Documentary First: Conversations on Documentary Filmmaking
Documentary FirstConversations with the people behind documentaries and how the work changed them, from Ken Burns and PBS American Masters creator Susan Lacy to first-time directors finishing their first film. Documentary First is a weekly podcast for anyone who loves a true story, and for the filmmakers who tell them. Host Christian Taylor, director of the award-winning The Girl Who Wore Freedom (25+ internationa... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 300 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Film InterviewsDocumentarySociety & CultureTV & Film | |||
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Latest Episodes
What does The Velveteen Rabbit, a 1922 children's book about a stuffed toy, have to do with old home movies and AI?
In Margery Williams' classic story, an old toy called the Skin Horse tells a stuffed rabbit that being real isn't about how you are m... more
What happens to a family's home movies when no one knows what to do with them?
Phil Maher was a software engineer looking for a sense of purpose when he started watching his grandfather's family reels and saw his father and his brothers, a big Irish... more
Do you have a documentary, or do you have a Wikipedia entry?
Somebody decides whether your documentary gets made. Sophia Dilley is one of those people. She runs Concord Originals, the division behind Stax: Soulsville U.S.A. on HBO, and she is Co-Pre... more
Who finishes your film if you can't?
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 chair, and no way into the industry. He finished the film anyway, an... 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 States2 months 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 | #149 | United States/TV & Film/Film Interviews |
Apple Podcasts | #240 |  United Kingdom/TV & Film/Film Interviews |
Apple Podcasts | #176 |  Germany/TV & Film/Film Interviews |
Apple Podcasts | #187 |  Australia/TV & Film/Film Interviews |
Apple Podcasts | #207 |  France/TV & Film/Film Interviews |
Apple Podcasts | #5 |  Sweden/TV & Film/Film Interviews |
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast 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
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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. The Holy Post
2. The Documentary Life
3. Pure Nonfiction: Inside Documentary Film
4. The Russell Moore Show
5. Pod Save America
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 8 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.
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What guests have appeared on this podcast?
Recent guests on this podcast include:
1. Phil Maher
2. Sophia Dilley
3. Andre Jackson
4. Jonathan de Jong
5. Andrew Gans
6. Brian Pocrass
7. Carolyn Jolette
8. Armin Korsos
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