Rough Cut

In this episode of Rough Cut, we explore the powerful intersection of professional duty and personal history with Emmy-nominated journalist Katie G. Nelson. After more than a decade reporting on conflict and human rights across East Africa, Katie found herself back in her hometown of Minneapolis just as it became the epicenter of a global movement. We dive into the importance of local journalism and the shifting climate of on-the-ground reportage. Join us for an insightful conversation on the art of nonfiction storytelling and what it means to fight for meaningful change when the front line is only a mile from your childhood home.Show Links: Katie G. Nelson: https://videoconsortium.org/members/katie-g-nelsonKatie’s substack: https://substack.com/@katiegnelsonwww.katiegnelson.comFar on Foot Productions: faronfoot.comStories Discussed ICE Took Liam Conejo Ramos. His Classmates Have Something to Say.Minneapolis Precinct Fire: How A Night Of Chaos UnfoldedIn The Middle Of Chaos: Living With The Daunte Wright Protests At The Front DoorHow George Floyd Was Killed in Police CustodyCreditsHost Sky Dylan-Robbins Guests Katie G. NelsonExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

In this compelling episode of Rough Cut, esteemed journalist and VC Board member Kevin Merida, former Executive Editor of the Los Angeles Times, sits down with the visionary Executive Producer and Editor-in-Chief of PBS Frontline, Raney Aronson-Rath, to explore the profound responsibility of documenting history as it unfolds. The  2024 Oscar-winning 20 Days in Mariupol anchors Raney’s reflections about the "bittersweet" reality of investigative journalism—balancing the celebration of critical storytelling with the sobering fact that the conflicts they cover often continue long after the cameras stop rolling. Together, they discuss why documentaries are essential tools for navigating our modern, turbulent world and why, despite the heavy toll, journalists must "keep the faith" that their work serves as an indispensable record for the future.Show Links: Frontline: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/ Kevin Merida: https://videoconsortium.org/members/kevinmeridaCreditsHost Kevin MeridaGuests Raney Aronson-RathExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

In this episode of Rough Cut, guest host Andrea Arauz sits down with Mexican filmmaker and SSP fellow Viviana Zuñiga to deconstruct the evolving identity of Latin American film. The two discuss the "guerrilla mode" of production—the art of fulfilling every role to bring a dream to life with limited resources. Viviana shares how her work is inspired by the "beauty in the wound" found in the films of Tatiana Huezo and the rule-breaking spirit of Lola Arias.This conversation is a masterclass in cinematic resistance. It’s a powerful exploration of why Latin American filmmakers must stop apologizing for their "chaotic" reality and instead embrace the grit, the shadows, and the radical honesty that define their craft.Show LinksAndrea Arauz: https://videoconsortium.org/members/andrea_arauzViviana Zuñiga: https://videoconsortium.org/members/viviana-zunigaCreditsHost Andrea ArauzGuest Viviana ZuñigaExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

In this episode of Rough Cut, we sit down with the award-winning filmmaking duo Brandon Kramer and Lance Kramer. Through stories from their acclaimed films City of Trees, The First Step, and their Oscar-shortlisted feature Holding Liat, the brothers reflect on community, collaboration, and the ethical responsibility of nonfiction storytelling. Guest hosted by Kristin Feely, Director of the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, the brothers explore how their work is a reflection of the communities and intimate relationships they’ve built over three feature films.Show LinksHolding Liat - https://www.meridianhillpictures.com/holdingliatMeridian Hill Pictures - https://www.meridianhillpictures.comCreditsHost Kristin FreelyGuests Lance Kramer and Brandon KramerExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

Step courtside with Los Angeles Sparks Videographer Alicia Ramirez! In this episode of Rough Cut, hosted by producer Lauren Mahoney, Alicia shares her journey from cinematography and film production to capturing the energy of the WNBA. Hear how she leveraged unpaid gigs to land her dream job, the pressures of being a one-person crew shooting everything from promos to practices, and the amazing experience of having the best view in the house. Alicia talks gear, her busy in-season workweek, building trust with the team, and where she hopes to go from here. Consider this episode the final, satisfying swish of the net as we successfully close the book on another incredible season.Show LinksLauren Mahoney: https://videoconsortium.org/members/lauren-mahoneyAlicia Ramirez: https://www.aliciasramirez.com/LA Sparks Instagram: www.instagram.com/la_sparksLA Sparks YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLosAngelesSparks/CreditsHost Lauren MahoneyGuests Alicia RamirezExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

SHOW NOTES:Documentary filmmaker Nicholas Bruckman, along with guest host Jarod Neece, senior programmer at the Tribeca Festival, take a deep dive into the surprising intersections between activism, art, and industry. From disability rights in Not Going Quietly to NFT art in Minted, and the surprising government power plays behind The Price of Milk, Nick shares how he navigates storytelling, ethics, and business in the modern doc world. Along the way, the two pull back the curtain on film festivals, funding, and the fine line between passion and pragmatism.This is a candid, funny, and eye-opening look at what it takes to fund nonfiction films that matter, and get them seen.Show LinksJarod Neece: https://jarodneece.comNicholas Bruckman: https://videoconsortium.org/members/nicholas-bruckman and https://nickny.comPeoples TV: https://peoples.tvCreditsHost Jarod NeeceGuests Nicholas BruckmanExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

In this episode, Rough Cut dives deep with journalist and video creator Dave Jorgenson, co-founder of Local News International and the mastermind behind the Washington Post’s unexpected TikTok success. Host Ryan Kellett unpacks Dave’s journey from producing YouTube sketches in college to pioneering a new wave of media literacy—armed with humor, a journalist’s commitment to accuracy, and a phone. Since launching his independent outlet, LNI, Dave has stepped into a bigger creative space, exploring a broader editorial range with transparency and nuance. From bold language choices to a collaborative, evolving style guide, he's prioritizing clarity, accuracy, and accessibility. Dave proves that trusted journalism isn’t about institutions—it’s about people. Now, with full ownership of his platform and vision, he’s building something bigger: an honest, informative, and entertaining space for the next generation of news consumers.This episode is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how meaningful storytelling—and a good editor—can reshape the way we consume the news. Tune in now for insights, laughs, and a masterclass in creative adaptation.Show LinksRyan Kellett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankellettDave Jorgenson and Local News International: https://lni.mediaCreditsHost Ryan KellettGuest Dave Jorgenson Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

In this episode of Rough Cut, Sweta Vohra and Emma Alpert from Multitude Films—an independent production company dedicated to transformative culture change through nonfiction storytelling—dive deep into how Multitude is building a values-driven model that prioritizes sustainability, fairness, and humanity both on set and behind the scenes.Key takeaways include: sharing production budgets when hiring crew to establish fair standards across the industry and recognizing care as a crucial component of ethical filmmaking — not just an afterthought.Listeners will gain practical insights on reshaping budgets, negotiating with transparency, and redefining compensation beyond just money. If you’re committed to changing the culture of filmmaking for the better, this is an episode you can’t miss.This episode is a collaboration between Video Consortium and Brown Girls Doc Mafia to bring attention to The Pay Transparency Project, a resource built in collaboration with VC and BGDM to promote and highlight the importance of pay transparency in documentary and nonfiction film production. Show LinksSweta Vohra: ​​www.multitudefilms.com/sweta-vohraEmma Alpert: www.multitudefilms.com/emma-alpertMultitude Films: www.multitudefilms.comBrown Girls Doc Mafia: www.browngirlsdocmafia.orgPay Transparency Project: www.paytransparencyproject.orgCreditsGuests: Sweta Vohra and Emma Alpert of Multitude FilmsExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

In this episode of Rough Cut, guest host Caitlin Boyle sits down with filmmaker Rebecca Davis to discuss the journey behind Join or Die, the powerful documentary that reimagines Robert Putnam’s landmark book Bowling Alone for the screen. Rebecca shares how the team behind the film not only brought Putnam’s ideas on the decline of community life to a broader audience, but also charted an ambitious and intentional path for its distribution. From grassroots community screenings to a Netflix release, and even a theatrical run for Oscar qualification, the filmmakers prioritized meaningful engagement and peer collaboration over mass exposure. This episode offers an honest look at the time, strategy, and heart that went into building impact around Join or Die—a film about community that practiced what it preached.Rough Cut Podcast is brought to you by the global nonfiction video community the Video Consortium.Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating or a comment to help this podcast reach more filmmakers around the globe!◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠Episode Credits:Host: Caitlin BoyleGuest: Rebecca DavisExecutive Producers: Sky Dylan-Robbins, Kat VecchioProducer: Audrey HorwitzMusic: Zack Wright◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠Episode Resources:▶  Join or Die: https://www.joinordiefilm.com▶ Rebecca Davis: https://rebeccadavis.co and https://videoconsortium.org/members/rebecca-davis▶ Caitlin Boyle: https://caitlinboyle.co◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠Get involved and follow the action:Join VC: https://videoconsortium.org/joinSupport the community: https://videoconsortium.org/donate Listen to Rough Cut: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rough-cut/id1441930718 https://www.instagram.com/videoconsortium/https://www.linkedin.com/videoconsortium/

On this episode of Rough Cut, host Daniel Chávez-Ontiveros sits down with archival producer Stephanie Jenkins, whose work with filmmaker Ken Burns has uncovered rare historical gems like early footage of a young Muhammad Ali. Stephanie also shares insights into the art of bringing history to life on screen, and discusses co-founding the Archival Producers Alliance, which recently released groundbreaking guidelines on the use of generative AI in documentary filmmaking. From preserving the integrity of primary sources to navigating legal and ethical concerns, this episode explores how the rise of AI is reshaping the way we tell true stories—and why filmmakers must tread carefully.Show LinksDaniel Chávez-Ontiveros: https://videoconsortium.org/members/dchavezontiverosStephanie Jenkins: https://videoconsortium.org/members/stephanie-jenkinsArchival Producer AllianceAPA: https://www.archivalproducersalliance.com/APA GenAI Best Practices: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WS4iZ2Wi_wft5x54RG-hYb45sf10W8nV/viewAPA GenAI Best Practices Tool Kit: https://www.archivalproducersalliance.com/tool-kit-for-documentariesCreditsHost Daniel Chávez-OntiverosGuests Stephanie JenkinsExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

Michael Werner returns to Rough Cut and sits down with filmmaker Ondi Timoner to discuss the unique challenges involved in making documentaries involving one's own family. Ondi talks with Michael about her recent films "Last Flight Home" and "All God's Children," which explore deeply personal subjects like her father's final days and her sister’s religious and social justice work. She candidly shares the emotional and ethical dilemmas she navigated and the delicate nature of making films focused on deeply personal experiences and relationships.  Show LinksInterloper Films: https://www.interloperfilms.com/Michael Werner: https://videoconsortium.org/members/michael-werner CreditsHost Michael WernerGuests Ondi TimonerExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

On this episode of Rough Cut, artist and filmmaker Dennis Scholl speaks with Elan Golod about his new documentary Nathan-ism, and the complicated work of making art about artists. Dennis and Elan discuss their film’s impact on artist's legacies, how to make canvases and sculptures compelling on film, and the complexities of working with a subject who is used to having creative control. This nuanced conversation will resonate with filmmakers who have navigated relationships with complex film participants and faced challenging artistic choices when working with archival materials and other nontraditional media. Show LinksDennis Scholl: https://schollcreative.com/about/Elan Golod: https://videoconsortium.org/members/elan-golodNathan-ism: https://www.nathan-ism.com/CreditsHost Dennis SchollGuests Elan GolodExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

On this episode of Rough Cut, filmmaker and editor Ann Collins talks to director Sandra Luckow about her new feature doc, Vanishing: A Love Story, shot entirely on an iPhone. Ann and Sandra discuss how smartphones have made filmmaking more accessible than ever before — but it’s not as simple as pulling a phone out of your pocket and recording. Tune in to hear from Sandra about the additional gear and apps she used to film the deeply personal story of author Cai Emmons’ end-of-life journey. Show LinksVanishing: A Love Story - www.vanishingalovestory.comCreditsHost Ann CollinsGuest Sandra LuckowExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey Horwitz Music by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

On this episode of Rough Cut, Brandon Graves and Kamaria Roberts—Video Consortium’s Newsroom Collective team—unpack video as a crucial tool for newsrooms. They also share their personal journeys through the industry, discuss the challenges and opportunities facing local journalism today, and explore why VC’s Newsroom Collective is a game-changer for newsrooms integrating video storytelling into reporting. If you’re curious about where journalism is headed (hint: video is the future), this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Show LinksBrandon Graves: https://videoconsortium.org/members/bgraves Kamaria Roberts: https://videoconsortium.org/members/kamarialeylaThe Newsroom Collective: https://videoconsortium.org/newsroomsCreditsHost Brandon GravesGuest Kamaria Leyla RobertsExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

In this episode of Rough Cut, esteemed journalist and VC Board member Kevin Merida, former Executive Editor of the Los Angeles Times, sits down with award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter for a wide ranging conversation, including her latest documentary, Luther: Never Too Much, the art of weaving archival footage into compelling narratives, and the vital role of local journalism. Kevin and Dawn offer deep insights into the power and possibilities of nonfiction video storytelling. Tune in for an enriching exploration of the evolving landscape of nonfiction video.Show LinksKevin Merida: https://videoconsortium.org/members/kevinmeridaDawn Porter: https://www.trilogy-films.com/Luther: Never Too Much: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10850320/CreditsHost Kevin MeridaGuest Dawn PorterExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

On this episode of Rough Cut, filmmaker and writer Michael Werner talks to Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman, who shook up the documentary landscape with their film Cocaine Cowboys. The bold documentary launched their careers and solidified their reputation as daring storytellers who push against industry norms. Billy and Alfred, who have been collaborators since high school, talk to Michael about their dedication to telling Miami stories, and how they approach documentaries with genre-bending ideas and outside-the-box thinking. A must listen episode about the art of pushing limits and unfiltered storytelling. Show LinksMichael Werner: https://videoconsortium.org/members/michael-werner Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman https://www.rakontur.comCreditsHost Michael WernerGuests Billy Corben and Alfred SpellmanExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

This week on Rough Cut we’re joined by animators and filmmakers Lizzy Hogenson and Zach Dorn, who, with host Sean David Christensen, delve into how animation lends itself to emotional intensity in nonfiction stories.All three filmmakers use a myriad of artistic mediums in their films. For Lizzy it’s needle-felting and claymation, among other mediums. For Zach it’s puppets and illustrations, and for Sean it’s miniature sets and other unique storytelling techniques.  Sean talks with Lizzy and Zach about their creative processes and how these mediums and techniques evoke emotional intimacy for the viewer. Show LinksSean David Christensen: https://videoconsortium.org/members/seandchristensenZach Dorn: https://zachdorn.comLizzy Hogenson: www.lizzyhogenson.comLizzy’s film “Dani”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWH8iDhkwbsCreditsHost Sean David ChristensenGuests Lizzy Hogenson and Zach DornExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Monica GokeyMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

Quincy Ledbetter and Mito Habe-Evans met on NPR’s video desk, when Mito hired Quincy after a refreshingly casual and candid interview. On this episode of Rough Cut, Quincy, an independent filmmaker and artist, and Mito, a Creative Director and Supervising Video Producer at NPR, talk about what it takes to build a creative team and foster a positive work culture. We dive into the “vibe check,” how the punk scene shaped Mito’s creative outlook, and other ways Mito thinks about creating teams and connecting with collaborators. Show LinksQuincy Ledbetter: https://videoconsortium.org/members/qledbetterMito Habe-Evans: https://videoconsortium.org/members/mito-habe-evansNPR Video: https://www.npr.org/series/718730324/videoCreditsHost Quincy LedbetterGuests Mito Habe-EvansExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Monica GokeyMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

In this episode of Rough Cut, we dive into the story of Joss Fong and Adam Cole, two journalists and former Vox production desk partners. After working together for years, they embarked on the exciting journey of jumpstarting their own YouTube channel, “Howtown,” where they explore the question: How do we know what we know?Join us as their former colleague, Vox Video co-founder, and long-time VC member Joe Posner checks in with Joss and Adam just four months after their launch. They’ll share their journey,  from figuring out how to get discovered with a new channel, building a loyal audience, and the art of finding a niche the video world (and whole world) is missing.Show LinksJoe Posner: https://videoconsortium.org/members/joe-posnerAdam Cole: https://videoconsortium.org/members/adam-mathias-coleJoss Fong: https://videoconsortium.org/members/jocelyn-fongHowtown: https://www.youtube.com/@Howtown“A Campaign Mao, Morphed By Money” by Adam Cole: https://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2012/11/01/163632378/a-campaign-map-morphed-by-moneyHowtown short - “Noah Lyles won the 100m by point zero zero five seconds”: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7SkiLnZJO-ECreditsHost Joe PosnerGuests Joss Fong and Adam ColeExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Monica GokeyMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium (https://videoconsortium.org)

In this month’s episode of Rough Cut Podcast, filmmaker and curator Stephanie Owens talks with Oscar-winning director Ben Proudfoot about the art of short documentary. Growing up in Nova Scotia, Ben was a young magician with a youth championship win, but after a trip to Los Angelis his goals changed, setting him on a new path. Stephanie and Ben start at the beginning and this conversation is an engaging journey through Ben’s unique career path from magician to celebrated filmmaker. Now the founder and CEO of Breakwater Studios, Ben leads a team of artists who make both brand-funded and independent short documentaries. Together, they’re redefining and championing the short documentary as its own unique storytelling format. A fun and engaging episode for anyone who loves short documentaries, and for those who follow their curiosity and embrace the twists and turns of creative work!Watch the interview: https://youtube.com/@videoconsortium Show LinksBreakwater Studioshttps://breakwaterstudios.com/The Last Repair Shop, Directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowershttps://breakwaterstudios.com/film/the-last-repair-shop/Stephanie Owenshttps://www.sowenstapes.com/CreditsHost Stephanie OwensGuest Ben ProudfootExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Monica GokeyMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

In this episode of Rough Cut, filmmakers and longtime collaborators Scott Faris and Meg Griffiths talk about what it means to make work with a purpose and why they chose to create their production company, Universe Creative. Scott interviews Meg about her journey from photojournalist to filmmaker, working with non-profit clients, and their first feature documentary, Impossible Town. They also discuss how their company’s core values trickle down into everything they do and the importance of having a clear vision and process for their work. This is a can’t miss episode for producers and anyone thinking about creating their own company.Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating or a comment to help this podcast reach more filmmakers around the globe!Watch the interview: https://youtube.com/@videoconsortium Show LinksImpossible Town, Directed by Meg Griffiths and Scott Farishttps://www.impossibletown.com/Universe Creativehttps://universecreative.org/CreditsHost Scott FarisGuest Meg GriffithsExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Monica GokeyMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

Rough Cut Podcast is back! Did you miss us? After a brief hiatus, Rough Cut returns in a new, community-driven format, with alternating Video Consortium members hosting each episode.For our first episode back, join longtime friends, filmmakers, and photojournalists Ed Ou and Amanda Mustard as they reunite in this eye-opening episode about the transition from photo to video, the enduring principles of journalism ethics, and the challenges of sustaining a career in high-risk journalism. Amanda also discusses the release of her first feature-length documentary Great Photo, Lovely Life, a poignant HBO film about her journey to confront familial trauma.Wherever you are in your career, this candid conversation about Ed and Amanda's professional evolution and the profound impact of storytelling through film is a must-listen. Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating or a comment to help this podcast reach more filmmakers around the globe!Watch the interview: https://youtube.com/@videoconsortium Please note: This episode contains brief conversations about SA and family trauma. Show LinksGreat Photo, Lovely Life, Directed by Amanda Mustard and Rachel Beth AndersonCreditsHost Ed Ou Guest Amanda Mustard Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Monica GokeyMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium!

The documentary industry has seen huge changes in the last decade. So where does the industry stand today? What are some of the greatest challenges documentary filmmakers face? And what kind of work do industry gatekeepers want to support?Our guest, Sara Archambault, is leading a new initiative at Harvard University’s Shorenstein Center that is trying to answer these questions. The program, “Documentary in the Public Interest”, surveys scholars, filmmakers, journalists, and industry leaders to find out the most prominent trends in the doc industry and the biggest challenges filmmakers face. Sara Archambault has been a documentary producer and programmer for more than a decade. She was Program Director at LEF Foundation for 10 years, and was the Founder/Programmer of The DocYard.Note that is the last episode with Rough Cut's Creator and Host Jennie Butler. If you'd like to get in touch, she can be reached at [email protected] Host Jennie Butler on InstagramExecutive Producer Sky Dylan-RobbinsProducer Caley Fox Shannon on InstagramEditor Audrey Horowitz on InstagramGot an idea for an episode? Email [email protected] here to support the Video Consortium

Aisha Jamal is a filmmaker, programmer and college professor. She is Canadian film programmer at Hot Docs Documentary Festival and previously worked for TIFF and Syria Film Festival Toronto, among others. In this episode, Aisha talks about her path to programming, how her work as a filmmaker and film teacher informs her programming, and how programming decisions at Hot Docs are made.Host Jennie Butler on InstagramExecutive Producer Sky Dylan-RobbinsProducer Amy DiGiacomo on Instagram and TwitterProducer Caley Fox Shannon on InstagramProducer Abhishyant KidangoorEditor Audrey Horowitz on InstagramGot an idea for an episode? Email [email protected] here to support the Video Consortium

When filmmaker Amanda Kim discovered the artist Nam June Paik, she knew she wanted to make a documentary about him. Five years later, Amanda's debut film Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Amanda came on the pod to talk about what she learned as a first time filmmaker — from bringing on producers, to fundraising, to navigating the edit. Moon is the Oldest TV is currently screening at Film Forum in NYC.Find Amanda Kim on Instagram.Host Jennie Butler on InstagramExecutive Producer Sky Dylan-RobbinsProducer Amy DiGiacomo on Instagram and TwitterProducer Caley Fox Shannon on InstagramProducer Abhishyant KidangoorEditor Audrey Horowitz on InstagramGot an idea for an episode? Email [email protected] here to support the Video Consortium

The Oscar-nominated documentary All That Breathes has a distinct visual style: long, beautiful, perfectly-constructed shots akin to narrative films. How can one stay true to this style in the unpredictable, often chaotic environments that define documentary filmmaking? Director Shaunak Sen came on the pod to discuss his film's visual style, how he was able to capture so many unique, organic moments, and his approach to the edit.You can watch All That Breathes now on HBO MAX.Find Saunak on InstagramHost Jennie Butler on InstagramExecutive Producer Sky Dylan-RobbinsProducer Amy DiGiacomo on Instagram and TwitterProducer Caley Fox Shannon on InstagramProducer Abhishyant KidangoorEditor Audrey Horowitz on InstagramGot an idea for an episode? Email [email protected] here to support the Video Consortium

In this episode, we sit down with director, producer, and cinematographer Rita Baghdadi, who's latest film Sirens premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and went on to win the Grand Jury Prize at Outfest.Rita talks about how she transitioned from competitive horse jumping to documentary filmmaking, her process in making the film Sirens, how she was able to bring Maya Rudolph and Natasha Lyonne on as Executive Producers, her collaboration with the composer Para One, how she was able to juggle verité shooting and directing, and more.Find Rita on Instagram Check out the film Sirens on Instagram and sirensdocumentary.com Host Jennie Butler on InstagramExecutive Producer Sky Dylan-RobbinsProducer Amy DiGiacomo on Instagram and TwitterProducer Caley Fox Shannon on InstagramProducer Abhishyant KidangoorEditor Audrey Horowitz on InstagramGot an idea for an episode? Email [email protected] here to support the Video Consortium

Indian filmmakers Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh were pleasantly surprised when their  independent feature doc Writing with Fire swept up awards, including at Sundance, and became the first Indian feature doc to ever be nominated for an Oscar. But they were shocked when the film's subjects, after traveling with and celebrating the film for 14-months, suddenly pulled back from the project, releasing a statement saying that the film oversimplifies their work.In this episode, Rintu and Sushmit talk about how they maintain the delicate balance between filmmaker and participant, as well as the stakes and challenges of storytelling in a dynamically evolving and complex democracy.Host Jennie Butler on InstagramExecutive Producer Sky Dylan-RobbinsProducer Amy DiGiacomo on Instagram and TwitterProducer Caley Fox Shannon on InstagramProducer Abhishyant KidangoorEditor Audrey Horowitz on InstagramGot an idea for an episode? Email [email protected] here to support the Video Consortium

What Do Filmmakers Owe Their Subjects? Souki Mehdaoui is a documentary filmmaker, DP, and subject coordinator. Her cinematography can be seen on Netflix, HBO, New York Times, and the Sundance-premiering documentaries The Great Hack and Mucho Mucho Amor.Souki was a subject in the HBO doc series The Vow, and she brought her experiences as a documentary participant into her work as a subject coordinator for the Showtime documentary Cusp.In this episode, Souki talks about what she’s learned from being on both sides of the camera and how filmmakers can create a transparent and ethical relationship with their film’s participants.Follow Souki on instagram and check out her work here.Rough Cut on InstagramVideo Consortium on InstagramHost Jennie Butler on InstagramExecutive Producer Sky Dylan-RobbinsProducer Amy DiGiacomo on Instagram and TwitterProducer Caley Fox Shannon on InstagramProducer Abhishyant KidangoorEditor Audrey Horowitz on InstagramGot an idea for an episode? Email [email protected] here to support the Video Consortium

It's a scenario most documentary filmmakers dread: someone else is covering the same story. Dueling documentaries are becoming more common, but is competition always bad for filmmakers?Director Jenner Furst came on the pod to talk about this phenomenon, which he's experienced several times throughout his career. Jenner and his filmmaking partner Julia Willoughby Nason and Michael Gasparro directed Hulu's Fyre Fraud, which came out days before Netflix's FYRE, as well as LulaRich, released just prior to another film on the same subject, The Rise and Fall of LuLaRoe.Jenner talks about how he approached these stories knowing there was a competing doc in progress, how he was able to gain access to some of the films' more controversial participants, and his advice for pitching to streamers.Rough Cut on InstagramVideo Consortium on InstagramHost Jennie Butler on InstagramExecutive Producer Sky Dylan-RobbinsProducer Amy DiGiacomo on Instagram and TwitterProducer Caley Fox Shannon on InstagramProducer Abhishyant KidangoorEditor Audrey Horowitz on InstagramGot an idea for an episode? Email [email protected] here to support the Video Consortium

A documentary filmmaker's relationship with their film's participants, or "subjects", is one of the most important but challenging parts of making a film. The director might have to consider: What are the boundaries of my relationship with the subject? Should the subjects be paid? What effects will my film have on the subjects' lives?These questions are at the heart of the new documentary, SUBJECT, from directors Jennifer Tiexiera and Camilla Hall. The film examines the ethics of documentary filmmaking through interviews with industry gatekeepers, as well as subjects of some of the most notable documentaries like Hoop Dreams, Capturing the Friedmans, The Square, and The Staircase. On this episode, Jennifer and Camilla talk about the experiences that inspired them to make SUBJECT, and how filmmakers can apply the film's themes to their own work.To learn more about SUBJECT visit https://www.subject.film/Rough Cut on InstagramVideo Consortium on InstagramHost Jennie Butler on InstagramExecutive Producer Sky Dylan-RobbinsProducer Amy DiGiacomo on Instagram and TwitterProducer Caley Fox ShannonProducer Abhishyant KidangoorEditor Audrey Horowitz on InstagramGot an idea for an episode? Email [email protected] here to support the Video Consortium

This episode is all about music in film—choosing the right tracks, licensing music, music supervision, and more. We sat down with all star Music Supervisor Justin Feldman, whose credits include The Last Dance, Silicon Valley, Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell, and Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby. Justin rose through the ranks at Hit The Ground Running, an LA-based, full-service music supervision company, and shares his deep knowledge on music in film.To learn more about Hit The Ground Running, visit htgr.netGet in touch with Justin Feldman at [email protected] or on Twitter @JT_FeldmanRough Cut on InstagramVideo Consortium on InstagramHost Jennie Butler on InstagramExecutive Producer Sky Dylan-Robbins Producer Amy DiGiacomo on Instagram and TwitterProducer Caley Fox ShannonProducer Abhishyant KidangoorEditor Audrey Horowitz on Instagram Got an idea for an episode? Email [email protected] here to support the Video Consortium

You've finished a film. Now how do you get it programmed at your preferred festival? Samah Ali is a film festival strategist, meaning she works with documentary directors and producers to achieve their film festival goals. Samah is also a distributor and film programmer at Academy Award-qualifying festivals like Hot Docs, DOC NYC, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival.In this episode, Samah discusses how to think about premiere status, submission vs solicitation-based film festivals, and what a strategist like herself can bring to the table.Check out Samah's blog: https://stratali.net/Samah Ali on TwitterRough Cut on InstagramJennie Butler on InstagramSky Dylan-Robbins on InstagramVideo Consortium on InstagramClick here to support the Video Consortium*Special thanks to Amy DiGiacomo for helping us produce this episode*

Jon Gerberg is an award-winning video journalist on the national and investigative beats. He joined The Washington Post in 2017 and was previously a foreign affairs producer at the “PBS NewsHour.” He has reported overseas for the New York Times, TIME, Associated Press and others. Countries he’s covered include Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel and the Palestinian territories, Egypt, Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, as well as across Europe and throughout the United States.In this episode, Jon and Jennie talk about how to stay focused on the craft in a chaotic environment, how Jon choses what stories to pursue, and how to get into a workflow while on the go.Jon Gerberg on Instagram and TwitterRough Cut on InstagramJennie Butler on InstagramSky Dylan-Robbins on InstagramVideo Consortium on InstagramClick here to support the Video Consortium

*Republishing an old favorite*Chloe Gbai is the director of If/Then, a Tribeca Film Institute initiative that gives grants and provides mentorship to filmmakers creating short documentaries. She was previously a programmer at PBS POV Shorts. In this episode, Chloe gives advice on how to put together a strong grant application, and shares her insight on what makes a good shot doc. She is based in NYC.Mentioned in the episode:The Balloonfest That Went Horribly WrongFor more info visit https://www.roughcutpodcast.com/Find Chloe on InstagramFind Rough Cut on InstagramFind Host Jennie Butler on InstagramFind Producer Sky Dylan-Robbins on Instagram

Poh Si Teng is a documentary filmmaker and the Funds and Enterprise Program Director at IDA, one of the largest documentary grant funders. Before IDA, Poh worked as an independent filmmaker in India, a staff reporter at the New York Times, and as the documentary commissioner and senior producer for Al Jazeera English’s flagship strand Witness.  She also commissioned and produced the Academy Award-nominated St. Louis Superman. In this episode, Poh gives advice on what makes a strong grant application, what documentary filmmakers should think about when they're starting a new project, and how her experiences as a filmmaker and journalist inform her work at IDA. Rough Cut on InstagramJennie Butler on InstagramSky Dylan-Robbins on InstagramVideo Consortium on InstagramClick here to support the Video Consortium

Since it launched in 2014, Vox Video has amassed nearly 10 million subscribers on YouTube, and has expanded to platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Quibi. Its new docu-series Level Playing Field, about the intersection between sports and politics, is now streaming on HBO. Joe Posner is the Co-founder and VP of Creative Development at Vox Video. In this episode, we discuss how Vox built its unique brand of explanatory journalism, and it kept this distinctness while scaling to other platforms.Joe Posner on TwitterRough Cut on InstagramJennie Butler on InstagramSky Dylan-Robbins on InstagramVideo Consortium on InstagramClick here to support the Video Consortium

What kinds of stories are best told in virtual reality? Why is VR so effective, and how can emerging filmmakers get started with VR? Gary Yost and Adam Loften lead The WisdomVR Project, a library of VR documentaries and experiences. One of their latest projects, Inside COVID-19, was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2021. Adam Loften is a documentary filmmaker producing award-winning 360/VR films and multimedia stories that highlight pressing social and environmental issues. His projects have screened at film festivals around the world and have been featured on PBS, National Geographic, Emergence Magazine, The Atlantic and the New York Times.Gary Yost led the team that invented Autodesk 3ds Max, the world’s most popular 3D visual effects production system, and is an award-winning filmmaker with unique expertise in the combined fields of computer imaging, filmmaking and immersive storytelling. He founded the WisdomVR Project in 2018 with Ram Dass as the inaugural subject and is the president of the board of directors.Rough Cut on InstagramJennie Butler on InstagramSky Dylan-Robbins on InstagramVideo Consortium on InstagramClick here to support the Video Consortium

As a freelancer, how do you negotiate a rate? What should you consider when setting a price? Doc filmmakers from both sides of the negotiation share their expertise in this special episode. Guests:Rebecca Davis (NBC News, Vox, NY Daily News)Lea Khayata (Pushpin Films) Javier Briones (Freelance Documentary Filmmaker)Enter your salary/wage into the Video Pay Transparency ProjectRough Cut on InstagramJennie Butler on InstagramSky Dylan-Robbins on InstagramVideo Consortium on InstagramClick here to support the Video Consortium

Hao Wu is an award-winning documentary filmmaker born and raised in China. His most recent film,  76 Days, documents Wuhan’s COVID-19 outbreak. The film is shot completely vérité with no interviews, and gives viewers a first-hand account of Covid's impact through the stories of healthcare workers, patients, and their families. Hao directed the film remotely in the U.S. while his co-directors Weixi Chen (Esquire China) and a second reporter who wished to remain anonymous filmed inside four of the city's hospitals.In this episode Hao talks about his experience directing a film remotely, why he chose to make the film completely vérité, and the challenges he faced in completing the project.Hao Wu on TwitterRough Cut on InstagramJennie Butler on InstagramSky Dylan-Robbins on InstagramVideo Consortium on InstagramClick here to support the Video Consortium

Geeta Gandbhir is a documentary director, producer, and editor who has been nominated for three Emmy Awards and has won two.  As editor, she won a Primetime Emmy for Best Editing for Spike Lee's HBO documentary series When the Levees Broke and also for the HBO film By The People, The Election of Barack Obama. Her short film Call Center Blues, about US deportees and their loved ones struggling to rebuild their lives in Tijuana, was shortlisted for the 2021 Academy AwardsRough Cut on InstagramHost Jennie Butler on InstagramProducer Sky Dylan-Robbins on Instagram

Jeremy Workman is a documentary filmmaker and founder of Wheelhouse Creative, a company that makes trailers for narrative films and documentaries. In this interview, Jennie and Jeremy discuss the three acts of a trailer, why trailers are so important, what makes an effective trailer, and why trailers for docs can often be more challenging than for narrative films.Links from the interview:Lily Topples the World (new documentary premiering at SXSW)The World Before Your Feet Coded Bias trailerGatekeepers trailerRough Cut on InstagramHost Jennie Butler on InstagramProducer Sky Dylan-Robbins on Instagram

Emily Strong is an NYC-based documentary filmmaker and freelance location sound mixer. She's contributed to Taylor Swift: Miss Americana and New York Times the Weekly, and was just listed in Doc NYC's 40 under 40. Her newest project, We Are the Brooklyn Saints, debuts on Netflix in January 2021.In this episode, Emily talks about how she came up in the sound world, why sound is so important in documentaries, and how first-time doc filmmakers can achieve great sound.Emily recommends: Production Sound Mixing: The Art and Craft of Sound Recording for the Moving ImageThe Location Sound BibleThe Freelance Manifesto: A Field Guide for the Modern Motion Designer Location Sound PodcastClick here to support the Video ConsortiumEmily Strong on InstagramRough Cut on InstagramHost Jennie Butler on InstagramProducer Sky Dylan-Robbins on InstagramEmily can be reached at [email protected]

Uptin Saiidi was a multimedia journalist for CNBC for 7 years based in Singapore and Hong Kong. His videos about business and tech like this one about Singapore's Airport and this one about 'digital nomads' have received millions of views on Facebook alone. Uptin recently left CNBC and moved to LA to develop his own channels. His family is from Iran and he grew up in Reno.In this episode, Uptin shares why he thinks some videos go viral on social media, how legacy media companies should pivot to digital, and why he left his job at CNBC to go freelance.You can find Uptin on Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.Click here to support the Video ConsortiumRough Cut on InstagramHost Jennie Butler on InstagramProducer Sky Dylan-Robbins on Instagram

Julie Cohen is a documentary filmmaker and television news producer. Most recently, she directed and produced RBG about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, along with Columbia J school professor Betsy West. Cohen is now directing the upcoming documentary Julia about chef and TV personality Julia Child.Before she was a documentary filmmaker, Cohen  was staff producer at Dateline NBC, where she was nominated for four national Emmy Awards and won the Individual Achievement Award for Best News Producer from American Women in Radio and Television (Gracie Award).In this episode, Cohen talks about how working in  broadcast news made her a better doc filmmaker, her approach to archival footage, and how she was able the compelling opening montage of RBG. Rough Cut on InstagramHost Jennie Butler on InstagramProducer Sky Dylan-Robbins on InstagramLearn more about The Video Consortium

Director Nick Bruckman and Producer Amanda Roddy talk about their upcoming film, Not Going Quietly. The film follows activist Ady Barkan as he travels the country fighting for healthcare reform. Over the course of the film, Ady's health deteriorates due to ALS, a deadly disease he was diagnosed with in 2016. Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass, and Bradley Whitford serve as executive producers, and a clip of the film screened at the DNC.When they're not working on Not Going Quietly, Nick and Amanda make videos and digital campaigns for companies and non-profits at People's Television.In this episode, Nick, Amanda, and Jennie discuss commercial work vs. doc filmmaking, how they were able to capture such private moments related to Ady's declining health, and getting the Duplass brothers on board as executive producers.Not Going Quietly on Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterNick Bruckman on InstagramRough Cut on InstagramHost Jennie Butler on InstagramProducer Sky Dylan-Robbins on InstagramLearn more about The Video Consortium

How do you get funding for your film before you have anything to show? In this episode, Jennie sits down with Co-founders Lisa Kleiner Chanoff and Bonni Cohen, and Senior Program Director Megan Gelstein of Catapult Film Fund, which provides development funding to help story-driven and cinematic documentary films get off the ground.Catapult Film Fund gives early support to propel projects forward that hold the promise of a story that should be uniquely told in film. It provides development funding, up to $20,000, to documentary filmmakers who have a strong story to tell, have secured access, and are ready to create a fundraising piece to help unlock critical production funding. It also enables filmmakers to develop their projects to the next level, at the early stage when funding is hard to find. The Fund supports powerful and moving storytelling, by filmmakers with a strong voice across a broad spectrum of subject matter.Apply and learn more at catapultfilmfund.orgAlso check out Catapult's annual Rough Cut retreat.Rough Cut on InstagramHost Jennie Butler on InstagramProducer Sky Dylan-Robbins on InstagramLearn more about The Video Consortium

Sven Pape is a documentary and narrative film editor. His YouTube channel This Guy Edits is a collection of doc and narrative editing lessons. It has amassed tens of millions of views since launching in 2016.Check out his editing course here: https://thegotoeditor.comhttps://www.roughcutpodcast.com/Find Rough Cut on InstagramFind Host Jennie Butler on InstagramFind Producer Sky Dylan-Robbins on InstagramLearn more about the Video Consortium.

Marco Williams is a documentary filmmaker and professor of film production at Northwestern University. His films—which center around race, injustice, and American history—have received numerous awards, including the Gotham Documentary Achievement Award and the Guggenheim Fellowship. Marco has also been nominated three times for the Sundance Film Festival grand jury prize.My films are about America; about whom we have been; who we are; who we aspire to be. I have committed myself to creating a record of America by trying to deal with the topics that challenge our sense of who we are and our sense of justice, but more importantly, to make films that will have sustained impact...I try to tell the stories we’d rather not tell. - Marco Williamshttps://www.roughcutpodcast.com/Find Rough Cut on InstagramFind Host Jennie Butler on InstagramFind Producer Sky Dylan-Robbins on InstagramThanks Handale Hsu for mixing this episode.

The Film Festival Alliance is a community of more than 180 film festivals around the globe. It's Executive Director, Lela Meadow-Conner, and Director of Membership, Barbara Twist, come on the podcast to discuss the role of festivals in a filmmaker's career and the future of festivals amid COVID-19.https://www.roughcutpodcast.com/Find Rough Cut on InstagramFind Host Jennie Butler on InstagramFind Producer Sky Dylan-Robbins on Instagram