Episode 217 | Award-Winning Cinematography w/ Laela Kilbourn
Release Date: 02/14/2024
Episode 239 | A Fresh Take on Renaissance Man, Leonardo da Vinci - PBS
Documentary First
In this captivating episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor sits down with filmmakers Sarah Burns and David McMahon to discuss their forthcoming documentary on the legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Together, they explore the creative process behind bringing Leonardo’s life and genius to the screen, the challenges of capturing his story, and the innovative techniques they used to breathe life into his work. From the importance of curiosity and expert insights to the immersive experience of researching in Italy, Sarah and David share a fascinating look at what it takes to...
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Episode 238 | Documenting a Viral Country Music TikTok Trend, “Fancy Like Walter Hayes”
Documentary First
In this insightful episode, host Christian Taylor sits down with French filmmaker Matt Beurois, director of Fancy Like Walker Hayes, to explore the heartwarming story of country music sensation Walker Hayes and his family. Beurois shares his journey into documentary filmmaking and provides a behind-the-scenes look at capturing the Hayes family’s rise to fame. From the importance of storytelling and the challenges of balancing creativity with business, to the dynamics of trust, family, and fame, this conversation dives deep into the art and heart of filmmaking. Matt discusses...
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Episode 237 | Making a Hit Mini TV Series feat. Evan Wise
Documentary First
In this episode, host Christian Taylor sits down with Emmy-nominated editor and producer Evan Wise, ACE, to delve into his career journey and unique approach to documentary filmmaking. Evan shares his path from a rebellious skate punk in New Jersey to becoming a highly respected editor, working on acclaimed series like HBO’s The Circus and Q: Into the Storm. The conversation turns to his latest project, Chimp Crazy, a four-part HBO series that explores the complex world of primates. Evan offers a behind-the-scenes look at Chimp Crazy, discussing the creative and technical challenges...
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Episode 236 | Conversations with Christian, Part 2 (Free Patreon Episode)
Documentary First
Here is a taste of our new series called Conversation With Christian that is available on Patreon. In this episode, Christian interviews her eldest son, the one with whom her entire film adventure began. In 2011 he joined the military and that life decision had big implications for the whole family. They discuss his military journey and their shared experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss themes of trust, perseverance, and the importance of community. Christian’s son shares his passion for the military and his desire to serve as a warfighter. They also touch on the challenges...
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Episode 235 | The Girl Who Wore Freedom Dream Team - Part 3
Documentary First
In this insightful episode of the Documentary First Podcast, Christian Taylor, David Paterson, and Todd Anderson delve into the data and hard-earned lessons from the theatrical release of The Girl Who Wore Freedom. They explore the surprising factors that influenced ticket sales, including screening schedules, ticket pricing, and the often overlooked role of theater advertising—or lack thereof. The team shares their experiences with the logistical hurdles of distributing physical drives and the critical importance of targeted outreach to specific audiences. Reflecting on their journey,...
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Episode 234 | Finding Your Champion, Part 2
Documentary First
In this episode of Documentary First, Christian Taylor is joined by Joe Amodei and Tim Maggiani from Virgil Films Entertainment to dive into the evolving world of film distribution and the diminishing role of film festivals in securing deals. The discussion sheds light on how the dominance of streaming platforms and studios has shifted the landscape, making it increasingly difficult for independent filmmakers to gain visibility through traditional film festivals. The conversation explores the significance of IMDb in shaping a film’s release strategy and public perception. Christian and...
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Episode 233 | Finding Your Champion, Part 1
Documentary First
You know our good friend, Joe Amodei (Supersize Me) from past episodes. Now meet his protégé, Tim Maggiani, who is a great explainer of the modern film distribution process. Joe, a seasoned pro in VHS and DVD sales, admits the need for his distribution company to stay nimble and adaptable to new technology and platforms. Enter Tim. He understands the streaming world yet adheres to the age-old method of cultivating relationships between filmmakers and distributors—a key ingredient to success. By listening to this podcast, one will gain understanding about: what it is like to attend a...
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Episode 232 | How “To Dye For” Came to Life
Documentary First
Special guests, Whitney and Brandon Cawood, take us behind the scenes of their groundbreaking documentary, To Dye For. This eye-opening film dives deep into the hidden dangers of synthetic dyes and their adverse effects on individuals and families. By incorporating a unique blend of vlog-style storytelling, expert interviews, and emotional family testimonies, To Dye For shines a light on a critical issue often overlooked. In this episode, Brandon and Whitney open up about their personal journey, sharing the urgency that drove them to bring this story to life. They discuss the...
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Episode 231 | Escaping Twin Flames Interview w/ Cecilia Peck and Inbal B. Lessner
Documentary First
Cecilia Peck (executive producer) and Inbal B. Lessner (editor) are the creators of Netflix's 2023 doc series, Escaping Twin Flames. Together, they explore their personal journey as filmmakers, how they united as a powerful team, and how they brought this social issue to light. The conversation dives into the unsettling world of the Twin Flames Universe, an online relationship community whose promises of true love masks a controlling environment. Through deep research and with empathy, they unearthed these survivors’ stories. The filmmakers discuss the vital role of editors in shaping a...
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Episode 230 | Normandy Trip Update feat. Peyton Rabb
Documentary First
DISCLAIMER -- *Documentary First Productions and it’s staff acknowledge the complexity of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Comments made in this video are meant to explore the complexity of violence rather than to promote or stand for a particular cause. -- In this week's episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor is joined by summer intern Peyton Rabb to recount their unforgettable journey to Normandy for the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. The Documentary First Productions team had the profound honor of accompanying 101-year-old WWII veteran Ceo Bauer to the...
info_outlineIn 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 and make sacrifices to pursue your passion. In this conversation, Laela discusses the challenges of building a stable career in filmmaking and the importance of developing relationships with directors and producers. She shares her experiences with discouragement and the determination that kept her going. The impact of strikes and COVID-19 on the industry is also discussed. Laela emphasizes the changing landscape of filmmaking and the opportunities available to new filmmakers. She provides advice for aspiring filmmakers with limited resources and highlights the importance of collaboration. Last of all, Laela shares her experience filming underground in New York and recommends two documentaries: "Morena's" and "Senna".
DocuView Déjà Vu:
Laela:
- Morena(s) 2022. 70 mins, IMDB Link:
- Senna 2010, 106mins, Watch on Amazon, IMDB Link:
Senna (2010) - IMDb
Chad:
- Keys to the City: Chronicles of a NY Locksmith, 2023, 32 mins, Link: Keys to the City: Chronicles of a New York Locksmith
Christian:
- Sour Grapes, 2016, 85mins, Watch on multiple streamers (Freevee, Tubi, Plex, Pluto, Roku, Prime) IMDB Link:
Sour Grapes (2016) - IMDb - Bottle Shock, 2008, Narrative, 110mins, Watch on multiple streamers (Freevee, Tubi, Plex, Pluto, Roku, Prime) , IMDB Link:
Bottle Shock (2008) - IMDb
Takeaways
Trust and collaboration are key in the DP-director relationship.
Prime lenses can create a more cinematic look by narrowing the depth of field.
Advancing in the film industry often requires taking risks and making sacrifices.
Building a client base is crucial for cinematographers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Patreon Support
01:38 Introducing Layla Kilbourn and Her Work
03:35 Debut of Girl State at Sundance
06:35 Working with a Larger Budget
09:10 Working with Directors as a Cinematographer
12:05 The Importance of Trust in the DP-Director Relationship
14:35 The Role of Prime Lenses in Cinematography
16:37 Layla Kilbourn's Background and Journey in Filmmaking
33:03 Transitioning from Assistant Camera to Cinematographer
38:10 The Challenges of Advancing in the Film Industry
39:50 The Challenges of Building a Stable Career
41:40 Dealing with Discouragement and Persistence
43:18 The Impact of Strikes and COVID-19 on Filmmaking
44:47 The Changing Landscape of Filmmaking
45:38 Advice for Filmmakers with Limited Resources
51:51 The Importance of Collaboration in Filmmaking
54:01 Laela's Experience Filming Underground in New York
59:56 Recommended Documentaries