Hey podcast listeners, in anticipation for our limited theatrical release on D-Day, we are sharing a special segment where Christian Taylor was featured on "The Real Story with Jeanne Ives" aired May 26, 2024. Tune in to hear the beginnings of how Taylor got into directing and for updates on "Heroes of Carentan". Stream "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" this Memorial Day on Vudu, Apple TV, Prime Video, and Vimeo.
May 27, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this episode, Christian and David Paterson discuss the FIRST ever theatrical release of "The Girl Who Wore Freedom"! They highlight the importance of knowing your audience, reaching out to mom-and-pop theaters, and independent film distribution overall. The conversation explores the reasoning behind having a limited theatrical release for our documentary film. They also touch on the costs associated with distribution and the timing strategy of theatrical releases. The episode concludes with a...
May 24, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 224
In this episode, Christian Taylor interviews Nicholas Bruckman, the director of the documentary film 'Minted'. They discuss the film, which explores the world of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and the artists who have embraced this new technology. Bruckman shares how he discovered the story and gained access to the artists involved. The film follows digital artists on their journey of navigating the rise and fall of the NFT market. Bruckman also reflects on the challenges of documentary filmmaking a...
May 10, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 223
In this episode, Christian provides an update on company developments and announces the upcoming trailer for our next documentary, "Heroes of Carentan." She gives an exclusive about the limited theatrical release of "The Girl Who Wore Freedom." Special guests, Tom Biolchini and Juan Pablo Reinoso, producer, director, and writer of "Mad Props," delve into the origins of "Mad Props," detailing its evolution from a TV show concept to a full-fledged documentary. Juan shares insights into his career ...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Season 1Ep. 222
In this episode, host Christian Taylor interviews Alex Ivany, a visual storyteller, about his journey in the documentary filmmaking industry. Alex shares his passion for social and racial justice, which led him to work on projects that shed light on marginalized communities. He discusses his role as a producer and editor on the film "Ifine: Beauty", which explores the issue of skin bleaching in Sierra Leone. Alex also provides tips for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of networkin...
Apr 11, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 221
In this episode, Christian Taylor interviews Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, the directing duo behind the documentary "Going to Mars, the Nikki Giovanni Project." They discuss their background in filmmaking, the founding of Rada Studios https://radastudio.org/ , and their dedication to telling stories of the Black Diaspora. The conversation also covers their award nominations and recognition, the cinematic beauty of "Going to Mars," the challenges of making the film, and their favorite docu...
Mar 28, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 220
In this episode, host Christian Taylor interviews award-winning editor Yvette Amirian about her journey from documentary to narrative editing. Yvette shares her experiences working on various projects, including "EXmas" and "It Takes a Village". She discusses the differences between editing documentary and narrative films, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of both. Yvette also offers valuable tips for breaking into the film industry, highlighting the importance of building relationships and...
Mar 15, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 219
In this conversation, Christian Taylor interviews Joe Amodei, CEO of Virgil Films and Entertainment, about the film distribution industry. They discuss the changes in the industry, including the consolidation of companies and the impact of streaming services. Joe emphasizes the importance of collaboration between filmmakers and distributors, as well as the need for filmmakers to be involved in the marketing and distribution process. He also explains how distribution expenses affect the release o...
Feb 29, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 218
In this episode, Christian and Chad interview award-winning cinematographer Laela Kilbourn. They discuss her work on the documentary film Girl State, which premiered at Sundance 2024. Laela shares her experiences working with directors and the importance of trust in the DP-director relationship. She also explains the role of prime lenses in cinematography and how they can create a more cinematic look. Laela shares her journey in the film industry, from starting as a film loader to becoming a cin...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 217
In this episode, Christian Taylor interviews Joe Amodei of Virgil Films Entertainment about the changing landscape of film distribution. They discuss the role of distributors in acquiring and selling the rights to films, the rise of streaming platforms, and the challenges faced by filmmakers in finding trustworthy distributors. Joe shares his insights and experiences from his 20 years in the industry and offers advice for filmmakers considering self-distribution. Takeaways The role of distributo...
Feb 01, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 216
On this very special podcast, we honor George Ciampa as Christian shares the news of his recent passing. George Ciampa, a World War II veteran and filmmaker, came on our podcast many times and can be heard on episodes #116, #117, #120, #121. He was born in 1925, served in the Graves Registration Service during WWII, and became a filmmaker in his 80's. You can visit George's website: http://LetFreedomRingForAll.org to learn more about his story. Our first recording with George Ciampa was released...
Jan 18, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 215
In this episode, Jason and Christian provide a year-in-review and updates on their documentary films. They also introduce guest Josh Sharpe, a film/entertainment/theater journalist. Josh shares his background in reporting for cinema and offers tips for conducting interviews. The importance of reviews for filmmakers is discussed, along with the different types of interviews and the process of film reviewing. In this conversation Josh Sharpe discusses the world of movie reviews and how it has evol...
Jan 04, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 214
In this episode, filmmakers Mark and Carrie Pedri discuss the challenges they faced in producing their film Dear Sirs. They talk about the difficulties of funding the project and the decision to go with crowdfunding and local grants. They also share their experiences of filming and the importance of storytelling techniques in documentaries. The filmmakers highlight the use of personal moments, music, and archival footage in their film. They recommend the documentary "Minding the Gap" and the ser...
Dec 21, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 213
Hey, Documentary First tribe! 🎙️ Get ready for an intimate ride with Mark Pedri and Carrie McCarthy, the dynamic duo behind "Dear Sirs." In Episode #212, we're diving deep into family secrets, WWII revelations, and the magic of storytelling. This isn't just a podcast; it's a personal invitation to join us on an emotional rollercoaster of discovery and the power of sharing untold stories. From a mysterious knife in a grandfather's bed to leaving LA for Wyoming, every moment is a leap of faith. T...
Dec 07, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 212
In this compelling episode of Documentary First, Christian engages in a candid and profound conversation with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Nick Bruckman. The spotlight is on Bruckman's recently released film, "Not Going Quietly," a poignant exploration of resilience featuring the inspiring Ady Barkan. The duo delves into the raw and transparent process of making the film, unraveling the intricate threads of Nick's personal journey into filmmaking, shaped by a family legacy rooted in social ad...
Nov 24, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 211
In this week's episode of Documentary First, we dive into the heartwarming tale of "Puppy Love," a documentary chronicling the incredible journey of four paralyzed puppies on the road to recovery. What began as Gail's casual filming of her new puppy's antics took an unexpected turn when the pup faced paralysis. This documentary captures the tireless efforts to help the puppies heal, with a diverse team of camera operators capturing every moment. Gail's meticulous editing, guided by screenwriting...
Nov 09, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 210
Welcome back to another exciting week of Documentary First. In part two of our conversation with documentary legend, Ken Burns, we dive into the vital aspect of collaboration in filmmaking. Ken emphasizes the profound history he shares with two of his current collaborators, who are stepping into new endeavors as his company continues it’s storytelling journey. Drawing an analogy to a conductor orchestrating a musical ensemble, Ken underscores the significance of every individual involved in the ...
Oct 26, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 209
Today, we are honored to host a distinguished figure in the realm of filmmaking, none other than the renowned Ken Burns. With profound admiration for his craft, Christian finds it hard to articulate just how deeply grateful she is for the wisdom and insights Mr. Burns brings to the art of documentary filmmaking. Our conversation with Ken traverses his illustrious journey, commencing with his ability to channel early setbacks into the driving force behind his enduring success. As a producer, Ken'...
Oct 16, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 208
Welcome back, listeners, to another insightful episode of Documentary First! Today, we’re thrilled to have Andrew Cohen, a seasoned expert from Impact 24 PR, back with us. In this installment, we’re diving deep into the world of film promotion, and how filmmakers can truly make their mark with the help of a skilled PR company or publicist. Andrew shares invaluable insights on two fundamental PR principles that every filmmaker should embrace. First and foremost, the importance of kicking off your...
Oct 12, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 207
Get ready for an episode packed with surprises! First up, our beloved former host, Josh Lindsay, makes a triumphant return, stepping in for Jason Rugg. His presence adds a special spark to today's show. And that's not all - we're also joined by the PR powerhouse, Andrew Seth Cohen from "Impact 24 PR." Discover how Andrew and Christian's paths converged when "Impact 24 PR" extended a helping hand to Documentary First during their electrifying "Emmy" run. Christian's excitement knows no bounds, th...
Sep 29, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 206
This week, embark on a musical journey with Nicolas Humberto Repetto, a composer whose roots trace back to Argentina before finding a new home in sunny Florida at the tender age of five. His enchantment with music, especially the violin, as well as his gift for composition and orchestration, bloomed during his formative middle school years. The intoxicating harmonies of triumph and the seductive allure of composition and orchestration beckoned Nicolas to the sprawling landscapes of LA. Here, he ...
Sep 14, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 205
Get ready for an emotional and captivating journey in this week's episode of Documentary First. Join hosts Christian and Jason as they dive deep into an heartfelt conversation with none other than Craig Renaud, an acclaimed Peabody award-winning filmmaker. Brace yourself for a raw and touching exchange as Craig opens up about his personal connection to his latest project "SOUTHERN STORYTELLERS." Venture into the world of "SOUTHERN STORYTELLERS," a mesmerizing three-part miniseries that escorts y...
Aug 31, 2023•50 min•Season 204Ep. 1
Get ready for a riveting ride in this week's podcast episode as we delve into the mesmerizing world of original music. Hosts Christian and Jason are joined by two master composers who are also part of the remarkable music collective, Bleeding Fingers Music. Hold on to your headphones, because these composers, Kara Talve and Anže Rozman, aren't just any ordinary talents – they're the musical maestros mentored by none other than the legendary Hans Zimmer himself! Listen to Kara and Anže discuss th...
Aug 17, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 203
In part 2 of “Human Footprint” Christian and Jason continue their chat with the creators and directors of Human Footprint, Neil Losin & Nate Dappen. Listen to how Neil & Nate filmed the series on a budget, with a small crew of a maximum of 5 people. Hear some of their favorite experiences while grinding and pushing their team to the limit. Seeing elephants from a helicopter and people on dog sleds hunting Polar Bears are just two of the experiences that have marked their lives while maki...
Aug 03, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 202
Witness an unexpected journey of science and photography colliding with filmmaking to become an amazing PBS series called “Human Footprint”. Who said science couldn’t be engaging and thought provoking? In this Part 1 episode, Christian and Jason chat with the creators and directors of “Human Footprint”, Neil Losin & Nathan Dappen. They tell us their journey of making “terrible” videos, a partnership with fellow geek scientist Shane Campbell-Staton and the serendipitous connection to PBS that...
Jul 20, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 201
Welcome to the latest episode of Documentary First, as we celebrate a momentous achievement: Our 200th Episode! Join Christian and Jason as they dive deep into the past four years of our thought-provoking and inspiring podcast. Together, they remind us of the indispensable quality that every filmmaker must possess: tenacity. Prepare to be encouraged and motivated as they unveil the secrets to success in the ever-evolving world of cinema. For a filmmaker, perseverance is the key that unlocks the ...
Jul 06, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 200
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Documentary First! In this week's continuation from last week's episode, we dive deeper into the fascinating world of film festivals and film markets. Joe Amodei, our experienced distributor and filmmaker, shares valuable insights and personal experiences that every filmmaker should know. If you're passionate about filmmaking, you definitely don't want to miss this! At the 2023 Film Festival in Cannes, Joe had 33 meetings where he pitched his films and...
Jun 22, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 199
This episode is one of a 2-part series where Christian and Jason talk with Joe Amodei about his recent trip to the Cannes Film Festival. 00:50 - Joe describes himself as “a film geek.” He explains why he prides himself in being referred to as not a “suit.” 03:34 - Joe’s involvement with Oscar Best Picture, “Gosford Park.” 07:27 - An inside look at Cannes. 09:29 - What it was like promoting a documentary called “The Third Wave” (IMDB: The Third Wave (2007) - IMDb ). 11:59 - Christian reviews her ...
Jun 09, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 198
We're picking up right where we left off from the last episode, talking about AI and how it relates to sound design with Nathan Ruyle. Nathan Ruyle - IMDb Nathans Company “This Is Sound Design” website: This is Sound Design 00:12 - Right out the gate Christian, Jason and Nathan discuss AI vs. good live sound recordings. We discuss that “the tools are only as good as the material you're feeding it.” There is no way around in achieving greatness unless you are investing in quality material. 03:30 ...
May 26, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 197
Get ready for an engaging episode of the podcast, where Christian and Jason chat with Nathan Ruyle, the sound designer behind the hit film "Citizen Sleuth." With over 100+ credits to his name, Nathan has an impressive BIO and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to sound design. In part one of this deep dive, Nathan discusses his creative approach to sound design and how it helped to bring the mystery of the film to life. Nathan Ruyle - IMDb Nathans Company “This Is Sound Design” website: This is...
May 11, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 196
