In this episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor sits down with filmmakers Abby Ginzberg and Christy Carpenter to discuss their latest documentary, Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter. The film explores the remarkable legacy of Liz Carpenter—a journalist, author, and women's rights advocate who broke barriers as the press secretary for First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Carpenter was a trailblazer in political communications, known for her wit, tenacity, and dedication to advancing women's voices in government and media.

The conversation delves into Liz Carpenter’s lasting impact, the personal and professional journeys of the filmmakers, and the challenges they faced bringing this story to life. Abby and Christy share insights into the intricacies of documentary filmmaking, including the complexities of budgeting, the importance of securing archival rights, and the often-overlooked role of an archival producer. They also discuss how music licensing can be one of the most challenging aspects of post-production.

Beyond the technical aspects, the discussion highlights the power of storytelling in shaping historical narratives and inspiring future generations. The episode concludes with documentary recommendations that offer valuable perspectives on women’s history and social change.

NOW available for free to watch anywhere on PBS! In the spirit of this release being the month of March and Women's History Month, a number of public television stations will be broadcasting Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter. In-person screenings will also be held in Texas and Tennessee. Go to https://lizcarpenterfilm.com/ to find local listings and events.

DocuView Déjà Vu

Abby Ginzberg:

A Double Life, 2023, 84 mins, Watch on Amazon, Google Play and YouTube Movies, IMDB Link: A Double Life (2023) - IMDb

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction to the Documentary and Its Context 02:06 The Journey of Christy Carpenter 03:38 Abby Ginzberg's Documentary Experience 05:30 Liz Carpenter: A Trailblazer in Journalism 09:43 Liz Carpenter's Impact on Women's Rights 10:13 The Structure of the Documentary 12:09 Access and Interviews: Elevating the Story 14:44 Relationships in the Johnson White House 16:34 Balancing Personal and Political Narratives 19:47 The Feminist Legacy of Liz Carpenter 25:44 Distribution and Airing of the Documentary 30:00 Docuview Déjà Vu Segment