Documentary First

In this special Documentary First episode, Christian steps off the beaten path to share an exciting guest appearance on the Movie Rob Minute podcast. Christian is joined by her college friend and actor Corey Johnson to dive into a Saving Private Ryan minute, making it even more special since Corey played a role in the film! Christian thought it would be a lot of fun to bring Corey along, and she was right.

In Part 1, Corey shares hi...

In this episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor and co-host Hunter Taylor are joined by Josh Nowell and Jim Rasberry, the dynamic duo behind The Heirloom Hotel & Cooking School in Laurel, Mississippi. They discuss the transformative power of storytelling, being on HGTV's Hometown, and community revitalization. As serial entrepreneurs, Josh and Jim share their journey of creating The Heirloom, a unique project blendi...

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 vulnerabi...

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, Cor...

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 th...

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 asp...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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 docum...

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 produ...

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 ...

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...

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 d...

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 c...

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 innovati...

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.

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

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, perseveranc...