Latest Episode
Our Hosts
Other Great Episodes
Episode 13: Tools
When you're a bootstrapped documentary you sometimes have to pick free or inexpensive tools to get the job done. For The Girl Who Wore Freedom Director Christian Taylor talks about the pain of editing ("killing your babies" to get the ...
Episode 12: Editor
A good editor is hard to come by and The Girl Who Wore Freedom was blessed with one of the best: Bill Ebel. Learn more as Director Christian Taylor shares her appreciation for Bill and the qualities (and hard, honest ...
Episode 11: Garage
All great things begin in a garage. Josh, Jason, and Director Christian Taylor explore the ins and outs of film editing from a garage in Tennessee. Christian also shares the roller-coaster that is translating, subtitling, and script-writing.
Subscribe to the ...
Episode 10: Balance
Is there such thing as work/life balance in film-making? Director Christian Taylor discusses La La Land, the creative process, striking the right tone, and putting family first…always.
Subscribe to the Documentary First podcast at your favorite podcast distribution network: ...
Episode 9: Dark Night of the Soul
What do you do when you're at your all time low and ready to call it quits? In this episode, producer Christian Taylor tells the story of her (extended) visit to her editor in Tennessee to get the film done, ...
Episode 8: Rewrite
In this episode, producer Christian Taylor shares the results of her first preview of the film; and it's not good. She faces reality of deadlines, debt, and the editorial process as she considers the end of the project.
Subscribe to ...
Episode 7: Assembly
A lot has developed since the last episode and the film is currently undergoing the assembly edit. In this episode you'll what that means and why everything Christian Taylor has told you up to this point is wrong.
Subscribe to ...
Episode 6: Harry Kropnicki
The wonderful story about Harry Kropnicki, Daniel Banazio and Flo Plana.
Subscribe to the Documentary First podcast at your favorite podcast distribution network: iTunes, Stitcher, Google Music, RadioPublic, or Spotify!
...Episode 5: Cuts
Wading through 600+ hours of footage, cutting off appendages, and finding your story—we’re looking at the realities of first-time filmmaking.
Subscribe to the Documentary First podcast at your favorite podcast distribution network: iTunes, Stitcher, Google Music, RadioPublic, or Spotify!
...Episode 4: Helmets
Real questions from real listeners posed to a real first-time filmmaker. Christian, Josh, and Jason explore the many uses of helmets, the smells of war, and the healing power of beer.
Subscribe to the Documentary First podcast at your favorite ...
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