Talk Doc To Me

The Documentary Couple
  • 5.0 (4)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Candid conversations about documentary storytelling hosted by Documentary Filmmakers Leah de Leon and Matthew Meredith.

  1. How to Direct Docs with Authenticity: Makayla’s Voice w/ Julio Palacio

    FEB 2

    How to Direct Docs with Authenticity: Makayla’s Voice w/ Julio Palacio

    In this episode of Talk Doc To Me, Leah de Leon sits down with filmmaker and storyteller Julio Palacio for a deep conversation about the creative, ethical, and technical decisions behind his Oscar-shortlisted short documentary Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World.Julio shares how his Colombian background and visual sensibility shaped his filmmaking voice and how he approached telling a story as intimate and complex as Makayla’s, a nonverbal teenager whose inner world was unlocked through letterboard communication. Together, Leah and Julio explore how Makayla’s Voice came together and how to authentically represent your characters/participants.They examine how documentary filmmakers can navigate:Crafting narrative from authentic subject experienceBalancing ethical storytelling with cinematic beautyWorking with subjects with non-verbal autismWhat it was like to work with Portia Cue for Makayla's voice overWhether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned doc creator, this episode breaks down real choices Julio had to make that shaped one of the most talked-about short documentaries of the year.About Julio Palacio:Julio Palacio is an award-winning director known for crafting emotional, visually compelling short documentaries. His work has screened at festivals around the world, including Tribeca, Slamdance, Sundance, and others, and his film Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World was shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards and distributed on Netflix.🎬 Learn more about Julio & Makayla’s Voice:https://makaylasvoice.com/Talk Doc To Me is presented by Sundoc Studios🎧 Listen on Spotify🔗 Connect with Leah and Matthew on LinkedIn📸 Follow on Instagram www.instagram.com/thedocumentarycouple

    45 min
  2. Dealing with Death, Psychology & Documentary with Ömer Sami

    JAN 28

    Dealing with Death, Psychology & Documentary with Ömer Sami

    Would you choose cryonics if it meant a chance at life beyond death?In this episode of Talk Doc To Me, Leah sits down with filmmaker and storyteller Ömer Sami for a thoughtful conversation about psychology, cryonics, and the emotional responsibility of documentary filmmaking.Ömer shares how his background and lived experiences shaped his creative voice, and how exploring cryonics became central to his latest film, Eternal Father. Together, Leah and Ömer examine how documentaries can navigate complex, controversial subjects like cryonics with nuance, empathy, and narrative clarity, inviting audiences into big questions about life, legacy, and what it means to preserve hope beyond death.In this episode, you will learn:• How Ömer approaches psychology and emotional truth in documentary storytelling• What it takes to explore cryonics responsibly and humanely on screen• The creative and ethical considerations behind Omer’s new film, Eternal Father• How filmmakers can tackle speculative or misunderstood subjects with depth and compassionAbout Ömer Sami:Ömer Sami is a filmmaker whose work explores the psychological and emotional dimensions of the human experience. Through an intimate and reflective lens, his films examine identity, belief, and the boundaries between science, hope, and legacy.🎬 Learn more about Ömer’s work:https://www.omersami.com/Talk Doc To Me is presented by Sundoc Studios🎧 Listen on Spotify🔗 Connect with Leah and Matthew on LinkedIn📸 Follow on Instagram www.instagram.com/thedocumentarycouple

    41 min
  3. How Motion Graphics ELEVATE High-End Documentary Storytelling w/ Kennon Fleisher

    JAN 28

    How Motion Graphics ELEVATE High-End Documentary Storytelling w/ Kennon Fleisher

    In this episode of Talk Doc To Me, Leah sits down with motion graphics visionary Kennon Fleisher to explore how thoughtful motion graphics help shape and enhance some of the most compelling documentaries and series streaming today.In this interview you will learn… How Kennon first fell in love with motion graphicsWhat it’s like designing motion graphics for high-profile documentary and docu-series projectsHow motion graphics deepen emotional impact and narrative clarity in non-fiction storytellingKennon Fleisher is a multidisciplinary Creative Director, Motion Designer, and Visual Storyteller whose work spans film and television post-production, main titles, graphics packages, and visual development.His motion design and creative direction have contributed to acclaimed projects including Man in the Arena: Tom Brady, In the Arena: Serena Williams, Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, and World War II: From the Frontlines, the latter of which earned recognition for outstanding graphic design.Kennon brings a director’s vision, producer’s strategy, and designer’s aesthetic to every project, blending narrative purpose with visual innovation to elevate documentary storytelling. He leads creative ventures through his studios Kinesis.tv and Duskline Pictures, where he develops original films and series while sharing insights on creative practice and media development with peers and aspiring creators. Episode Resources & Links:Learn more about Kennon’s work: https://www.kennonfleisher.com/Find Kennon on Substack: https://kennonfleisher.substack.com/Talk Doc To Me is presented by Sundoc Studios🎧 Listen on Spotify🔗 Connect with Leah & Matthew on LinkedInFollow on Instagram:www.instagram.com/thedocumentarycouple

    54 min
  4. Ema Ryan Yamazaki on Directing Japan’s First Oscar Nominated Short Documentary

    10/22/2025

    Ema Ryan Yamazaki on Directing Japan’s First Oscar Nominated Short Documentary

    In this episode of Talk Doc To Me, we explore how Ema Ryan Yamazaki tells universal stories through a personal lens including her Oscar-nominated short doc “Instruments of a Beating Heart.” Ema Ryan Yamazaki is a Japanese/British documentary filmmaker with a unique perspective as an insider and outsider in Japan. After growing up in Osaka, she moved to New York to attend NYU and became an assistant editor to Sam Pollard. As an Editor, she worked on numerous projects with Marc Levin, including CLASS DIVIDE (2015). Ema has Directed/Edited three feature documentaries — THE MAKING OF A JAPANESE (2023), KOSHIEN: JAPAN’S FIELD OF DREAMS (2019), and MONKEY BUSINESS: THE ADVENTURES OF CURIOUS GEORGE’S CREATORS (2017). She has also recently served as Editor and Co-Producer for Shiori Ito’s BLACK BOX DIARIES, which premiered to critical acclaim at Sundance 2024. In 2025, Ema made history by being the first Japanese director nominated in the short documentary category. In this interview you will learn… - Ema’s path growing up Japanese-British - How she got her start as a documentary editor - How Ema balanced motherhood while directing Oscar-nominated “Instruments of a Beating Heart” Episode Resources & Links: Learn more about Ema’s work: https://www.emaexplorations.com/en/ Talk Doc To Me is presented by Sundoc Studios Watch on YouTube Connect with Leah & Matthew on LinkedInFollow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedocumentarycouple

    54 min
  5. Film School vs. No Film School with Matthew Meredith and Leah de Leon

    10/10/2025

    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

    32 min
  6. Build Your Dream Team for your Documentary with Cole Sax

    03/03/2025

    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

    43 min
  7. The Highs & Lows of Finding a Job in Documentary with Devon Blackwell

    01/08/2025

    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

    38 min
  8. How to Partner with Brands for Your Documentary with Anna Wilder Burns

    11/10/2024

    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

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Candid conversations about documentary storytelling hosted by Documentary Filmmakers Leah de Leon and Matthew Meredith.

Information

  • Creator
    The Documentary Couple
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Documentary Couple
  • Show Website
    Talk Doc To Me