Rough Cut

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/kevinmeridaCreditsHost Kevin MeridaGuests Raney Aronson-RathExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

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 LinksAndrea Arauz: https://videoconsortium.org/members/andrea_arauzViviana Zuñiga: https://videoconsortium.org/members/viviana-zunigaCreditsHost Andrea ArauzGuest Viviana ZuñigaExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

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 LinksHolding Liat - https://www.meridianhillpictures.com/holdingliatMeridian Hill Pictures - https://www.meridianhillpictures.comCreditsHost Kristin FreelyGuests Lance Kramer and Brandon KramerExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

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 LinksLauren Mahoney: https://videoconsortium.org/members/lauren-mahoneyAlicia Ramirez: https://www.aliciasramirez.com/LA Sparks Instagram: www.instagram.com/la_sparksLA Sparks YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLosAngelesSparks/CreditsHost Lauren MahoneyGuests Alicia RamirezExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

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 LinksJarod Neece: https://jarodneece.comNicholas Bruckman: https://videoconsortium.org/members/nicholas-bruckman and https://nickny.comPeoples TV: https://peoples.tvCreditsHost Jarod NeeceGuests Nicholas BruckmanExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium

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 LinksRyan Kellett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankellettDave Jorgenson and Local News International: https://lni.mediaCreditsHost Ryan KellettGuest Dave Jorgenson Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzClick here to join or support the Video Consortium 

Sweta Vohra, a producer at Multitude Films focusing on marginalized communities, and Emma Alpert, head of people and partnerships, explore innovative changes in the documentary filmmaking industry. They discuss the importance of sharing production budgets to establish fairness and foster trust among crew members. Topics include enhancing payment transparency, advocating for ethical pay practices, and reshaping budgeting philosophy to prioritize care in filmmaking. Their insights challenge the status quo and promote a culture of sustainability and equity.

In this episode of Rough Cut, guest host Caitlin Boyle sits down with filmmaker Rebecca Davis to discuss the journey behind Join or Die, the powerful documentary that reimagines Robert Putnam’s landmark book Bowling Alone for the screen. Rebecca shares how the team behind the film not only brought Putnam’s ideas on the decline of community life to a broader audience, but also charted an ambitious and intentional path for its distribution. From grassroots community screenings to a Netflix release, and even a theatrical run for Oscar qualification, the filmmakers prioritized meaningful engagement and peer collaboration over mass exposure. This episode offers an honest look at the time, strategy, and heart that went into building impact around Join or Die—a film about community that practiced what it preached.Rough Cut Podcast is brought to you by the global nonfiction video community the Video Consortium.Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating or a comment to help this podcast reach more filmmakers around the globe!◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠Episode Credits:Host: Caitlin BoyleGuest: Rebecca DavisExecutive Producers: Sky Dylan-Robbins, Kat VecchioProducer: Audrey HorwitzMusic: Zack Wright◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠Episode Resources:▶  Join or Die: https://www.joinordiefilm.com▶ Rebecca Davis: https://rebeccadavis.co and https://videoconsortium.org/members/rebecca-davis▶ Caitlin Boyle: https://caitlinboyle.co◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠Get involved and follow the action:Join VC: https://videoconsortium.org/joinSupport the community: https://videoconsortium.org/donate Listen to Rough Cut: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rough-cut/id1441930718 https://www.instagram.com/videoconsortium/https://www.linkedin.com/videoconsortium/

Stephanie Jenkins, an archival producer known for her work with Ken Burns, dives into the intriguing world of documentary filmmaking. She shares her journey uncovering rare footage, including early clips of Muhammad Ali, highlighting the critical role of archival research in storytelling. Jenkins discusses the founding of the Archival Producers Alliance and its groundbreaking guidelines for using generative AI. The conversation emphasizes ethical considerations in documentary work, from authenticity to the representation of history, urging filmmakers to act responsibly in this evolving landscape.

Michael Werner returns to Rough Cut and sits down with filmmaker Ondi Timoner to discuss the unique challenges involved in making documentaries involving one's own family. Ondi talks with Michael about her recent films "Last Flight Home" and "All God's Children," which explore deeply personal subjects like her father's final days and her sister’s religious and social justice work. She candidly shares the emotional and ethical dilemmas she navigated and the delicate nature of making films focused on deeply personal experiences and relationships.  Show LinksInterloper Films: https://www.interloperfilms.com/Michael Werner: https://videoconsortium.org/members/michael-werner CreditsHost Michael WernerGuests Ondi TimonerExecutive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat VecchioProduced by Audrey HorwitzMusic by Zack WrightClick here to join or support the Video Consortium