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.
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Episodes

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...

Mar 11, 202141 minSeason 1Ep. 105

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....

Mar 04, 202145 minSeason 1Ep. 104

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.

Feb 25, 202151 minSeason 1Ep. 103

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

Feb 18, 20211 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 102

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 stori...

Feb 11, 202149 minSeason 1Ep. 101

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....

Feb 04, 202125 minSeason 1Ep. 100

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.

Jan 28, 202130 minSeason 1Ep. 99

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 v...

Jan 21, 202131 minSeason 1Ep. 98

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!

Jan 14, 202127 minSeason 1Ep. 97

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.

Jan 07, 202138 minSeason 1Ep. 96

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.

Dec 31, 20201 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 95

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, distributi...

Dec 24, 202045 minSeason 1Ep. 94

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.

Dec 17, 202053 minSeason 1Ep. 93

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.

Dec 10, 202036 minSeason 1Ep. 92

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/...

Dec 03, 202025 minSeason 1Ep. 91

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.

Nov 26, 202024 minSeason 1Ep. 90

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: [email protected]...

Nov 19, 202046 minSeason 1Ep. 89

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?

Nov 12, 202046 minSeason 1Ep. 88

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.

Nov 05, 202031 minSeason 1Ep. 87

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

Oct 30, 202040 minSeason 1Ep. 86

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.

Oct 22, 202035 minSeason 1Ep. 85

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.

Oct 16, 202039 minSeason 1Ep. 84

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!

Oct 08, 202036 minSeason 1Ep. 83

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.

Oct 01, 202012 minSeason 1Ep. 82

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 timeli...

Sep 22, 202029 minSeason 1Ep. 81

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 Chagri...

Sep 18, 202031 minSeason 1Ep. 80

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:...

Sep 11, 202045 minSeason 1Ep. 79

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 th...

Sep 04, 202039 minSeason 1Ep. 78

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!...

Aug 28, 202039 minSeason 1Ep. 77

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...

Aug 21, 202039 minSeason 1Ep. 76
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