School of Doc: Recent Episodes
David Altrogge
School of Doc introduces listeners to the world's most renowned documentary filmmakers. In each episode, host David Altrogge sits down with a world-class documentarian to discuss the craft of documentary filmmaking. A production of Vinegar Hill — VinegarHill.film
In this conversation, Oscar-winner Steven Bognar shares lessons learned on his filmmaking journey, discussing his early inspirations, the challenges he faced in his projects, and the importance of test screenings in maintaining objectivity. He reflects on his artistic influences and the long process of creating meaningful films, emphasizing the need for persistence and the role of the audience in shaping the final product. Finally, Steven discusses the legacy of his late wife and filmmaking partner, Julia Reichert.
In this episode, Lauren Stowell discusses her journey from a 16-year career at ESPN to directing Celtics City. Lauren shares her thoughts on the art of documentary filmmaking, particularly focusing on the importance of preparation, emotional connection, and the balance between knowledge and perspective. She discusses the challenges of interviewing high-profile subjects, the necessity of listening, and how her unique viewpoint as a filmmaker allowed her to connect with the audience. A special thanks to Caleb J. Murphy (https://calebjmurphy.com/) and Musicbed (http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge) for the great tunes. School of Doc is hosted by David Altrogge (@daltrogge) and is a Production of Vinegar Hill (https://vinegarhill.film/)
Filmmakers Carina Mia Wong and Alex Simmons discuss their collaborative efforts in making We Can Be Heroes. The conversation highlights the beauty of life and the art of paying attention to the stories around us. They share insights on navigating the development timeline, crew dynamics, and the significance of building trust with subjects.
In this episode, Lizzie Gottlieb shares her journey from theater directing to documentary filmmaking, discussing the challenges she encountered along the way. She reflects on the importance of mentorship, the art of interviewing, and the delicate balance of truth and family in her work. Lizzie emphasizes the need for genuine curiosity and active listening in documentary storytelling, as well as the emotional complexities involved in creating personal narratives. She shares insights on balancing her roles as a filmmaker, teacher, and parent, and reflects on what success means to her in the documentary field. A special thanks to Caleb J. Murphy (https://calebjmurphy.com/) and Musicbed (http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge) for the great tunes. School of Doc is hosted by David Altrogge (@daltrogge) and is a Production of Vinegar Hill (https://vinegarhill.film/)
In this episode, host David Altrogge sits down with Graham Willoughby, the acclaimed cinemaographer behind films like '20 Feet From Stardom' and 'Won't You Be My Neighbor.' Over the course of the episode, they discuss the shift from reality TV to cinematic documentaries, the importance of intention in storytelling, managing crew dynamics, and balancing family life with a demanding filmmaking career. The episode highlights the importance of trust and respect in interviews, the role of a supportive crew, and the definition of success for a documentary filmmaker. A special thanks to Caleb J. Murphy (https://calebjmurphy.com/) and Musicbed (http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge) for the great tunes. School of Doc is hosted by David Altrogge (@daltrogge) and is a Production of Vinegar Hill (https://vinegarhill.film/)
David Altrogge sits down with Brian Tetsuro Ivie to discuss his filmmaking journey and his films DROPBOX and EMANUEL. Brian shares his path from aspiring to be the next Steven Spielberg to discovering his true calling in documenting powerful, real-life stories. He discusses the challenges of raising funds, gaining trust and access, and navigating the balance between personal faith and professional filmmaking. Featuring insights on the creative process, from planning and shooting to editing and handling sensitive subjects, this episode offers an in-depth look into the making of two significant documentaries that carry messages of hope, forgiveness, and transformation. A special thanks to Caleb J. Murphy (https://calebjmurphy.com/) and Musicbed (http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge) for the great tunes. School of Doc is a Production of Vinegar Hill (https://vinegarhill.film/)
David Altrogge introduces a new show — CREATIVE FOLK — where he sits down with artists of all kinds to discuss their creative journeys. In this episode, acclaimed novelist Brett Lott shares his unconventional path from an RC Cola salesman to the celebrated author of JEWEL — a tender novel about a mother and daughter that was selected for Oprah's Book Club. He talks about his process, work/life balance, and the importance of persistence.
A special thanks to Caleb J. Murphy (https://calebjmurphy.com/) and Musicbed (http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge) for the great tunes. School of Doc is a Production of Vinegar Hill (https://vinegarhill.film/)
Robert Kolodny developed a passion for film at a young age when he began experimenting with his parent's VHS camcorder. He shares his journey in the documentary world, his desire to direct a nonfiction film, and his acclaimed film "The Featherweight." A special thanks to Caleb J. Murphy (https://calebjmurphy.com/) and Musicbed (http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge) for the great tunes. School of Doc is a Production of Vinegar Hill (https://vinegarhill.film)
Haroula Rose, a filmmaker, shares her journey into the world of filmmaking and the making of her most recent film "All Happy Families." She fell in love with movies as a child but didn't believe she could pursue it as a career until later in life. Haroula emphasizes the importance of life experience and self-discovery in creating meaningful work. She also discusses the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the importance of being open to others' ideas.
Writer / director / actor Nadine Crocker discusses her path to filmmaking and opens up about her attempted suicide at 23. Nadine shares her journey to healing, which involved sobriety, therapy, and making her debut feature "Continue" which is based on her own experiences. A special thanks to Caleb J. Murphy (https://calebjmurphy.com/) and Musicbed (http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge) for the great tunes. School of Doc is a Production of Vinegar Hill (https://vinegarhill.film/)
Host David Altrogge sits down with Alex Buono to discuss the art of mockumentary filmmaking. Known for his groundbreaking work on DOCUMENTARY NOW, Alex shares insights from his early career, starting as a camera assistant, his time at SNL, and the significance of casting and technical precision in filmmaking. The discussion highlights the passion driving 'Documentary Now!' and the dedication of its creators to celebrate and spoof documentaries authentically. A special thanks to Caleb J. Murphy (https://calebjmurphy.com/) and Musicbed (http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge) for the great tunes. School of Doc is a Production of Vinegar Hill (https://vinegarhill.film/)
In this episode, host David Altrogge (@daltrogge) sits down with documentarian Brennan Robideaux to discuss his debut feature BORN TO FLY about Olympic Gold Medalist Armand Duplantis. Brennan's journey is truly epic. Despite facing financial struggles and industry skepticism, he pursued his no-budget passion project about pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis. Through four years of filming and editing, emotional premieres in Sweden and the US, and eventually landing a deal with Red Bull Studios, his story highlights the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the emotional rewards that define success in documentary filmmaking. A special thanks to Caleb J. Murphy (https://calebjmurphy.com/) and Musicbed (http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge) for the great tunes. School of Doc is a Production of Vinegar Hill (https://vinegarhill.film/)
Host David Altrogge sits down with acclaimed journalist Jon Ward to discuss his memoir Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation.
.
A special thanks to Caleb J. Murphy (https://calebjmurphy.com/) and Musicbed (http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge) for the great tunes. School of Doc is a Production of Vinegar Hill (https://vinegarhill.film/)
Host David Altrogge sits down with Clay Tweel, the director of Gleason, Finders Keepers, the Innocent Man, and Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults.
A special thanks to Caleb J. Murphy (https://calebjmurphy.com/) and Musicbed (http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge) for the great tunes.
School of Doc is a Production of Vinegar Hill (https://vinegarhill.film/)
Host David Altrogge sits down with producer Margaret Bodde and editor/director David Tedeschi. Together they make documentaries with the legendary Martin Scorcese. Their credits include The Rolling Thunder Review, Pretend It’s a City, and George Harrison: Living In a Material World.
A special thanks to Caleb J. Murphy (https://calebjmurphy.com/) and Musicbed (http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge) for the great tunes.
School of Doc is a Production of Vinegar Hill (https://vinegarhill.film/)
Today David Altrogge sits down with Oscar-winner Paul Hirsch. And while he’s not a documentary filmmaker, he’s one of Hollywood’s most revered editors (we're talking Carrie, Star Wars, Ferris Buhlers Day Off, and Mission Impossible to name a few). He's also the author of A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away (which is one of our all-time favorite books about filmmaking). Today’s episode is pure gold.
A special thanks to Caleb J. Murphy (https://calebjmurphy.com/) and Musicbed (http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge) for the great tunes.
School of Doc is a Production of Vinegar Hill (https://vinegarhill.film/)
Host David Altrogge sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Tyler Measom to discuss the making of Sons of Perdition and Murder Among the Mormons. A special thanks to Musicbed for the great tunes: http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge
Host David Altrogge sits down with Oscar-winner James Marsh to discuss directing Man on Wire and The Theory of Everything. A special thanks to Musicbed for the great tunes: http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge
Host David Altrogge sits down with Abigail Fuller to discuss directing episodes of Chef's Table and what lead her to move away from LA and start a farm in Virginia. A special thanks to Musicbed for the great tunes: http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge
Host David Altrogge sits down Oscar-winner Marshall Curry to discuss his films Street Fight, Racing Dreams, If a Tree Falls and more.
A special thanks to Musicbed for the great tunes: http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge
Host David Altrogge sits down with director Steve Hoover to his films Blood Brother and Almost Holy.
A special thanks to Musicbed for the great tunes: http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge
Host David Altrogge sits down with director Julie Sokolow to discuss her new film Barefoot: The Mark Baumer Story.
A special thanks to Musicbed for the great tunes: http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge
Producer Danny Yourd discusses his Sundance-winning film "Blood Brother" as well as collaborating with Terrence Malick and Atticus Ross.
A special thanks to Musicbed for the great tunes: http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge
Director Nancy Schwartzman discusses Roll Red Roll—a powerful and necessary film about sexual violence in Middle America.
A special thanks to Musicbed for the great tunes: http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge
Director Jenifer McShane discusses her film "Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops."
VinegarHill.film
A special thanks to Musicbed for the great tunes. To get access to over 20,000 songs for your film visit: http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge
Director Timothy Greenfield-Sanders discusses his film "Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am" and shares the piece of advice he got from Alfred Hitchcock.
Waad Alkateab, Edward Watts, and Hamza Alkateab discuss their critically acclaimed documentary "For Sama."
Director AJ Eaton discusses his beautiful film "David Crosby: Remember My Name"
A special thanks to Musicbed for the great tunes: http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge
Ohio. What's the first thing that comes to mind? Pete Rose? The Wright Brothers? Maybe Reliant K (the band...not the car)? What you may not know is that Ohio is also home to Julia Reichert — one of the most iconic documentary filmmakers of all time. Julia and her nephew Jeff, a celebrated documentarian in his own right, discuss making truly independent films, collaborating with family, and their acclaimed documentary "American Factory."
A special thanks to Musicbed for the great tunes. To get access to over 20,000 songs for your film visit: http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge
Glen Zipper was a rising prosecutor in New Jersey. And then he met a stray dog that changed everything...sending him on a journey that would lead to an Oscar win, dozens of critically acclaimed documentaries, and a Netflix Original Series about...dogs.
A special thanks to Musicbed for the great tunes. To get access to over 20,000 songs for your film visit: http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge
Writer / director Penny Lane sits down with David Altrogge and discusses things like Richard Nixon...how trying to find funding for a film about goat testicles almost killed her...the kind of artist she aspires to be...and the importance of being a kind director...
A special thanks to Musicbed for the great tunes. To get access to over 20,000 songs for your film visit: http://share.mscbd.fm/daltrogge
Director Brian McGinn sits down with David Altrogge to discuss his journey from filming pee wee soccer games to executive producing "Chef's Table."