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, 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 challenges she has faced. The episode concludes with a discussion on choosing the right editing software and the evolution of editing technology. The importance of involving editors from the beginning of a project is emphasized, as well as the value of fresh eyes in the editing process. Yvette recommends the documentaries 'Three Identical Strangers' and 'The Other Side of Home' as must-watch films.
Takeaways:
• Building and maintaining relationships is crucial in the film industry.
• Networking and nurturing genuine connections can lead to opportunities and collaborations.
• Breaking into the film industry requires determination, perseverance, and a willingness to take on various roles and projects.
• Editing documentary and narrative films have different challenges and skill sets.
• Documentaries often require creating a story from scratch, while narratives involve working with scripts and existing footage.
• Living and working in Hollywood can provide unique opportunities and challenges.
• Having a supportive community and network is essential for success.
• Choosing the right editing software depends on the project and industry standards.
• Avid Media Composer is widely used in the industry, but other software like Premiere and DaVinci Resolve also have their merits.
• Early experiences with editing can shape an editor's understanding and appreciation for the craft.
• Involving editors from the beginning of a project can lead to a more cohesive and effective final product.
• Fresh eyes in the editing process can provide valuable perspectives and insights.
DocuView Déjà Vu:
Three Identical Strangers, 2018, 96mins, Watch on Hulu or Prime, IMDB LINK: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7664504/reference/
The Other Side of Home, 2016 - Short Documentary, 40mins, IMDB LINK: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5664922/reference/ Watch on Kanopy: https://www.kanopy.com/en
Time codes:
00:00 Introduction and Patreon Shoutouts
01:32 Introduction of Guest, Yvette Amirian
03:47 Yvette's Journey from Documentary to Narrative Editing
09:15 Differences Between Editing Documentary and Narrative Films
13:18 Balancing Work and Family Life
15:10 Tips for Breaking into the Film Industry
19:36 The Importance of Building and Maintaining Relationships
22:13 The Value of Collaboration and Kindness in the Industry
27:16 Challenges and Progress for Women in the Editing Industry
30:44 Living and Working in Hollywood
39:49 Choosing the Right Editing Software
41:52 Evolution of Editing Software and Yvette's Experience
42:20 Introduction to Editing and Early Experiences
45:04 Discussion of the Film 'It Takes a Village'
50:05 The Importance of Involving Editors from the Beginning
52:21 Documentary Recommendations: 'Three Identical Strangers' and 'The Other Side of Home'
55:56 Conclusion and Appreciation