Rough Cut

The Video Consortium

Conversations with documentary filmmakers and video journalists about their creative process—successes, failures, and what they’ve learned along the way. Created by the global filmmaking collective The Video Consortium, Rough Cut is a guide to navigating today’s ever-changing media landscape.

  1. Changing the Frame: Equity, Empathy, and the Global Documentary Culture

    Jun 2

    Changing the Frame: Equity, Empathy, and the Global Documentary Culture

    Leonard Cortana, the Inclusion Program and Strategic Partnerships Manager at EURODOC joins Rough Cut, with guest host Keisha Knight, founder of Sentient.Art.Film and Solidarity Media Network, for a wide-ranging conversation on documentary filmmaking, collective care, and the future of global nonfiction storytelling. Leonard reflects on how documentaries can serve as tools for restorative justice, why producers need spaces built on empathy and shared values, and how initiatives like BIPOC EURODOC are challenging the inequities embedded in the international film ecosystem. Together, Keisha and Leonard explore everything from visa inequities and festival culture to burnout, representation, and the radical generosity needed to create a more inclusive documentary ecosystem. Show Links EURODOC: https://www.eurodoc-net.com BIPOC EURODOC: https://www.eurodoc-net.com/bipoc Solidarity Media Network: https://www.solidaritymedianetwork.org Credits Host Keisha Knight Guest Leonard Cortana Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat Vecchio Produced by Audrey Horwitz Music by Zack Wright Click here to join or support the Video Consortium

    28 min
  2. A Mile From Home: Reporting in Minneapolis with Katie G. Nelson

    May 5

    A Mile From Home: Reporting in Minneapolis with Katie G. Nelson

    In this episode of Rough Cut, we explore the powerful intersection of professional duty and personal history with Emmy-nominated journalist Katie G. Nelson. After more than a decade reporting on conflict and human rights across East Africa, Katie found herself back in her hometown of Minneapolis just as it became the epicenter of a global movement. We dive into the importance of local journalism and the shifting climate of on-the-ground reportage. Join us for an insightful conversation on the art of nonfiction storytelling and what it means to fight for meaningful change when the front line is only a mile from your childhood home. Show Links:  Katie G. Nelson: https://videoconsortium.org/members/katie-g-nelson Katie’s substack: https://substack.com/@katiegnelson www.katiegnelson.com Far on Foot Productions: faronfoot.com Stories Discussed  ICE Took Liam Conejo Ramos. His Classmates Have Something to Say. Minneapolis Precinct Fire: How A Night Of Chaos Unfolded In The Middle Of Chaos: Living With The Daunte Wright Protests At The Front Door How George Floyd Was Killed in Police Custody Credits Host Sky Dylan-Robbins  Guests Katie G. Nelson Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat Vecchio Produced by Audrey Horwitz Music by Zack Wright Click here to join or support the Video Consortium

    29 min
  3. Raney Aronson-Rath Reflects On Ten Years Leading Frontline

    Mar 10

    Raney Aronson-Rath Reflects On Ten Years Leading Frontline

    In this compelling episode of Rough Cut, esteemed journalist and VC Board member Kevin Merida, former Executive Editor of the Los Angeles Times, sits down with the visionary Executive Producer and Editor-in-Chief of PBS Frontline, Raney Aronson-Rath, to explore the profound responsibility of documenting history as it unfolds. The  2024 Oscar-winning 20 Days in Mariupol anchors Raney’s reflections about the "bittersweet" reality of investigative journalism—balancing the celebration of critical storytelling with the sobering fact that the conflicts they cover often continue long after the cameras stop rolling. Together, they discuss why documentaries are essential tools for navigating our modern, turbulent world and why, despite the heavy toll, journalists must "keep the faith" that their work serves as an indispensable record for the future. Show Links:  Frontline: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/  Kevin Merida: https://videoconsortium.org/members/kevinmerida Credits Host Kevin Merida Guests Raney Aronson-Rath Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat Vecchio Produced by Audrey Horwitz Music by Zack Wright Click here to join or support the Video Consortium

    50 min
  4. The Art of Resistance: Navigating Scarcity and Chaos in Latin American Cinema

    Feb 17

    The Art of Resistance: Navigating Scarcity and Chaos in Latin American Cinema

    In this episode of Rough Cut, guest host Andrea Arauz sits down with Mexican filmmaker and SSP fellow Viviana Zuñiga to deconstruct the evolving identity of Latin American film. The two discuss the "guerrilla mode" of production—the art of fulfilling every role to bring a dream to life with limited resources. Viviana shares how her work is inspired by the "beauty in the wound" found in the films of Tatiana Huezo and the rule-breaking spirit of Lola Arias. This conversation is a masterclass in cinematic resistance. It’s a powerful exploration of why Latin American filmmakers must stop apologizing for their "chaotic" reality and instead embrace the grit, the shadows, and the radical honesty that define their craft. Show Links Andrea Arauz: https://videoconsortium.org/members/andrea_arauz Viviana Zuñiga: https://videoconsortium.org/members/viviana-zuniga Credits Host Andrea Arauz Guest Viviana Zuñiga Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat Vecchio Produced by Audrey Horwitz Music by Zack Wright Click here to join or support the Video Consortium

    28 min
  5. Intimate Narratives: Kristin Feeley with the “Holding Liat” team on Collaboration and Community

    Jan 13

    Intimate Narratives: Kristin Feeley with the “Holding Liat” team on Collaboration and Community

    In this episode of Rough Cut, we sit down with the award-winning filmmaking duo Brandon Kramer and Lance Kramer. Through stories from their acclaimed films City of Trees, The First Step, and their Oscar-shortlisted feature Holding Liat, the brothers reflect on community, collaboration, and the ethical responsibility of nonfiction storytelling. Guest hosted by Kristin Feely, Director of the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, the brothers explore how their work is a reflection of the communities and intimate relationships they’ve built over three feature films. Show Links Holding Liat - https://www.meridianhillpictures.com/holdingliat Meridian Hill Pictures - https://www.meridianhillpictures.com Credits Host Kristin Freely Guests Lance Kramer and Brandon Kramer Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat Vecchio Produced by Audrey Horwitz Music by Zack Wright Click here to join or support the Video Consortium

    42 min
  6. Best Seat in the House: Behind the Lens with the LA Sparks Videographer Alicia Ramirez

    2025-12-09

    Best Seat in the House: Behind the Lens with the LA Sparks Videographer Alicia Ramirez

    Step courtside with Los Angeles Sparks Videographer Alicia Ramirez! In this episode of Rough Cut, hosted by producer Lauren Mahoney, Alicia shares her journey from cinematography and film production to capturing the energy of the WNBA. Hear how she leveraged unpaid gigs to land her dream job, the pressures of being a one-person crew shooting everything from promos to practices, and the amazing experience of having the best view in the house. Alicia talks gear, her busy in-season workweek, building trust with the team, and where she hopes to go from here. Consider this episode the final, satisfying swish of the net as we successfully close the book on another incredible season. Show Links Lauren Mahoney: https://videoconsortium.org/members/lauren-mahoney Alicia Ramirez: https://www.aliciasramirez.com/ LA Sparks Instagram: www.instagram.com/la_sparks LA Sparks YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLosAngelesSparks/ Credits Host Lauren Mahoney Guests Alicia Ramirez Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat Vecchio Produced by Audrey Horwitz Music by Zack Wright Click here to join or support the Video Consortium

    16 min
  7. Activism, Art, and the Business of Documentary Film with Jarod Neece and Nicholas Bruckman

    2025-11-04

    Activism, Art, and the Business of Documentary Film with Jarod Neece and Nicholas Bruckman

    SHOW NOTES: Documentary filmmaker Nicholas Bruckman, along with guest host Jarod Neece, senior programmer at the Tribeca Festival, take a deep dive into the surprising intersections between activism, art, and industry. From disability rights in Not Going Quietly to NFT art in Minted, and the surprising government power plays behind The Price of Milk, Nick shares how he navigates storytelling, ethics, and business in the modern doc world. Along the way, the two pull back the curtain on film festivals, funding, and the fine line between passion and pragmatism. This is a candid, funny, and eye-opening look at what it takes to fund nonfiction films that matter, and get them seen. Show Links Jarod Neece: https://jarodneece.com Nicholas Bruckman: https://videoconsortium.org/members/nicholas-bruckman and https://nickny.com Peoples TV: https://peoples.tv Credits Host Jarod Neece Guests Nicholas Bruckman Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat Vecchio Produced by Audrey Horwitz Music by Zack Wright Click here to join or support the Video Consortium

    34 min
  8. Trust, TikTok, and the Future of News with Ryan Kellett and Dave Jorgenson

    2025-10-07

    Trust, TikTok, and the Future of News with Ryan Kellett and Dave Jorgenson

    In this episode, Rough Cut dives deep with journalist and video creator Dave Jorgenson, co-founder of Local News International and the mastermind behind the Washington Post’s unexpected TikTok success. Host Ryan Kellett unpacks Dave’s journey from producing YouTube sketches in college to pioneering a new wave of media literacy—armed with humor, a journalist’s commitment to accuracy, and a phone. Since launching his independent outlet, LNI, Dave has stepped into a bigger creative space, exploring a broader editorial range with transparency and nuance. From bold language choices to a collaborative, evolving style guide, he's prioritizing clarity, accuracy, and accessibility. Dave proves that trusted journalism isn’t about institutions—it’s about people. Now, with full ownership of his platform and vision, he’s building something bigger: an honest, informative, and entertaining space for the next generation of news consumers. This episode is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how meaningful storytelling—and a good editor—can reshape the way we consume the news. Tune in now for insights, laughs, and a masterclass in creative adaptation. Show Links Ryan Kellett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankellett Dave Jorgenson and Local News International: https://lni.media Credits Host Ryan Kellett Guest Dave Jorgenson  Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat Vecchio Produced by Audrey Horwitz Click here to join or support the Video Consortium

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Conversations with documentary filmmakers and video journalists about their creative process—successes, failures, and what they’ve learned along the way. Created by the global filmmaking collective The Video Consortium, Rough Cut is a guide to navigating today’s ever-changing media landscape.

Information

  • Creator
    The Video Consortium
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rough Cut
  • Show Website
    Rough Cut

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