TV & FilmArtsSociety & CulturePersonal JournalsExplicit

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.

Play

Open in

20 episodes
monthly
Avg 32 min
English

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

S7 · E78
August 4 · 34 min
How to Go Viral: Takeaways from the Mamdani campaign, Subway Takes & More
On this episode of Rough Cut, VC Executive Director, Sky Dylan-Robbins, talks with filmmaker Anthony DiMieri about his unconventional path across nonfiction, fiction, and political campaigns. They discuss Anthony's projects, including Subway Takes and Keep the Meter Running, which blend documentary storytelling, comedy, and social media to reach audiences where they are, as well as his iconic Melted Solids collaboration with Debbie Saslow on the viral social videos for Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign. Anthony shares his thoughts on the future of filmmaking, vertical versus horizontal video, building audiences online, and why community might be the antidote to nihilism. Show Links: Anthony DiMieri Melted Solids Zohran Halalflation Fix the MTA: campaign precursor, early use of doc style for Zohran media Claire Valdez + Zohran Zohran Polar Plunge Zohran Donors (our favorite from the primary) Zohran Nightclub Documentary KTMR x Zohran Subway Takes Ep 1 Credits Host Sky Dylan-Robbins Guest Anthony DiMieri Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins, Kat Vecchio Produced by Audrey Horwitz Music by Zack Wright Click here to join or support the Video Consortium
S7 · E77
June 2 · 28 min
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
S7 · E76
May 5 · 28 min
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
S7 · E75
March 10 · 49 min
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
S7 · E74
February 17 · 28 min
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
S7 · E73
January 13 · 41 min
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
S6 · E72
Dec 9, 2025 · 16 min
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
S6 · E71
Nov 4, 2025 · 34 min
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
S6 · E70
Oct 7, 2025 · 43 min
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
S6 · E69
Sep 9, 2025 · 38 min
Trust Through Transparency: Rethinking Pay and Power in Documentary
In this episode of Rough Cut, Sweta Vohra and Emma Alpert from Multitude Films—an independent production company dedicated to transformative culture change through nonfiction storytelling—dive deep into how Multitude is building a values-driven model that prioritizes sustainability, fairness, and humanity both on set and behind the scenes. Key takeaways include: sharing production budgets when hiring crew to establish fair standards across the industry and recognizing care as a crucial component of ethical filmmaking — not just an afterthought. Listeners will gain practical insights on reshaping budgets, negotiating with transparency, and redefining compensation beyond just money. If you’re committed to changing the culture of filmmaking for the better, this is an episode you can’t miss. This episode is a collaboration between Video Consortium and Brown Girls Doc Mafia to bring attention to The Pay Transparency Project, a resource built in collaboration with VC and BGDM to promote and highlight the importance of pay transparency in documentary and nonfiction film production. Show Links Sweta Vohra: www.multitudefilms.com/sweta-vohra Emma Alpert: www.multitudefilms.com/emma-alpert Multitude Films: www.multitudefilms.com Brown Girls Doc Mafia: www.browngirlsdocmafia.org Pay Transparency Project: www.paytransparencyproject.org Credits Guests: Sweta Vohra and Emma Alpert of Multitude Films 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
S6 · E68
Aug 5, 2025 · 30 min
From Grassroots to Netflix: Inside the Join or Die Impact Campaign
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 Boyle Guest: Rebecca Davis Executive Producers: Sky Dylan-Robbins, Kat Vecchio Producer: Audrey Horwitz Music: 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/join Support 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/
S6 · E67
Jul 1, 2025 · 31 min
Digging Through Time and Truth: Archival Ethics in the Age of AI
On this episode of Rough Cut, host Daniel Chávez-Ontiveros sits down with archival producer Stephanie Jenkins, whose work with filmmaker Ken Burns has uncovered rare historical gems like early footage of a young Muhammad Ali. Stephanie also shares insights into the art of bringing history to life on screen, and discusses co-founding the Archival Producers Alliance, which recently released groundbreaking guidelines on the use of generative AI in documentary filmmaking. From preserving the integrity of primary sources to navigating legal and ethical concerns, this episode explores how the rise of AI is reshaping the way we tell true stories—and why filmmakers must tread carefully. Show Links Daniel Chávez-Ontiveros: https://videoconsortium.org/members/dchavezontiveros Stephanie Jenkins: https://videoconsortium.org/members/stephanie-jenkins Archival Producer Alliance APA: https://www.archivalproducersalliance.com/ APA GenAI Best Practices: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WS4iZ2Wi_wft5x54RG-hYb45sf10W8nV/view APA GenAI Best Practices Tool Kit: https://www.archivalproducersalliance.com/tool-kit-for-documentaries Credits Host Daniel Chávez-Ontiveros Guests Stephanie Jenkins 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
S6 · E66
Jun 3, 2025 · 24 min
Filming Family: The Ethics of Documenting Loved Ones with Ondi Timoner
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 Links Interloper Films: https://www.interloperfilms.com/ Michael Werner: https://videoconsortium.org/members/michael-werner Credits Host Michael Werner Guests Ondi Timoner 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
S6 · E65
May 6, 2025 · 24 min
Framing the Artist: Inside Nathan-ism with Dennis Scholl and Elan Golod
On this episode of Rough Cut, artist and filmmaker Dennis Scholl speaks with Elan Golod about his new documentary Nathan-ism, and the complicated work of making art about artists. Dennis and Elan discuss their film’s impact on artist's legacies, how to make canvases and sculptures compelling on film, and the complexities of working with a subject who is used to having creative control. This nuanced conversation will resonate with filmmakers who have navigated relationships with complex film participants and faced challenging artistic choices when working with archival materials and other nontraditional media. Show Links Dennis Scholl: https://schollcreative.com/about/ Elan Golod: https://videoconsortium.org/members/elan-golod Nathan-ism: https://www.nathan-ism.com/ Credits Host Dennis Scholl Guests Elan Golod 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
S6 · E64
Apr 1, 2025 · 27 min
Filming a documentary on an iPhone: Ann Collins with Sandra Luckow
On this episode of Rough Cut, filmmaker and editor Ann Collins talks to director Sandra Luckow about her new feature doc, Vanishing: A Love Story, shot entirely on an iPhone. Ann and Sandra discuss how smartphones have made filmmaking more accessible than ever before — but it’s not as simple as pulling a phone out of your pocket and recording. Tune in to hear from Sandra about the additional gear and apps she used to film the deeply personal story of author Cai Emmons’ end-of-life journey. Show Links Vanishing: A Love Story - www.vanishingalovestory.com Credits Host Ann Collins Guest Sandra Luckow 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
S6 · E63
Mar 4, 2025 · 23 min
Journalism in the Age of Vertical Video with Brandon Graves and Kamaria Roberts
On this episode of Rough Cut, Brandon Graves and Kamaria Roberts—Video Consortium’s Newsroom Collective team—unpack video as a crucial tool for newsrooms. They also share their personal journeys through the industry, discuss the challenges and opportunities facing local journalism today, and explore why VC’s Newsroom Collective is a game-changer for newsrooms integrating video storytelling into reporting. If you’re curious about where journalism is headed (hint: video is the future), this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Show Links Brandon Graves: https://videoconsortium.org/members/bgraves Kamaria Roberts: https://videoconsortium.org/members/kamarialeyla The Newsroom Collective: https://videoconsortium.org/newsrooms Credits Host Brandon Graves Guest Kamaria Leyla Roberts 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
S6 · E62
Feb 4, 2025 · 40 min
The Vital Power of Local Stories: Kevin Merida and Dawn Porter
In this episode of Rough Cut, esteemed journalist and VC Board member Kevin Merida, former Executive Editor of the Los Angeles Times, sits down with award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter for a wide ranging conversation, including her latest documentary, Luther: Never Too Much, the art of weaving archival footage into compelling narratives, and the vital role of local journalism. Kevin and Dawn offer deep insights into the power and possibilities of nonfiction video storytelling. Tune in for an enriching exploration of the evolving landscape of nonfiction video. Show Links Kevin Merida: https://videoconsortium.org/members/kevinmerida Dawn Porter: https://www.trilogy-films.com/ Luther: Never Too Much: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10850320/ Credits Host Kevin Merida Guest Dawn Porter 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
S6 · E61
Jan 7, 2025 · 28 min
Cocaine Cowboys and Challenging Industry Expectations: Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman
On this episode of Rough Cut, filmmaker and writer Michael Werner talks to Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman, who shook up the documentary landscape with their film Cocaine Cowboys. The bold documentary launched their careers and solidified their reputation as daring storytellers who push against industry norms. Billy and Alfred, who have been collaborators since high school, talk to Michael about their dedication to telling Miami stories, and how they approach documentaries with genre-bending ideas and outside-the-box thinking. A must listen episode about the art of pushing limits and unfiltered storytelling. Show Links Michael Werner: https://videoconsortium.org/members/michael-werner Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman https://www.rakontur.com Credits Host Michael Werner Guests Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman 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
S5 · E60
Dec 3, 2024 · 54 min
Storytelling With Mixed Media and Animation: Lizzy Hogenson and Zach Dorn
This week on Rough Cut we’re joined by animators and filmmakers Lizzy Hogenson and Zach Dorn, who, with host Sean David Christensen, delve into how animation lends itself to emotional intensity in nonfiction stories. All three filmmakers use a myriad of artistic mediums in their films. For Lizzy it’s needle-felting and claymation, among other mediums. For Zach it’s puppets and illustrations, and for Sean it’s miniature sets and other unique storytelling techniques. Sean talks with Lizzy and Zach about their creative processes and how these mediums and techniques evoke emotional intimacy for the viewer. Show Links Sean David Christensen: https://videoconsortium.org/members/seandchristensen Zach Dorn: https://zachdorn.com Lizzy Hogenson: www.lizzyhogenson.com Lizzy’s film “Dani”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWH8iDhkwbs Credits Host Sean David Christensen Guests Lizzy Hogenson and Zach Dorn Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat Vecchio Produced by Monica Gokey Music by Zack Wright Click here to join or support the Video Consortium
S5 · E59
Nov 12, 2024 · 27 min
Creative Teams that Vibe: NPR’s Mito Habe-Evans and Quincy Ledbetter
Quincy Ledbetter and Mito Habe-Evans met on NPR’s video desk, when Mito hired Quincy after a refreshingly casual and candid interview. On this episode of Rough Cut, Quincy, an independent filmmaker and artist, and Mito, a Creative Director and Supervising Video Producer at NPR, talk about what it takes to build a creative team and foster a positive work culture. We dive into the “vibe check,” how the punk scene shaped Mito’s creative outlook, and other ways Mito thinks about creating teams and connecting with collaborators. Show Links Quincy Ledbetter: https://videoconsortium.org/members/qledbetter Mito Habe-Evans: https://videoconsortium.org/members/mito-habe-evans NPR Video: https://www.npr.org/series/718730324/video Credits Host Quincy Ledbetter Guests Mito Habe-Evans Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat Vecchio Produced by Monica Gokey Music by Zack Wright Click here to join or support the Video Consortium

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes