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Episode 203 | Prehistoric Planet 2 with Anže Rozman and Kara Talve

Documentary First

Release Date: 08/17/2023

Episode 223 | Documenting the $40 Billion Industry of NFTs show art Episode 223 | Documenting the $40 Billion Industry of NFTs

Documentary First

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 and the importance of telling meaningful stories. The conversation explores the challenges of...

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Episode 222 | The Crazy World of Episode 222 | The Crazy World of "Mad Props"

Documentary First

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 and how his reunion with Tom sparked their collaboration on this project. The discussion explores...

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Episode 221 | Meaningful Stories w/ Alex Ivany of Ifine: Beauty show art Episode 221 | Meaningful Stories w/ Alex Ivany of Ifine: Beauty

Documentary First

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 networking, continuous learning, and finding a mentor. The episode concludes with a call to support the film...

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Episode 220 | Directing Going to Mars show art Episode 220 | Directing Going to Mars

Documentary First

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 , 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 documentaries. Takeaways: • Movies and storytelling have always inspired Joe Brewster, leading him to pursue a career in...

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Episode 219 | Editor Extraordinaire Yvette Amirian show art Episode 219 | Editor Extraordinaire Yvette Amirian

Documentary First

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 being kind to others. She shares her perspective on being a woman in the editing industry and the...

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Episode 218 | Getting Distributed w/ Joe Amodei Part 2 show art Episode 218 | Getting Distributed w/ Joe Amodei Part 2

Documentary First

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 of a film and the challenges of advertising in the current landscape. The conversation concludes with...

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Episode 217 | Award-Winning Cinematography w/ Laela Kilbourn show art Episode 217 | Award-Winning Cinematography w/ Laela Kilbourn

Documentary First

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 cinematographer. She discusses the challenges of advancing in the industry and the need to take risks...

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Episode 216 | Getting Distributed w/ Joe Amodei Part 1 show art Episode 216 | Getting Distributed w/ Joe Amodei Part 1

Documentary First

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 distributors is to acquire and sell the rights to films, including digital platforms, TV channels, DVD,...

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Episode 215 | Honoring WWII Veteran George Ciampa (Ep. 115 Re-release) show art Episode 215 | Honoring WWII Veteran George Ciampa (Ep. 115 Re-release)

Documentary First

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: to learn more about his story. Our first recording with George Ciampa was released in May 2021 and plays after a short introduction by Christian Taylor and Jason Rugg. 

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Episode 214 | Entertainment Blogging w/ Josh Sharpe show art Episode 214 | Entertainment Blogging w/ Josh Sharpe

Documentary First

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 evolved with technology. He talks about how some reviewers start their own movie review websites or...

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More Episodes

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 their inspiring symphony (no pun intended) of passion for music and film composition. Prepare to be get a little jealous as they recount the incredible privilege of being under the tutelage of Hans Zimmer. But brace yourselves for more than just a walk past memory lane; They experimented with musical instruments never invented before on their latest masterpiece, Pre-Historic Planet II.

But wait, there's a plot twist! The second half of the episode takes an unexpected turn with Christian's overdue update. Picture this: a double screening extravaganza in the vibrant setting of Ormond Beach, Florida, coupled with a serendipitous encounter with new friend, Michelle.

Then, get ready to time-travel as Christian recounts her captivating journey to Fort Campbell, KY. She unearthed treasures hidden deep within the WWII archives at the Pratt Museum that will breathe life into the "Heroes of Carentan" project. Feel the surge of excitement as Christian and Zach Callaghan craft this narrative masterpiece over the upcoming weeks.

Tune in now to experience the crescendo of creativity, mentorship, musical marvels, unexpected encounters, and the forging of epic historical tales.

Timecodes:

  • Introduction of our guests. 0:00
    • Prehistoric Planet is available on Apple TV.
    • Some of the credits are incredible, including BBC's "The Universe, and the Planets" and IMAX feature "The Great Bear Rainforest" (co-composed with Hans Zimmer), and the opening title music for "Frozen Planet II."
    • Kara Talve has worked on Prehistoric Planet alongside Hans Zimmer and is principal composer on "The Simpsons."
  • Kara and Anže’s background. 4:15
  • Creative process for prehistoric music. 12:50
    • The creative process for the Prehistoric Planet series and how it was different from the rest of the series.
    • The idea of making instruments out of fossil materials.
    • The last instrument built for season two is the "Tricera-tone," built out of a metal triceratops fossil replica with a double bass neck.
  • Nominated for an Emmy. 16:59
    • Kara talks about being nominated for an Emmy and how she was shocked and honored to be nominated by her peers.
    • Kara recommends "The Staircase" on Netflix which is about the murder trial of Michael Peterson in the mid 2000s.
    • Anze recommends "Ancient Apocalypse" on Netflix which is a docu-series about the theory of civilizations during the Ice Age.
  • Advice. 20:55
    • Anze’s advice on how to make a career in Los Angeles, and why passion is the most important thing to note in any field.
    • Kara's last parting word of advice: Be personable.
  • Documentary First company update. 24:55
    • Company update, “The Girl Who Wore Freedom” screening in Ormond Beach, Florida at a museum.
  • Fort Campbell, Kentucky. 30:19
    • Christian went to Fort Campbell, Kentucky to do more research at the Pratt museum and met her new hero, Pat Seeling, who is the historian at the Pratt Museum.
    • A motherload of information useful for Doc First's next project , including a book from one of the heroes of the movie.
    • DocuView Déjà Vu Recommendation from Christian is “The Changing Hollywood Landscape” podcast.
  • Key takeaways from the strike. 35:35
    • Companies like Disney, Amazon and Apple are not in the business of entertainment. They are in the business of advertising and selling things, solely focusing on continuing to make money.
    • Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's new production company, Equity Filmmaking, is trying to see if there is a new model.
    • The movie Oppenheimer is a must-see in theatres.

DocuView Déjà Vu Recommendations

Kara Talve: The Staircase 2004, Netflix, IMDB Link:

The Staircase (TV Mini Series 2004–2018) ⭐ 7.8 | Documentary, Crime, Drama

Anze Rozman: Ancient Apocalypse, 2002, Netflix, IMDB Link:

Ancient Apocalypse (TV Series 2022– ) ⭐ 7.3 | Documentary, History, Sci-Fi

Christian: A podcast on Fresh Air at NPR, with Terry Gross and Lucas Shaw of Bloomberg called “The Changing Hollywood Landscape”

The Changing Hollywood Landscape : Fresh Air