Documentary First

Get ready for an episode packed with surprises! First up, our beloved former host, Josh Lindsay, makes a triumphant return, stepping in for Jason Rugg. His presence adds a special spark to today's show. And that's not …

This week, embark on a musical journey with Nicolas Humberto Repetto, a composer whose roots trace back to Argentina before finding a new home in …

Get ready for an emotional and captivating journey in this week's episode of Documentary First. Join hosts Christian and Jason as they dive deep into an heartfelt conversation with none other than Craig Renaud, an …

Get ready for a riveting ride in this week's podcast episode as we delve into the mesmerizing world of original music. Hosts Christian and Jason are joined by two master composers who are also part of the remarkable …

In part 2 of “Human Footprint” Christian and Jason continue their chat with the creators and directors of Human Footprint, Neil Losin & Nate Dappen.

Listen to how Neil & Nate filmed the series on a budget, with …

Witness an unexpected journey of science and photography colliding with filmmaking to become an amazing PBS series called “Human Footprint”. Who said …

Welcome to the latest episode of Documentary First, as we celebrate a momentous achievement: Our 200th Episode!

Join Christian and Jason as they dive deep into the past four years of our thought-provoking and inspiring …

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Documentary First! In this week's continuation from last week's episode, we dive deeper into the fascinating world of film festivals and film markets. Joe Amodei, our …

This episode is one of a 2-part series where Christian and Jason talk with Joe Amodei about his recent trip to the Cannes Film Festival.

00:50 - Joe describes himself as “a film geek.” He explains why he prides himself …

We're picking up right where we left off from the last episode, talking about AI and how it relates to sound design with Nathan Ruyle. Nathan Ruyle - IMDb

Nathans Company “This Is Sound Design” website: This is Sound …

Get ready for an engaging episode of the podcast, where Christian and Jason chat with Nathan Ruyle, the sound designer behind the hit film "Citizen Sleuth." With over 100+ credits to his name, Nathan has an impressive …

Step right up, folks! This week on Documentary First, we're shaking things up and diving into the world of narrative filmmaking. Our special guest is …

Join hosts Christian and Jason as they dive deep into the ever-changing world of filmmaking with seasoned filmmaker, Joe Amodei. With over 20 years of firsthand experience and a passion for film history, Joe shares …

In this episode Jason Rugg, our loyal host and trusty dusty button pushing guy, is our guest guru on animation and how animation in documentary filmmaking is making a resurgence.

With Jason’s extensive background in …

Get ready for an exciting new episode of Documentary First! In episode 192, we're diving deep into the impact of life on the process of filmmaking. With team members experiencing unexpected life events, we explore how …

Welcome to Episode 191.

Chad Gilchrist, grip and lighting guru extraordinaire, and Director of Photography for “Taking Carentan”, joins the podcast today to talk about the Top 5 skills every cinematographer needs to …

Interested in improving your creative workflow? Jeff Kurtenacker is back to explain why it all starts with developing good taste. But it doesn’t end there, listen in to discover what it takes to improve your skills, …

Christian and Jason do a deep dive into "the dreaded cue sheet" with Jeff Kurtenacker.

What is a music cue sheet and why is it important for your film? The benefits outweigh the costs. It is more than just a tracking …

This week on the podcast Christian talks with Ben Feithen, Documentary First's CEO, about plans for Documentary First in 2023.

The DocFirst team is smaller now, and they ponder how to do more with less? When you hear …

Hear the rest of the story from the film-making duo, the Gilchrist's, and how they collaborated with the local French people, in particular with …

Christian & Jason finally get to chat with Tayler & Chad Gilchrist.

We find out how they met Christian and the journey of going to France this past summer to be a part of the team to film the sizzle reel for our …

This week there's a lot to recap, but first...introducing a possibly new segment called "News for the Day!" Coming off an East Coast tour, Christian talks new advancements in finding an audience that are made through …

This episode originally aired on November 26th, 2021. It's a re-airing of a special Thanksgiving episode at the time Documentary First was pitching to distributors like Netflix in Los Angeles and before our Carentan …

Special guest (for the second time) Joe Amodei gives us a history lesson, starting in the 50's & 60's with Bing Crosby & Jerry Lewis, then moving on to the 80's with VHS tapes. Joe shares how he started working …

How do you tell a story when the protagonist is a place? Our very own script-writer, Zach Callaghan, says "identity and purpose" are the two big things he looks for. Listen to his process of taking footage shot back in …

There has been a team shuffle. Jason Rugg is now in the host seat with Robbie Davis joining Christian and Jason.

Christian gives an update before an impromptu "symposium" on story. Life is never linear or straight …

Today we’re joined by a special guest, but first an update! The Girl Who Wore Freedom will be available on many streaming services soon, thanks to Virgil Films. We discuss E&O Insurance, and then dive into an update …

Today we discuss "The Bear" and "Kobra Kai", then jump into discussing the current state of Christian’s next project: funding and budgets!

DocuView Déjà Vu:

Josh’s: Hands on a Hardbody: The Documentary (1997) …

Christian has some exciting updates about the Carentan sizzle reel and The Brave Dutch! Also, she recently had a wonderful time zooming in alongside …

Staying afloat selling a movie has its own set of troubles. This week we celebrate the small wins! The Girl Who Wore Freedom is one step closer to being represented by Virgil Films. Also, new connections introduce new …

Today we’re joined by Christian, Josh and Jason! We talk through Christian’s new distribution deal, Error and Omission Insurance and in person screenings of the film!

DocuView Déjà Vu:

Josh’s: The Staircase (2022): …

Christian is looking for new ways to distribute her film even as her team starts focusing on other projects. Josh wonders how much value there is in putting energy into a film that has already run its course in the film …

Christian sits down with her sound team, Jeff Kurtenacker
(Composer) and Jason Hoban (Sound Engineer), to bounce ideas around concerning the development of her next project, The Brave Dutch.

DocuView Déjà Vu:
…

Today we’re back with Josh, Christian and Jason. We stop and remember Brad Freeman of Easy Company, and discuss what’s going on with the film now, and the highs and lows of production.

DocuView Déjà Vu:
Josh’s: Val …

Zach Callaghan refreshes us on how he joined the team as a staff writer. Initially hired to help with documentary guideline work, he also shares how he become an impromptu production crew member in France.

At the tail-end of her journey in France this Summer, Christian talks with Josh Lindsay about the thick of what was a packed schedule. Screenings, …

Carentan sizzle reel shoot is done! Christian and Co-Producer, Michelle Coupey review the past few weeks with TGWWF and give a quick peek into the most recent shoot in Normandy.

By the time you're reading this, Christian will have already left Georgia for France. This is a fresh recollection of the whirlwind of events that's …

Christian and Jason dive into Christian’s last week of travels for the film, then we dive into corporate sponsorships and what they mean for filmmakers.

Christian walks us through her visit to New York City, the players …

Today we’re joined by just Christian and Jason, Christian’s back from Reims, France. We discuss Josh’s middle initial, Christian’s visit to the Red Movie Awards, and her wins! Christian gives us the rundown of the film …

This week Christian traveled to Reims, France for the RED Movie Awards (Reims Excellence Director) annual ceremony, and met with local special guests, Dany and Flo, to reminisce about the events that got them to where …

Today is the final episode in our limited series about distribution, where we reveal the name of Christian’s distributor!

We talk through distributor woes, Panera woes, new distributor agreements, contracts, and updates …

Listen to our final episode to our 3-part series on distribution, but first, Christian gives an update on Grueling Glory from Dubuque, IA! Next, she shares victories in gaining self-distribution and informs why paying …

It’s part 2 of our series on cutting ties with the Girl Who Wore Freedom’s Distributor! We get an ongoing update about the film, European distribution and how Christian got into her relationship with her distributor.

…

Today is the start of a new limited series of Podcasts about Distribution, expanding upon what we discussed in last week’s episode.

We get some updates about upcoming festivals, showings of the film and some unexpected …

Today Christian gives us an update about "Grueling Glory", film festivals, and then we dive into a major update about the distribution of the film.

Then we get some updates about the "Brave Dutch", and then we dig into …

Today we talk through SRT files for films, the hurdles of working internationally with multiple companies, Dual Mono audio vs Stereo, airborne …

Today we’re joined by Mindy Cook! We talk through the process of making a DCP file, getting it shipped to location for showing the film, backup plans, and traveling to France.

Then we dive into some of our favorite …

Mindy returns to talk shop behind producer-type work including finding a graphic designer, recruiting, and gathering support. Also, we learn Doc …

Today we’re joined by Mindy Cook, a cinematographer, to talk cinematography!

But first, some updates about festivals, acceptances into film festivals, new places to watch The Girl Who Wore Freedom and then dive into …

Christian’s back from some state-side travel, she recaps her trip, then we dive into some sad news, and some good news! Netflix delivers their verdict, we talk through next steps with AVOD (Advertising-based Video on …

Christian relays her time with Flavie and Thomas on their trip around the US. They made new connections with the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, for developing a "TGWWF tour." Then Christian talks about …

Thomas Neighbour and Flavie Bass of NormandyDiscoveryTours.com, jump on the podcast from Jackson, MS! Christian shares about translating the movie into French for a Normandy film festival and how Thomas tried out …

It's a snow day, and Christian's back from Montana for the Flathead Lake Film Festival. She gives us an update on the trip, the Miracle of America Museum, and Mission Mountain.

Feeling Through …

Christian talks about people reaching out to her asking for help/advice for their first documentary. Then we get an update on the sub-distribution of The Girl Who Wore Freedom, including some crushing news.

We talk …

The crew’s back together, Christian gives us an update about Documentary First Productions! "Grueling Glory" will be showing at the Flathead Lake International Cinemafest, possibly showing The Girl Who Wore Freedom …

Listen to Jeff Kurtenacker, Composer, and Jason Hoban, Sound Engineer talk about their work on "Grueling Glory | The March to Carentan" Documentary First's 9-minute short film. The film is nominated for Best Documentary …

Today we're joined by Michèle Phoenix, we talk through Grueling Glory, how it happened, and what the experience has been like.

Christian talks through some rejections, some film festival updates, and the other projects.

Emmy Award winning producer, published author, and returning Documentary First guest, Sandy Gordon, walks through Covid safety protocols in the film …

It is just Christian this time giving a short recap of what her trip was like reconnecting with friends of the film on her recent trip to France. This includes seeing Dany Patrix's family bar be revived, getting a tour …

Where do podcasts come from? This week we engage in the ins and outs of finding your voice through podcasting. The struggles, the joys, and the technical bumps along the way are all about the process.

We wrap this year off with a special announcement- -
the rebranding of our film company to: Documentary First. Take a quick behind the scenes look at …

On this episode, we’re talking through Christian’s movies/series pitches, where they’ve been pitched and some updates about the film.

We talk through Flickfair, their film festival and how Christian discovered them. …

Today we’re joined by James Mason, the new Director of Living Stories. We talk through what that means, why and what they’re doing, and how things are changing within the organization.

We talk about Melissa Perkins …

We recollect favorite thanksgiving movies and general thanksgiving. Christian has studio updates and shares future plans with streaming platform, …

Today we’re joined by Mindy Cook, a documentarian cinematographer and “marketing specialist” for the Girl who Wore Freedom.

First we dive into talking about the pitch to Netflix, an upcoming Q&A with members of the …

Today we’re joined by Zach Callaghan, writer on The Brave Dutch, who previously wrote for The Girl Who Wore Freedom. He goes through the process of screen-writing for film. Christian speaks on leading a team with fresh …

Today we talk about Ted Lasso, Halloween costumes, and how to deal with the lulls in production.

Christian talks through what she’s working on right …

Jason Hoban, sound designer for The Girl Who Wore Freedom and Documentary First Podcast, discusses the art and science behind making audio mixes for …

Today we talk about Research and Development, screening the film for cadets, Christian dealing with a heckler, the emotional journey it sent her on, and how it might change her future films.

We talk a little about the …

Christian’s back from her Odyssey, we get an update about her trip, the things she learned about. We get a look at how Christian has learned about giving people rest time, including herself. We talk about self-care, …

Today we're joined by TGWWF and The Brave Dutch Co-Producer, Michelle Coupey, Christian's still in the Netherlands and has some updates about The Girl Who Wore Freedom!

Then we dig into the Brave Dutch, Christian's …

Josh is finally back, we talk through some updates about the Girl Who Wore Freedom on Delta Air Lines, Christian gives us an update about a future L'Oréal event, and Fort Bragg.

We get an update about Grueling Glory, …

We're joined by Flavie again! Christian is in the Netherlands on a pre-production trip. But first, she shares what parts of France she had the visited on the way, including memorials, museums, and the Pegasus Bridge. …

Jeff and Jason play switcheraoo! After a film update, Christian shares about plans to travel to the Netherlands for a scouting trip for "The Brave Dutch." Then, composer Jeff Kurtenacker explains how he had to name each …

This week, the podcast team took a break during this past Labor Day so we are reposting a previous episode, but before that, Christian reflects on what was happening a year ago during the recording of "Episode 79: …

Mindy got involved on the marketing team for The Girl Who Wore Freedom through listening to The Holy Post podcast. She ran a successful social media …

Christian's finally back home! We're joined by Sam King, the assistant editor of the film, and lead social media editor. Christian gives us a film update, Delta airlines update and some film festival updates!

Then we …

CEO/President of Virgil Films speaks to Documentary First regarding his experiences as a distributor for over 40 years, including trying to sell "Supersize Me". He starts at the beginning of his career and takes us on a …

Today we talk about how life effects work; Check out Jason & Shawn's animation channel on https://www.instagram.com/jaxandchawn/ @JaxandChawn

Christian's been gone from home for 4 weeks, dealing with personal issues …

Update about sub-distribution for TGWWF, Hoopla and Delta Airline are now streaming our film! Christian goes into the details and shares about other potential distribution deals. Then, she speaks on work-life balance.

Today we dive into Josh's awesome movie-themed-roadtrip, work life balance, and Jason disses Josh.

Christian recaps her accidental crimes and gives an update on the grant, blessings from God, and new members of the …

Today we discuss some lessons learned, mistakes made, and fees paid.

Christian fills us in on a week of bad luck, misfiled papers and trying not to incur penalties and fees. We talk about connections, growth, the future …

First, we get updates on the distribution phase of The Girl Who Wore Freedom. Second, Christian reveals two new projects she has underway, "Grueling Glory" and "The Brave Dutch". Finally, the act of gaining story …

We’re joined by Jeff Kurtenacker, David Patterson, and Jason comes and goes throughout this episode. We look back on what we’ve learned about distribution, discuss strategies for how to get your film distributed, then …

Jason’s back! George is back! Josh, well, he’s gone!

We get a quick update on the film, then we dive into George’s film career which for him, started at 81.

George recaps his efforts to get gates put on a cemetery and …

George Ciampa is back to finish off his cliff hanger ending from the previous week. But first, an update on more film festival wins, Christian’s travels, and her experiences with D-Day celebrations. Then we get an …

Jeff Kurtenacker, the music composer of TGWWF, fills in for Josh Lindsay and Jason Rugg! Christian shares exciting news regarding partnering with Delta and Michelin, and even meeting with Delta Airlines CEO, Ed Bastian, …

The Girl Who Wore Freedom is out on iTunes and lots of other streaming services. We talk through reviews, strategies, cinnamon rolls, and what it's …

This week, George Ciampa joins the pod for another occurrence, but first off, by the time this publishes, The Girl Who Wore Freedom film has been made available for purchase on Apple TV or iTunes as of June 1! Thanks to …

Today we’re joined by George Ciampa again, but first we need a film update. Some exciting release news for the film, in flight entertainment, and cable in Canada! And getting ready for the iTunes soft launch of the film.

Today we're joined by George Ciampa, a WWII veteran and documentary filmmaker. But first, an update on the Delta Airlines Partnership, then we dive deep into George's history and how he became a filmmaker.

We encounter …

This week was kinda quiet on the film front, so we talk through some of the things that happened, future plans for D-Day film screenings and the future of Christian's filmmaking career.

Then Christian gives us an update …

Christian gives us her usual update on the film, her experience in the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, and maybe some wins...??? Then she …

Christian's in Dubuque, Iowa for the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival! We talk through the festival activities this week, the overwhelming …

Today we're joined by Michelle Coupey. But first, we need an update about the Film. Christian fill us in on some interesting goings on in Wyoming, and Christian won another award, this time from a monthly film …

We're joined by Ron Tucker, director for the Beaufort Film Festival of which The Girl Who Wore Freedom was a part of last February. He has stories galore about the film world and expert advice about making it in the …

*Note: Please excuse the few seconds that got clipped in the beginning, we're adjusting to our new recording software, Zencaster, thanks for understanding!   

Today we have no guest! Which, feels a little weird. It's …

Today we're joined by Alex Maier, a filmmaker Christian met at the Flathead Lake Film Festival.

Alex tells us about his history in hiking/backpacking, how he started making films.

We talk through the technical hurdles …

What's a “faith based” movie? What about a “faith laced” movie?

Chris White, Director, Writer, Producer, and Actor, of the film, “Electric Jesus” …

This week we talk with Tim Gray. Tim is an accomplished award-winning filmmaker with nearly 30 documentary films under his belt. He's won 5 regional Emmys. He is the founder and president of the WWII Foundation, as well …

This week we hear about website optimization and film deliverables! I swear, it’s more interesting than it sounds!

Check out the updated “watch” page for The Girl Who Wore Freedom here: …

We get an update on how the film festivals went, awards won, and then we get into some facts about The Girl Who Wore Freedom’s Festival run.

Christian walks us through the process of entering film festivals. There are …

We get an update about the film, film festivals, and we hear from Jason and Josh, who were not at all prepared for this. Christian talks us through some of the other films at the festival.

Then we are joined by Michael …

Scott Homon will be the guest for this episode. Here is the link to his website if you would like to check out some of his work.
…

Today we’re joined by Michèle Phoenix! But first, as usual, an update about film, distribution, deliverables and an update from Josh and Jason. We …

It’s Episode 100, and we’ve got a whole mess of people on the show. We’ve got Jason Hoban, Jonathan Liu, Bradley Stair, and Jeff Kurtenacker! We’re …

Sandy Gordon is back! But first we have to get some updates about the film, and film festivals.

Sandy brought some show and tell today, she brings out some scripts, notebooks, etc from previous projects. Then Sally …

Sandy Gordon is back, today we’re talking about Line Producing, the Hudsucker Proxy, and how she got involved with their production.

Then we dig …

Today we’re joined by Sandy Gordon, Emmy Award winning producer and published author. We talk about her history in film production, how she got started, and what she’s been working on since.

Sandy tells us about her …

In this year end podcast, we look back on what we appreciated about this crazy year and what we’re anticipating for 2021. Jason talks about being a …

The podcast crew share hopes for the new year by thinking about the limitations, lessons, and innovations they have faced traversing the film-making …

Today we talk about “the next thing”. What will that look like? Financially, distribution wise? Production wise? When is Christian no longer a first time filmmaker?

And what in the world is going on in the film industry …

This is an interview with Mark McClain the author of Joy and Success at Work: Building organizations that don't suck (the life out of people).

This will be a tie into our recent business conversations... how do you …

Today we’re joined by Emily Mixter, The Girl who Wore Freedom’s Graphic Designer. Emily fills us in on on how she joined the project, why she does …

The Business of Documentaries

Hunter's back to talk shop, but first Christian gives some sage advice about how life does not stop during the filming of a movie.

Hunter shares what he’s learned from working on the film, …

Josh is out! Christian's on pain meds, and Jason is tired. But this week, we made it happen! Christian gives us some great news about some festivals, and then we do things a little differently, as Christian interviews …

Christian’s back home, but Josh isn’t! Christian fills us in on some updates from the film festival this last week, and some of the pitfalls encountered. But, it comes with some great news!

Then we’re joined by John …

Christian’s off in Utah! For the Red Rock Film Festival, and indeed, the rocks are red. Christian lets us know how the festival is going so far, the differences in the times of COVID, and some of the films that have …

WGA Registration! Lawyers! Film Festivals! Utah! My, oh, my, what a podcast. What is the difference between an Entertainment Lawyer and an IP Lawyer? What new festivals are TGWWF being submitted to? Christian digs into …

LA Femme International Film Festival proves to be a learning experience. Christian learns how new tech can cause issues, why she needs a copyright for her film, and how different festival producers affect the feel of …

Christian gives a summary of all the exciting happenings during the Chagrin Doc Fest. Listen to hear about new awards, press, and distribution deals for "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" movie.

Christian’s in Chagrin Falls Ohio, for a little slice of Chagrin, Chagrin Documentary Film Festival that is. Christian fills us in on the history of the Chagrin Doc fest and then... some awards?! The Lady Filmmakers …

With Boston behind them, Hunter and Christian return home for a brief pit stop before heading out to Chagrin Falls, OH for the Chagrin Documentary Festival. We hear a report from Boston, learn more about sales agents, …

TGWWF is on the road! Look behind the scenes of the journey to our U.S. premiere at the Boston Film Festival. This year, audiences have shrunk, but Christian still gets to experience the live event with her son, Hunter. …

Today, we’re getting a huge update about the film and the film festival run!

But before we get to the exciting stuff, we have to talk about the business stuff. Hunter has been at the helm of supporting Christian with …

David Paterson joins the discussion of moments leading up to the much anticipated Official Selection screenings! The USA Premiere of TGWWF is quickly approaching as the Boston Film Festival will host the USA Premiere in …

After an update on film festivals, we’re joined by Hunter, the new Head of Business Operations for The Girl Who Wore Freedom. Hunter joined the Army in 2012, serving 4 years in active duty, then transferred to the …

We begin with exciting film updates, acceptance speeches, & new team members! Then, we’re joined by Nicole Bernardi-Reis: a producer & …

In this episode, we’re talking about the long-term relationship with a film/filmmaker. David Patterson is back to talk us through what that’s like, and answer some of our questions.

But, before we get to all that, we …

Our film was accepted into two film festivals & we have another first-time filmmaker to interview! Elise Jaffe is making a feature documentary about using tattoos to reclaim your body after trauma or illness. 

Elise …

Our own first-time filmmaker Christian Taylor and Lead Composer Jeff Kurtenacker won awards in film festivals! They fill us in on what it feels like to be selected, nominated, and finally win! Jeff tells us about the …

Today we’re joined by Flo and Jenny all the way from France! We learn how Flo is uniquely gifted to ask Veterans questions because of his genuine care, interest, and respect for them... and his tips apply to any …

Today we get some updates about Film Festivals, talk distribution again, and a very specific film festival acceptance. COVID-19 feels like a huge opportunity to scam filmmakers out of money, time, and dreams. Christian …

Today we’re talking about distribution, what is it, how does it happen, and how should you approach a distribution deal.

We talk about what to look …

David Paterson is back with us again. We’re stuck in a weird gray area with film festivals, some canceling, some extending, some going online, so …

In this episode, we meet The Girl Who Wore Freedom's Publicist, Morgan Harris. Listen in as he shares the importance of focusing on messaging and building relationships with reporters. What are some elements of a …

In this episode, we meet the New Content Creation Team for The Girl Who Wore Freedom: Kyler Redding & Sam King. Even though the film is "done" there's still a ton of content needed to promote it. Why did they …

In this extra-long episode, we have a full house with guests Bill Ebel, Jeff Kurtenacker, and Jason Hoban to discuss the understated importance of …

Director Christian Taylor is about to complete her first documentary... for the eighth time! Because, as it turns out, finalizing a film with so many …

We're joined this week by some volunteers from The Girl Who Wore Freedom social media team: Rebekah Ueland, Bethany Villero, and David Needham. …

Jeff Kurtenacker (our Lead Composer) and Bill Ebel (our Lead Editor) each have their own featured interviews on this podcast that left many lingering questions. Last week, Jeff was asking the questions, but this week …

Bill Ebel (our Lead Editor) and Jeff Kurtenacker (our Lead Composer) each have their own featured interviews on this podcast. But after listening to each other's episodes they were left with many questions that had to …

As film festivals transition to screening online, should we expect them to pick different kinds of films? In this episode, Christian Taylor and David …

Meet David Paterson: pro stunt man, volunteer firefighter, park commissioner, playwright, stay-at-home dad, and last but not least, Executive …

In this episode, we speak with Jeff Kurtenacker, the Lead Composer of The Girl Who Wore Freedom. Jeff has over 15 of experience composing music for …

In this episode, we speak with Bill Ebel, the Lead Editor of The Girl Who Wore Freedom. Bill is an award-winning editor who played an invaluable role …

In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares an update on financial assistance, takes some important time to read and discuss fan mail, and answer some questions from the audience.

Want to see the video version of …

A lot has changed in the past month. In this episode, hosts Jason Rugg, Josh Lindsey, and Christian Taylor chat (online via Zoom) about the current status of The Girl Who Wore Freedom and how film festivals and so much …

In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares what it was like to visit Michelin for events to honor veterans and run a focus group event for her film: The Girl Who Wore Freedom.

Want to help us make the film? …

In what ways are the final production of a documentary film like giving birth? In this episode, Director of The Girl Who Wore Freedom Christian Taylor shares the analogy and exciting opportunities with Michelin as we …

In this episode, Director of The Girl Who Wore Freedom Christian Taylor shares with her cohosts exactly how she was invited to submit to a staggering number of film festivals (many with fee waivers)! How important is …

In the last episode, we met Flavie and Thomas: two French cast members from The Girl Who Wore Freedom who are tour guides and reenactors. Listen in …

In this episode, our hosts are joined by Flavie and Thomas: two cast members from The Girl Who Wore Freedom. These two are from Normandy, France but how they wound up staying with Christian was quite the adventure! As a …

In this episode, co-hosts Jason Rugg, Joshua Lindsay, and Christian Taylor are joined by guest Yesenia Thomas to discuss exciting plans for an animatic and where things are at with the latest cut of the film.

Want to …

In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares what it was like to visit the Sundance Film Festival and bump into celebrities (sometimes literally)! Her documentary film, The Girl Who Wore Freedom, is almost ready to …

In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares what it was like to take a plunge and attend the Sundance Film Festival. Listen in and hear her stories about things that she was surprised by and what she figured out …

This episode originally aired on March 6th, 2019. It's been a very exciting couple of weeks and we thought it'd be good to revisit our origin story.

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Today we talk origin stories. We’re looking at how Director …

In a previous episode, hosts Christian, Josh, and Jason discuss the important lesson of killing sacred cows (or killing your babies) in order to set aside personal emotions and improve the film. In this episode, …

As we near the final stages of the film, Director Christian Taylor continues to get critical feedback and has to make difficult decisions. This time, …

What should you do when you get critical feedback? In previous episodes, we talked about the practice of killing your babies and working with …

It's critically important to get professional help or consulting throughout the entire process of producing a film. How else would a first time …

Thanks to the many focus groups in 2019 Christian Taylor has accumulated a long list of things to fix and improve in The Girl Who Wore Freedom. The …

When you're making a film, remember to take notes about the archival footage, usage rights, and sources for everything added to the film. Learn from our first time filmmaker, Christian Taylor as she talks to co-hosts …

Christian Taylor visits her family in Tennessee and (surprise, surprise), she screens the film. While she was there she hears new stories that make her start thinking about her next film. (Is there some sort of …

In this episode, co-host and Director Christian Taylor recap focus groups events from one coast to the other: The Villages, Florida to Phelan, California. These two focus groups were on different ends of the spectrum …

In this episode, co-host and Director Christian Taylor recaps her experience running two of the most impactful focus groups so far at the Branson …

Collaboration on a project as large as a film like The Girl Who Wore Freedom is difficult. Films take years to produce and it's natural for our …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares her difficult technique for turning people into your biggest fans. Invest your time to listen to …

Director Christian Taylor shares an emotional story of serendipity as she reunites two long lost brothers and brings together veterans, French …

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 …

In this special edition episode of Documentary First, we bring you important information about upcoming screenings for The Girl Who Wore Freedom. Listen in and see more at https://www.normandystories.com/screenings.

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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 Taylor, …

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 …

Projects like The Girl Who Wore Freedom need volunteers to exist. Volunteers who are hungry for growth have many opportunities to gain real-world …

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 consider the format. What …

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! …

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 to pay …

Getting any kind of feedback is hard. If the feedback is only positive, you worry that they're just trying to make you feel good and not being …

In this episode, host of the podcast Josh Lindsey asks director Christian Taylor a series of questions to better understand what went on at the Normandy focus group screening of The Girl Who Wore Freedom. We'll hear …

Social media is an important part of promoting any project, but particularly films. In this episode, we meet Anne Evans, our first social media lead …

What does it take to run a focus group screening? In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares how the eleven screenings were planned for Normandy to gather feedback from the five-hundred people who have seen the …

Director Christian Taylor is in France preparing to screen the film, but the drive doesn't work. In this episode, we celebrate the first focus group event of The Girl Who Wore Freedom in Normandy, France, discuss the …

In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares an update after visiting Mississippi and screening for veterans with dramatically moving results. …

In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares an update after running a focus group for The Girl Who Wore Freedom in Normandy for D-Day Celebrations. Because we've been so busy with that, we're also reairing Episode …

Director Christian Taylor looks ahead to the next steps for “The Girl Who Wore Freedom” and speculates about what it will be like to watch the film …

Working with footage and audiences that represent at least two distinct languages is no small task. Director Christian Taylor talks about the complexity of subtitling and her project’s tight turnaround for sound and …

A good composer understands both emotion and serendipity. There's no better example than how Jeff Kurtenacker came to be the Lead Composer on The Girl Who Wore Freedom. Listen in as Director Christian Taylor shares his …

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 …

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 truth) …

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. …

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.

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, how she ran …

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, …

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 …

The wonderful story about Harry Kropnicki, Daniel Banazio and Flo Plana.

Wading through 600+ hours of footage, cutting off appendages, and finding your story—we’re looking at the realities of first-time filmmaking.

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.

Documentary filmmaking takes way more than setting up a camera in a breathlessly scenic, historic destination. It starts with determination. Christian, Josh, and Jason cover the grit of getting started in filmmaking and …

Christian, Josh, and Jason explore their all-time favorite documentaries and the inspirations for “The Girl Who Wore Freedom” film.

Today we talk origin stories. We’re looking at how Director Christian Taylor got her start in filmmaking, the necessity of building a good team and how being a Mom helped her as a producer! Christian, Josh, and Jason …