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PODCAST

Documentary First

Christian Taylor

Documentary First is your bi-weekly podcast exploring the craft of documentary filmmaking. Each episode features in-depth interviews with filmmakers, industry experts, and professionals, providing valuable tips and behind-the-scenes insights on how powerful documentaries are made. Whether you"re a seasoned documentarian, an aspiring filmmaker, or just curious about documentary storytelling, you"ll find expert advice, creative inspiration, and practical knowledge. Tune in and discover what it takes

tv & film documentary

All Episodes

52:35

Episode 252 | Inside Acting with Corey Johnson: From...

Documentary First ·

2025/05/22

In this episode, Hollywood actor Corey Johnson takes us behind the scenes of his dynamic career, sharing powerful insights from working alongside acting legends like Anthony Hopkins. From his early days in theater to conquering the big screen, Corey reveals the evolution of his craft and the unique challenges of transitioning from stage to film. He opens up about the unsung elements of filmmaking—trust, collaboration, and vulnerability—that make or break a performance. Aspiring actors and directors

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48:59

Episode 251 | Corey Johnson on Hollywood Acting,...

Documentary First ·

2025/05/08

Ever wonder how a college theater kid makes it big as a Hollywood character actor and renowned documentary narrator? This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the art of acting and the magic of storytelling. We sit down with Corey Johnson, whose extensive career spans blockbuster films, acclaimed TV series, and compelling voiceover work, for a candid conversation about his creative journey.In this lively interview, Corey reflects on his path from the stages of Catholic University to the

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59:07

Episode 250 | Blake Lively’s Hollywood Harassment...

Documentary First ·

2025/04/24

What happens when a Hollywood star stands up to sexual harassment on set? In this episode, entertainment lawyer Anne Easton joins us to unravel the legal and ethical firestorm sparked by Blake Lively’s recent case. Blake Lively made headlines by accusing her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, of sexual harassment — and then faced an alleged smear campaign in retaliation. Anne brings an insider perspective from the world of entertainment law, helping us make sense of this

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50:52

Episode 249 | How Greg Fitzpatrick Became a Stuntman,...

Documentary First ·

2025/04/10

Get ready to ride shotgun through Hollywood’s wild side! In this electrifying episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor sits down with Greg Fitzpatrick—a stuntman who’s doubled for Ben Stiller and even put his skills to the test for Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man. Greg's no-nonsense journey from ditching law school to becoming an award-winning daredevil in Tinseltown is full of raw, behind-the-scenes stories that every aspiring actor, stunt performer, or director will want to hear.In this

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55:17

Episode 248: Deep Talks with an Entertainment Lawyer...

Documentary First ·

2025/03/26

In this exciting episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor welcomes Anne Easton, a brilliant entertainment lawyer and creative, to the team! Anne brings a wealth of knowledge and a powerhouse combination of legal expertise, creative insight, and deep industry experience to the table. In this lively conversation, they dive into the often-overlooked but crucial role of legal advice in documentary filmmaking.From navigating contracts and rights management to understanding the importance of

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59:43

Episode 247 | Eric Gardner, Director of ”Confessions...

Documentary First ·

2025/03/14

Are you fascinated by the power of storytelling and the secrets behind captivating documentaries? If you’re into deep dives into reality TV, the creative process, and the art of balancing hard-hitting truths with compelling narratives, this episode is for you. Join host Christian Taylor and visionary documentary filmmaker Eric Gardner as they unpack the making of Confessions of a CEO: My Life in an Out of Balance World—the riveting true story of Tom Gegax. In this heartfelt conversation,

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32:39

Episode 246 | Liz Carpenter, Mover and Shaker in US...

Documentary First ·

2025/03/06

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

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48:52

Episode 245 | Liz Carpenter, Mover and Shaker in US...

Documentary First ·

2025/03/01

In this episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor engages with filmmakers Abby Ginzberg and Christy Carpenter about their documentary "Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter." The conversation explores Liz Carpenter's legacy as a trailblazer in journalism and politics, the personal journeys of getting into directing, and the collaborative process of producing the documentary. They discuss the importance of storytelling, the challenges of fundraising, and the impact of

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57:10

Episode 244 | Film Entrepreneurship w/ Teddy Cannon

Documentary First ·

2025/02/22

In this episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor sits down with seasoned media professional Teddy Cannon, whose 25+ years in the industry span politics, entertainment, and documentary filmmaking. Teddy shares his journey growing up in a foreign service family, transitioning from in front of the camera to behind it, and his deep dive into the world of archival production. They explore the critical role of archival producers, the complexities of rights and clearances, and the evolving

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40:46

Episode 243 | Q&A With East Coast Filmmaker Robin...

Documentary First ·

2025/01/29

In this powerful episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor sits down with Emmy-winning filmmaker Robin Hamilton for a deep dive into the art of storytelling, social justice, and the impact of documentary filmmaking. Robin shares her journey from journalism to filmmaking, her passion for uncovering untold stories, and the responsibility filmmakers have in shaping conversations about history and justice. Together, they explore the significance of Fannie Lou Hamer’s legacy, the challenges of

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44:26

Episode 242 | Interview with Mt. Everest Explorer:...

Documentary First ·

2025/01/15

In this episode, filmmaker and Mount Everest summiteer Alex Harz takes us on a breathtaking journey, sharing how he turned a childhood dream into a groundbreaking dual-format documentary series. Alex recounts his early years in Spain and Germany, his passion for storytelling, and his evolution as a filmmaker with a strong business mindset. Listeners will gain insights into the unparalleled challenges of filming on Everest, from navigating deadly icefalls to keeping gear functional in subzero

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42:23

Episode 241 | "A Remarkable 2024" Retrospective...

Documentary First ·

2024/12/20

In this episode, the team reflects on a groundbreaking year in documentary filmmaking. From innovative theatrical release strategies to building community through outreach and merchandise, they share the key moments that defined their success. Highlights include the D-Day commemoration, expanding audience engagement through social media, and signing a new distribution deal to bring their film into schools. Through teamwork, persistence, and creative problem-solving, the team achieved new

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01:01:07

Episode 240 | Documentary First's Next Steps w/ Jake...

Documentary First ·

2024/12/05

In this episode of Documentary First, hosts Christian and Jake Taylor focus on the journey of "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" so far. They explore the challenges of independent filmmaking, the importance of event screenings, and the value of building relationships with audiences. Logistics of pricing for screenings, the role of merchandising, and the long-term commitment required to see a documentary through is also discussed. Takeaways Event screenings are crucial for audience engagement

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59:15

Episode 239 | A Fresh Take on Renaissance Man,...

Documentary First ·

2024/11/18

In this captivating episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor sits down with filmmakers Sarah Burns and David McMahon to discuss their forthcoming documentary on the legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Together, they explore the creative process behind bringing Leonardo’s life and genius to the screen, the challenges of capturing his story, and the innovative techniques they used to breathe life into his work. From the importance of curiosity and expert insights to the immersive

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59:15

Episode 238 | Documenting a Viral Country Music...

Documentary First ·

2024/11/14

In this insightful episode, host Christian Taylor sits down with French filmmaker Matt Beurois, director of Fancy Like Walker Hayes, to explore the heartwarming story of country music sensation Walker Hayes and his family. Beurois shares his journey into documentary filmmaking and provides a behind-the-scenes look at capturing the Hayes family’s rise to fame. From the importance of storytelling and the challenges of balancing creativity with business, to the dynamics of trust, family, and

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49:16

Episode 237 | Making a Hit Mini TV Series feat. Evan...

Documentary First ·

2024/11/06

In this episode, host Christian Taylor sits down with Emmy-nominated editor and producer Evan Wise, ACE, to delve into his career journey and unique approach to documentary filmmaking. Evan shares his path from a rebellious skate punk in New Jersey to becoming a highly respected editor, working on acclaimed series like HBO’s The Circus and Q: Into the Storm. The conversation turns to his latest project, Chimp Crazy, a four-part HBO series that explores the complex world of primates. Evan

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22:19

Episode 236 | Conversations with Christian, Part 2...

Documentary First ·

2024/10/25

Here is a taste of our new series called Conversation With Christian that is available on Patreon. In this episode, Christian interviews her eldest son, the one with whom her entire film adventure began. In 2011 he joined the military and that life decision had big implications for the whole family. They discuss his military journey and their shared experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss themes of trust, perseverance, and the importance of community. Christian’s son shares his

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33:42

Episode 235 | The Girl Who Wore Freedom Dream Team -...

Documentary First ·

2024/10/10

In this insightful episode of the Documentary First Podcast, Christian Taylor, David Paterson, and Todd Anderson delve into the data and hard-earned lessons from the theatrical release of The Girl Who Wore Freedom. They explore the surprising factors that influenced ticket sales, including screening schedules, ticket pricing, and the often overlooked role of theater advertising—or lack thereof. The team shares their experiences with the logistical hurdles of distributing physical drives and the

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49:18

Episode 234 | Finding Your Champion, Part 2

Documentary First ·

2024/09/26

In this episode of Documentary First, Christian Taylor is joined by Joe Amodei and Tim Maggiani from Virgil Films Entertainment to dive into the evolving world of film distribution and the diminishing role of film festivals in securing deals. The discussion sheds light on how the dominance of streaming platforms and studios has shifted the landscape, making it increasingly difficult for independent filmmakers to gain visibility through traditional film festivals. The conversation explores the

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51:26

Episode 233 | Finding Your Champion, Part 1

Documentary First ·

2024/09/12

You know our good friend, Joe Amodei (Supersize Me) from past episodes. Now meet his protégé, Tim Maggiani, who is a great explainer of the modern film distribution process. Joe, a seasoned pro in VHS and DVD sales, admits the need for his distribution company to stay nimble and adaptable to new technology and platforms. Enter Tim. He understands the streaming world yet adheres to the age-old method of cultivating relationships between filmmakers and distributors—a key ingredient to success. By

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