Doc Walks

Take a stroll with Reed Harkness, Portland-based creator behind SAM NOW, a creative portrait that follows the journey of the Harkness brothers, Reed and Sam, as they search for Sam's mother who mysteriously disappeared in the year 2000. This walk mirrors Reed's film, becoming a moving and unexpectedly epic conversation about family, loss, and long-haul filmmaking. This one takes us off the trail, through a literal portal with a detour into a stone-skipping dip in Boggy Creek. This one's got heart, humor, and a few unexpected turns—just like any good walk (or film) should.

00:00 Introduction to Reed Harkness

00:06 The Artist's Way Group

01:04 Walking Through East Austin

01:26 Meet Reed Harkness

02:23 Reed's Filmmaking Journey

04:37 The Mystery of Joyce's Disappearance

06:43 The Emotional Impact on the Family

09:29 The Filmmaking Process

15:50 Reed's Early Filmmaking Influences

23:09 From Play to Documentary

24:04 Sam's Journey and Filmmaking Challenges

25:12 The Emotional Impact of the Film

27:49 Balancing Filmmaking and Family

34:12 Exploring Meaning and Audience Reactions

42:32 Future Projects and Reflections

47:10 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

After 15 DocWalks Keith & Ben take a look back. Where did we start, where are we going? Walk with us as we discuss the evolution of the podcast, highlighting some highs and glossing-over some lows along the way. In addition to all that, we talk (as always) about changes in the film industry, notably Texas' new film incentives, and share some enthusiasm for upcoming episodes, including deep dives into classic docs, and long walks with impactful filmmakers, like next week's conversation with Portland-based filmmaker Reed Harkness. This one's just us — a look back, a look ahead, a chance to stand lakeside, beneath a spreading live oak tree and express gratitude for the doc life and each other — and you, if you're out there (& even if you're not). Onward!

00:00 Reflecting on 15 Episodes of Doc Walks

00:56 The Origins of Doc Walks

03:11 Recapping Memorable Episodes and Guests

04:20 The Joy of Connecting with Fellow Filmmakers

08:50 Upcoming Episodes and Future Plans

12:03 Filming Locations and Personal Stories

16:10 Austin's Creative Spirit and Challenges

20:58 Texas Film Production Incentives

21:44 Texas Film Incentives Explained

22:39 Squirrel Distraction and Life Lessons

23:14 Go Valley's Post-Production Expansion

24:33 Texas' Role in Film Incentives History

26:42 Gateway Drug Films and Personal Influences

32:44 Bird Watching and Documentary Insights

35:19 Reflections on Aging and Podcasting

37:09 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

We're off to Kansas! Or… Ben is. He's flying back to to Lawrence, Kansas, to interview one of his professors from his days at the University of Kansas — Academy Award-winning filmmaker and KU professor Kevin Willmott. Known for co-writing BLACKKKLANSMAN with Spike Lee, Wilmott shares personal stories of his journey from a young creative in Kansas to an Oscar award-winning filmmaker. This one is jam-packed with a wide-ranging discussion covering the power of cinema, activism, the impact of Black history, and the challenges of making films outside Hollywood — and the role of the teacher. Ben is filled-up with admiration and respect for Kevin Willmott and before the end of this one, you will be too!

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:01 Meeting Kevin Willmott

03:08 Kevin's Early Life and Influences

05:23 The Journey to Filmmaking

12:28 Activism and Filmmaking

20:27 CSA: Confederate States of America

29:46 Collaboration with Spike Lee

34:05 The Importance of Having a Follow-Up Project

35:11 Pitching 'Gotta Give It Up' to Hollywood

36:35 Collaborations and Career Milestones

40:22 The Impact of Black History on Filmmaking

44:08 Teaching and Building a Film Community

46:45 Challenges and Rewards of Independent Filmmaking

53:57 Facing Racism and Its Influence on Storytelling

59:43 Reflections on Activism and Filmmaking

01:05:39 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

This one's a little different… Keith gets off the trail for an old-fashioned sit-down conversation with Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, the acclaimed husband-wife filmmaker duo behind the BOYS STATE and this year's MIDDLETOWN. Jesse and Amanda share insights and highlights from their films, their career, and the challenges and opportunities that come from working together as a married couple and film team. From THE OVERNIGHTERS through MIDDLETOWN, this sit-down episode offers an intimate look at the creative dynamics and career evolution of two impactful documentarians at the top of the form. Special thanks to the Austin Film Society for the collab on this one!

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:10 Discussing 'Middletown' and Audience Reactions

02:40 The Impact of Streaming and Theatrical Releases

04:45 Early Inspirations and Career Beginnings

08:49 Meeting and Forming a Partnership

13:16 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Filmmaking

17:04 Navigating the Documentary Film Industry

23:59 The Uncertainty of Verité Filmmaking

24:57 Ethical Dilemmas in Documentary Filmmaking

26:11 The Role of Objectivity and Journalism in Documentaries

26:39 The Collaborative Process in Documentary Filmmaking

29:19 The Genesis of Boys State

34:21 The Impact of Boys State on Careers and Industry

38:37 Reflections on Middletown and Documentary Filmmaking

41:11 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

Acclaimed filmmaker Sandi DuBowski has come to our hometown to present SABBATH QUEEN at Austin Film Society's Doc Days. Twenty-one years in the making, Sandi has grown up with this film… and they're taking the show on the road with dozens of fests, scores of community screenings, and an art house tour to rival any indie film this year. Sandi takes us on a heartfelt exploration of their work, from the groundbreaking TREMBLING BEFORE GOD to their work with the late 'Good Pitch' we delve into Sandi's passion for creating documentary films that foster community and dialogue. And they've got plenty to share about their unique fundraising strategies, and their philosophy of building deep, lasting audience and distributor relationships. This one starts off with ducks and ends up with a lightning round of advice that we can all benefit from, though nothing hits home more than Sandi's key takeaway: Go To The Love!

00:00 Introduction and High Fives

00:28 Meeting the Duck and Ducklings

03:00 Introduction to Sandi DuBowski

05:38 Trembling Before G-d: The Journey

11:56 Impact and Distribution of Trembling Before G-d

17:59 Personal Stories and Community Screenings

19:05 Spirituality and Filmmaking

25:56 Creating Spaces for Dialogue and Resistance

29:43 The Journey of Sabbath Queen

31:23 Balancing Filmmaking and Other Projects

35:17 Fundraising Strategies for Filmmakers

40:41 Advice for Emerging Filmmakers

43:29 Reflecting on Influences and Future Projects

48:10 The Importance of Community and Art Houses

49:10 Final Thoughts and Where to Watch

Known for her versatility as a director, producer, showrunner, and distribution advocate, Avril Speaks joins us this week to walk and doc. From her theological start to her producing days on the SXSW award-winning feature JINN, Avril delves into the importance of storytelling, her transition into nonfiction during the pandemic, and her advocacy for better distribution practices. And, she's our first guest to act out a scene from the movie, ANNIE!

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:28 Meet Avril Speaks

02:27 Avril's Seminary Journey and Its Impact

04:48 The Intersection of Film and Theology

10:21 From Seminary to Filmmaking: The Journey Back

11:51 Producing 'Jinn': A Relatable Faith Journey

18:08 Transitioning to Nonfiction During the Pandemic

19:12 Exploring Diverse Topics: From Family Histories to UFOs

20:04 Directing and Producing: Balancing Roles

21:03 Distribution Advocates: Origins and Mission

21:17 Challenges in Film Distribution

22:27 Creating a Filmmaker's Cheat Sheet

23:30 Funding and Support for Filmmakers

24:12 Collaborations and Outreach

25:48 Marketing Innovation Fund

28:08 Navigating the Film Industry

29:37 The Role of Producers

37:33 Advice for Young Filmmakers

40:00 Conclusion and Final Though

It's a picture perfect spring morning in East Austin, a beautiful walk made better by the presence of our guest, acclaimed filmmaker Kahane Corn Cooperman, in Austin to premier CREEDE, USA, her newest doc. Keith & Ben explore Kahane's illustrious career, from her 1991 Sundance debut with COOL WATER, to her days behind-the-scenes of DAZED AND CONFUSED, through nearly two decades as a producer and EP on The Daily Show, and her Oscar nominated run with the heartwarming short, JOE'S VIOLIN. An easy-going ramble through the Boog Creek greenbelt yields candid insights into Kahane's storytelling approach, as she provides invaluable advice for emerging filmmakers. "No wasted steps!" she says. And none were, in the making of this episode.

00:00 Introduction and Mic Check

01:11 Introducing Kahane Corn Cooperman

02:22 Kahane's Early Career and Sundance 1991

04:11 Her Dazed and Confused Doc

10:19 The Daily Show Journey

14:53 Transition to Joe's Violin and Beyond

17:24 The Struggle of a Showrunner

20:22 It's All Connections

20:45 Introducing Creede, USA

26:24 Challenges and Realities

34:52 Advice for Emerging Filmmakers

36:31 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

The flowers are blooming, Ben's chasing squirrels while Keith eyes the skies over Hyde Park for hawks… oh, and we're talkin' docs. Spring brings up new thoughts about New Media and the docmakers role vs the "influencer's paradise" of Youtube and social media. This episode steps into Ben & Keith's perspectives on storytelling approaches and the future of media consumption — and we even stop to smell the flowers. Plenty to consider here, and next week look forward to a conversation with Academy Award nominee Kahane Corn Cooperman, feeling good after the SXSW premiere of her new doc, CREEDE, USA.

***Note that Ben got the numbers wrong for YouTube's net worth. They are projected to make $22 billion in 2025. The $8 billion he quoted was for the 1st quarter of 2025.

Drink up the scene like a local as Keith & Ben chat up their fellow Austinites (and a few out of town visitors) at the annual Austin Film Society Parking Lot Party at SXSW. This episode is a veritable smorgasbord of festival conversation including appearances by local filmmakers Cassie Hay, Tracy Frazier & Karen Skloss; festival programmers like Bart Weiss and James Faust; SXSW-premiering CREEDE, USA editor Andrew Saunderson; producer Mike Blizzard; and an AFS-appreciation conversation with CEO Rebecca Campbell. All that and a literal Rolls Royce car crash makes this bonus episode a unique peek into Austin's film community.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:59 Meeting Cassie Hay: A Filmmaking Journey

03:38 Tracy Frazier: From Documentaries to Gaming

06:39 Bart Weiss: The Evolution of Video Fest

11:56 Andrew Saunderson: Editing Creed USA

15:54 James Faust: Festival Highlights

16:16 Introduction to South by Southwest

16:53 Interview with James Faust

17:12 The State of Documentary Films

19:54 Challenges in the Film Industry

24:16 Rebecca Campbell on Austin Film Society

29:45 Mike Blizzard on Austin's Film Community

31:37 Karen Skloss on the Austin Film Society Party

34:22 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Taking it back to the indie film boom of the 90s with super-sales-agent John Sloss of Cinetic Media. Walking through the tree-filled Zilker neighborhood in an escape from SXSW, John shares his career journey from a life-changing pickup basketball game with John Sayles to longtime associations with film legends like Richard Linklater, John Pierson and Errol Morris. Ben & Keith eat up the stories of John's early days, but it's his unique perspective on the current state of the doc marketplace that makes John Sloss a real 'get' for Doc Walks.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:32 Meeting John Sloss

01:12 A Walk Through Zilker

02:15 Career Highlights and Insights

13:54 The State of the Documentary Market

17:25 Wrapping Up and Future Episodes