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 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! Ja...

May 05, 202245 minSeason 1Ep. 165

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://w...

Apr 28, 202250 minSeason 1Ep. 164

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/

Apr 21, 202239 minSeason 1Ep. 163

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...

Apr 14, 202249 minSeason 1Ep. 162

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".

Apr 07, 202218 minSeason 1Ep. 161

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...

Mar 31, 202245 minSeason 1Ep. 160

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/tt6828...

Mar 24, 202255 minSeason 1Ep. 159

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 K...

Mar 17, 202233 minSeason 1Ep. 158

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...

Mar 10, 202256 minSeason 1Ep. 157

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/...

Mar 03, 202240 minSeason 1Ep. 156

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.or...

Feb 24, 202216 minSeason 1Ep. 155

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...

Feb 17, 202229 minSeason 1Ep. 154

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...

Feb 10, 202252 minSeason 1Ep. 153

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...

Feb 03, 202250 minSeason 1Ep. 152

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 ...

Jan 27, 202237 minSeason 1Ep. 151

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...

Jan 27, 202247 minSeason 1Ep. 150

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.youtub...

Jan 13, 202245 minSeason 1Ep. 149

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.

Dec 29, 20219 minSeason 1Ep. 147

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.

Dec 23, 202149 minSeason 1Ep. 146

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.

Dec 16, 202110 minSeason 1Ep. 145

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

Dec 08, 202136 minSeason 1Ep. 144

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.

Dec 01, 202133 minSeason 1Ep. 143

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!

Nov 26, 202131 minSeason 1Ep. 142

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.

Nov 17, 202156 minSeason 1Ep. 141

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."

Nov 11, 202144 minSeason 1Ep. 140

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.

Nov 04, 202146 minSeason 1Ep. 139

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.

Oct 28, 202146 minSeason 1Ep. 138

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...

Oct 21, 202146 minSeason 1Ep. 137

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.

Oct 14, 202127 minSeason 1Ep. 136
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