Documentary First

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. Then we talk through rebranding and Patreon, which you can support us at here: https://www.patreon.com/DocFirstPodcast

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 leaving the team, how Christian could have prepared better, and the implications of a long term project like a documentary. Then we dive into productivity tools, systems and websites to help put your team on the right track.

We recollect favorite thanksgiving movies and general thanksgiving. Christian has studio updates and shares future plans with streaming platform, Vudu. We're thankful for all our subscribers and Patreon supporters!

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 film. Then we talk about rejection, keep moving forward. Then Mindy walks us through how she joined The Girl Who Wore Freedom, documentary filmmaking, and working in the non-profit sector. Mindy praises mentorship and then we discuss film school.

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 perspectives and allowing them to add their ingredients to a proverbial "stone soup."

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 now, the prep she’s doing for The Brave Dutch, and partnership proposals with various organizations.

Jason Hoban, sound designer for The Girl Who Wore Freedom and Documentary First Podcast, discusses the art and science behind making audio mixes for film, etc. He has wielded the microphone as a foley artist, and has extensive experience editing audio using Pro Tools. In addition, he shares how he got his start as an audio engineer.

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 future of the podcast, the way production and documentary work intertwine with everything in your life, and boots-on-the-ground research.   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 future of the podcast, the way production and documentary work intertwine with everything in your life, and boots-on-the-ground research. Mentioned Links: Public Screening Rights: https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/copyright/video Jason Rugg's @Jaxandchawn Favorites: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTP-yhglu6k/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CTkkTQXl7TS/

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, then dive into Christian’s great uncle’s journey with the 334th Infantry.

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 amazing day, learned a bit about Buren, Netherlands (https://www.visitingthedutchcountryside.com/gelderland/one-day-in-buren-netherlands/) and The Brave Dutch Podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-brave-dutch-rhes-low-jr-DfVvMksbz5K/ Christian visited The Oranjehotel internment camp, got to hear the history, the atrocities commited there, and what bits of hope were scrawled into the walls. The Propaganda Cartoon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D6d6_-Vngo" When anyone preaches disunity, tries to pit one of us against the other you know that person seeks to rob us of our freedom and destroy our very lives." https://www.oranjehotel.org/en/

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, the short film, it's film festival run, and Christian explains the difference between feature/short film festival submissions. Christian gives us an overview of the Netherlands' role in World War II, the bombings, the surrender, the resistance. Then we dive into the story of The Brave Dutch.

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. This recent trip to Europe involves meeting with her son on a mock special-ops mission called Falcon Leap. They attended the Operation Market Garden ceremonies in the Netherlands and talk about its significance.

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 musical piece in the movie, even if it were the shortest of études. All the details must be recorded on the timeline, including who were the authors and performers; In addition, a demonstration of rights needed to be on the cue sheet.

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: Hunter." A lot can happen in a year, since then, Hunter has completed Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) in June 2021 and is now in Pensacola, FL for flight school.

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 campaign with the marketing slogan, "Watch, Rate, Review". Her passion for stories and real-life accounts is what drove her to join the team!

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 dive into Sam's story, how he joined the project, what he learned and how the project helped mould his career. The things he learned as he became more and more creative learning how to edit with a director. Scriptnotes "Notes on Notes" Episode: https://johnaugust.com/2019/notes-on-notes Jax & Chawn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxandchawn/

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 journey from the VHS era to today's streaming market.

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 involving her father, moving him an hour and a half away, and struggling with progress on the film. Then, we talk through flexibility with volunteers, social media mess ups and mistakes. Being patient is a key part of being creative, but it is also about making moves when you can. How to get your show greenlit in 3 easy steps by Sara Schaefer: https://twitter.com/saraschaefer1/status/1421622886574395393?s=10

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 board. Then we dig into work life balance, how the film has brought together so many people. Christian opens up some wounds about her family life over the course of the last few years and some recent developments with her family.