Documentary First
Documentary First | Christian TaylorThe craft and business of documentary filmmaking, from people who actually do it. Documentary First is a weekly podcast for working and aspiring documentary filmmakers who want honest, in-depth conversations about how documentaries get funded, made, and seen. Listen Notes ranks the show in the top 5 percent of all podcasts worldwide. Hosted by Christian Taylor, award-winning director of The Girl W... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 300 | Founded | 7 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Film InterviewsDocumentarySociety & CultureTV & Film | |||
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Latest Episodes
Who finishes your film if you can't?
This episode is about how to make a documentary with no film school. Andre N. Jackson had never made a film. He had twenty years in technology and security, an idea that arrived while he was sitting in a barber's... more
When did your audience stop being people and become a number?
Most independent films and podcasts do not fail because the work is bad. They fail because no one ever felt like they belonged to them. This Deep Dive is about how to build an audience fo... more
How do you fund a documentary when the whole industry says no?
How do you fund a documentary without film funds, grants, or a commissioning broadcaster, and still reach a huge audience? Dutch filmmaker Jonathan de Jong did exactly that with Human Fo... more
Who believed in you before you could believe in yourself?
In this Deep Dive, documentary filmmaker Christian Taylor makes a quiet case that we rarely overcome self-doubt on our own. Almost no one finishes anything hard alone. Someone has to see it i... more
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- For more than just filmmakers!
Every time I listen to this podcast, I learned something about storytelling that I never knew about. Even though I’m not a loser, I find the industry talk interesting, and it’s usually not that far above my head. The shorter deep dive episodes are my favorite, because we get to hear how Christian takes something that she heard in the longer interviews and talks about how it applies to her everyday life. Highly recommend this podcast!
Apple Podcasts5Lura B Priebe
United States16 days ago - Sneak peek into the Rustle n' Bustle
Far from a sanitized/glamorous version of BTS filmmaking, I appreciate that the director, Christian Taylor gives an honest view of her difficult journey to making an award-winning movie.
Apple Podcasts5Jj8282lUnited States6 years ago - Insightful
Listening to this has genuinely gotten me more interested in supporting this project and seeing the film when it’s ready.
Apple Podcasts5Jake123458765United States7 years ago - Love it!
Thanks for sharing your heart here! It’s so encouraging to hear what you’ve learned & how your faith has informed this journey.
Apple Podcasts5Lura B PriebeUnited States7 years ago - An inside look at the ups and downs of producing a documentary
I've been interested in the "Behind the Scenes" inside look of films and productions from a young age. That curiosity has never died! I find it fascinating to hear the perspective of a female first-time producer/director and her passion for telling these stories. Can't wait to hear more!
Apple Podcasts5bethanne132United States7 years ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #109 | United States/TV & Film/Film Interviews |
Apple Podcasts | #218 |  United Kingdom/TV & Film/Film Interviews |
Apple Podcasts | #45 |  Australia/TV & Film/Film Interviews |
Apple Podcasts | #103 |  France/TV & Film/Film Interviews |
Apple Podcasts | #20 |  Denmark/TV & Film/Film Interviews |
Apple Podcasts | #50 |  Japan/TV & Film/Film Interviews |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Documentary First
What is Documentary First about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A practical, practitioner-focused show for documentary filmmakers navigating the craft and the business. Episodes center on funding, distribution, archival rights, licensing, and ethical storytelling, with deep dives into production challenges, personal journeys, and the evolving landscape of AI and technology in nonfiction. Noteworthy strengths include candid conversations with seasoned distributors, rights specialists, and international educators, plus a recurring emphasis on building sustainable careers, authentic storytelling, and community support for independent projects. The format blends long-form interviews with concise, insightful Deep Dive explorations, making it useful for both newcomers and working professionals seeking actiona... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Documentary First?
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How many listeners does Documentary First get?
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What are the audience demographics for Documentary First?
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How many subscribers and views does Documentary First have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Documentary First?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Documentary First:
1. Australian True Crime
2. Good Faith
3. Curiously Kaitlyn
4. The Russell Moore Show
5. Criminal
How many episodes of Documentary First are there?
Documentary First launched 7 years ago and published 300 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Documentary First?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Documentary First?
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What guests have appeared on Documentary First?
Recent guests on Documentary First include:
1. Jonathan de Jong
2. Andrew Gans
3. Brian Pocrass
4. Carolyn Jolette
5. Armin Korsos
6. Teddy Cannon
7. Robin Canfield
8. Erik Ewers
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.