In this special Documentary First episode, Christian steps off the beaten path to share an exciting guest appearance on the Movie Rob Minute podcast. Christian is joined by her college friend and actor Corey Johnson to dive into a Saving Private Ryan minute, making it even more special since Corey played a role in the film! Christian thought it would be a lot of fun to bring Corey along, and she was right. In Part 1, Corey shares his story of landing a part in Saving Private Ryan , working with ...
Jun 18, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 254
In this episode of Documentary First , host Christian Taylor and co-host Hunter Taylor are joined by Josh Nowell and Jim Rasberry, the dynamic duo behind The Heirloom Hotel & Cooking School in Laurel, Mississippi. They discuss the transformative power of storytelling, being on HGTV's Hometown, and community revitalization. As serial entrepreneurs, Josh and Jim share their journey of creating The Heirloom, a unique project blending hospitality and digital storytelling to preserve legacies and...
Jun 05, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 253
In this episode, Hollywood actor Corey Johnson takes us behind the scenes of his dynamic career, sharing powerful insights from working alongside acting legends like Anthony Hopkins. From his early days in theater to conquering the big screen, Corey reveals the evolution of his craft and the unique challenges of transitioning from stage to film. He opens up about the unsung elements of filmmaking—trust, collaboration, and vulnerability—that make or break a performance. Aspiring actors and direct...
May 22, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 252
Ever wonder how a college theater kid makes it big as a Hollywood character actor and renowned documentary narrator ? This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the art of acting and the magic of storytelling. We sit down with Corey Johnson , whose extensive career spans blockbuster films, acclaimed TV series, and compelling voiceover work, for a candid conversation about his creative journey. In this lively interview, Corey reflects on his path from the stages of Catholic University...
May 08, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 251
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 hi...
Apr 24, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 250
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 t...
Apr 10, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 249
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...
Mar 26, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 248
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 s...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 247
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 ...
Mar 06, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 246
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...
Mar 01, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 245
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 l...
Feb 22, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 244
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...
Jan 30, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 243
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 con...
Jan 16, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 242
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 milesto...
Dec 20, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 241
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 fundra...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 240
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 o...
Nov 19, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 239
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,...
Nov 14, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 238
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 offer...
Nov 06, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 237
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 pa...
Oct 25, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 236
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...
Oct 10, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 235
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 si...
Sep 26, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 234
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 ...
Sep 12, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 233
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,...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 232
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 une...
Aug 22, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 231
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 Product...
Aug 14, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 230
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 i...
Jul 31, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 229
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+ ...
Jul 18, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 228
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 th...
Jul 03, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 227
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" http...
Jun 20, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 226
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. Hi...
Jun 08, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 225
