Documentary First

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 aspec