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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 260: "Saving Private Ryan": How to Really Listen to a Veteran - Part 2 Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

In Part 2 of our crossover with MovieRob Minute WWII veteran Ceo Bauer (95th Infantry Division, “Iron Men of Metz”) continues his powerful story. At 102 years old, Ceo reflects on forgiveness, receiving his Purple Heart, and returning decades later to the battlefields of Metz and Luxembourg.

He explains the mystery of WWII “invasion money,” shares how he first met Christian Taylor—sparking the journey that became The Girl Who Wore Freedom—and reads an unforgettable letter of gratitude written by French citizen Elizabeth Gosso for the 50th anniversary of Metz’s liberation.

This conversation captures Ceo’s humor, candor, and resilience, while reminding us why keeping these stories alive matters.

👉 Part 1 of this unforgettable conversation with Ceo is available on streaming platforms.

Documentary First Website, support us by buying merch or watching our films: https://documentaryfirst.com/

Timecodes:

00:00 – Reflections on forgiveness and fellow soldiers

03:00 – Returning to Metz and finding Steele’s grave

06:00 – Receiving the Purple Heart after being wounded

10:00 – Transport, hospitals, and survival memories

15:00 – WWII “invasion money” explained

19:00 – How Christian and Ceo first met & The Girl Who Wore Freedom

34:00 – Ceo reads Elizabeth Gosso’s powerful French gratitude letter

42:00 – Passing on memory to the next generation

50:00 – Reflections on peace, Israel, and supporting allies

Episode 259 | “Saving Private Ryan”: How to Really Listen to a Veteran - Part 1 Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful crossover episode, Christian Taylor joins Rob of MovieRob Minute to introduce a very special guest: Ceo Bauer, a 102-year-old WWII veteran of the 95th Infantry Division, 377th Infantry Regiment, I Company—better known as the “Iron Men of Metz.”

Rob begins by asking Ceo about Saving Private Ryan: what he thought of its accuracy, whether it stirred memories, and how Hollywood compares to the realities of war. From there, Ceo opens up about his experiences in Normandy in 1944, his injury at Metz, and the reasons many veterans choose not to share their stories.

For one of the first times, Ceo speaks candidly about what it was like landing at Omaha Beach 100 days after D-Day, the sign that moved him to tears, and the symbolic “pump handle dance” he’s performed across the world. His reflections are raw, sometimes emotional, and always full of wisdom.

This episode also captures something unique: guests in the room listening in—reminding us that these conversations are not just about history, but about keeping memory alive for future generations.

👉 Tune in for Part 1 of this unforgettable conversation, and stay tuned for Part 2 where Ceo continues sharing stories of bravery, loss, and survival.

Documentary First Website, support us by buying merch or watching our films: https://documentaryfirst.com/

Episode 258 | "Saving Private Ryan": Corey Johnson (D-Day, Camaraderie, John Williams) - Movie Rob Minute #131, Part 2 Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

In Part 2 of this special Movie Rob Minute episode, Christian and Corey Johnson continue their conversation with Rob about Saving Private Ryan, diving into the intricacies of Corey's role on set, military bonds, and reflections on the powerful themes of Spielberg’s war epic.

From detailed behind-the-scenes tales to touching insights on military brotherhood and trauma bonding, this episode brings it all.

We explore how Corey's experiences on set—like working with dummies, blood bags, and Tom Hanks—compare to the real horrors of war. Plus, Christian shares her reflections on the connection between veterans’ war experiences and the power of storytelling in her documentary The Girl Who Wore Freedom.

As the conversation shifts to film scores, we jump into Maestro Mondays to share our top 5 John Williams movie scores, dissecting what makes his compositions iconic and unforgettable.

Key Takeaways:

•Corey shares how he worked with Tom Hanks on Saving Private Ryan, revealing behind-the-scenes moments that most viewers don’t know, such as the use of dummies and blood bags in the intense D-Day sequence.

•Christian and Corey dive into the concept of trauma bonding, drawing parallels between military camaraderie and the deep connections shared by actors on set.

•A fascinating discussion on the therapeutic impact of storytelling, both for veterans and filmmakers, and how film scores can evoke deep emotions tied to historical moments.

•In the Maestro Mondays segment, we break down our top 5 John Williams scores, exploring the enduring power of his music to transport audiences into the heart of a story.

Additional Information:

•The Girl Who Wore Freedom is available for viewing in the U.S. on platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check out the trailer and learn more at thegirlwhoworefreedom.com.

•Be sure to listen to Part 3 of this conversation as we continue our analysis of Saving Private Ryan and dive deeper into more movie magic and historical stories.

Episode 257 | HBO Max "Billy Joel And So It Goes" Interview with Executive Producer, Steve Cohen - Part 2 Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

In Part 2 of this powerful interview, Emmy-winning producer Steve Cohen reflects on his 50-year journey with Billy Joel and the collaborative heart behind the HBO documentary And So It Goes. A masterclass in storytelling, legacy, and the quiet strength of those behind the scenes.

DocuView Déjà Vu:

The Kid Stays In The Picture, 2002, 93 mins, Watch on Amazon Prime, IMDB Link:The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002) ⭐ 7.3 | Documentary, Biography
Sinatra: All or Nothing at All, 2015, TV Mini Series, Watch on Netflix, IMDS Link: Sinatra: All or Nothing at All (TV Mini Series 2015) ⭐ 8.0 | Documentary, Biography, Music
David Foster: Off the Record, 2019, 106 mins, IMDB Link: David Foster: Off the Record (2019) ⭐ 7.0 | Documentary
Leonard Bernstein Reaching for the Note, 1998, 117 mins, IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0199708/

Chapters:

00:00 The Art of Storytelling Through Music

01:39 Steve Cohen: A Journey Through Lighting and Music

14:49 Expanding Horizons: From Lighting to Documentary Filmmaking

20:45 The Journey of Connection

22:51 The Essence of Struggle and Growth

26:00 Respecting the Audience

28:47 The Collaborative Spirit of Filmmaking

32:41 Reflections on Life and Relationships

34:53 The Legacy of Billy Joel

38:51 The Power of Documentary Storytelling

44:32 DocuView Déjà Vu Segment

Sponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!

Episode 256 | HBO Max "Billy Joel And So It Goes" Interview with Executive Producer, Steve Cohen - Part 1 Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

In this profoundly moving first installment of a two-part episode, Documentary First host Christian Taylor interviews Steve Cohen, Billy Joel’s longtime creative director and the executive producer of the new HBO docuseries Billy Joel: And So It Goes.

Steve Cohen, the executive producer, shares his journey from lighting stages to producing emotional documentaries, emphasizing the collaborative effort that brings these stories to life.

Steve reflects on:

Meeting Billy Joel in 1974 and forging a lifelong creative partnership
The soul of Billy Joel’s songwriting: honesty, heartbreak, and healing
How Susan Lacy’s empathetic direction helped uncover hidden emotional truths
What it means to tell someone else's story with care, depth, and dignity
The healing power of revisiting past relationships through art

For listeners who’ve ever found themselves in a song—or wanted to understand the quiet brilliance behind a musical legend—this episode is a masterclass in the art of documentary storytelling and a heartfelt tribute to legacy, resilience, and human connection.

No DocuView Déjà Vu

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Emotional Connection

04:04 The Journey Begins: Meeting Billy Joel

08:03 The Documentary: A Deep Dive into Billy Joel's Life

11:57 The Collaborative Process of Filmmaking

15:52 The Role of Relationships in Billy Joel's Music

20:03 Reflections on Billy Joel's Legacy and Impact

30:45 The Emotional Connection of Music

36:00 Creating Comfort in Documentary Filmmaking

39:41 The Art of Storytelling Through Music

Sponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!

Episode 255 | Creating Unique Soundscapes -- Scoring for Documentary Films w/ Panu Aaltio Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor sits down with Finnish film composer Panu Aaltio to dive into the fascinating world of film scoring.

From his early days as a cello player to becoming a successful composer for films and documentaries, Panu shares his unique journey and the challenges and joys of crafting music for the screen. The conversation explores the intricate relationship between music and film, the influence of video game music, and how directors' styles shape a composer’s approach to scoring. Panu discusses the creative process behind composing scores that evoke emotional responses, the importance of collaboration with directors, and the role of music as a character in a film. He also offers valuable insights on his experiences working on Netflix originals, the significance of documentaries in his career, and advice for aspiring composers looking to break into the industry.

Watch the hit show "Little Siberia" on Netflix!

Discover Panu Aaltio's work: https://www.panuaaltio.com/

Key Takeaways:

Panu Aaltio’s musical journey began with the cello at age six and evolved into a passion for film scoring.
Film scoring started as a hobby for Panu before it became his professional career.
Panu’s education in music technology and film scoring helped shape his approach to composing.
The emotional impact of music in film is crucial, and understanding the narrative is key to crafting effective scores.
Collaboration with directors is essential in understanding their vision and creating a score that complements the film.
Panu shares the importance of experimentation in music composition to create unique soundscapes.
Documentaries have played a significant role in Panu’s career, offering insight into the unique scoring techniques needed for this genre.
Music can act as a character in a film, adding depth and enhancing storytelling.
Panu reflects on his experiences with Netflix and shares advice for aspiring composers looking to make their mark in the film industry.

Sound Bites:

"I started playing the cello at six."
"I got really, really into film music."
"Music carries the emotion of the scene."
"You cannot micromanage everything."
"What do you want to achieve?"
"You need to be very careful with the music."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Film Scoring

05:35 Panu's Musical Journey

12:16 From Hobby to Profession

20:13 Navigating Directorial Styles

25:30 The Language of Music in Film

26:24 Understanding Emotional Impact through Score

28:48 Creating Unique Soundscapes for Film

30:41 The Role of Music as a Character

32:13 Experimentation in Composition

35:34 The Importance of Early Composition

41:12 Navigating the Netflix Experience

42:26 The Significance of Documentaries in Career

43:09 DocuView Déjà Vu

44:18 Advice for Aspiring Composers

45:17 Influential Scores and Future Projects

Episode 254 | "Saving Private Ryan": Corey Johnson's Cameo & Our WWII Documentary Journey - Part 1 Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

In this special Documentary First episode, Christian steps off the beaten path to share an exciting guest appearance on the Movie Rob Minute podcast. Christian is joined by her college friend and actor Corey Johnson to dive into a Saving Private Ryan minute, making it even more special since Corey played a role in the film! Christian thought it would be a lot of fun to bring Corey along, and she was right.

In Part 1, Corey shares his story of landing a part in Saving Private Ryan, working with Hollywood legends, and experiencing the chaotic D-Day scenes firsthand. Christian also opens up about her documentary filmmaking journey, especially with The Girl Who Wore Freedom, and how her conversations with veterans have shaped her understanding of gratitude, storytelling, and the healing power of sharing war stories. The episode takes some fun tangents as they explore the impact of WWII films on veterans and their families and dive deep into the culture of storytelling as a tool for healing.

Timestamps:

00:35 - Christian introduces the episode w/ special co-host, Rob of MovieRob Minute.
04:00 - Rob introduces the episode and welcomes Christian Taylor and Corey Johnson.
05:12 - Corey Johnson’s surprising role in Saving Private Ryan is revealed.
07:20 - A fun backstory on how Rob connected with Christian and Corey through Hollywood veterans and mutual friends.
13:02 - Discussion about how military veterans sometimes find it hard to share their stories, including insights from Christian’s work on The Girl Who Wore Freedom.
20:08 - Corey shares his views on WWII and the importance of telling veterans’ stories.
26:04 - How Saving Private Ryan impacted veterans and helped them open up about their war experiences.
29:02 - Corey talks about how he got his role in Saving Private Ryan and the luck involved in landing the part.
39:41 - Behind-the-scenes of Saving Private Ryan filming, including the gritty realism of the D-Day scenes.
44:56 - The filmmaking genius of Steven Spielberg and how his directorial decisions made the film stand out.
47:50 - A final reflection on the lasting impact of WWII films like Saving Private Ryan and The Girl Who Wore Freedom on veterans and audiences.

Key Takeaways:

Corey Johnson shares the story of how a small part in Saving Private Ryan became a milestone in his career, thanks to sheer luck, perseverance, and talent.
The importance of WWII films in shaping cultural perceptions of war and heroism, and how they help veterans open up about their experiences.
Christian Taylor discusses how her documentary The Girl Who Wore Freedom offers a unique perspective on D-Day from the French civilian's point of view.
How Steven Spielberg's filmmaking techniques captured the chaos and intensity of war, making Saving Private Ryan an unforgettable experience for both actors and audiences.

Additional Information:

You can learn more about Christian Taylor's documentary The Girl Who Wore Freedom at thegirlwhoworefreedom.com.
Part 2 of this conversation will dive deeper into Corey Johnson's filming experiences and his perspective on working with Hollywood legends.

Sponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!

Episode 253 | Revitalizing Communities: The Heirloom Project with Josh Nowell & Jim Rasberry Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor and co-host Hunter Taylor are joined by Josh Nowell and Jim Rasberry, the dynamic duo behind The Heirloom Hotel & Cooking School in Laurel, Mississippi.

They discuss the transformative power of storytelling, being on HGTV's Hometown, and community revitalization. As serial entrepreneurs, Josh and Jim share their journey of creating The Heirloom, a unique project blending hospitality and digital storytelling to preserve legacies and foster community connections. The conversation delves into the evolution of media consumption, focusing on the impact of streaming platforms, social media, and the shift in how content creators engage with their audiences. They highlight the significance of building authentic relationships and digital communities, a concept that is central to both their business and storytelling philosophy. We learn how their work is reshaping the hospitality industry and how the Heirloom network is using storytelling to bridge the past and future.

Link: https://theheirloom.us/

No DocuView Déjà Vu

Sponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!

Episode 252 | Inside Acting with Corey Johnson: From the Stage to the Screen and Beyond May 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Hollywood actor Corey Johnson takes us behind the scenes of his dynamic career, sharing powerful insights from working alongside acting legends like Anthony Hopkins. From his early days in theater to conquering the big screen, Corey reveals the evolution of his craft and the unique challenges of transitioning from stage to film.

He opens up about the unsung elements of filmmaking—trust, collaboration, and vulnerability—that make or break a performance. Aspiring actors and directors will walk away with actionable advice on how to thrive in the competitive world of film, with tips on navigating the business side of acting, adapting to new mediums, and mastering the art of collaboration.

Tune in as Corey and host Christian Taylor dive deep into the nuances of acting, the power of vulnerability, and the essential role directors play in shaping unforgettable performances. Whether you’re a theater lover or a film buff, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons for anyone passionate about storytelling, the craft of acting, and the film industry’s fast-paced world.

DocuView Déjà Vu

Corey Johnson:

Strangest Things Series, 2 Seasons 2021-2022, Watch on MAX and Prime IMDB Link: Strangest Things (TV Series 2021–2022) ⭐ 7.0 | Documentary
Tiananmen Square, 2019 - This documentary was done by Corey’s father and is no longer available.

00:00 Introduction and Early Career

02:52 Lessons from Working with Anthony Hopkins

05:56 The Changing Landscape of Acting

09:00 The Nature of Trust in Acting

12:03 Advice for Aspiring Actors and Directors

14:56 The Differences Between Theater and Film

17:58 The Importance of Collaboration in Directing

20:58 Experiences with Renowned Actors

24:03 Reflections on Genius in the Arts

30:20 The Mystery of Film Production

31:52 The Business of Acting

33:44 The Craft of Acting

36:44 Learning Through Experience

40:36 The Role of Self-Critique

43:40 Acting as Reacting

48:11 Vulnerability in Performance

49:59 DocuView Déjà Vu Segment

Sponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!

Episode 251 | Corey Johnson on Hollywood Acting, Documentary Narration & Storytelling, Part I May 07, 2025

Show notes

Ever wonder how a college theater kid makes it big as a Hollywood character actor and renowned documentary narrator?

This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the art of acting and the magic of storytelling. We sit down with Corey Johnson, whose extensive career spans blockbuster films, acclaimed TV series, and compelling voiceover work, for a candid conversation about his creative journey.

In this lively interview, Corey reflects on his path from the stages of Catholic University to the sets of Hollywood. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from his supporting roles in major movies and discusses how he became the voice behind numerous documentaries, highlighting the power of storytelling in film and narration. Corey gives an inside look at his recent role in the docudrama September 5 – a gripping recount of the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis – and explains what it was like to bring such a pivotal historical event to life through a storyteller’s lens.

Corey also opens up about his personal influences, including insights about his father’s legacy in journalism and how it instilled in him a deep appreciation for truth and narrative. He speaks about the unpredictable nature of creative careers, sharing hard-earned wisdom on resilience, adaptability, and passion for aspiring actors and artists. From navigating the highs and lows of show business to continually honing his craft, Corey’s stories offer both inspiration and practical advice for anyone pursuing a career in the arts.

But it’s not all about acting and film – we also get to hear about Corey’s hobbies and future projects. In a fun twist, he chats about his love of golf and how this off-screen passion is leading him to start a podcast of his own about the sport. It’s a reminder that a creative life can have many chapters, and that exploring personal interests can open up new avenues in storytelling.

Tune in for a conversational and engaging interview that delves into acting, documentary filmmaking, narration, and the creative process. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a documentary fan, or just someone who loves a good behind-the-scenes Hollywood story, Corey Johnson’s journey – from college theater to Hollywood and beyond – will leave you inspired and eager to follow your own creative passions.

DocuView Déjà Vu

Christian's Recommendation:

Septemeber 5, 2024, 95 minutes, watch on MGM Channel, Paramount + or Prime, IMDB Link:
September 5 (2024) - IMDb

Corey’s Recommendation:

Strangest Things Series, 2021-2022, 2 Seasons, Watch on MAX or Prime, IMDB Link:
Strangest Things (TV Series 2021–2022) - IMDb

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking

02:00 Corey Johnson's Acting Journey

05:40 Behind the Scenes of September 5

08:35 Recollections of College Theater

11:30 The Evolution of Catholic University's Theater Program

16:01 The Influence of Family in Documentary Filmmaking

21:55 The Legacy of CJ's Father in Journalism

23:17 The Legacy of Local Journalism

24:52 The Journey to Acting

30:30 Discovering the Actor Within

35:26 Navigating the Early Career

43:00 DocuView Déjà Vu Segment

47:00 The Passion for Golf and Podcasting

Sponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!

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