In this episode of Rough Cut, esteemed journalist and VC Board member Kevin Merida, former Executive Editor of the Los Angeles Times, sits down with award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter for a wide ranging conversation, including her latest documentary, Luther: Never Too Much, the art of weaving archival footage into compelling narratives, and the vital role of local journalism. Kevin and Dawn offer deep insights into the power and possibilities of nonfiction video storytelling. Tune in for an enriching exploration of the evolving landscape of nonfiction video.Show LinksKevin Merida: https://videoconsortium.org/members/kevinmeridaDawn Porter: https://www.trilogy-films.com/Luther: Never Too Much: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10850320/CreditsHost Kevin MeridaGuest Dawn PorterExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

On this episode of Rough Cut, filmmaker and writer Michael Werner talks to Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman, who shook up the documentary landscape with their film Cocaine Cowboys. The bold documentary launched their careers and solidified their reputation as daring storytellers who push against industry norms. Billy and Alfred, who have been collaborators since high school, talk to Michael about their dedication to telling Miami stories, and how they approach documentaries with genre-bending ideas and outside-the-box thinking. A must listen episode about the art of pushing limits and unfiltered storytelling. Show LinksMichael Werner: https://videoconsortium.org/members/michael-werner Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman https://www.rakontur.comCreditsHost Michael WernerGuests Billy Corben and Alfred SpellmanExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

This week on Rough Cut we’re joined by animators and filmmakers Lizzy Hogenson and Zach Dorn, who, with host Sean David Christensen, delve into how animation lends itself to emotional intensity in nonfiction stories.All three filmmakers use a myriad of artistic mediums in their films. For Lizzy it’s needle-felting and claymation, among other mediums. For Zach it’s puppets and illustrations, and for Sean it’s miniature sets and other unique storytelling techniques.  Sean talks with Lizzy and Zach about their creative processes and how these mediums and techniques evoke emotional intimacy for the viewer. Show LinksSean David Christensen: https://videoconsortium.org/members/seandchristensenZach Dorn: https://zachdorn.comLizzy Hogenson: www.lizzyhogenson.comLizzy’s film “Dani”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWH8iDhkwbsCreditsHost Sean David ChristensenGuests Lizzy Hogenson and Zach DornExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Monica GokeyMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

Quincy Ledbetter and Mito Habe-Evans met on NPR’s video desk, when Mito hired Quincy after a refreshingly casual and candid interview. On this episode of Rough Cut, Quincy, an independent filmmaker and artist, and Mito, a Creative Director and Supervising Video Producer at NPR, talk about what it takes to build a creative team and foster a positive work culture. We dive into the “vibe check,” how the punk scene shaped Mito’s creative outlook, and other ways Mito thinks about creating teams and connecting with collaborators. Show LinksQuincy Ledbetter: https://videoconsortium.org/members/qledbetterMito Habe-Evans: https://videoconsortium.org/members/mito-habe-evansNPR Video: https://www.npr.org/series/718730324/videoCreditsHost Quincy LedbetterGuests Mito Habe-EvansExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Monica GokeyMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

Join Joss Fong, a former Vox journalist and co-founder of the YouTube channel 'Howtown', and Adam Cole, another Vox alum, as they share their journey of launching their new channel. They discuss the creative challenges of independent journalism, balancing storytelling and viewer engagement, and the evolution of their content strategies. Discover how diverse art forms inspire their work and the power of collaboration in overcoming obstacles in a competitive digital landscape.

In this month’s episode of Rough Cut Podcast, filmmaker and curator Stephanie Owens talks with Oscar-winning director Ben Proudfoot about the art of short documentary. Growing up in Nova Scotia, Ben was a young magician with a youth championship win, but after a trip to Los Angelis his goals changed, setting him on a new path. Stephanie and Ben start at the beginning and this conversation is an engaging journey through Ben’s unique career path from magician to celebrated filmmaker. Now the founder and CEO of Breakwater Studios, Ben leads a team of artists who make both brand-funded and independent short documentaries. Together, they’re redefining and championing the short documentary as its own unique storytelling format. A fun and engaging episode for anyone who loves short documentaries, and for those who follow their curiosity and embrace the twists and turns of creative work!Watch the interview: https://youtube.com/@videoconsortium Show LinksBreakwater Studioshttps://breakwaterstudios.com/The Last Repair Shop, Directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowershttps://breakwaterstudios.com/film/the-last-repair-shop/Stephanie Owenshttps://www.sowenstapes.com/CreditsHost Stephanie OwensGuest Ben ProudfootExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Monica GokeyMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

In this episode of Rough Cut, filmmakers and longtime collaborators Scott Faris and Meg Griffiths talk about what it means to make work with a purpose and why they chose to create their production company, Universe Creative. Scott interviews Meg about her journey from photojournalist to filmmaker, working with non-profit clients, and their first feature documentary, Impossible Town. They also discuss how their company’s core values trickle down into everything they do and the importance of having a clear vision and process for their work. This is a can’t miss episode for producers and anyone thinking about creating their own company.Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating or a comment to help this podcast reach more filmmakers around the globe!Watch the interview: https://youtube.com/@videoconsortium Show LinksImpossible Town, Directed by Meg Griffiths and Scott Farishttps://www.impossibletown.com/Universe Creativehttps://universecreative.org/CreditsHost Scott FarisGuest Meg GriffithsExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Monica GokeyMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

Rough Cut Podcast is back! Did you miss us? After a brief hiatus, Rough Cut returns in a new, community-driven format, with alternating Video Consortium members hosting each episode.For our first episode back, join longtime friends, filmmakers, and photojournalists Ed Ou and Amanda Mustard as they reunite in this eye-opening episode about the transition from photo to video, the enduring principles of journalism ethics, and the challenges of sustaining a career in high-risk journalism. Amanda also discusses the release of her first feature-length documentary Great Photo, Lovely Life, a poignant HBO film about her journey to confront familial trauma.Wherever you are in your career, this candid conversation about Ed and Amanda's professional evolution and the profound impact of storytelling through film is a must-listen. Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating or a comment to help this podcast reach more filmmakers around the globe!Watch the interview: https://youtube.com/@videoconsortium Please note: This episode contains brief conversations about SA and family trauma. Show LinksGreat Photo, Lovely Life, Directed by Amanda Mustard and Rachel Beth AndersonCreditsHost Ed Ou Guest Amanda Mustard Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Monica GokeyMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium!

The podcast discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by documentary filmmakers today, including funding, limited content choices, and the tensions between documentary and journalism. They also explore the integration of programs from the Video Consortium into future episodes of the show. The chapter highlights the importance of transparency, addressing systemic issues in the industry, and the need for more holistic support models for filmmakers. They also discuss the work of research organization Shore and Steen and how to participate in their research publications and fellowship program.

Aisha Jamal is a filmmaker, programmer and college professor. She is Canadian film programmer at Hot Docs Documentary Festival and previously worked for TIFF and Syria Film Festival Toronto, among others. In this episode, Aisha talks about her path to programming, how her work as a filmmaker and film teacher informs her programming, and how programming decisions at Hot Docs are made.Host Jennie Butler on InstagramExecutive Producer Sky Dylan-RobbinsProducer Amy DiGiacomo on Instagram and TwitterProducer Caley Fox Shannon on InstagramProducer Abhishyant KidangoorEditor Audrey Horowitz on InstagramGot an idea for an episode? Email podcast@videoconsortium.orgClick here to support the Video Consortium