Documentary First

We get an update on how the film festivals went, awards won, and then we get into some facts about The Girl Who Wore Freedom’s Festival run. Christian walks us through the process of entering film festivals. There are many stages, confusing titles, and work arounds. Christian recounts theater experiences, how important and rewarding it is to see/hear how your film impacts people, and how that’s missing during the pandemic. Then we hear about how important film festivals are for local economies.

We get an update about the film, film festivals, and we hear from Jason and Josh, who were not at all prepared for this. Christian talks us through some of the other films at the festival. Then we are joined by Michael Peroff, a filmmaker who’s film Behind the Strings dives deep into Chamber Music and the Shanghai Quartet. Michael fills us in on how he discovered Chamber Music, his history, and gives us a synopsis of the film and how it’s effected him.

Scott Homon will be the guest for this episode. Here is the link to his website if you would like to check out some of his work. https://www.bananaislandfilms.com/#1 If you would like to take a look at his film you can see it here: https://vimeo.com/467400311

Today we’re joined by Michèle Phoenix! But first, as usual, an update about film, distribution, deliverables and an update from Josh and Jason. We talk about the challenges of working on a multi-lingual film, particularly if you don’t speak all the languages. We talk through the workarounds they’ve used to live translate, and work through problems. We talk through Michèle’s history, how she came to work on the film and overcoming obstacles. Christian and Michèle recount several translation stories from making the film, and the beautiful moments they got to experience. Michèle then fills us in on the book she wrote after her experiences on the film. Check out her books and website here: https://michelephoenix.com/，Fragments of Light: https://amzn.to/2PyDNZz

It’s Episode 100, and we’ve got a whole mess of people on the show. We’ve got Jason Hoban, Jonathan Liu, Bradley Stair, and Jeff Kurtenacker! We’re celebrating 100 episodes of the podcast, and some big news for the film. We get some background on how Documentary First is made, then we dig into some exciting news! We talk through the learning experience of the film, the amazing experience of “Just doing it”. The process of discovering if you can do something. Making something creative.

Sandy Gordon is back! But first we have to get some updates about the film, and film festivals. 
Sandy brought some show and tell today, she brings out some scripts, notebooks, etc from previous projects. Then Sally runs down all the information included on a Call Sheet, how it’s organized and why it’s included on the sheet. Then we talk through how Rudy filled a football stadium.

Sandy Gordon is back, today we’re talking about Line Producing, the Hudsucker Proxy, and how she got involved with their production. Then we dig into line production, what is line production? How does their job affect the budget, and production? Sandy gives some great examples of how line producers help production save time and money. Sandy walks us through all the different things that go into even just planning craft services (food) on the set, the difference it makes to have healthy options vs junk food, and how that changes production.

Today we’re joined by Sandy Gordon, Emmy Award winning producer and published author. We talk about her history in film production, how she got started, and what she’s been working on since. Sandy tells us about her first BIG break working on the movie Rudy, how she got involved in TGWWF and then enlightens us about Chicago’s tax incentive for film and TV production. Lots of stuff to learn in this one!

In this year end podcast, we look back on what we appreciated about this crazy year and what we’re anticipating for 2021. Jason talks about being a workaholic, Josh talks about his business this year, and Christian takes inventory of her blessings. Then we dive into what we’re anticipating. Josh talks about his plans for next year. Jason talks about agents, managers, and meetings, and Christian lists out everything happening with the film in 2021.

The podcast crew share hopes for the new year by thinking about the limitations, lessons, and innovations they have faced traversing the film-making and voice-over world. Also: Jason is insightful and hilarious? Find out more in this episode.

Today we talk about “the next thing”. What will that look like? Financially, distribution wise? Production wise? When is Christian no longer a first time filmmaker? And what in the world is going on in the film industry right now?! It's like the Wild West out there! What’s the ongoing trend for filmmaking and movie studios, film festivals, movie theaters and what does that mean for independent filmmakers? Christian, Josh and Jason talk through some of the different streaming services, distribution plans, changes to movie theaters, and speculate about the future of traditional distribution. They don't seem to have any definitive answers but they are good questions for any filmmaker to ponder! Happy Holidays!

This is an interview with Mark McClain the author of Joy and Success at Work: Building organizations that don't suck (the life out of people). This will be a tie into our recent business conversations... how do you build a business that will be a blessing to the employees and investors.

Today we’re joined by Emily Mixter, The Girl who Wore Freedom’s Graphic Designer. Emily fills us in on on how she joined the project, why she does volunteer graphic design, branding, and any place graphic design was needed. We talk through Emily’s process, picking color palettes, fonts, and how she makes decisions based on future designs, like for Social Media, Posters, Clothing, etc.

The Business of Documentaries Hunter's back to talk shop, but first Christian gives some sage advice about how life does not stop during the filming of a movie. Hunter shares what he’s learned from working on the film, and film festivals. We discuss distribution plans, ways to monetize your current project, and the significance of surrounding yourself with a supportive team. Check out the job postings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/normandy-project-llc/jobs/

Josh is out! Christian's on pain meds, and Jason is tired. But this week, we made it happen! Christian gives us some great news about some festivals, and then we do things a little differently, as Christian interviews Jason about his journey as a creative.

Christian’s back home, but Josh isn’t! Christian fills us in on some updates from the film festival this last week, and some of the pitfalls encountered. But, it comes with some great news! Then we’re joined by John Scanlon, who’s operating as the entertainment lawyer for The Girl Who Wore Freedom. We hear about his story, how he joined the project, and some of his own films. He advises when to bring legal counsel on board. If you’re looking to get in touch with John, reach out: John@Scanlon.com

Christian’s off in Utah! For the Red Rock Film Festival, and indeed, the rocks are red. Christian lets us know how the festival is going so far, the differences in the times of COVID, and some of the films that have been shown already. And, did the film get into a new festival? Yes it did! In Montana! In… January. Then we’re joined by a special guest to talk IP lawyer-ing. What is IP? What does an IP lawyer do and why does a filmmaker need one? Oh! And how much does it cost?

WGA Registration! Lawyers! Film Festivals! Utah! My, oh, my, what a podcast. What is the difference between an Entertainment Lawyer and an IP Lawyer? What new festivals are TGWWF being submitted to? Christian digs into the deal from Gravitas, red flags in the deal, and what she’s taking away from it.

LA Femme International Film Festival proves to be a learning experience. Christian learns how new tech can cause issues, why she needs a copyright for her film, and how different festival producers affect the feel of the program. Get 10% off all items at the Girl Who Wore Freedom Store using code: FESTIVAL

Christian gives a summary of all the exciting happenings during the Chagrin Doc Fest. Listen to hear about new awards, press, and distribution deals for "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" movie.