Documentary First - podcast cover

Documentary First

Christian Taylordocumentaryfirst.com
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.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

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!...

Aug 14, 202056 minSeason 1Ep. 75

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 t...

Aug 07, 202058 minSeason 1Ep. 74

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!...

Jul 31, 202044 minSeason 1Ep. 73

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 thegirl...

Jul 24, 202037 minSeason 1Ep. 72

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? ...

Jul 17, 202021 minSeason 1Ep. 71

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 thegir...

Jul 10, 202037 minSeason 1Ep. 70

Episode 69 | Meet the New 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!...

Jul 03, 202040 minSeason 1Ep. 69

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...

Jun 26, 202044 minSeason 1Ep. 68

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!...

Jun 19, 202022 minSeason 1Ep. 67

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 sto...

Jun 12, 202032 minSeason 1Ep. 66

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!...

Jun 05, 202025 minSeason 1Ep. 65

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 ...

May 29, 202021 minSeason 1Ep. 64

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!...

May 22, 202043 minSeason 1Ep. 63

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...

May 15, 202047 minSeason 1Ep. 62

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!...

May 08, 202042 minSeason 1Ep. 61

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 ...

May 01, 202038 minSeason 1Ep. 60

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!...

Apr 24, 202034 minSeason 1Ep. 59

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 ...

Apr 17, 202017 minSeason 1Ep. 58

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!

Apr 10, 202011 minSeason 1Ep. 57

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!

Apr 03, 202014 minSeason 1Ep. 56

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!

Mar 27, 202020 minSeason 1Ep. 55

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 te...

Mar 20, 202017 minSeason 1Ep. 54

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!...

Mar 13, 202017 minSeason 1Ep. 53

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!

Mar 06, 202018 minSeason 1Ep. 52

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 ...

Feb 28, 202015 minSeason 1Ep. 51

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!

Feb 21, 202022 minSeason 1Ep. 50

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 volun...

Feb 14, 202015 minSeason 1Ep. 49

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...

Feb 07, 202019 minSeason 1Ep. 48

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!

Jan 31, 202020 minSeason 1Ep. 47

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!...

Jan 24, 202016 minSeason 1Ep. 46
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast