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...
Apr 27, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 195
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 your...
Apr 13, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 194
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 tod...
Mar 31, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 193
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 2...
Mar 16, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 192
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 ...
Mar 01, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 191
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....
Feb 15, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 190
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 pu...
Feb 02, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 189
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 ...
Jan 19, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 188
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....
Jan 05, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 187Ep. 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
Dec 22, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 186
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) http...
Dec 08, 2022•45 min•Season 1Ep. 185
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 ...
Nov 24, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 184
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-dema...
Nov 13, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 183
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 ...
Oct 27, 2022•57 min•Season 1Ep. 182
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...
Oct 12, 2022•47 min•Season 1Ep. 181
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-americ...
Sep 29, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 180
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/...
Sep 15, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 179
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 [email protected]. Tickets for Currahee Military Museum, Toccoa, GA, September 29 event Adult: https://www.toccoahistory.com/storeandmemberships/the-girl-who-wore-freedom-adult-ticket-10...
Sep 01, 2022•13 min•Season 1Ep. 178
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/ti...
Aug 18, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 177
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 ...
Aug 04, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 176
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/...
Jul 21, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 175
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...
Jul 14, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 174
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...
Jul 07, 2022•48 min•Season 1Ep. 173
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.
Jun 30, 2022•54 min•Season 1Ep. 172
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
Jun 23, 2022•55 min•Season 1Ep. 171
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.
Jun 16, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 171
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.
Jun 02, 2022•9 min•Season 1Ep. 169
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/...
May 26, 2022•55 min•Season 1Ep. 168
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/tt59297...
May 20, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 167
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
May 12, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 166
