Doc Walks

We're wandering through a mystery neighborhood (we don't know the name) with Alex Ross Perry, who has TWO movies screening in Austin on the same day.

Here to promote his 10-year passion project VIDEO HEAVEN—an essay film about video stores screening at Austin Film Society, and his part of the omnibus VHS series at Fantastic Fest, Alex has built up a fair amount of cred since 2014's LISTEN UP, PHILIP. Of course, "you can't pay for Montessori preschool with cred." Ain't that the truth.

We catch Alex on the heels of last year's PAVEMENTS, a fictional(?) documentary about the indie rock band Pavement that aims to be both fabricated—and factual. We've got questions and he's got answers, pulling at the seams of a complicated film for which he created a fake Hollywood biopic (Joe Keery as Stephen Malkmus), staged a full off-Broadway musical with audiences who had no idea they were in a movie, and curated a hagiographic four-day Pavement museum all while cutting an archival dive into the 1990s phenoms against a 2022 reunion tour. It's a lot.

We walk where the streets all have names… and end up with Alex's contrarian take on AI, which is both slanted and enchanting: the long and short of it, he's not worried. This industry is built on execs' calendars filled with endless notes calls with the sole job of justifying everyone's existence. Just like politicians, "studio execs won't let themselves be put out to pasture….and nobody who's rich shows themselves the door."

Discussion links: IMPOLEX (2009) | LISTEN UP PHILIP (2014) | COLOR WHEEL (2011) | QUEEN OF EARTH (2015) | HER SMELL (2018) | RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW (2023) | VHS HALLOWEEN (2025) | VIDEO HEAVEN (2024) | SLOW CENTURY (2002) | PAVEMENTS (2024) | DUNKIRK (2017) | BARBIE (2023) | BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (2018) | ROCKET MAN (2019) | SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2 (2008)

Tags

Alex Ross Perry, Pavement documentary, Video Heaven, indie filmmaking, music documentary, documentary filmmaking, Stephen Malkmus, experimental documentary, mockumentary, Robert Greene editor, Austin Film Society, Fantastic Fest, video store documentary, indie rock documentary, fair use filmmaking, VHS horror, Listen Up Philip, screenwriting, AI and filmmaking, narrative documentary

This week we're roaming from Go-Valley (the production compound) thru Govalle (the neighborhood) with Marfa, TX-based filmmaker Hillary Pierce, a producing force behind Ben Masters' THE RIVER AND THE WALL, and Maisie Crow's AT THE READY..

Hillary's path involves assisting the legendary Albert Maysles in New York (yes, he ate her leftovers), looping back to Austin, and then simultaneously working on two wildly different features with Keith, TOWER and A SONG FOR YOU. A meandering stroll through Govalle's sculpture garden and lizard-lurking trails, Hillary shares why "love your subjects" is ardent filmmaking advice, how producing a wedding preceded additional documentary productions, and why she eventually fled to Marfa during COVID.

We dig into the Documentary Producers Alliance - why it matters, what those crediting guidelines actually do, and how unsexy spreadsheets save productions. Hillary breaks down fundraising across political aisles, the death of traditional distribution, and why your next project might not need to be a feature.

The industry's burning down? Rumor has it. But Hillary's got ideas for what we build next.

Discussion links: TOWER (2016) | A SONG FOR YOU (2016) | THE RIVER AND THE WALL (2019) | AT THE READY (2021) | DOCUMENTARY PRODUCERS ALLIANCE

Timestamps: 00:00 Govalle Adventures Begin 02:00 From Maysles to Austin 07:00 The Costa Rica Doc That Never Was 09:00 Producing Two Features at Once 14:00 What the DPA Actually Does 21:00 Escaping to Marfa 24:00 Conservative Conservationists & Border Politics 28:00 Plans Are Made to Be Changed 33:00 Direct Distribution Isn't Plan B Anymore 40:00 Redefining Documentary Success 44:00 What Do We Build Next?

Tags: documentary filmmaking, film producer, documentary producer, Tower documentary, The River and the Wall, Albert Maysles, documentary distribution, direct distribution, indie filmmaking, Documentary Producers Alliance, DPA, Austin filmmakers, Marfa Texas, film production, documentary careers, filmmaking advice, Keith Maitland, Ben Steinbauer, documentary industry, independent film

Ben crashes the Matt and Bob show to talk WINNEBAGO MAN, viral videos before viral was a thing, and tracking down an angry RV salesman living as a hermit in Northern California. The conversation rips through documentary evolution—from Ken Burns photo zooms to Tiger King (quick: who directed it? exactly)—and lands on why docs are the offensive linemen of film: you don't know their names, but you need them. Ben breaks down Doc Walks, his new weekly walk-and-talk series with Austin filmmaker Keith Maitland, where tiny cameras, AI editing, and real conversation collide. They dig into HIGH HOPES (his Hulu dispensary doc with Jimmy Kimmel), the terrifying gamble of documentary filmmaking (what if nothing happens?), and why authenticity matters when everything else is fake. Plus: why Ben's wife is rooting for Chuy's love life.

Discussion links: WINNEBAGO MAN (2009) | HIGH HOPES (2023) | TOWER (2016) | SHERMAN'S MARCH (1985) | DEAR ZACHARY (2008) | ICARUS (2017)

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro | 01:00 HIGH HOPES | 02:00 WINNEBAGO MAN Origin Story | 06:00 Docs as Offensive Linemen | 07:00 Doc Walks Launch | 10:00 Authenticity vs AI | 11:00 Documentary Risks | 13:00 When Stories Swerve | 14:00 Where to Find Doc Walks

YouTube Tags:

documentary filmmaking, Ben Steinbauer, Winnebago Man, documentary filmmaker interview, Matt and Bob show, Doc Walks podcast, Keith Maitland, High Hopes Hulu, Jimmy Kimmel, documentary series, Austin filmmakers, Tower documentary, filmmaking podcast, indie filmmaking, documentary production, viral videos, Jack Rebney, reality vs documentary, authentic storytelling, film industry, documentary editing, Sherman's March, Ken Burns, Tiger King, documentary evolution, cinema verite, nonfiction filmmaking, Sundance documentaries, film school, documentary techniques, filmmaker interview, behind the scenes, documentary process, creative process, film production, independent film, documentary storytelling, Texas filmmakers, Austin film scene, entertainment industry, media production, film discussion, movie podcast, documentary history, filmmaking tips, creative collaboration, film theory, documentary craft

This one is pure gold! Join Ben on a solo walk with the legendary Maureen Gosling—a prolific documentary editor and director, and a longtime collaborator of Les Blank. Dig into the makings-of iconic films like SPROUT WINGS AND FLY, GAP-TOOTHED WOMEN and BURDEN OF DREAMS, and explore Maureen's latest work, THE NINE LIVES OF BARBARA DANE. We dive deep into the fascinating twists and turns of Maureen's career and her seamless transition from editor to director. Maureen inspires as she lays out the unique nature of her collaborative process—and there are ideas in here that we can all learn from. Don't miss this golden stroll through documentary history with someone who's lived it.

Discussion links:

THE BLUES ACCORDIN' TO LIGHTNIN' HOPKINS (1968)

SPEND IT ALL (1971)

DRY WOOD (1973)

HOT PEPPER (1973)

A POEM IS A NAKED PERSON (1974)

CHULAS FRONTERAS (1976)

DEL MERO CORAZÓN (1979)

BURDEN OF DREAMS (1982)

SPROUT WINGS AND FLY (1983)

IN HEAVEN THERE IS NO BEER? (1984)

GAP-TOOTHED WOMEN (1987)

BLOSSOMS OF FIRE (2000)

WAITING TO INHALE (2005)

THE NINE LIVES OF BARBARA DANE (2023)

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

01:05 Maureen Gosling's New Film

02:26 Les Blank: A Legendary Collaborator

05:25 Early Career and First Projects

11:15 Filmmaking Philosophy and Techniques

16:26 Transition to Directing

24:19 Challenges and Collaborations

26:31 The Nine Lives of Barbara Dane

27:08 Chris's Annual Parties and Barbara Dane's Musical Influence

27:50 Discovering Barbara Dane's Legacy

28:59 Filming Barbara Dane's Last Concert

30:24 Barbara Dane's Son and His Life in Cuba

32:25 Raising Funds and Continuing the Documentary

36:38 Barbara Dane's Impact and Final Years

39:31 Maureen's Reflections on Her Career

44:14 The Importance of Documentaries

47:40 Upcoming Screenings and Live Music Events

49:13 Maureen's Time in Austin and Final Thoughts

A walk down docu-memory lane as we welcome Ben's early filmmaking collaborator, roommate, and mentor Bradley Beesley…. A prolific and adventure-prone docmaker, Bradley's created acclaimed docs OKIE NOODLING 1 & 2, FEARLESS FREAKS, and SWEETHEARTS OF THE PRISON RODEO—among others. This walk takes us through Brad & Ben's old neighborhood, with a stop in front of the house they shared in French Place, here in Austin. In a flowing conversation filled with stories and insights from Bradley's early days at OU art school where he made the infamous PIZZA MAN, through his collaborations with Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips, and his intense love of Oklahoma hand-fishing, it's no surprise that Ben calls Bradley, "The Pride of Oklahoma." And Austin takes plenty of pride in this former-pirate too!

Links:

The Making of Biffy Clyro, My Recovery Injection directed by Ben Steinbauer

Okie Noodling (2000)

Fearless Freaks (2005)

Summercamp! (2006)

The Creek Runs Red (2006)

Okie Noodling 2 (2008)

Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo (2009)

Calls To Okies: The Park Grubbs Story (2014)

00:00 The Pride of Barbados

00:22 The Pride of Oklahoma

02:10 Walking and Talking with Bradley Beesley

04:29 Journey to Austin

05:35 The Flaming Lips Connection

20:49 The Making of Okie Noodling

27:33 Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo

28:38 The Best Summer of Bradley's Life

29:39 The Pirate Life of Filmmaking

33:16 The Okie Noodling Phenomenon

36:11 Creating the Noodling Tournament

38:56 Funding and Production Challenges

40:51 The Passion for Noodling

44:54 Advice for Young Filmmakers

47:49 Current Projects and Reflections

51:30 Conclusion and Future Guests

Summer's done and Fall is Falling as we (Keith & Ben) check in with each other about the state of our respective projects and how we go from development to production (fingers crossed). We don't have the answers, but we each have our approaches to deck-creation, sizzle reel sizzling, pitching & fundraising, all to get into the 'making' part of filmmaking. Ben shares details about his doc project DR. DANTE, a collab with filmmaker/producer Bradley Beesley and Jimmy Kimmel's company Kimmelot (plus Julie Goldman's Motto Films), as an adaptation of a short into a podcast into a feature doc. And Keith shares where he is with two upcoming projects: a twist on true crime that he's making in partnership with Frank Mosley and Concordia Studio and an all-archival film about an international auteur. Fall is here and so are important deadlines—we're looking at expanding our industry connections and providing insights into the seasonal dynamics of this confusing industry… walk with us and let's figure it out together!

00:00 Introduction Under the Tree

00:28 Reflecting on Seasons and Time

01:03 The Big Reset: End of Summer

02:59 Pitching New Projects

03:41 Dr. Dante: A Comedic True Crime Doc

09:32 Challenges and Changes in Filmmaking

17:05 Building a Team and New Projects

21:22 The Excitement of Filmmaking and Education

22:06 Creating a Documentary Package

22:43 The Grant Route and Its Importance

24:27 Sundance Catalyst Invitation

26:38 Editing the Sizzle Reel

29:47 Balancing Multiple Projects

30:05 The Importance of General Meetings

33:51 Pitching and Developing New Projects

37:14 Fall Festivals and Film Releases

40:15 Wrapping Up and Future Guests

Two-time Sundance winner Reid Davenport is in town with his new film LIFE AFTER. We were excited to book time with Reid and his producer Colleen Cassingham for a sit-down with Keith at the Austin Film Society Cinema. Reid shares the story behind what drew him to telling this complex story about the issues attached to state sanctioned assisted suicide and talks about his early filmmaking days where questions of identity and politics shaped him as a filmmaker with a unique perspective. Both Reid and Colleen appear on-camera in LIFE AFTER and we dig into that process, their respective roles, and how their story (& they) changed along the way. This is a film supported by ITVS and airing this Fall on Independent Lens and so of course, the recent cuts to CPB are in the air—but it's not all politics on this episode. We also dig into the filmmakers and films that inspired these two filmmakers and find plenty to laugh about together. Join us for a look at LIFE AFTER and life on the road with Reid Davenport and Colleen Cassingham.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

00:44 Setting the Scene: Austin Film Society Cinema

01:21 Introducing the Film 'Life After'

03:23 Challenges and Strategies in Film Distribution

06:27 Impact of Public Media Cuts

08:56 Exploring the Film's Themes and Personal Reflections

13:33 Production Process and Personal Insights

24:24 The Tension of Filmmaking

25:07 Exploring Disability in Film

25:45 Inspiration and Filmmaking Journey

31:15 The Role of Mentors

40:07 Practical Advice for Emerging Filmmakers

44:33 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

It's a sobering summer day in Austin as we invite the Austin Chronicle's Richard Whittaker out for a walk. Fresh off the presses, Richard has researched and written a story that details the ramifications of the recent defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the impact that this move has on independent documentaries. We get into it, talking up the history and significance of PBS and ITVS, the Independent Television Service — the leading funder of indie docs in the public sphere. Richard provides context and detail far beyond the headlines for this hot-button issue affecting everyone who tells or takes-in non-fiction media. It's a frustrating, shared reality that we inhabit, and this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about documentary filmmaking and the future of public broadcasting. Subscribe and stay tuned for our conversation!

Richard's article in The Austin Chronicle: https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2025-08-01/texas-public-media-grapples-with-funding-loss-from-gop-bill/

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:28 Interview with Richard Whittaker

03:56 Impact of Funding Cuts on Public Broadcasting

09:20 The Role of ITVS in Independent Documentaries

10:48 Historical Context and Future Implications

16:48 Challenges and Responses from ITVS

22:00 Independent Production Budgets

22:29 Funding Strategies for Documentaries

23:20 The Role of Major Filmmakers

26:07 Challenges in Nonprofit Funding

28:17 Public Media and Political Perception

32:30 The Value of Public Media

36:29 Future of Documentary Filmmaking

38:37 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

We talk a lot about mentorship on this podcast—so it makes sense that we'd bring a pivotal mentor to both of us into the mix. Join us as we find a shady spot on the campus of the University of Texas as DocWalks becomes DocTalks with Dr. Paul Stekler. We'll get into Paul's POV from many angles—from his days as a Harvard PhD, to his filmmaking roots in New Orleans, through his role as the chair of the Radio-Television-Film department at UT, Paul has made teaching and community building a priority. But that hasn't held him back from building an impressive catalog of films… with SETTING THE WOODS ON FIRE, VOTE FOR ME, LAST MAN STANDING, and GETTING BACK TO ABNORMAL (& more) he's pushed political perspectives beyond wonky intellectualism into a place full of heart and humor. Paul has played a significant role in each of our careers—as he has with dozens of other filmmakers… and this episode celebrates lessons learned (or missed) in grad school, the many mea culpas of George Wallace, Henry Hampton and his EYES ON THE PRIZE, and the importance of community (not to mention: memories of drunken revelry with Richard Leacock). Take a seat as we replace DocWalks with DocTalks with Austin's doctor of documentaries.

00:00 Exploring the University of Texas Campus

00:56 Meeting Dr. Paul Stekler

01:26 Paul Stekler's Impact on Filmmakers

03:57 The Art of Taking and Giving Feedback

13:01 Paul Stekler's Journey into Filmmaking

14:43 Early Filmmaking Experiences and Challenges

18:41 The Role of a Director in Documentary Filmmaking

24:14 The Art of a Good Shot

24:28 Interview Techniques and Influences

25:27 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

26:06 The Importance of Passion and Story

27:33 Building a Filmmaking Community

28:44 Transition to Austin and Early Projects

29:42 George Wallace and Political Documentaries

34:27 Collaborative Filmmaking

38:22 Supporting Emerging Filmmakers

42:46 The Power of Documentary Films

46:11 Final Thoughts and Reflections

49:14 Next Episode Preview

This week we're breaking out of the non-fiction world to talk fictionalization with Oscar-nominated writer/director Greg Kwedar. Fresh off the awards trail with last year's SING SING, Greg shares insights and ideas about turning documentary style research into based-on-a-true-story truth. It's a light-hearted walk through Hyde Park, with another stop at a shady creek, as we dig into Greg's approach to creative partnership (he's 4-films deep with collaborator Clint Bentley) — and catering his directing approach for different acting styles. Step with us into a free-roaming conversation about creative resilience and the role of friendship and adventure that drives Greg's process.

00:00 A Stroll Through Hyde Park

00:49 Introducing Greg Quedar

03:00 Greg's Journey from Accounting to Filmmaking

10:37 The Inspiration Behind 'Sing Sing'

15:01 Exploring the Creative Process

27:36 The Importance of Colleagueship and Collaboration

28:31 Challenges in the Writing Process

29:35 The Lightning Bolt Moments

30:00 The Role of Friendship in Storytelling

31:31 The Joy and Struggles of Filmmaking

33:15 Preparing for New Projects

35:07 Working with Different Actor Processes

37:57 Documentary Filmmaking Insights

40:15 Reflections on the Creative Journey

47:26 Gateway Films and Inspirations

50:31 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans