Tools
When you're a bootstrapped documentary you sometimes have to pick free or inexpensive tools to get the job done. For The Girl Who Wore Freedom Director Christian Taylor talks about the pain of editing ("killing your babies" to get the timing and tone right) and shares some of her favorite tools that she's come to love (including Google Drive, Trello, Frame.io, and Zoom).
S1 E12 · Fri, May 31, 2019
Episode 12 | Editor
A good editor is hard to come by and The Girl Who Wore Freedom was blessed with one of the best: Bill Ebel. Learn more as Director Christian Taylor shares her appreciation for Bill and the qualities (and hard truth) that make him the best possible editor for our documentary.
S1 E11 · Fri, May 24, 2019
Episode 11 | Garage
All great things begin in a garage. Josh, Jason, and Director Christian Taylor explore the ins and outs of film editing from a garage in Tennessee. Christian also shares the roller-coaster that is translating, subtitling, and script-writing.
S1 E10 · Fri, May 17, 2019
Episode 10 | Balance
Is there such thing as work/life balance in film-making? Director Christian Taylor discusses La La Land, the creative process, striking the right tone, and putting family first…always.
S1 E9 · Fri, May 10, 2019
Episode 9 | Dark Night of the Soul
What do you do when you're at your all time low and ready to call it quits? In this episode, producer Christian Taylor tells the story of her (extended) visit to her editor in Tennessee to get the film done, how she ran out of money, and how donors came through on the day they were going to end the project.
S1 E8 · Fri, May 03, 2019
Episode 8 | Rewrite
In this episode, producer Christian Taylor shares the results of her first preview of the film; and it's not good. She faces reality of deadlines, debt, and the editorial process as she considers the end of the project.
S1 E7 · Fri, April 26, 2019
Episode 7 | Assembly
A lot has developed since the last episode and the film is currently undergoing the assembly edit. In this episode you'll what that means and why everything Christian Taylor has told you up to this point is wrong.
S1 E6 · Fri, April 19, 2019
Episode 6 | Harry Kropnicki
The wonderful story about Harry Kropnicki, Daniel Banazio and Flo Plana.
S1 E5 · Fri, April 12, 2019
Episode 5 | Cuts
Wading through 600+ hours of footage, cutting off appendages, and finding your story—we’re looking at the realities of first-time filmmaking.
S1 E4 · Fri, April 05, 2019
Episode 4 | Helmets
Real questions from real listeners posed to a real first-time filmmaker. Christian, Josh, and Jason explore the many uses of helmets, the smells of war, and the healing power of beer.
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