Ken Burns, an iconic filmmaker known for his critically acclaimed historical documentaries, shares insights into the art of storytelling. He discusses the significance of Stoicism among America's Founding Fathers and the moral complexities of historical figures like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. The conversation also emphasizes the intersection of art and science through Leonardo da Vinci, exploring his enduring influence. Burns highlights the evolution of documentary filmmaking and the importance of nuanced narratives in understanding history.

When it comes to history—particularly American history—nothing is ever definitive, says documentarian Ken Burns. Much of his work has focused on capturing that history in film, but in his new book, Our America: A Photographic History, his goal is to share the complexity of his country as well as honor those roots in still images. From the very first photograph, a self-portrait, to our modern inundation with selfies, he tells “the story of us” – a story of darkness and light, just as in the photographic process itself. Ken joined Tyler to discuss how facial expressions in photos have changed over time, where in the American past he’d like to visit most, the courage of staying in place, how he feels about intellectual property law, the ethical considerations of displaying violent imagery, why women were so prominent in the early history of American photography, the mysteries in his quilt collection, the most underrated American painter, why crossword puzzles are akin to a cup of coffee, why baseball won’t die out, the future of documentary-making, and more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video. Recorded November 1st, 2022 Check out our new Conversations with Tyler merch here at mercatusmerch.com, and use the promo code UNDERRATED for 10% off! Other ways to connect Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Follow Tyler on Twitter Follow Ken on Twitter Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Subscribe at our newsletter page to have the latest Conversations with Tyler news sent straight to your inbox.  Photo credit: Michael Avedon

Acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns, known for beloved works like 'The Civil War' and 'Baseball,' shares insights from his 40-year filmmaking journey. He discusses the profound emotional weight of personal mementos and the storytelling power of film and music. Burns dives into the hidden roots of country music, emphasizing its cultural tapestry and the resilience of influential artists. He reflects on how family and personal experiences shaped his creative vision, showcasing the timelessness of authentic narratives.

Roxane Gay, a renowned writer and cultural commentator, joins Ken Burns, the Emmy-winning filmmaker famous for documentaries like The Civil War, to discuss thought-provoking topics. They address the recent violence linked to the FBI's actions and Salman Rushdie's remarkable recovery. Ken shares insights about his upcoming film, "The U.S. and the Holocaust," exploring America's historical injustices and current societal polarization. The discussion emphasizes the need for accountability and the role of storytelling in confronting uncomfortable truths.

As a boy, Ken Burns was captivated by the power of film and dreamed of being the next Alfred Hitchcock or John Ford. But in college, he discovered that stories about American history could be just as dramatic as any he could make up. Eventually, he set out to make a new kind of documentary, layered with actors’ voices and sound effects; and animated by a gentle panning motion that became known as the Ken Burns Effect. But he also had to run a business: knocking on doors to raise money, managing a small team of producers, and fiercely protecting his creative vision and IP. Today, 40+ years after it was founded, Ken’s company Florentine Films has built one of the most valuable documentary archives in the world, including The Civil War, Jazz, Baseball, The Statue of Liberty, and most recently, Benjamin Franklin.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Neal Brennan hosts Ken Burns, an acclaimed documentarian celebrated for his historical works like 'The Civil War' and 'Baseball.' They dive into what qualifies as a Ken Burns documentary and the creative process behind his latest project on Leonardo da Vinci. Ken opens up about feelings of loneliness and perseverance in his career, discussing the art of storytelling, the complexities of empathy in human relationships, and the spiritual elements that inform his work. Plus, he reflects on the challenges of navigating documentary filmmaking and funding.

Renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns joins host Steven Rinella to discuss various topics including the impact of his films, the symbolism of the American buffalo in American history, and the challenges of conveying historical events in documentaries.

Ken Burns, a legendary documentary filmmaker celebrated for works like The Civil War and Jazz, shares insights into his latest project on the Holocaust. He discusses the essential role of film in educating about historical horrors and the moral responsibilities that come with it. Burns delves into the intersection of faith and storytelling in combating racism and xenophobia. He also reflects on the intricate process of documentary filmmaking, the challenges of creative delegation, and the importance of addressing youth mental health through powerful narratives.

Ken Burns, a renowned documentary filmmaker famous for works like The Civil War, discusses his pivotal film, The U.S. and the Holocaust. He delves into America's complex and often troubling role during this atrocity, including the impact of anti-Semitism on refugee policies. Burns reflects on the lessons history teaches about civic duty and the portrayal of marginalized communities. The conversation also explores how these historical narratives resonate today and highlights the importance of empathy in storytelling.

Ken Burns, the iconic documentarian known for his deep dives into American history, discusses his upcoming project on Leonardo da Vinci. He highlights da Vinci's unique blend of art and science and its relevance today for modern leaders. Burns shares insights on the challenges of maintaining creative integrity in an AI-influenced world and the importance of diverse narratives in combating misinformation. He also reflects on how history influences contemporary storytelling, urging us to learn from the past.