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Episode 32: Invest in People
In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares her difficult technique for turning people into your biggest fans. Invest your time to listen to them! Hear how she came to that conclusion and all about her adventures with focus group events ...
Episode 31: Homecoming
Director Christian Taylor shares an emotional story of serendipity as she reunites two long lost brothers and brings together veterans, French families, and high schoolers for a memorable focus group event in Stoneybrook, NY. Want to help us make the ...
Episode 30: How NOT to Make a Documentary
If you're planning to make a documentary, be prepared for a lot of failure and unexpected setbacks. It takes someone like Thomas Edison (or Director Christian Taylor) to spin "1,000 mistakes" into "1,000 small steps to success". Learn some of ...
Special Edition: Upcoming Focus Groups
In this special edition episode of Documentary First, we bring you important information about upcoming focus group events for The Girl Who Wore Freedom. Listen in and see more at https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/events. Want to help us make the film? We're looking ...
Episode 29: Killing Your Babies
How many times do you have to watch your dear film before you decide that it really will be okay to cut some things out? In the industry, this is referred to as "killing your babies". In this episode, Christian ...
Episode 28: Rejection
What is something you shouldn't do when running a focus group event? In this episode, Director Christian Taylor talks about what she's learned from her recent experience attending four focus groups for The Girl Who Wore Freedom in Colorado earlier this ...
Episode 27: Volunteers & Partners
Projects like The Girl Who Wore Freedom need volunteers to exist. Volunteers who are hungry for growth have many opportunities to gain real-world experience and do work they'd be proud to show others. It's a win-win situation for both parties ...
Episode 26: Miniseries
When the idea for The Girl Who Wore Freedom was conceived a lot had to happen in a short amount of time. Now that there is a documentary of the film out there, we take stock of what we have and ...
Episode 25: More Focus Group Events
Christian has had a chance to catch her breath and is ramping up for focus group events in Denver, Colorado Springs, New York, Branson, and beyond! Find an event near you: https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/events. These focus groups are being organized and spearheaded ...
Episode 24: Fatigue
Creating a film is exhausting. Is it even possible to take a break when you're in the midst of creating a feature-length documentary? And what do you do when you want to finish the film, but don't have the money ...
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 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) – IMDb
20 Days in Mariupol (2023) – IMDb
Capturing the Friedmans (2003) ⭐ 7.6 | Documentary, Biography, Crime