First Time Go Director's Club
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- TV & Film
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A weekly podcast highlighting the creators of independent film and the business behind it. Hosted by Ben Duchek.
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Brennan Hershock
I urge you to go watch TWICE THRICE TOLD and if you’ve seen something like it, let me know. And once you hear the story behind it — no post-production, one take — you’ll be simply astonished by Brennan’s story.
In this episode, we talk about how ex-FBI agents helped Brennan get his passport renewed in time to go to the Straight 8 events in Cannes and London; what the Straight 8 competition is; how he feels about short films and niche film competitions like Straight 8; and what's next for this award-winning (yep, top 8 of the Straight 8) indie filmmaker. Put him down for another episode in 2029 for his first feature.
Brennan's Indie Film Highlight: RIDDLE OF FIRE dir. by Weston Razooli (https://boxd.it/GamO)
Links:
Straight 8 Films on YouTube (Twice Thrice Told is at 23:23) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1619s&v=3F234g0warg)
Brennan Hershock's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/brennyhersh/)
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content -
Indie Film Highlight: EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!! (2016)
Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!! (2016).
Director: Richard Linklater
Screenplay: Richard Linklater
Cast: Glen Powell; Tyler Hoechlin; Zoey Deutch
SYNOPSIS
In 1980 Texas, a college freshman meets his new baseball teammates, an unruly group of disco-dancing, skirt-chasing partyers, and they navigate their way through the freedom and responsibilities of unsupervised adulthood.
Watch The Episode: https://youtu.be/krhyTGFexng
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@firstgopod
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content -
Patiparn Boontarig + First Film Screening In Seattle
I talk with film director Patiparn Boontarig about his debut film, SOLIDS BY THE SEASHORE. Described as a "tender, atmospheric debut...set in a coastal town in southern Thailand", the reviewer wrote that the film "uniquely tackles climate change, tradition, identity, and LGBT love."
I felt the same way -- it's a gorgeous meditation best seen in a theater. And if you live in the Pacific Northwest, you can on July 10th -- the podcast is hosting its first film screening at the Beacon Cinema that night.
In this episode, Patiparn and I talk about his deeply personal story and the filming of his debut feature; the genre of climate films; what it's like to be a filmmaker in Thailand; and what's next for him.
We do agree -- it's best to see SOLIDS BY THE SEASHORE in a theater.
If you are an alumni guest of the podcast and wish to attend for free, please reach out to firstgopod@gmail.com for the code.
Links:
July 10th, 2024 Seattle Screening of SOLIDS BY THE SEASHORE (https://lu.ma/p592rce0)
LG OLED Movie Club Interview of Patiparn Boontarig (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNvQoVCiU8k&t=3s)
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content -
Indie Film Highlight: THE FLORIDA PROJECT (2017)
Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: THE FLORIDA PROJECT (2017).
Director: Sean Baker
Screenplay: Sean Baker; Chris Bergoch
Cast: Brooklynn Prince; Willem Dafoe; Bria Vinaite
SYNOPSIS
Set in the shadow of the most magical place on Earth, 6-year-old Moonee and her two best friends forge their own adventures, while Moonee's struggling mom and a kindhearted motel manager protect the kids from the harsh reality that surrounds them.
Watch The Episode: https://youtu.be/WNw_njqdD4c?si=48lbYuQLTWX21OHh
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@firstgopod
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content -
Sierra Urich
I talk with filmmaker Sierra Urich about her film JOONAM, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023 and has gone on to win several awards as well as nominated for an Independent Spirit Award.
In this episode, we talk about the deeply personal film she made; how to make a documentary film stand out in the crowded doc landscape; the fact that making Sundance is only the start of your journey, not the end; what you should be doing at any film festival you attend; and the importance of making a story that's true to you rather than trying to figure out what to sell.
Sierra engaged with the tough questions, and what emerges from this conversation is an extraordinarily thoughtful examination of what it's like as a documentary filmmaker today.
Check the link to the film on Instagram for screening times and locations.
Sierra's Indie Film Highlight: Camden International Film Festival; True/False Film Fest
Links:
JOONAM Website (https://www.joonamfilm.com/)
JOONAM on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/joonamfilm/)
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content -
Indie Film Highlight: OWNING MAHOWNY (2003)
Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: OWNING MAHOWNY (2003).
Director: Richard Kwietniowski
Writers: Gary Stephen Ross; Maurice Chauvet
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman; Minnie Driver; Maury Chaykin
SYNOPSIS
A bank manager with: (a) a gambling problem and (b) access to a multimillion dollar account gets into a messy situation. Based on the story of the largest one-man bank fraud in Canadian history.
Watch The Episode: https://youtu.be/rFd0xWRsMFQ
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@firstgopod
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content
Customer Reviews
An approachable insight into a dynamic media
First Time Go is a great podcast for those unfamiliar with filmmaking to gain an appreciation of the art form. The host has a natural rapport with guests as they have candid conversations on the behind the scenes of filmmaking. Highly recommend.
A great look into Independent Film
As someone who typically doesn't venture into independent films, Ben's podcast keeps me thoroughly engaged with his insightful questions and fascinating guests. I'm eagerly anticipating the evolution of this podcast and the introduction of new guests each week. It's a five-star experience that leaves me ready for more!