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Documentary First

The craft and business of documentary filmmaking, from people who actually do it.

Documentary First is a weekly podcast for working and aspiring documentary filmmakers who want honest, in-depth conversations about how documentaries get funded, made, and seen. Listen Notes ranks the show in the top 5 percent of all podcasts worldwide.

Hosted by Christian Taylor, award-winning director of The Girl Who Wore Freedom (25+ international awards, distributed through Virgil Films, Swank, and Canal+), the show draws on 295+ conversations with documentary filmmakers, editors, producers, distributors, and composers across HBO, Netflix, PBS, and the independent doc world. Past guests include Ken Burns, PBS American Masters creator Susan Lacy, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning editor Charles Olivier (HBO’s The Jinx, The Redeem Team), and Emmy-nominated director Nick Bruckman (Netflix’s Minted).

Every week, Documentary First delivers two formats in one feed. The main show is a long-form interview about how filmmakers approach their craft, handle distribution, and build a career that lasts. On alternating weeks, Documentary First: The Deep Dive takes a single insight from a recent guest conversation and goes further, drawing on psychology, philosophy, and hard-won experience to find the lesson underneath the work.

Christian hosts from inside the work, not from the sidelines. She has films in production right now, so she asks the questions a working documentary filmmaker actually needs answered, because she needs them answered too.

Topics include: documentary directing, documentary producing, documentary distribution, film festival strategy, fundraising for documentaries, storytelling craft, documentary cinematography, documentary editing, film music and scoring, sound design for film, entertainment law for filmmakers, archival footage and rights clearance, and building a sustainable career in nonfiction filmmaking.

New episodes every week. Subscribe and leave a review.

Instagram: @documentaryfirst | Facebook: @documentaryfirst | X: @Doc_First | TikTok: @documentaryfirst | YouTube: @DocumentaryFirst | LinkedIn: documentaryfirst | documentaryfirst.com

Copyright: © Documentary First, all rights reserved.

Latest Episodes:

Episode 201 | Human Footprint - Part 1 Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

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 allowed them to share their vision: cultivating a love for science, looking after the Earth and observing mankind’s impact on the environment and culture.

This is an amazing journey into filmmaking from an unconventional starting point. The perseverance, grind and fun along the way, including making connections with the right people at the right time, result in a great story about getting funding from unconventional sources.

Timecodes:

Introduction to our guests. 0:00
How the series came to be. 2:51
The hopeful impact and awareness of story on the viewer. 7:01
How they met and started collaborating. 10:54
Living on two different coasts and have never lived int he same place and possibly see each other more than their partners. 17:39
How long did it take to get the show greenlit? 21:42
How did they get to the pitch point? 28:18
The importance of getting a grant. 32:25
How did you did the grants help to get you started? 36:39
How did you pitch the idea to PBS? 41:30
What was the budget for the series? 46:02
The difference between producing and directing. 52:10
DocuView Déjà Vu 55:13
Documentary First Update 1:05:21

DocuView Déjà Vu:

NEIL: “Particle Fever”, 2013, 99 mins, Watch on “Curiosity Stream” with a subscription, IMDB Link: Particle Fever (2013) ⭐ 7.4 | Documentary
JASON: Check out “Human Footprint”, 2023, PBS, Series, IMDB Link: Human Footprint (TV Series 2023– ) ⭐ 6.8 | Documentary

Episode 200 | To The Stars Through Hardship - Per Aspera Ad Astra! Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

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 gateway to the stars. These stars can take many forms, both figurative and literal, representing the pinnacle of our aspirations.

Just like steadfast guides, the stars watch over us, ever-present and within our grasp. They serve as a constant reminder that even though our goals may seem distant, they remain visible and within reach. With every courageous step we take towards our cinematic vision, we are bound to encounter challenges along the way. But fear not! These very adversities become the stepping stones that lead us towards the dazzling radiance of the stars we were destined to reach.

Get ready to be inspired as we continue to share the remarkable odyssey of filmmaking. We have an abundance of new, talented filmmakers waiting in the wings, eager to join us and delve into their unique processes and awe-inspiring experiences. It's a rollercoaster ride you won't want to miss!

And that's not all! Brace yourselves, because DocuView Déjà Vu is making a triumphant return! Get ready to rediscover your love for documentary films and relive those unforgettable cinematic moments.

So buckle up, dear listeners, as we embark on another thrilling chapter filled with passion, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of our cinematic dreams. Welcome to a podcast that will ignite your imagination and leave you craving more. Let's make magic happen together!

Summary

Intro to Documentary First. 0:00
- Welcome back to Documentary First and inside look at a documentary filmmaker journey.
- Episode 200.
- How the podcast was born.
Being an improviser as a filmmaker. 6:01
- Finding volunteers and flying people across the world.
- Being an improviser, solving problems.
- Journey from not finished movie to completed movie.
- Heroes of Carentan.
How the film industry has changed. 10:59
- How the world has changed since pre-Covid.
- The challenges for independent filmmakers.
- The art of turning adversity into advantage.
- The difference between a filmmaker and everyone else.
- The best piece of advice Jason has ever gotten.
- Do the next thing first.
How did Jason become a voice actor? 17:28
- Pursuing voice acting and animation.
- How the pandemic changed the animation industry.
- How Covid-19 has lowered the standards of what is acceptable.
- Tiktok vs Instagram.
The problem with Social Media and content. 21:26
- How people consume Tiktok and Instagram reels.
- How film is designed to make you feel.
- Making a deal with the devil.
- Why independent filmmakers need to market their films.
- The marketing strategy for "God's Not Dead".
Encounter with General JP McGee. 28:21
- How Christian met General JP McGee, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division.
- Partnership with the 101st Airborne Division
- Powerful interviews with the 101st Airborne Division.
- The synergy of past and present coming through the interviews
- The cost of combat.
Do not give up on your film. 34:11
- Heart comes through in everything at Doc First.
- Word of encouragement, don't quit.
- DocuView Déjà Vu Segment
- Book: The Obstacle is the Way
- Coming soon to the podcast - New filmmakers in the wings!

DocuView Déjà Vu:

Jason - Still: A Michael J Fox Movie, 2023, Rated R, 95 mins on Apple+, IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19853258/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_still

Christian - The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Rated R, 2023, 97 mins, Rent or buy on Prime Video or inflight in United Airlines, IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12380422/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_7_tt_8_nm_0_q_the%2520sublte

“A Man Called Otto” - 2022, 126 mins, PG13, in flight on United Airlines, IMDB Link:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7405458/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_a%2520man%2520called

Episode 199 | Joe Amodei Returns with Cannes Report - Part II Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

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 listened to other pitches. He takes us through this experience and shares the lessons he’s learned, highlighting what he would do differently next time (01:06).

The landscape of the film industry is changing, with the merging of premium cable channels and streaming platforms leading to a shift in distribution strategies. Filmmakers and distributors are now focusing more on transactional and A-VOD sites, like Tubi, Pluto, Amazon, and iTunes. This change opens up opportunities for a wider range of genres and films from different countries to gain acceptance (02:15).

Joe reflects on the transformation he's witnessed in the market, for one, he now feels more comfortable approaching booths from other countries, a stark contrast to the hesitations he’s had in the past (05:11).

Christian raises an important question about who the target consumers are for movies considering the lack of information shared by streamers. Joe shares his observations, revealing that streamers like Netflix are increasingly focused on international growth rather than solely on the United States. This shift presents both advantages and limitations for filmmakers who are seeking opportunities overseas (05:53).

Joe has been in the movie biz for 20 years and he shares how he deals with beginning filmmakers and those with more extensive backgrounds differently. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and having honest conversations regarding the future of the industry (07:18).

The conversation takes a reflective turn as Christian asks Joe whether filmmakers should continue to make films. Joe's replies by stating the resilience of the film industry and emphasizes the importance of creating quality content (10:05).

Exploring popular genres, Joe and Christian discuss current trends. From horror to true crime, teen romantic dramas, comedies, family films, and even faith-based movies, each genre presents unique opportunities (13:18).

The discussion then shifts to documentaries, a genre that poses challenges in terms of profitability. Christian and Joe engage in a lively debate about the difficulties faced by documentary filmmakers in making money (17:04).

Towards the end, Christian and Joe remind us of their unwavering passion for filmmaking. They share heartfelt stories about the power of film to make a difference in people's lives and society as a whole (20:55).

Wrapping up the episode, Christian expresses gratitude for distributors like Joe Amodei and his team for prioritizing genuine relationships and care for filmmakers over purely chasing financial gain (26:40).

We extend our sincere thanks to Joe, Jason, and Christian for their valuable contributions to this enlightening episode. And a special thank you to all our listeners for joining us on this incredible journey of storytelling. Remember, everyone has a story to tell, and you can be the one to tell it!

Please note that there is no DocuView Déjà Vu segment in this episode.

Episode 198 | Joe Amodei Returns with Cannes Report - Part I Jun 09, 2023

Show notes

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 experience going to Sundance Film Festival

13:03 - Joe shares the difference between the 2 festivals, such as no Q&A’s at Cannes.

15:21 - How to get into Cannes Film Festival, both practical and impractical ways

18:23 - Joe makes it clear that he goes to “Cannes every year not to attend the film festival. But to attend the film market.”

23:09 - Joe explains the role of a distributor at film festivals.

25:45 - Christian asks what an independent filmmaker should do to maximize the film festivals, they unpack some very blunt, straight-forward steps.

29:47 - Joe makes the following profound statement “if you're looking to sell your movie, looking to raise money, make revenue to pay back investors, then these film festivals aren't going to do anything for you. BUT being at a film MARKET, walking around and trying to sell your film, to countries all over the world, and being a part of the industry, is where you need to be to be a part of the film industry”

32:48 - Joe reiterates his encouragement to young filmmakers and producers that help is available.

34:36- Joe warns NOT to be clueless about the industry you are in. You have to read the trades. You have to subscribe to Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, and Indie Wire, even if it costs you $200 a year. It is well worth it. You have to stay up with the trades. If you don't, you're going to get lost. It's really an ongoing education. Things are changing in the business almost every day.

Part 2 of this 2-part series will be released later this month.

NOTE - NO DocuView DejaVu this episode

Episode 197 | Sound Design and AI w/ Sound Designer of Citizen Sleuth - Part 2 May 26, 2023

Show notes

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 - The AI discussion leads to asking about location sound and its challenges. Location sound is very different from sound design and final mix. Hear how Nathan unpacks these differences in reference to his movie “Citizen Sleuth”.

04:29 - Nathan shares how he used spectral tools to identify sounds in his documentary; yet due to use of camera audio and limited crew, there were still challenges in parsing them out. Even big budget films face audio challenges, which further highlights the nature of the industry.

07:42 - Nathan discusses how narrative and documentary filmmaking informs each other. In both narrative and documentary films, the use of Foley is essential to capturing the complete soundscape. Even with high-quality sound recording, certain details like footsteps or subtle moments may be missed. Therefore, techniques like Foley are crucial in both types of films to enhance the overall experience.

09:36 - Christian points out there is a difference between Foley and sound effects.

12:28 - History of Jack Foley & Foley experiences

16:32 - The legalities and clearance for the music

18:16 - Foley and music for the HBO Documentary called “United Skates”.

22:52 - Christian explains some terms, such as what are “stems”?

24:07 - Christian asks on behalf of new filmmakers who are still working in lower budget independent films. Do they have any ability to hire Nathan and his team at all? She asks him to give some sort of budget spectrum that they work on for all kinds of different films? And what does the look like in terms of rates.

Nathan gives an overview of what his team can provide. They have an ultra low budget rate sheet, where it kind of breaks down three budget options in great detail where you can see all the different parts of the process.

27:08 - Nathan’s company “This Is Sound Design” recently released “Joyland”.

IMDB: Joyland (2022) - IMDb

If you're in LA or want to come to LA and need help for a movie, they would be more than happy to have you visit for a tour.

31:04 - DocuView Déjà Vu

Jason: “Citizen Sleuth” (2023), 23 mins, IMDB: Citizen Sleuth (2023) - IMDb

Currently in the film festival run, check out the Instagram for film festival details. Keep an eye on Nathan's website for an announcement as to when its going to be released to see for the public. https://www.instagram.com/citizensleuthmovie/

Christian: “King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones” (2022), 99 mins, IMDB: King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones (2022) - IMDb

This movie too, is in its festival run; so it can't be watched, save for at film festivals.

Nathan: “United Skates” (2018), 89 mins, IMDB (Available on HBO Max): United Skates (2018) - IMDb

Episode 196 | Sound Design of SXSW True Crime Documentary, Citizen Sleuth, w/ Nathan Ruyle - Part 1 May 11, 2023

Show notes

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 Sound Design

At 01:53, Nathan sums up the unique sound design in "Citizen Sleuth" and how it was used to create an experiential feeling for the audience. Without relying on reenactments, Nathan used sound to immerse the audience in the experience of the crime, making them feel as though they were right there at the scene.

‌

Christian shares at 05:17 how she realized the importance of communicating emotions to the composer and sound department to ensure that the audience is moved through the story by the driving forces of sound and music. Nathan's approach to sound design is from a creative perspective, and he sees it as an opportunity to problem-solve and use his imagination.

‌

At 08:13, Nathan explains how his work encompasses all facets of post-production sound and how he and his team designed the sound to match the look and feel of the story. Christian asks Nathan to sum up the sound of the film and Nathan gives a captivating answer that will leave you intrigued.

‌

At 14:29, Christian picks out two examples from the film to discuss how Nathan and his team handled the sound in those moments. Nathan also explains mediated voices and mediated technology.

‌

At 15:42 and how it adds character and feeling to the story. Jason was curious about how Nathan made the dialogue consistent, even when recorded in different locations, and Nathan explains his technique in detail at 23:35.

‌

As this episode went a little long, Christian, Jason, and Nathan decided to split it into two parts. Be sure to tune in to part two to hear more about AI-specific tools and other interesting sound design topics. And don't forget to catch the next episode, where DocuView Déjà Vu takes center stage!

Episode 195 | 3 Tools of Filmmaking w/ Award-Winning Director D. Mitry Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

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 backstory. Born in the Soviet Union, D. Mitry didn't launch his filmmaking dream until 2015, but since then, his work has made waves across the globe. He's the mastermind behind “My True Fairytale”, a feature film that pays tribute to his daughter Alyssa after her tragic passing. This deeply personal project was acquired for worldwide distribution by Gravitas Ventures and had its world premiere at Cinequest in March 2021.

Now D. Mitry has a new film on the horizon: “Hedgehog”. This short film explores the conflict between Ukrainian and Russian forces through the eyes of a young girl and a wounded soldier. D. Mitry discusses the challenges of telling a powerful story with minimal words and allowing images and stillness to speak for themselves. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong "movie family" of passionate collaborators who share a love for the project.

And what about those top three tools for filmmakers? D. Mitry's first tool is "Economy of Writing," which means using every element of your story to its fullest potential to avoid overwriting. This is especially important for indie filmmakers who must be resourceful and conscientious about their budget. His second tool describes "movie family" as a group of collaborators who share a love for the project and thus can weather any challenges that come their way. Finally, D. Mitry stresses the importance of choosing a story that speaks to one on a personal level and has the power to make an impact in the world.

So buckle up, folks, and get ready for a thrilling ride through the world of narrative filmmaking with D. Mitry on Documentary First!

Social Media Links for The Hedgehog Film

Website: https://www.thehedgehogfilm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehedgehogfilm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHedgehogFilm

** DocuView Déjà Vu:

Dmitry: “Reggie's Forest” & “The Girl Who Wore Freedom”

Reggie’s Forest IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14014074/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The Girl Who Wore Freedom: https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/

Jason: The Prestige TV Podcast - Episodes discussing Season 4 of “Barry” on HBO - Discussions with the director and actor.

Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ggiKF2wHHPcbyRAYbJO4o?si=94f568975f2d4571

Christian: "Eyewitness: D-Day", 2019, 44 mins

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10885884/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Quick Company Update:

On May 19, 2023, the Doc First team will be attending the 80th Anniversary Ball for the 101st Airborne Division at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN which is open to anyone in the community (Tickets for “Community Invitees” are $105). The next day, May 20th, there will be a screening of "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" at the 101st Airborne home in Fort Campbell, Kentucky (Follow our socials for more details). Christian will be attending both events and then heading to Normandy for D-Day with World War II veterans on a Delta charter flight. Thanks to a wonderful partner at the 101st ABD (Air Assault), we are collaborating with the division on Instagram, as they share our micro-docs to raise awareness and build our audience. We encourage you to follow our journey on Instagram (@documentaryfirst), Facebook (Documentary First), Twitter (@doc_first), and TikTok (@documentaryfirst).

00:00 - 02:52 - Introduction

02:52 - D. Mitry’s Bio

03:34 - The Hedgehog Film Synopsis

04:34 - Christian & Jason share their experience of viewing Hedgehog.

13:30 - Toolkit item number 3 - Story (Part 1)

14:25 - Toolkit item number 1 - Economic Writing

24:21 - Toolkit time number 2 - A Movie Family

34:35 - Toolkit time number 3 - Story (part 2)

36:32 - Jason asks about D. Mitry’s vision and what actually made it to the screen

39:05 - Christian shares what she thinks is D. Mitry’s best tool.

39:50 - The film festival run for The Hedgehog Film

42:21 - Praise and thanks for family, cast & crew - it takes “a movie family”

45:37 - DocuView Déjà Vu

51:32 - A quick update

Episode 194 | Top 5 Filmmaking Business Tips w/ Joe Amodei Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

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 yourself in diverse movies from all eras to learn from the masters, Joe's advice is practical and eye-opening.

Understand how film marketing in the digital era has changed as traditional print media is no longer dominant. Learn how to effectively promote your film using social media and other modern strategies to get the word out and attract audiences.

Joe explains that as a filmmaker, you're not just an artist, you're also a businessperson. Setting clear objectives for your film, whether to gain exposure, make money, or reach a wide audience will enhance your workflow.

If you're a filmmaker looking to thrive in today's ever-evolving landscape, this episode is a must-listen. Gain valuable insights from Joe Amodei's wealth of experience and elevate your understanding of the multifaceted world of filmmaking. Get ready to be inspired, educated, and motivated to take your film career to new heights.

Time Codes

0:00 - Jason introduces Joe

1:08 - Transformation of the film industry over the years

2:07 - How Joe has seen the film industry change over the last 20 years.

8:22 - Renting movies vs owning movies

9:18 - Christian shares a VHS story

13:20 - How did Netflix react to the streaming revolution?

19:20 - Knowing the business of business

25:18 - Advertising your film to your audience

28:48 - The 4 Top Trades to read

29:41 - Christian parallels the film industry with the acting industry - understand your market

30:41 - Top 5 Things: 1. Learn the distribution business as best you can, get every trade and read them. (Listen to the episode to hear which ones!)

33:18 - 2. Watch movies, all kinds, all the time from all ages, learn the masters.

35:35 - 3. Educate yourself on film marketing, and how in a no print world, you can get the word out about your film, learn social media.

37:25 - Christian shares a real life scenario

42:14 - 4. Determine your objective with your film. Have people see it? Make money? Exposure? Determine your objective before you even start, and make a plan to achieve it.

44:57 - 5. When you make a film you're opening a business. You must understand the basic principles of business in order to achieve your goals.

50:19 - DocuView Déjà Vu

Joe: Fire of Love, 2022, 98 mins, IMDB: Fire of Love (2022) - IMDb

Christian: Sr., 2022, 89 mins, IMDB: Sr. (2022) - IMDb

Episode 193 | Animation in Documentary Filmmaking - A Partnership Re-emerging Mar 31, 2023

Show notes

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 today’s filmmaking. Additionally, they dive into the various aspects of animation and motion graphics within storytelling and film making with these various examples:

The Sinking of the “Lusitania”

“Ryan” a short by Chris Landreth (2004)

They also discuss costs of animation referencing these films:

“A Head Shorter” by Sasha Bortnik

“An Inconvenient Time" - The Story of Ruth Ravina

“Chicago 10“ by Brett Morgen

DocuView Déjà Vu:

Jason: “Ryan” a short by Chris Landreth (2004) IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414469/?ref_=fn_al_tt_12

Christian: "MH370: The Plane that Disappeared", Series, 2023, IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26739535/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Timecodes:

02:20 - Jason Rugg’s Bio

04:19 - Motion Graphics vs Animation

06:00 - Motion Capture vs Live Animation

10:20 - Math & Animation

12:55 - The rebirth/resurgence of animation in documentary film making with examples

23:00 - The cost of animation, examples and styles such as “parallaxing”

30:57 - Striking the right balance between animation and story asking questions like do you have an art director or an illustrator?

40:06 - Advice from Jason about where to start with animation if you are interested in using this medium in your storytelling, including finding the right style of animation to compliment your story

45:43 - DocuView Déjà Vu

47:46 - Update & Wrap up

Episode 192 | Reactions to the Oscars and Keeping it Creative Mar 16, 2023

Show notes

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 2023 Oscars fresh on our minds, we delve into the winners, losers and what we think this year's Oscars might mean for the future of filmmaking. Is the Academy still relevant? And how does a film get nominated? Join us for this fascinating conversation, and don't forget to check out our bonus segment on the future of the film industry, exclusively available to our Patreon supporters.

DocuView Déjà Vu Segment

Jason: "Glitch: The Rise & Fall of HQ Trivia", 2023, HBO Max https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26618018/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_5

Zach: "All The Beauty and The Bloodshed", 2022, 122 mins, Prime Video https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21374850/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2

Christian: "Chicken People", 2016, 83 mins https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4819510/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Conversation Time Codes:

00:30 - Zach Callaghan Bio

01:37 - Zach gives a writing update on the Taking Carentan Project

02:26 - Flo Plana came to town and gives some great suggestions to deepen the story lines of “Taking Carentan”

04:37 - Jason poses an idea for an episode - "What makes a good sizzle?"

05:58 - Topic adjustments including "Reflections on life and filming" - How life impacts or happens in the process of making a film.

10:47 - Creativity & Emotions - thoughts by Zach & Jason

13:47 - Where do creative story ideas come from?

15:48 - Christian shares about her experience a the "Patrick Live On Film Festival & Fundraiser" in the Chicago area. In particular, one short film "Fraser Syndrome and Me" had a profound impact and she was able to meet the film maker. Along with a new realization about the power of documentary films.

26:18 - Raffles, Raffles, Raffles - Christian wins 3 and 2 of those were film packages that will help with the May filming in Fort Campbell for "Taking Carentan"

27:07 - The morning after the Oscars show. The team recaps the Oscars and wonders whether this year is an indication of a changing industry

39:06 Jason Rugg was reminded of this video during the Oscars recap: Maggie Rogers - folk / Alaska (Pharrell's feedback)

41:30 - Does the Academy really matter?

48:20 - How film festivals tie into the Academy Awards and the money required to get a nomination to the Oscars.

55:02 - DocuView Déjà Vu Segment

59:45 - A quick Film update from Christian

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