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Documentary FirstExpert interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and tips for filmmakers at every level. Author: Christian Taylor
Documentary First is your bi-weekly podcast exploring the craft of documentary filmmaking. Each episode features in-depth interviews with filmmakers, industry experts, and professionals, providing valuable tips and behind-the-scenes insights on how powerful documentaries are made. Whether you're a seasoned documentarian, an aspiring filmmaker, or just curious about documentary storytelling, you'll find expert advice, creative inspiration, and practical knowledge. Tune in and discover what it takes to create compelling documentaries that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact. Language: en Genres: Documentary, Society & Culture, TV & Film Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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They Wanted My Voice to Train AI - What Thoreau Knew About Living Deliberately in a Revolution: Deep Dive on Ep. 275
Thursday, 16 April, 2026
Someone tried to harvest Christian's voice for AI training. The pitch was polished, the project sounded real. But when she responded with ten professional questions, the conversation ended. Permanently.In this Deep Dive on Episode 275, Christian connects that experience to her conversation with Erik and Christopher Ewers, the brothers behind the PBS documentary Henry David Thoreau. Chris Ewers argues that every technological revolution has felt like the end of the world — the Industrial Revolution, digital cameras, and now AI. Each time the tool became indispensable. Then Christian pulls in Thoreau himself — the man who railed against the railroad and then rode the train 70 times. He used the tool deliberately.In this episode, you’ll hear:The full story of the suspicious voice-over job offer and the ten questions that ended it.Why Christian’s VO business is declining while her filmmaking and podcasting are thriving.Chris Ewers’s case for why AI is the digital camera revolution all over again.Thoreau’s “cost of a thing” quote and why it hits differently in the age of AI.The contradiction of Thoreau and the train — and what “live deliberately” actually means now.Jeff Goldblum at the mic and George Clooney saying “tell me if I suck” — what AI will never replace.Timestamps:0:00 What George Clooney Told the Directors0:18 Show open0:28 The Ethan Caldwell story2:33 Where I stand with AI3:49 The Ewers Brothers and the revolution that always comes5:09 Clip: Chris Ewers on AI and the digital camera revolution7:15 Thoreau, technology, and the train he swore he’d never ride9:25 What “live deliberately” actually means9:44 What Ethan Caldwell’s silence reveals10:45 Goldblum, Clooney, and what machines can’t replicate11:59 ClosingListen & Follow:Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/DocFirstAppleSpotify: tinyurl.com/DocFirstSpotifyYouTube: tinyurl.com/DocFirstYouTubeAmazon Music: tinyurl.com/DocFirstAmazonSupport the show on Patreon: tinyurl.com/DocFirstPatreonAbout the Guests (from DF Episode 275):Erik Ewers: Director, Editor. Ken Burns’s senior editor for 33+ years. Multiple Emmy winner. Based in New Hampshire.Christopher Loren Ewers: Director, DP. 20+ years behind the camera. Based in the NYC metro area.About Henry David Thoreau (PBS):A three-part, three-hour documentary. Executive produced by Ken Burns and Don Henley. Narrated by George Clooney. Voices by Jeff Goldblum (Thoreau), Ted Danson (Emerson), Meryl Streep, and Tate Donovan. Available now on PBS and PBS Documentaries on Amazon.Resources:Henry David Thoreau (PBS, 2026) | Walden by Henry David Thoreau (1854)Hear Part 1: Episode 274, “I Didn’t Know Myself: Erik & Chris Ewers on Ken Burns, PBS & Thoreau”Hear Part 2: Episode 275, "Erik & Chris Ewers on PBS Funding, AI & Directing Goldblum, Clooney & Streep"Connect:Ewers Brothers: ewersbrothers.comErik Ewers: @melonhd | linkedin.com/in/erik-ewers-38122729Chris Ewers: @christopher_loren_ewers_dp | linkedin.com/in/christopherewersChristian Taylor: @meetchristiantaylor I linkedin.com/in/meetchristiantaylorAll platforms: linktr.ee/doc1st
