Doc Maker’s Tool Kit

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Filmmaker Linda Goldstein Knowlton (Somewhere Between) on the Importance of a Supportive Filmmaking Team.

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(This show originally aired June, 2011) Filmmaker Linda Goldstein Knowlton is in the Film Courage studio how she got into producing (Whale Rider, Shipping News), why she decided to roll cameras on her latest documentary Somewhere Between, the issue of young girls being abandoned and left for adoption in China, and what she would have done had the film not gotten into HotDocs and the Los Angeles Film Festival.

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Filmmaker Todd Hickey (Takesdowns & Falls) tells us his plans for his next film and why he is considering villains as subjects as opposed to heroes, whether he fears a backlash if he does make the film, and integrity in his filmmaking.

(Listen to the podcast interview here)

(Listen to the Podcast Interview Here)

Filmmaker Nick Lewis calls into Film Courage to share his story of a lawyer turned filmmaker in the making of Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story. We learn why he was compelled to make a movie about Jay’s story, why he set a $215,000 Kickstarter goal, how he reached that goal, and the film’s resulting theatrical deal. The film opened in over 100 theaters across the country in November 2011.

(This show originally aired in October 2011)

Filmmaker Tony Zierra and Actor Chad Lindberg of the documentary My Big Break join us on Film Courage to share with us their true and remarkable Hollywood story, that of three actor roommates who rose to stardom in the early 2000’s (Chad Lindberg, Brad Rowe, & Wes Bentley). We learn whether it was fate or not that brought them together, whether one can sustain a Hollywood career without a ‘big break,’ and why Hollywood doesn’t want you to see this film.

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Actor Chad Lindberg tells us why MY BIG BREAK will always be a part of his life. He also shares why it is a teaching tool for filmmakers, actors and others in the industry, and he gives us his advice on following your dreams.

Filmmakers Steve James and Alex Kotlowitz call into Film Courage to tell us why they are drawn to stories of poverty, violence, and education. They also tell us the reservations they had making the 2011 Sundance, 2012 Film Independent Spirit Award winning film “The Interrupters,” how they were able to capture such intimate footage, how they were able to raise financing for the film, and what life was like for them over the course of the one-year production.

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Steve James and Alex Kotlowitz in the press room of the 27th Film Independent Spirit Awards after winning the Best Documentary Award for their film ‘The Interrupters.’

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We’ve been hearing some great things about the first documentary KEVIN from filmmaker Jay Duplass about musician Kevin Gant. Also grabbing our attention was the fact that Jay has decided to use Kickstarter, not for himself but to help launch a comeback tour for Kevin on the film festival circuit.

Kevin Gant, World Guitar Poet and star of Jay Duplass’ documentary KEVIN joins us in the Film Courage studio to talk about his dream of making and sharing music and why he put the guitar down for 12 years, what led to his current rebirth, how the music game has changed and the impact Jay Duplass has had on him. Buy Kevin Gant’s music here, Connect with him on Twitter.

Watch Kevin by Jay Duplass here.

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Kevin Gant talks about having nothing except what he has as an artist while sitting down with Karen Worden outside the Film Courage studio.

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Director Matt Adams and Writer/Producer Andrew Flynn Soltys filmmaking team behind a feature-length doc Improv Everywhere call into Film Courage to tell us how much planning goes typically goes into each IE stunt, the pressure they feel to top their previous videos, how they have attracted the backing of Aubrey Plaza, Ben Folds & Nick Kroll, thoughts on how they raised $126,000 on Kickstarter and misconceptions people have about crowdfunding.

Patrick Shen on his latest doc ‘IN PURSUIT OF SILENCE.’

(Watch the video interview here)

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Patrick Shen and Brandon Vedder give us their take on rushing to meet a festival deadline, how they recharge their energy, and their film La Source.

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Filmmaker Pablo Pappano calls into Film Courage to tell us the life altering news he received while attending film school, common experiences he’s had from online dating, why he was committed to making Clickin’ For Love, and what he has learned from submitting his film to 80 film festivals.

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Filmmaker Mike Stutz skypes into Film Courage to talk to us a subject most people do not want to talk about, suicide. He shares how suicide entered his life, his thoughts on Junior Seau, why he was compelled to make his documentary film Don’t Change The Subject, why he is taking the film to colleges, and the impact it is having on audiences.



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To hear the full Film Courage radio interview archive, click here.  Filmmaker Gregory Bayne sits down with Karen Worden and Paul Borgonia to discuss how he balances being creative, connecting with his audience and raising his daughter.



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Filmmaker Katherine Brooks shares her story of feeling disconnected and lonely despite having over 5000 friends on Facebook and how that isolation led her to make the documentary ‘Face 2 Face.’ The movie is not only her powerful journey to connect with her Facebook friends in person but of all of those she visited. The demand from others around the world to partake in the journey has prompted Katherine to say that Face 2 Face is more of a movement than a movie.

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Filmmaker Katherine Brooks tells us she submitted her film Face 2 Face to 14 Film Festivals. Her plan is to travel with the film for 6 months during it’s film festival run. She also plans to book the film in independent theaters where she believes audiences should see the film. She avoided larger fests who’s focus are big name stars and budgets and she encourages her fellow filmmakers to be selective when submitting to film festivals.



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Filmmaker Katherine Brooks tells us how she gets herself mentally prepared for screenings & press, and her method for overcoming fatigue and exhaustion in a tireless business.



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Filmmaker Jeff Myers talks FORBES & the current state of Theatrical Distribution with Karen Worden outside the Film Courage studio.

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Filmmakers Joke Fincioen & Biagio Messina give us their thoughts on analysis paralysis, why first thought for filmmakers is to self-distribute over traditional distribution, and their opinions on social media.

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Filmmaker Meg Pinsonneault on the best way to approach corporate sponsors, whether she is plan-oriented or fatalistic, why she feels she is on the right career path and how to use jealousy as motivation.

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Filmmaker Jason Bergh on fatherhood and making a personal film entitled Alekesam – about musician Hugh Masekela and musician/host/actor/surfer son Sal Masekela (from the Hollyshorts 2012 Film Festival).

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