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Other Great Episodes
Episode 38: Blessings
In this special Thanksgiving episode, first-time filmmaker Christian Taylor looks back over the last year and shares the many things for which she's thankful. Want to help us make the film? We need volunteers and donations to help finish work ...
Episode 37: Networking
In the heat of the moment, you can feel very low when you feel like a meeting or focus group goes poorly. But it's impossible to know how a single conversation will lead to more opportunities and ultimately influence the ...
Episode 36: Drowning
Everything is possible, but what's best? In this episode, our hosts discuss what it feels like to make a documentary film and the multitude of options and opinions out there about what should happen next. Film festivals? The Oscars? Distribution ...
Episode 35: Fundraising
Fundraising is tough. Even the best documentary filmmakers like Ken Burns still has trouble finding doners that make films possible. What works? Hosts Christian Taylor and Josh Lindsey share some of the things that have worked and how to brainstorm ...
Episode 34: Entrepreneurship
What does it take to be a voiceover actor? Or a film director? Or a book author? Hosts Christian Taylor and Josh Lindsey discuss entrepreneurship to highlight common skills needed for success in a multitude of careers. Want to help ...
Episode 33: Book Publishing
Have you ever wanted to write a book? In May of 2019, Christian Taylor co-authored a book with Peggy Sue Wells to give people another avenue to learn about the stories of veterans and (hopefully) raise some money for the ...
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 ...
Are you fascinated by the power of storytelling and the secrets behind captivating documentaries? If you’re into deep dives into reality TV, the creative process, and the art of balancing hard-hitting truths with compelling narratives, this episode is for you.
Join host Christian Taylor and visionary documentary filmmaker Eric Gardner as they unpack the making of Confessions of a CEO: My Life in an Out of Balance World—the riveting true story of Tom Gegax. In this heartfelt conversation, Eric shares his personal journey from his early days in reality TV and film school to navigating the ethical and creative challenges of modern documentary filmmaking.
Eric opens up about the difficulties of tackling controversial topics and the lengths he goes to maintain factual integrity. He offers candid insights into innovative techniques like AI-enhanced voiceovers and the delicate art of reenactments that bring his stories to life. With a nod to the groundbreaking impact of films like Super Size Me, he also reveals how his experiences—both triumphant and challenging—have shaped his unique perspective on storytelling.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about documentaries, film production, or simply eager to discover how raw, honest storytelling can change the way we see the world. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a dedicated fan of transformative cinema, prepare to be inspired by a conversation that blends creative passion with real-world insights and a genuine love for the art of filmmaking.
Go to confessionsofaceomovie.com for more information including how to watch the documentary.
DocuView Déjà Vu
Eric Gardner:
Three Identical Strangers, 2018, 96 mins, Watch on Tubi or Amazon/Prime, IMDB Link:
Three Identical Strangers (2018) – IMDb
Timecodes
00:00 Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking
03:28 Eric Gardner’s Background and Film Overview
05:45 Navigating Controversial Subjects in Documentary
10:11 The Role of Distributors in Documentary Success
18:43 Gardner’s Career First Steps
26:00 Editing Battle Stories
33:00 “Confessions of a CEO”
41:00 Challenges To Find Entertainment
44:50 Reenactment Critiques
56:47 Docuview Déjà Vu Segment