In this episode, host Christian Taylor interviews award-winning editor Yvette Amirian about her journey from documentary to narrative editing. Yvette shares her experiences working on various projects, including "EXmas" and "It Takes a Village". She discusses the differences between editing documentary and narrative films, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of both. Yvette also offers valuable tips for breaking into the film industry, highlighting the importance of building relationships and being kind to others. She shares her perspective on being a woman in the editing industry and the challenges she has faced. The episode concludes with a discussion on choosing the right editing software and the evolution of editing technology. The importance of involving editors from the beginning of a project is emphasized, as well as the value of fresh eyes in the editing process. Yvette recommends the documentaries 'Three Identical Strangers' and 'The Other Side of Home' as must-watch films.

Takeaways:

• Building and maintaining relationships is crucial in the film industry.

• Networking and nurturing genuine connections can lead to opportunities and collaborations.

• Breaking into the film industry requires determination, perseverance, and a willingness to take on various roles and projects.

• Editing documentary and narrative films have different challenges and skill sets.

• Documentaries often require creating a story from scratch, while narratives involve working with scripts and existing footage.

• Living and working in Hollywood can provide unique opportunities and challenges.

• Having a supportive community and network is essential for success.

• Choosing the right editing software depends on the project and industry standards.

• Avid Media Composer is widely used in the industry, but other software like Premiere and DaVinci Resolve also have their merits.

• Early experiences with editing can shape an editor's understanding and appreciation for the craft.

• Involving editors from the beginning of a project can lead to a more cohesive and effective final product.

• Fresh eyes in the editing process can provide valuable perspectives and insights.

DocuView Déjà Vu:

Three Identical Strangers, 2018, 96mins,  Watch on Hulu or Prime, IMDB LINK: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7664504/reference/

The Other Side of Home, 2016 - Short Documentary, 40mins, IMDB LINK: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5664922/reference/ Watch on Kanopy: https://www.kanopy.com/en

Time codes:

00:00 Introduction and Patreon Shoutouts

01:32 Introduction of Guest, Yvette Amirian

03:47 Yvette's Journey from Documentary to Narrative Editing

09:15 Differences Between Editing Documentary and Narrative Films

13:18 Balancing Work and Family Life

15:10 Tips for Breaking into the Film Industry

19:36 The Importance of Building and Maintaining Relationships

22:13 The Value of Collaboration and Kindness in the Industry

27:16 Challenges and Progress for Women in the Editing Industry

30:44 Living and Working in Hollywood

39:49 Choosing the Right Editing Software

41:52 Evolution of Editing Software and Yvette's Experience

42:20 Introduction to Editing and Early Experiences

45:04 Discussion of the Film 'It Takes a Village'

50:05 The Importance of Involving Editors from the Beginning

52:21 Documentary Recommendations: 'Three Identical Strangers' and 'The Other Side of Home'

55:56 Conclusion and Appreciation

In this conversation, Christian Taylor interviews Joe Amodei, CEO of Virgil Films and Entertainment, about the film distribution industry. They discuss the changes in the industry, including the consolidation of companies and the impact of streaming services. Joe emphasizes the importance of collaboration between filmmakers and distributors, as well as the need for filmmakers to be involved in the marketing and distribution process. He also explains how distribution expenses affect the release of a film and the challenges of advertising in the current landscape. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the joy and heartache of the film business, Joe's favorite movies and Oscar predictions.

Takeaways

• The film distribution industry is undergoing significant changes, including the consolidation of companies and the rise of streaming services. • Filmmakers need to collaborate with distributors and be actively involved in the marketing and distribution process. • Understanding distribution expenses is crucial for filmmakers, as these costs are deducted from the film's proceeds. • Filmmakers should stay informed by reading trade publications and staying up to date with industry trends. • The film business can be both rewarding and challenging, and it requires a love for the industry and perseverance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 01:48 Virgil Films and Entertainment 06:26 Changes in the Film Industry 08:20 Consolidation of Companies 09:18 Netflix's Strategic Moves 10:26 Opportunities for Independent Filmmakers 12:19 Distribution Expenses 15:02 Collaboration between Filmmakers and Distributors 16:35 The Process of Distributing a Film 21:19 Understanding Distribution Expenses 23:07 Marketing and Advertising Challenges 25:04 Distribution Anecdote 27:15 The Joy and Heartache of the Film Business 28:40 The Importance of Reading Trade Publications 30:20 Favorite Movies and Oscar Predictions 33:02 Recognition in the Entertainment Industry 33:51 Closing Remarks

In this episode, Christian and Chad interview award-winning cinematographer Laela Kilbourn. They discuss her work on the documentary film Girl State, which premiered at Sundance 2024. Laela shares her experiences working with directors and the importance of trust in the DP-director relationship. She also explains the role of prime lenses in cinematography and how they can create a more cinematic look. Laela shares her journey in the film industry, from starting as a film loader to becoming a cinematographer. She discusses the challenges of advancing in the industry and the need to take risks and make sacrifices to pursue your passion. In this conversation, Laela discusses the challenges of building a stable career in filmmaking and the importance of developing relationships with directors and producers. She shares her experiences with discouragement and the determination that kept her going. The impact of strikes and COVID-19 on the industry is also discussed. Laela emphasizes the changing landscape of filmmaking and the opportunities available to new filmmakers. She provides advice for aspiring filmmakers with limited resources and highlights the importance of collaboration. Last of all, Laela shares her experience filming underground in New York and recommends two documentaries: "Morena's" and "Senna".

DocuView Déjà Vu:

Laela:

1. Morena(s) 2022. 70 mins, IMDB Link: Morena(s) (2022) - IMDb
2. Senna 2010, 106mins, Watch on Amazon, IMDB Link: Senna (2010) - IMDb

Chad:

1. Keys to the City: Chronicles of a NY Locksmith, 2023, 32 mins, Link: Keys to the City: Chronicles of a New York Locksmith

Christian:

1. Sour Grapes, 2016, 85mins, Watch on multiple streamers (Freevee, Tubi, Plex, Pluto, Roku, Prime) IMDB Link: Sour Grapes (2016) - IMDb
2. Bottle Shock, 2008, Narrative, 110mins, Watch on multiple streamers (Freevee, Tubi, Plex, Pluto, Roku, Prime) , IMDB Link: Bottle Shock (2008) - IMDb

Takeaways

Trust and collaboration are key in the DP-director relationship. Prime lenses can create a more cinematic look by narrowing the depth of field. Advancing in the film industry often requires taking risks and making sacrifices. Building a client base is crucial for cinematographers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Patreon Support 01:38 Introducing Layla Kilbourn and Her Work 03:35 Debut of Girl State at Sundance 06:35 Working with a Larger Budget 09:10 Working with Directors as a Cinematographer 12:05 The Importance of Trust in the DP-Director Relationship 14:35 The Role of Prime Lenses in Cinematography 16:37 Layla Kilbourn's Background and Journey in Filmmaking 33:03 Transitioning from Assistant Camera to Cinematographer 38:10 The Challenges of Advancing in the Film Industry 39:50 The Challenges of Building a Stable Career 41:40 Dealing with Discouragement and Persistence 43:18 The Impact of Strikes and COVID-19 on Filmmaking 44:47 The Changing Landscape of Filmmaking 45:38 Advice for Filmmakers with Limited Resources 51:51 The Importance of Collaboration in Filmmaking 54:01 Laela's Experience Filming Underground in New York 59:56 Recommended Documentaries

In this episode, Christian Taylor interviews Joe Amodei of Virgil Films Entertainment about the changing landscape of film distribution. They discuss the role of distributors in acquiring and selling the rights to films, the rise of streaming platforms, and the challenges faced by filmmakers in finding trustworthy distributors. Joe shares his insights and experiences from his 20 years in the industry and offers advice for filmmakers considering self-distribution.

Takeaways

The role of distributors is to acquire and sell the rights to films, including digital platforms, TV channels, DVD, theatrical release, and international markets. While there are aggregators and self-distribution options available, working with a reputable distributor can provide valuable expertise, connections, and resources. Filmmakers should carefully vet distributors and consider their track record, reputation, and transparency before entering into distribution agreements.

Docu-View Déjà Vu recommendation:

Joe: "George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey" - 1984, 110 mins, Watch on MAX or rent/buy from Amazon, IMDB Link: 

This film provides insights into the life and work of filmmaker George Stevens, including his experiences filming during World War II.

BOOK: “My Place In The Sun” by George Stevens Jr

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction and Company Update 02:14 Joe Amodei's Background and Virgil Films Entertainment 04:26 The Evolution of Film Distribution 09:00 The Changing Landscape of Film Distribution 12:34 Reaching Out to Distributors and Types of Films Distributed 14:24 The Rise of Aggregators and Self-Distribution 23:35 The Challenges of Finding a Trustworthy Distributor 31:02 Documentary Recommendation: "George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey"

Support us on Patreon

On this very special podcast, we honor George Ciampa as Christian shares the news of his recent passing. George Ciampa, a World War II veteran and filmmaker, came on our podcast many times and can be heard on episodes #116, #117, #120, #121. He was born in 1925, served in the Graves Registration Service during WWII, and became a filmmaker in his 80's. You can visit George's website: http://LetFreedomRingForAll.org to learn more about his story. Our first recording with George Ciampa was released in May 2021 and plays after a short introduction by Christian Taylor and Jason Rugg. 

In this episode, Jason and Christian provide a year-in-review and updates on their documentary films. They also introduce guest Josh Sharpe, a film/entertainment/theater journalist. Josh shares his background in reporting for cinema and offers tips for conducting interviews. The importance of reviews for filmmakers is discussed, along with the different types of interviews and the process of film reviewing. In this conversation Josh Sharpe discusses the world of movie reviews and how it has evolved with technology. He talks about how some reviewers start their own movie review websites or blogs to review what they want. He emphasizes the importance of writing about and watching as many movies as possible to develop one's own taste and to stay informed. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology on film criticism, including the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and podcasting.

Takeaways:

• Starting a personal movie review website or blog is a great way for aspiring film critics to practice their writing and review the films they want.
• Writing about and watching as many movies as possible is important for developing one's own taste and staying informed about the film industry.
• Technology has greatly influenced film criticism, with platforms like TikTok and podcasting providing new avenues for people to share their opinions on movies.
• Film reviewers should strive for objectivity and avoid potential conflicts of interest, such as being paid to promote a movie they are reviewing.

DocuView DéjàVu:

Josh Sharpe: Best Worst Thing That Could Have Ever Happened, 2016, 95 mins, Watch (Rent/Buy) on Prime or Apple TV, IMDB Link: 

Jason: Greta Gerwig & James Cameron from Variety - Directors on Directors Series, 42:21 mins, YouTube, Link: 

Christian: A fiction film, “Leave The World Behind”, 2023, 138 mins, Genres: Psychological Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: 

The Movie Proposal Podcast link: 

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction and Recap 01:10 Year in Review and Patreon Support 05:25 Update on "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" 08:08 Update on "Heroes of Carentan" 10:32 Introduction of Guest Josh Sharpe 11:18 Josh Sharpe's Background in Entertainment Reporting 14:21 Tips for Conducting Interviews 19:05 Importance of Reviews for Filmmakers 27:18 Different Types of Interviews 38:39 The Process of Film Reviewing 43:14 Starting a Movie Review Website 45:17 Evolution of Film Criticism with Technology 53:16 Future Goals in Film Criticism 57:28 DocuView DéjàVu: "Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened" 01:00:14 DocuView DéjàVu: "Variety's Directors on Directors with Greta Gerwig and James Cameron" 01:03:30 DocuView DéjàVu: "Leave the World Behind" 01:05:26 Film Review: "Wonka"

In this episode, filmmakers Mark and Carrie Pedri discuss the challenges they faced in producing their film Dear Sirs. They talk about the difficulties of funding the project and the decision to go with crowdfunding and local grants. They also share their experiences of filming and the importance of storytelling techniques in documentaries. The filmmakers highlight the use of personal moments, music, and archival footage in their film. They recommend the documentary "Minding the Gap" and the series "Harry and Meghan". The episode concludes with information on where to watch "Dear Sirs": https://www.dearsirsfilm.com/. This conversation explores the concept of emotional intelligence and its importance in the various aspects of life including its components, and how to develop it. We also explore the role of emotional intelligence in the workplace, leadership, and relationships.

Takeaways

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions as well as the emotions of others. The components of emotional intelligence include self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Developing emotional intelligence involves practicing self-reflection, mindfulness, and active listening. Emotional intelligence is crucial in the workplace for effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Emotionally intelligent leaders are able to inspire and motivate their team members, and they create a positive work environment. Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in building and maintaining healthy relationships.

DocuView DéjàVu

Mark: Minding the Gap, 2018, 93mins, watch on Hulu or Amazon, IMDB Link: 

Christian: Harry & Megan, Documentary Series - 6 Episodes, watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: 

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:36 Background of Filmmakers 03:05 Challenges of Funding 04:12 Production Decisions 06:36 Crowdfunding Campaign 08:56 Lessons Learned from Crowdfunding 10:41 Challenges of Filming 12:51 Lessons Learned from Production 15:12 Storytelling Techniques 19:59 Incorporating Personal Moments 22:13 Integration of Music in the Film 23:52 Archival Footage and Photos 30:30 Recommendation: "Minding the Gap" 37:54 Recommendation: "Harry and Meghan" 42:21 Where to Watch "Dear Sirs" 01:30 Definition and Importance of Emotional Intelligence 07:45 Components of Emotional Intelligence 14:20 Developing Emotional Intelligence 21:10 Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace 29:40 Emotional Intelligence and Leadership 36:55 Emotional Intelligence in Relationships 43:26 Conclusion

Hey, Documentary First tribe! 🎙️ Get ready for an intimate ride with Mark Pedri and Carrie McCarthy, the dynamic duo behind "Dear Sirs."

In Episode #212, we're diving deep into family secrets, WWII revelations, and the magic of storytelling. This isn't just a podcast; it's a personal invitation to join us on an emotional rollercoaster of discovery and the power of sharing untold stories.

From a mysterious knife in a grandfather's bed to leaving LA for Wyoming, every moment is a leap of faith. Tune in to hear about their immersive storytelling process, the challenges of connecting with veteran communities, and the unexpected treasures found in the grandfather's house. This conversation is just the beginning; Part 2 awaits with more revelations, emotions, and insights into the making of this incredible documentary. Don't miss out—press play and become part of the "Dear Sirs" journey!

Buckle up, hit play, and let's embark on this incredible journey together! 🚀

#DocumentaryFirst #DearSirs #BehindTheScenesMagic

DocuView DéjàVu

Carrie: Boy’s State, 2020, 109mins, Watch on Apple TV+, IMDB:

Boys State (2020) - IMDb

Mark & Christian to share their next episode.

DF212 Summary

• Introduction and a message of thanks to listeners for their support. 0:00
• Introducing Mark & Carrie Pedri and their recent project, their BIOs and film awards for “Dear Sirs”. 3:58
• Finding your audience and engagement, and veteran stories. 7:32
• Building a bridge to connecting the civilian community to the military community. How did this story start? 13:10
• A man's life and WWII experiences through personal belongings. 20:37
• Storytelling techniques to who was the crew and their personal experiences in doing all the things to capture the story. 25:19
• Documenting WWII experiences and survivor's guilt. 31:10
• WWII veteran's experiences and the importance of archival research and finding the right people to help. 39:12
• Hills to climb: Personal and Filmmaking Hills, Editing and Feedback - Critical yet Gentleness and sensitivity is required 48:35
• Documentary filmmaking similarities to Ken Burns and the use of music that leads the story telling. 53:44
• DocuView DéjàVu 55:57

In this compelling episode of Documentary First, Christian engages in a candid and profound conversation with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Nick Bruckman. The spotlight is on Bruckman's recently released film, "Not Going Quietly," a poignant exploration of resilience featuring the inspiring Ady Barkan. The duo delves into the raw and transparent process of making the film, unraveling the intricate threads of Nick's personal journey into filmmaking, shaped by a family legacy rooted in social advocacy and disability activism.

The discussion spans the breadth and depth of "Not Going Quietly," offering insights into Nick's profound connection with Ady Barkan and his family, as well as the transformative impact of bringing this powerful feature to life. As the conversation unfolds, Nick also gives a sneak peek into another upcoming project, "Minted," a documentary delving into the fascinating world of NFTs.

Beyond the creative process, the episode ventures into the pragmatic realms of budgeting and distribution, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of filmmaking. Nick shares invaluable advice for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of carving out a niche and identifying a marketable skill within the industry to provide income stability.

Brimming with wisdom and practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the art of documentary filmmaking. Plus, for our Patreon supporters, there's an exclusive extra with Nick where he shares what it’s like to work with Bradly Whitford and The Duplass Brothers! As the episode concludes, the anticipation lingers for future conversations with Nick Bruckman, promising even more captivating discussions on the horizon.

Timecodes

• Documentary filmmaking with Nick Brockman. 0:00
• The impact of Ady Barkan and “Not Going Quietly” 3:23
• Healthcare activism and personal stories. 8:57
• Empathy and connection through documentary filmmaking with Ady. 13:46
• Personal experiences with healthcare challenges. 18:07
• How did this story come to Nick and how it evolved from a short YouTube promo to a Feature. 24:03
• Budget and distribution thoughts. 30:24
• “Minted” - All about NFTs and their impact on society. 35:21
• Nick’s brief story of getting into filmmaking and advice to filmmakers. 40:44

*No Docuview DéjàVu this week.

Nick Bruckman's websites:

https://nickny.com/

https://peoples.tv/

In this week's episode of Documentary First, we dive into the heartwarming tale of "Puppy Love," a documentary chronicling the incredible journey of four paralyzed puppies on the road to recovery.

What began as Gail's casual filming of her new puppy's antics took an unexpected turn when the pup faced paralysis. This documentary captures the tireless efforts to help the puppies heal, with a diverse team of camera operators capturing every moment. Gail's meticulous editing, guided by screenwriting principles, resulted in a 76-minute emotional rollercoaster that has left audiences laughing and in tears.

This project was a labor of love, with volunteers pouring their time and resources into rescuing dogs in need. Remarkably, the production costs stayed under $15,000, thanks to the dedication of everyone involved.

The film sheds light on the vital role of raw food company Darwin's, whose sponsorship was born out of a positive impact on one of the featured dogs. Their collaboration is a testament to the potential positive change that can come from these stories.

Gail shares valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers, stressing the importance of dedication, consistency, and never deleting footage or audio. She also highlights the significance of media training and the stark contrast it made in her PR efforts.

With recent release on streaming platforms, Gail looks forward to future screenings, including a dream showing at the Museum of the Dog in NYC. She and Christian discuss the distribution process, expressing gratitude for the support from Documentary First and underlining the crucial role of a strong distributor relationship in successful film promotion.

In the end, "Puppy Love" stands as a powerful testament to the lengths individuals will go to save an animal, showcasing the enduring power of perseverance, sacrifice, and the bond between humans and animals. Gail's insights into production challenges, collaborative efforts, and future plans for the film offer a captivating glimpse into the world behind this heartwarming documentary.

In "Puppy Love" the dogs are put on a raw diet to help with their recovery. It was so successful that they continue eating raw today. Some dogs eat home made raw food and others eat food from Darwin's Natural Pet Products. https://www.darwinspet.com

‌DocuView Déjà Vu:

Gail: The Pigeon Tunnel, 2023, 92 mins, Watch on Apple TV+, IMDB Link:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28486633/?ref_=ext_shr

The Deepest Breath, 2023, 108 mins, Watch on Netflix, IMDB Link;

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24132732/?ref_=ext_shr

Timecodes:

Filmmaking journey and first feature film. 0:00

Documentary filmmaking and puppy paralysis. 1:46

Filmmaking and storytelling techniques. 7:45

A heartwarming dog rescue story. 12:29

Film distribution and festival run. 17:03

Tips and challenges. 21:31

Sponsorship, budget, and dog health in a documentary. 27:02

Filmmaking costs and distribution. 31:13

Filmmaking and editing & DocuView Déjà Vu. 36:17

Media training. 40:09