402 - Filmmaker and Educator Mariah Kramer - Unlocking the Secrets of Student Filmmaking, Essentials of Filmmaking, Festivals, Funding, and the Future of Documentary

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, we welcome Filmmaker and Vanderbilt University Film School Director, Mariah Kramer. Mariah discusses her work, including a PBS-premiered documentary and a new short fiction film. She co-founded the Uptilt Film Festival and the Point of Vu Student Film Festival at Vanderbilt University, where she teaches. The conversation touches on the importance of networking, understanding camera and editing basics, and the challenges of funding and distribution in documentary filmmaking. They also discuss the significance of Vanderbilt alumni who have won Academy Awards, including Delbert Mann for "Marty" and Tom Schulman for "Dead Poets Society."

The discussion focused on entry-level jobs for film school graduates, emphasizing the importance of trying diverse roles to find one's passion. It highlighted the value of being a PA or working in a mailroom to gain industry experience. The conversation also covered the benefits of volunteering at film festivals and being a background actor. The Point of Vu Student Film Festival, happening on February 15, was detailed, including its mission to bring together students from nine schools in Middle Tennessee. The festival will screen 24 films, with categories for fiction, non-fiction, and alternative. Mariah Kramer shared her perspective on fulfillment, value, and flexibility in the film industry.

We also talk about:

• The challenges of measuring camaraderie and building a sense of community among students
• The role of film festivals in providing networking opportunities and showcasing student work
• The potential impact of PBS funding cuts on documentary filmmakers
• The value of entry-level jobs like being a PA or working in a mail room for film school graduates
• All new Audience Polls
• All new Things We Should Know
• An all new Filmmaker Q&A
• NEW SEGMENT: "Bullets"

Products, software, websites, people or places mentioned:

- Vanderbilt University

- Belmont University

- Belcourt Theater

- Uptilt Film Festival

- Point of Vu Student Film Festival

- Claudia Raschke

- Roger Deakins

- Delbert Mann

- Tom Schulman

- "Marty"

- "Dead Poets Society"

- Abercrombie & Fitch

- MasterChef Junior

- Cotton Bureau

- Apple Podcasts

- Spotify

- YouTube

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