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PODCAST

First Time Go

Benjamin Duchek

A weekly podcast highlighting the creators of independent film and the business behind it. Hosted by Ben Duchek.

tv & film film interviews

All Episodes

26:00

Eric Leja

First Time Go ·

2024/01/23

I talk with Eric Leja, writer, director, filmmaker, Marine redleg.In this episode, we talk about:how much artillery folks love Lawton, Oklahoma (all love -- really);transitioning from the military to Hollywood, including helping The Hallmark Channel with military protocol;the value of the Veterans Writing Project from the Writers Guild Foundation, accepting applications until February, 12, 2024 by 11:59pm PST;what qualities veterans bring to filmmaking;the occasional negative elements of being a

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3:44

Indie Film Highlight: SHITHOUSE (2020)

First Time Go ·

2024/01/22

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: SHITHOUSE (2020)Director: Cooper RaiffWritten by: Cooper RaiffCast: Cooper Raiff; Dylan GelulaSYNOPSISA lonely college freshman feels alienated from his peers, but forges a strong connection with his resident assistant during a fraternity partySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

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38:44

Julia Verdin (re-release)

First Time Go ·

2024/01/19

MAYA is opening in several theaters and VOD on January 26th, so I thought it would be fun to re-release this episode. Social impact films are increasingly more common, something I imagine that I'll highlight more as we go through season 2, and MAYA is a good example of a film touching on an important issue. You can here for more information on screenings: https://www.artists4change.org/Enjoy and see you on Tuesday, January 23rd.BenI talk with Julia Verdin, the multi-hyphenate writer and director

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41:04

Miles Levin

First Time Go ·

2024/01/16

I talk with Miles Levin, the director of the upcoming film, UNDER THE LIGHTS. The Cameron Boyce Foundation said that "we believe this movie will be the biggest moment for epilepsy awareness of all time." That's a powerful statement but it looks like their faith is well-placed.In this episode, we talk about:the tremendous feedback he's received about making such a personal film;how film is the "intersection of all art forms";what it means and why when he introduces himself as

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2:46

Indie Film Highlight: BEFORE MIDNIGHT (2013)

First Time Go ·

2024/01/14

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: BEFORE MIDNIGHT (2013)Director: Richard LinklaterWritten by: Richard Linklater; Ethan Hawke; Julie DelpyCast: Ethan Hawke; Julie DelpySYNOPSISOn the last night of their idyllic Greek vacation, longtime lovers Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) reminisce about their lives together and what different choices might have brought.Support this podcast at —

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40:26

Nardeep Khurmi

First Time Go ·

2024/01/12

I talk with writer/director/actor Nardeep Khurmi about his film LAND OF GOLD and his commitment to diverse storytelling.I don't think anybody wants to hear me chuckling the entire podcast but excuse me for coming close. Although the subject matter of his films are often serious, there are moments in regards to the dialogue and writing in LAND OF GOLD that make you realize...this is a man coming at storytelling in a way you haven't seen before.And we give props to the AT&T Untold Stories

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27:11

Justine Martin

First Time Go ·

2024/01/09

I talk with Justine Martin, director of the Oscar shortlisted documentary OASIS.We talk about:how she developed a love for film growing up in Montreal;what people should expect to see when they watch her debut film;her vision of what a documentary should look like;how to handle issues regarding consent, especially when making a documentary with children;what it was like for her debut film to make such a splash;what's it like as an independent filmmaker in Montrealwhat's next for this

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3:28

Indie Film Highlight: WEREWOLF (2016)

First Time Go ·

2024/01/07

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: WEREWOLF (2016)Director: Ashley McKenzieWritten by: Ashley McKenzieCast: Andrew Gillis; Bhreagh MacNeilSYNOPSISTwo methadone users in a small town try to survive by mowing lawns, bound together in their desperation.The film is available now on MUBI. https://mubi.com/en/us/films/werewolf-2016Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

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28:34

Zarrar Kahn

First Time Go ·

2024/01/05

To kick off season two, I speak with Zarrar Kahn, the writer and director of the new film, IN FLAMES.I'll repeat this a couple times in the episode but IN FLAMES is a masterpiece. The shooting, the direction, the storytelling. I had to watch a couple of times to pick up on the nuances of the shots and the direction. We talk about when it will screen: it's showing at the Palms Springs International Film Festival the weekend of January 6, 2024, so if you're listening to this when

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2:50

Indie Film Highlight: OTHER PEOPLE'S CHILDREN (2022)

First Time Go ·

2024/01/01

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: OTHER PEOPLE'S CHILDREN (2022)Director: Rebecca ZlotowskiWritten by: Rebecca ZlotowskiCast: Virginie Efira; Roschdy Zern; Chiara MastroianniSYNOPSISRachel, 40 and childless, loves her life. When she falls in love with Ali, she becomes attached to his 4 year old daughter, Leila, and thus reassesses her life choices.The film is available now on MUBI.

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40:22

Gabe Braxton

First Time Go ·

2023/12/15

If you had to bet on a filmmaker owning 2024, bet on Gabe Braxton. The filmmaker behind the upcoming film, A GETTYSBURG HAUNTING, he has big plans for the release of his film and what's next for his production company, Blackwoods Entertainment.We talk about how he got started in filmmaking and how he came upon the idea of the film, the difficulties of crowdfunding, how he views the future of indie films, and persevering to make his first feature. A GETTYSBURG HAUNTING sounds like a brilliant,

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30:23

Luke McManus

First Time Go ·

2023/12/08

I talk with Irish director Luke McManus of the Oscar longlisted-documentary, NORTH CIRCULAR.The film is described as "exploring the history, music and streetscapes of the legendary North Circular Road that links some of Dublin's most beloved and infamous places" and if that sounds interesting, wait till you hear from the man behind it.Luke and I talk about how he got his start in Dublin, the unique and beguiling way the film was shot, what advice he has for future documentarians, the

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31:54

Scott Monahan (Part 2)

First Time Go ·

2023/11/03

I conclude my conversation with the director of ANCHORAGE, Scott Monahan. How can you not be cheering for a guy who promotes others before he promotes his own film and says what he's most proud of is making this film with his friends?If you haven't listened to part 1, go ahead and listen to that. And if you have, you're in for a treat here. We talk about Film Independent's role in independent film, the multi-hatting necessary for so many independent filmmakers, Scott's larger

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36:41

Matthew Baren

First Time Go ·

2023/10/31

I talk with Matthew Baren, Creative Director of LP Films, about the struggles and ultimate triumph of Michelle Garnaut in creating M ON THE BUND, a restaurant in Shanghai. He’s speaking about a documentary of the same name currently raising money on Kickstarter. The film is directed by Luo Tong.My discussion with Matthew comes across as an amazing story of female empowerment universally, whether it’s in Australia, Hong Kong, or Shanghai. We discuss what life is like for Chinese filmmakers; the

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3:14

Indie Film Highlight: RED ROCKET (2021)

First Time Go ·

2023/10/29

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: RED ROCKET (2021).Director: Sean BakerWriters: Chris Bergoch, Sean BakerCast: Simon Rex, Bree Elrod, Suzanna SonSYNOPSISMikey Saber -- charismatic con man and washed-up porn star -- plots his return to the big time from small-town Texas in this story of an American hustler and a hometown that barely tolerates him.aten to burn the tower down if the developer does not pay their

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37:36

Scott Monahan (Part 1)

First Time Go ·

2023/10/27

I talk with Scott Monahan, director of ANCHORAGE, in a wide-ranging conversation about his superb first feature film and the overall state of independent film.From growing up with a U.S. Marine-turned middle school guidance counselor family in Japan to crowdfunding for ANCHORAGE at the beginning of the pandemic, Scott's story is exceptional because of his reflective nature and ability to stay positive no matter the challenge.If you follow him on social media -- he's just as hilarious there

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42:23

Daniel Brown

First Time Go ·

2023/10/20

I talk with Daniel Brown, director of YOUR LUCKY DAY, arriving in theaters November 10th.We talk about the amazing work of Angus Cloud; the wild story of turning down people who wanted to make the film into a feature 13 years ago; the shorts v. feature debate (of course); the virtue of quick run-times for marriages; what indie filmmakers should do for their second act; and how this wonderful feature came to life. What a story he has to tell.Daniel's Indie Film Director & Highlight: Satoshi

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30:31

Le Chau

First Time Go ·

2023/10/13

I talk with Le Chau, director of DOLDRUMS. She has an amazingly unique story, as a native Vietnamese film producer, writer, and director.In this conversation, we talk about achieving her dreams from the age of 9 to become a filmmaker and attend UCLA, her career as a soldier in the United States Army National Guard, and the resilience of becoming successful after hitting rock bottom.If you need inspiration for the weekend, hell, the rest of the year, the rest of the decade, this is the episode.Le

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32:01

Joseph Amodei (re-release)

First Time Go ·

2023/10/06

Unless you're a First Time Go completist (love you if you are), you probably haven't heard the first few episodes. Let's change that. .Joseph Amodei has embarked on a career in the film industry for close to 30 years and helped shepherd such great films like TRAFFIC, BEING JOHN MALKOVICH, SUPER SIZE ME, and RESTREPO to movie theaters. He produced his first film in 2019 called CLARENCE CLEMONS: WHO DO I THINK I AM? and executive produced a Netflix documentary series called HAPPY JAIL.From

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28:15

Matthew S. Robinson

First Time Go ·

2023/10/03

I talk with Matthew S Robinson, indie film director and writer, about changing careers because of James Cameron, the struggles of making indie movies, why people select comedy as a genre to start, how film festivals can improve, his film BLOODY, BLOODY CODA, what he recommends for future filmmakers, and who he wants to highlight. I want to clip every single of Matthew's answers because they are all so insightful. If you want to understand the current state of independent film, start

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227 results

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