Home
Categories
EXPLORE
True Crime
Comedy
Society & Culture
Business
Sports
History
Music
About Us
Contact Us
Copyright
© 2024 PodJoint
00:00 / 00:00
Sign in

or

Don't have an account?
Sign up
Forgot password
https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts221/v4/3c/43/d2/3c43d2c9-436b-0ff4-3c30-5d3de66917a0/mza_15883796897898267908.jpg/600x600bb.jpg
Talk Doc To Me
Leah de Leon
20 episodes
1 day ago
Candid conversations on documentary storytelling hosted by Documentary Filmmaker Leah de Leon. Follow along on Instagram: www.instagram.com/talkdoctomepodcast
Show more...
Documentary
Society & Culture
RSS
All content for Talk Doc To Me is the property of Leah de Leon and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Candid conversations on documentary storytelling hosted by Documentary Filmmaker Leah de Leon. Follow along on Instagram: www.instagram.com/talkdoctomepodcast
Show more...
Documentary
Society & Culture
Episodes (20/20)
Talk Doc To Me
Film School vs. No Film School with Matthew Meredith and Leah de Leon

So... Film School or No Film School?

That is the question Leah and her business partner, filmmaker Matthew Meredith, are diving into this week.

From how they fell in love to building Sundoc Studios, a documentary studio in San Diego, Leah and Matthew share the real story behind their path. No filters or fluff.

They talk about how they each found their way into filmmaking, what those early years actually looked like, and the mistakes they made in business first starting out.

And for anyone standing at the crossroads, wondering whether to go to film school or just start shooting, this one is for you.

In this episode, you will learn:

  • How Leah and Matthew first got into filmmaking

  • The lessons and losses from their first years running a production company

  • Their honest take on film school versus real world experience

  • Practical advice for young filmmakers ready to start

If you are building something from the ground up and trying to figure out your next move, this episode is for you.

Episode Resources and Links:

View Matthew’s Work

Talk Doc To Me is presented by Sundoc Studios

Follow on Instagram

Show more...
4 weeks ago
32 minutes 21 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
Build Your Dream Team for your Documentary with Cole Sax

Every great documentary starts with a vision—but it takes the right team to turn that vision into reality.

Leah sits down with award-winning filmmaker Cole Sax to break down the essential steps to building a dream team for your documentary.

With a career spanning collaborations with YouTube Originals, VICE, Google, Nike, and The Olympics, Cole shares insights from his experience directing World Debut, an award-winning feature documentary produced in partnership with Boardwalk Pictures and executive produced by skateboarding legend Tony Hawk.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  •  The right time to reach out to collaborators
  • What you need in order to pitch production partners
  • How to foster strong creative relationships


Cole has built and directed teams of all sizes and has brought stories to life on a global scale. If you're ready to build your dream team, this episode is a must-listen!


Episode Resources & Links:

View Cole’s Work:

⁠https://www.colesax.com/⁠

Talk Doc To Me is presented by ⁠Sundoc Studios⁠

⁠Follow on Instagram⁠ 

⁠Watch on YouTube⁠

⁠Connect with Leah on LinkedIn⁠

⁠Learn more about Documentary Producing

Show more...
8 months ago
43 minutes 4 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
The Highs & Lows of Finding a Job in Documentary with Devon Blackwell

How do you navigate the documentary job landscape? Asking for a friend…


Leah sits down with Devon Blackwell to chat about her time working at The New Yorker, how she handled layoffs, and her approach to using archival materials in documentaries.


Devon Blackwell is a director and editor, a Sundance Ignite Fellow, and currently pursuing her Master’s in Documentary Filmmaking at Stanford University. She began her career as a filmmaker and curator at The New Yorker, where she produced Nina and Irena, a film that was shortlisted for an Oscar. She’s also a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and her recent film, Goodbye, Morganza, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, earning a special jury mention in the Short Documentary category.


About Goodbye, Morganza: A property dispute led to one family’s displacement from their ancestral home. Today, their youngest daughter is left to pick up the pieces—all of them fitting within two storage units.


In this episode, we discuss:

✨ How to get your documentary featured on The New Yorker

✨ Navigating layoffs and grad school

✨ How to make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list

✨ Tackling imposter syndrome

✨ Tips for using archival footage in your documentary


Episode Resources & Links:

  • Follow Devon on Instagram: @devonmarlie

  • Watch Goodbye, Morganza: The New Yorker

  • Talk Doc to Me is presented by Sundoc Studios: www.sundocstudios.com

  • Follow on Instagram: Sundoc Studios

  • Watch on YouTube: Sundoc Studios Channel

  • Connect with Leah on LinkedIn: Leah's Profile

    Learn more about documentary producing: Leah’s YouTube

Show more...
10 months ago
38 minutes 27 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
How to Partner with Brands for Your Documentary with Anna Wilder Burns

Sure, we all have our dream brands; but how do you actually land a partnership for your film? 

Leah chats with Anna Wilder Burns and they discuss how she and her team were able to raise $20K through brand partnerships for their original film ‘Beyond Normal.’

Anna Wilder Burns is an award-winning Cinematographer and Director who tells impactful stories about athletes, adventurers, and activists. A former Division 1 athlete, she specializes in sports and outdoor content, with a unique ability to connect with her subjects and a passion for striking visuals. She has worked with major brands like Nike, The North Face, and Team USA, and her films have screened worldwide, earning recognition in festivals such as Banff and HollyShorts.

Beyond Normal chronicles the journey of professional surfer Becca Speak as she fights her way back to the water after a traumatic brain injury. An intimate portrait of self discovery, the film is an exploration of the human spirit and a vulnerable look into the gravity of a TBI.


In this interview you will learn…

  • How to set up a successful Co-Directing relationship

  • What materials you need in order to pitch brands

  • How to find inspiration for creative shot ideas


Episode Resources & Links:

View Anna’s Work:

https://www.annawilderburns.com/

Watch the Beyond Normal Trailer:

https://www.madebackeast.com/beyond-normal

Follow Anna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaburnsy/


Talk Doc To Me is presented by Sundoc Studios

Follow on Instagram 

Watch on YouTube

Connect with Leah on LinkedIn

Learn more about Documentary Producing

Show more...
12 months ago
39 minutes 9 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
How To Win an Oscar & The Business of Short Documentaries with Ben Proudfoot

What does it take to win an Oscar? Leah chats with Ben Proudfoot, the CEO and Founder of Breakwater Studios.


Ben Proudfoot is a two-time Academy Award® winning documentary filmmaker and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Breakwater Studios, the home of the short documentary. Based in LA, he leads a team of 20 full-time filmmaking staff to create Oscar winning short documentaries. He was born in Nova Scotia, attended USC, and founded his company in 2012. Since then, he’s made short documentaries for brands like The New York Times, Charles Schwab, LinkedIn, and Amazon. And of course we can’t forget to mention his 3 nominations & his back to back Oscar wins for The Queen of Basketball & The Last Repair Shop. 


In this interview you will learn…

  • How to handle rejection

  • How to win an Oscar

  • How to find funding and partners for your original films

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

1:37 - Dealing with Rejection

5:47 - Why Short Documentaries

9:16 - How Ben Got His Start in Branded Documentaries

15:50 - Why some brand-funded films are bad

18:38 - Scaling Breakwater Studios

27:27 - The Role of a CEO

30:41 - How to Win an Oscar

42:17 - $15M Fundraising Campaign for The Last Repair Shop

46:00 - Finding Funding for your documentary

53:00 - Do’s and Don’ts for finding strategic partners

55:16 - Rapid Fire Questions


Episode Resources & Links:

Donate to The Last Repair Shop Fund:

https://lausdef.givecloud.co/fundraising/forms/PYEVM6DX?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYUxCqPftIuiPTHm5355AWA1jx4gF8sxAE0AbjbCcHXEM522XGSHA101u4_aem_yy88mFLylri31Ltb9cWdNQ

Follow Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgproudfoot/

Follow Breakwater Studios on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterstudios/

Learn about Breakwater Studios: https://breakwaterstudios.com/

Academy Awards Eligibility: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/rules-eligibility


Talk Doc To Me is presented by Sundoc Studios

Follow on Instagram 

Watch on YouTube

Connect with Leah on LinkedIn

Learn more about Documentary Producing

Show more...
1 year ago
58 minutes 24 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
Curating Asian Stories for the World as Editor in Chief of EST Media with Keshia Hannam

What does it take to curate documentaries for a global media company? 

Leah chats with Keshia Hannam, Editor in Chief at Eastern Standard Times. Keshia & Leah discuss the roles and responsibilities of an Editor in Chief & what makes for a compelling documentary. 


About Keshia:

Growing up mixed race and then living as an immigrant across Hong Kong, India, Australia, the UK, and now the US, Keshia was always drawn to how belonging and assimilation affect identity. Her work as an environmental advocate, building communities across the world with womens’ safety organization Camel Assembly and innovation platform Mettā, story craft on stages like the United Nations with Dear World, plus over a decade in media, has culminated in a passion and skill in ensuring stories are shared in a just and authentic way, predominantly by those who have lived the news. Keshia currently serves as Editor in Chief for Asian media platform Eastern Standard Times.


In this interview you will learn…

  • Her journey through the media landscape

  • How she manages a global team 

  • What an Editor-in-Chief does 

  • What makes for a compelling documentary 

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

1:17 - Keshia background and identity

4:08 - Working in media & local radio

6:12 - Unconventional path to journalism

8:43 - Working at a magazine

11:11 - International media vs. local media 

12:50 - Starting to work with EST

15:17 - Imposter syndrome in a new job

17:21 - What is EST?

18:06 - Editor in Chief Role

19:24 - Asian Filmmakers telling their stories

21:05 - Process for curating stories 

23:39 - Platforms for freelance filmmakers

25:28 - Networking for jobs

26: 39 - Challenges with publishing content 

28:45 - Allowing subjects to have edits or not 

30:47 - What makes a good documentary

34:20 - Big Goals for EST

35:50 - How to Pitch to EST

36:52 - Tools for Doc Filmmakers

38:50 - Tips for Speaking

41:14 - Outro


Episode Resources & Links:

Eastern Standard Times Website -https://www.easternstandardtimes.com/

Eastern Standard Times Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/estmedia/

Keshia Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/keshiahannam/

Talk Doc To Me is presented by Sundoc Studios

Follow on Instagram 

Watch on YouTube

Connect with Leah on LinkedIn

Learn more about Documentary Producing


Show more...
1 year ago
41 minutes 44 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
Mental Health & Screening Your Documentary at the US Capitol with Max Karpman

Let’s talk about mental health and documentary filmmaking. 


Max Karpman is a filmmaker who was born in New Jersey, but spent most of his childhood in Moscow, Russia. He is a recent graduate from Chapman University and is the director of “Did You Forget Mr. Fogel?” a short documentary about American hostage Marc Fogel who was a teacher at Max’s school in Moscow.

Max, Matt & Leah discuss how he found the story & the exact steps he took to create a student film from start to finish.


In this interview you will learn…

  • About Marc Fogel, why his story matters & how to help

  • What Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production looked like for this film

  • The importance of reference films for your own films

  • Insights into balancing sensitive topics 

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

1:13 - Who is Marc Fogel?

3:35 - Marc Fogel vs. Brittney Griner

7:17 - Growing up in Russia

9:59 - Finding the Story












Episode Resources & Links:

Free Marc Fogel Website - https://www.freemarcfogel.net/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freemarcfogel/

Follow the Documentary IG - https://www.instagram.com/marcfogeldocumentary/

Talk Doc To Me is presented by Sundoc Studios

Follow on Instagram & TikTok

Watch on YouTube

Connect with Leah on LinkedIn

Learn more about Documentary Producing


Show more...
1 year ago
1 hour 1 minute 36 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
S1E13: How to Blend Narrative Filmmaking into Documentary with Ebony Gilbert & Adisa Septuri

Ebony Gilbert & Adisa Septuri are Co-Directors of Ifine, a short documentary set in the Kono district of Sierra Leone, that captures the beauty of blackness through the lens of the youth coming of age amid a skin-bleaching epidemic.


Leah discusses with them their narrative backgrounds, how they prepared to capture everything in 6 days, and what goes into a successful Co-Directing relationship. 


Learn more about Ifine here:

https://www.ifinedocumentary.com/


Connect with Adisa:

http://adisasepturi.com/

https://www.instagram.com/adisafilms/


Connect with Ebony:

https://www.dirt-stainedroses.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ebony_gilbert_one/


Talk Doc To Me is presented by Unreel Stories 

Follow on Instagram & TikTok

Watch on YouTube


Join our Doc Club? Apply here

Show more...
1 year ago
1 hour 2 minutes 8 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
S1E12: How she went from Documentary Filmmaker to TV Show Exec with Monica Medellin

Leah chats with Monica Medellin, Executive Producer of Surf Girls Hawai'i, a four-part docuseries that follows the next generation of Native Hawaiian female surfers as they compete to earn a coveted spot on the professional surfing WSL Championship Tour. 


The series was produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine in partnership with TOGETHXR and follows rising stars Moana Jones Wong, Ewe Wong, Maluhia Kinimaka, Pua DeSoto, and Brianna Cope. 


Watch on Amazon Prime:

https://www.amazon.com/Surf-Girls-Hawaii-Season-1/dp/B0BZRSCZ1Y


In this episode you’ll learn how Monica transformed her original docuseries into her first TV Show,  her take on directing small indie doc sets vs. large TV sets, and tips for pitching your film to a major streaming platform.

See Monica’s Work

Follow Monica on IG


Talk Doc To Me is presented by Unreel Stories 

Follow on Instagram 

Watch on YouTube
Join our Doc Club? Apply here

Show more...
1 year ago
52 minutes

Talk Doc To Me
S1E11: Navigating Ethics & Producing Documentaries in Europe with Emily Stoker

Leah chats with Emily Stoker, London-based Director and Producer. They discuss how Emily got her start making travel videos on YouTube, how she landed her first TV credits, and some insightful tips for how to set your ethical boundaries as a filmmaker.


Emily Stoker is a London-based director and communications consultant. After working abroad in digital communications, she built her production company. Today she has produced projects with clients, commissioners and funders including National Geographic, BBC, and the European Commission.

Emily’s documentary work spans into broadcast with Sheffield International Documentary Festival recognizing her as an “up and coming talent” in broadcast. Her credits include shooting and producing documentary films in several continents for National Geographic, BBC Studios, Channel 4, and more.

From films that help to raise six-figure project funding, to communication plans that gain national media coverage, to digital videos accumulatively totaling over 1 million views. Emily is experienced in producing films and communication plans that optimise her clients’ impact.

Emily’s work is featured in the Byline Times and she has been interviewed by the European Activism Incubator about her impact in documentary filmmaking. She is available to work in multiple language and speaks Italian, French, Portuguese and Spanish.


Connect with Emily:

Check Out Emily's Work

Subscribe to her YouTube channel


Talk Doc To Me is presented by Unreel Stories 

Follow on Instagram & TikTok

Watch on YouTube


Join our Doc Club? Apply here

Show more...
1 year ago
56 minutes 52 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
S1E10: How To Light Cinematic Interviews with Lucas Cardoso

Leah sits down with Lucas Cardoso, Director and DP of Estorias Co. They discuss how Lucas transitioned from a corporate job into starting his own production company, his exact lighting setup for interviews, and the importance of sharing your work.


Follow Lucas on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/lucasacardoso98/

Check out Estorias:

https://www.estorias.co/



Talk Doc To Me is presented by Unreel Stories 

Follow on Instagram & TikTok

Watch on YouTube


Join our Doc Club? Apply here

Show more...
1 year ago
42 minutes 33 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
S1E9: How to Make Money as a Documentary Filmmaker with Mark Pedri and Carrie McCarthy

Don’t miss out on this couple’s roundtable where we discuss what it takes to own a documentary production company. 

Matt, Leah, Mark & Carrie go in detail about how to set up different streams of income as a filmmaker - from community screenings, to landing sponsorships, to partnering with nonprofits. 


Follow Mark & Carrie’s work at Burning Torch Productions.


Guest Bios:

Mark Pedri is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and writer from Southwestern Wyoming. His character-driven style of storytelling is reminiscent of his equally unique upbringing in Wyoming.

Mark’s journey has been guided by the stories he tells. His thirst for truth and storytelling go hand in hand, which has given him the opportunity to make films in some of the furthest corners of the planet. In addition to his own writing and directing career, Mark also has a special interest in supporting new voices within the film and television industry. During his tenure at Sundance Institute in the Feature Film and Episodic Programs, he focused on ushering underrepresented artists into the industry by helping them hone their craft and develop their own personal stories. Mark holds an MA in Communication & Journalism from the University of Wyoming and an MFA in Producing for TV and Film from the University of Southern California. Mark splits his time between  Los Angeles and Wyoming.

Carrie McCarthy is a scientist turned producer. She got her start working as a scientific film consultant before going on to earn a PhD in Materials Chemistry from the University of Southern California. Funded by the National Science Foundation, her research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences worldwide.

​Carrie has produced two feature documentaries and several short films. ​She is driven by her endless curiosity to hunt down engaging stories with a unique perspective and has a critical eye for detail in the true-life stories she develops. Carrie is currently based in Los Angeles developing and producing documentary, feature, and episodic content.


Talk Doc To Me is presented by Unreel Stories 

Follow on Instagram & TikTok

Watch on YouTube

Join our Doc Club? Apply here

Show more...
1 year ago
1 hour 4 minutes 55 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
S1E8: How to Build a Successful Director/DP Relationship with Luis Lopez

Intro Summary:

Are you an aspiring DP? If so, this episode is for you 🎥🎬

Leah and Matt sit down with San Diego based Cinematographer Luis Lopez to discuss the role of a DP, how to find crew and projects that resonate with you, and how to capture emotion. 


Guest Bio:

Born and raised in San Diego, Luis Lopez is a Mexican-American Director of Photography for documentaries, narrative films, and commercials. His most recent work “Dear Philadelphia” was an official selection for Sundance Film Festival 2021 and won the 2021 Vimeo Staff Pick Award at BlackStar Film Festival. His artistic approach to cinematography is intimate and emotional, capturing the raw essence of each character poetically. Through his craft, he aims to give voice to the voiceless and tell coming-of-age stories from underrepresented communities.


Episode Resources & Links:

See Luis’s work:

https://www.luislopezdp.com/

Follow Luis on Instagram  Luis Lopez (@theluislopez) • Instagram photos and videos


Talk Doc To Me is presented by Unreel Stories 

Follow on Instagram & TikTok

Watch on YouTube

Join our Doc Club? Apply here

Show more...
2 years ago
1 hour 7 minutes 6 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
S1E7: Directing Branded Docs for Google with Jen Sommer

Unlock the secrets of directing branded documentaries with filmmaker Jen Sommer! We peel back the curtain behind storytelling for brands. We discuss challenges, creative hacks, and lessons learned. If you're into filmmaking and crave insights on making creativity work for brands, this one’s for you ! 🎬✨ 


Jen Sommer Bio:

A multifaceted filmmaker, Jen works as a Director, DP, and Editor. Her stories span documentary, narrative, and branded spaces, attracting clients such as Google, Dropbox, Airbnb, Robinhood, Timberland, and Milkbone. 

Most recently, Jen worked on the Google award-winning series, Search On, capturing people using everyday Google technology to do extraordinary things for their community. In her latest project, she directed the film of an uncharted scientific expedition to discover three new Blue Holes across the Great Barrier Reef.

Her films are powerful, unconventional, deeply human, and rooted from her background in music and her strong connection to nature. Her work has been recognized by PR Week, D&AD, and The One Club.  


Episode Resources & Links:

Jen’s Work

https://sommerfilms.com/

Follow Jen on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/bluecauliflower/


Talk Doc To Me is presented by Unreel Stories 

Follow on Instagram & TikTok

Watch on YouTube

Join our Doc Club? Apply here

Show more...
2 years ago
43 minutes 31 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
S1E6: Building a Brand Behind Your Documentary with Sam Vladimirsky

Interested in making a documentary about an artist?!


Leah chats with Sam Vladimirsky, a director, artist, and the founder of Whimsy - a creative studio committed to celebrating game-changers and culture-shifters in the world of art & design through original documentaries, brand storytelling, and creative marketing campaigns. They talk about the importance of being your subject's greatest advocate, his experience working at Breakwater Studios, and the power of cold emails.


Sam is the founder & Chief Creative Officer of Whimsey and currently based in London and New York. He makes stuff about people who make stuff, and his work has been featured in Vogue, PBS, and the Museum of Modern Art. His company was conceived as an alternative to an entertainment industry oversaturated with “content” and an arts industry lacking a vision for bold storytelling. Most recently, he was the creative marketing director at the Academy Award®-winning Breakwater Studios, where he ran Oscars® campaigns, headed up the marketing department, and cut teasers, trailers, and social content.


See Sam's work.


Follow Sam on IG.

Talk Doc To Me is presented by Unreel Stories.

Show more...
2 years ago
55 minutes 12 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
S1E5: How to Film Abroad without Leaving Home with Sandro Kakabadze

Filming in another country, but don’t have the budget to travel there yourself? Leah chats with Sandro Kakabadze, a Georgian Documentary Filmmaker who she recently hired for a shoot in Brazil. They discuss best practices for how to collaborate globally, the difference between journalism and documentary, and his feature documentary “On the Edge of Gold” about illegal mining in the Amazon.


Sandro Kakabadze is a Georgian Documentary Filmmaker living in Brazil. He worked as a journalist for three Georgian TV channels and made approximately 500 reports. He covered wars, politics and social issues. He traveled to more than 20 countries in his reporting and worked as an international correspondent in London and Moscow. Sandro combines an investigative and curious spirit with a sensitive eye that guarantees stories told with a unique visual language. 


Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

:50 - How To Find The Best Local Crew Abroad

7:00 - How To Prep your Local Crew for Success

12:20 - How Our Shoot in Brazil Went

22:00 - Sandro’s Background as a Journalist

25:55 - Journalism vs. Documentary Filmmaking

31:43 - Illegal Gold Mining in the Amazon

44:40 - Big Media Outlets vs. Independent Filmmakers

47:40 - Working with Vulnerable Populations

49:50 - Balancing Family with Filmmaking

52:45 - Giving Back to the Community You Film

55:50 - Outro


In this interview you will learn…

  • How to Remote Produce & Hire Local Talent

  • The difference between Journalism and Documentary Filmmaking

  • What it’s Like Filming Illegal Mining in the Amazon for 45 Days

  • How To Build Trust with Vulnerable Communities


Episode Resources & Links:

Follow Sandro on IG

See Sandro's Work


Talk Doc To Me is presented by Unreel Stories 

Follow on Instagram & TikTok

Watch on YouTube


Join our Doc Club? Apply here

Show more...
2 years ago
56 minutes 14 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
S1E4: From Athlete to Artist, Sports Documentary Filmmaking with Brandon Lawless

Have you ever wondered what it's like to film for the NFL? Brandon shares his journey from a college football player to a Director and Photographer based in Los Angeles. They discuss how he began filming for NY Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, how he shot the album cover for Sada Baby, and how he stands out as a creator.


Guest Bio:

Brandon Lawless is a Documentary Director and Photographer based in Los Angeles. He has created content for the NFL, Hypland, ESPN, and Big Sean. 


Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

:50 - Broadcast Journalism class in High School

5:12 - Balancing Film School & College Football 

10:14 - First Documentary Film

12:19 - Working with Kayvon Thibodeaux 

20:47 - Working with ESPN

28:48 - Filming NFL Draft Day

43:50 - Photographing Musicians & Celebrities 

47:23 - How To Stand Out as a Creator

50:12 - The Future & Closing


In this interview you will learn…

~ What It’s Like Being a College Athlete & Film Student At the Same Time

~ What It’s Like Filming at NFL Draft Day

~ How To Stand Out as a Creator


Episode Resources & Links:

Lawless Media - https://lawlessmediallc.com/

Follow Brandon on IG - https://www.instagram.com/brandonlawless1/


Talk Doc To Me is presented by Unreel Stories 

Follow on Instagram & TikTok

Watch on YouTube


Join our Doc Club? Apply here

Show more...
2 years ago
59 minutes 17 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
S1E3: Turning Your Short Documentary Into a Feature with So Yun Um

You’ve made a short documentary. But now you decided to make a feature on the same topic. What happens next? So Yun shares her journey directing LIQUOR STORE DREAMS.


This episode was recorded in 2022.


Guest Bio:

So Yun Um is a Korean American Director and Producer born and based in Los Angeles. She explores intimate and challenging stories of marginalized people with piercing humanity and poignant editing style. 

Her directorial debut documentary feature film, LIQUOR STORE DREAMS, which is about second generation Korean American children of Liquor Store owners in the LA area, which made its world premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. Her work has screened at Tribeca Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival, BFI London and more.


Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

1:10 - Quick Questions

1:55 - How Liquor Store Dreams Started

4:39 - Transitioning from Short to Feature

7:00 - Narration Tips

7:45 - How To Make Your Personal Story Universal

11:30 - Grant Writing 

12:36 - Building a Team

17:44 - Finding an Executive Producer

23:22 - Grants & Investors

26:00 - What Makes a Good Sample

31:10 - Trailer vs. Sample

35:10 - How To Have Difficult Conversations

39:15 - Future


In this interview you will learn…

  • When So knew she could make a Feature

  • How So built a successful team 

  • What an Executive Producer does

  • The difference between a Trailer and a Sample

Episode Resources & Links:

Liquor Store Dreams Website

Liquor Store Dreams on IG

Follow So on IG

Follow So on TikTok

Talk Doc To Me is presented by Unreel Stories 

Follow on Instagram & TikTok

Watch on YouTube


Join our Doc Club? Apply here

Show more...
2 years ago
41 minutes 24 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
S1E2: Documentary Power Couples Roundtable with Riani Singgih & Brahmantyo Putra

Intro Summary:

Special Couple’s Roundtable! In this episode, you get to listen in on a candid catch-up between two documentary couples. They discuss the beginning stages of starting a company together, what roles each person plays, and what verite filmmaking really means. There may even be a surprise performance in the middle of this episode… 

Guest Bios:

Riani Singgih is a Documentary filmmaker and Cinematographer. Riani thrives to tell stories on topics on mental health, Disability and minority issues. Her Documentary short films in the past has played in over 50 film festivals around the world, shooting in over 10 countries. Her work has been screened in Vice Media, Discovery Channel and PBS Network,

Brahmantyo Putra is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in documentary films, photojournalism, and art installations. Within his career he has collaborated with various international artists to raise social, cultural and political topics through exhibitions in Indonesia and Australia.

Chapters:

00:00 -Introduction

2:10 - Quick Questions with Riani & Brahm

9:45 - How Seven Ten Media was founded

17:04 - Working with Start-Ups

19:36 - Discussing Roles in Making Films Together

24:54 - Do We Argue with Each Other In Front of Other Crew Members???

27:45 - Favorite Apps for Documentary Filmmaking

34:07 - How We Inspire One Another’s Work

42:00 - How To Build a Relationship With Your Character 

43:20 - Your Camera Has A Voice

48:00 - What does ‘Verite’ Mean To You?

1:00:00 - Documentary Filmmaking in the U.S. vs. Indonesia

1:08:00 - Having a Good Relationship with your Character

1:15:01 - The Future & Closing

In this interview you will learn…

  • What kind of clients you can work with as a production company

  • How Couples split up roles & navigate adversity

  • Favorite apps & tricks to running a successful documentary business

  • How to build a better relationship with your character

  • Why Your Camera Has a Voice

  • The difference between making films in the U.S. vs. in Indonesia

Episode Resources & Links:

Seven Ten Media Website

Seven Ten Media Instagram

Talk Doc To Me is presented by Unreel Stories 

Follow on Instagram & TikTok

Watch on YouTube

Join our Doc Club? Apply here

Show more...
2 years ago
1 hour 17 minutes 58 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
S1E1: How We Raised $10K through Crowdfunding with Jordyn Romero

Thinking about crowdfunding for your documentary?


Leah and Jordyn share their exact strategy for how they raised over $10k for their short documentary We Are Like Waves on IndieGoGo. They discuss what types of films are good for crowdfunding, how to utilize social media, and the importance of offering perks to your audience. Jordyn is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, storyteller and creative. She grew up in the Rocky Mountains of Santa Fe, NM where she spent most weekends racing down the Rio Grande or hiking for fresh powder. From this innate need for exploration, her passion for filmmaking was born. She’s created work for brands including Specialized Bikes, GoPro, and Sierra Nevada. Her most recent film, We Are Like Waves, was released with The Los Angeles Times. Her films have premiered at Oscar qualifying festivals, won jury and audience awards, and played in over 20 countries around the world. Through her creative endeavors, she aims to amplify the voices of diverse women in the outdoor industry.


*Episode Previously recorded in 2022*


In this interview you will learn…

  • What kind of films are good for crowdfunding

  • How we set our goal & launch date

  • Why perks are an important part of crowdfunding

  • Why you need a video & what we included in ours

  • What elements you need to include in your campaign

  • How to utilize social media and your email list

What We Discuss:

00:00 - Intro

2:15 - Quick Questions with Jordyn

5:48 - About We Are Like Waves & How the Story Came About 

9:33 - How Jordyn Took Out a Loan 

14:37 - Why We Chose to Crowdfund

17:43 - Why We Chose IndieGoGo as our Platform

20:24 -  Our Strategy & How Much We Made After Fees

23:57 - What are Perks & How To Use Them

32:32 - Our Crowdfunding Timeline

39:00 - Why We Made a Crowdfunding Video

40:00 - What Elements To Include in Your Campaign

45:09 - How To Leverage Social Media

54:45 - Email List

57:37 - Closing



Our IndieGoGo Campaign


Our Crowdfunding Video

We Are Like Waves Website

Jordyn Romero Portfolio

Follow Jordyn on IG

Jordyn’s Article in IndieGoGo


Talk Doc To Me is presented by Unreel Stories 

Follow on Instagram & TikTok

Watch on YouTube


Join our Doc Club? Apply here

Show more...
2 years ago
1 hour 31 seconds

Talk Doc To Me
Candid conversations on documentary storytelling hosted by Documentary Filmmaker Leah de Leon. Follow along on Instagram: www.instagram.com/talkdoctomepodcast