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 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 the significance of embracing failure and highlights Tom’s natural flair as a host within the documentary. Juan outlines his organic filmmaking approach and the narrative development throughout "Mad Props." As the episode draws to a close, Tom shares his enthusiasm about realizing his childhood dreams through documentary.
The conversation spans a variety of topics related to the film’s production, including budgeting, travel logistics, and scheduling. The guests discuss the challenges and strategies of navigating the film festival circuit. They emphasize the positive impact of maintaining a good attitude on set and its influence on the project. Juan reflects on his journey in the film industry, underscoring the importance of perseverance and dedication. Upcoming projects and Juan’s evolving roles in filmmaking are also discussed.
Juan then talks about his favorite documentaries and the inherent unpredictability of documentary filmmaking. He stresses the importance of continuous learning and explains the concept of fair use for incorporating movie clips into documentaries. Insights into acquiring film clips and adapting to the dynamic nature of the film industry are shared. Juan highlights the critical roles of persistence and the filmmaker’s involvement in distribution. Lastly, Juan speaks to the generosity and philanthropy of Tom Biolchini, the focus of his documentary, rounding off a thoroughly engaging episode.
Takeaways
Documentary filmmakers must remain committed to continual learning and adapting to emerging technologies and evolving industry trends. Understanding fair use is paramount for integrating movie clips into documentaries; collaborating with clearance attorneys can provide essential guidance through complex legal landscapes. Persistence and resilience are crucial traits for filmmakers, given the industry's constant flux and the often demanding path to success. Active participation in the film's distribution process is essential, requiring filmmakers to invest significant effort in promoting their work. Moreover, the generosity and philanthropy of individuals like Tom not only enrich the filmmaking community but also leave a lasting impact on the broader world.
DocuView Dèjà Vu:
Juan Pablo Reinoso:
- Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about His Father, 2008, 95 mins, Watch on Prime or Tubi, IMDB:
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008) - IMDb - 20 Days in Mariupol, 2023, 95 mins, Watch on Prime, IMDB:
20 Days in Mariupol (2023) - IMDb - Capturing the Friedmans, 2003, 107mins, Watch on Max or buy from Amazon, IMDB:
Capturing the Friedmans (2003) ⭐ 7.6 | Documentary, Biography, Crime