Greg Kwedar is a writer, director, and producer. He made his feature directorial debut with Transpecos, which premiered in competition at the 2016 SXSW Film Festival where it won the Audience Award. He co-wrote and produced Jockey, which premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition where it won the Special Jury Award for Best Actor (Clifton Collins Jr.). Jockey also won the Audience Award at the AFI Film Festival and was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for theatrical release. The film was nominated for an Indie Spirit Award for Best Male Lead and the John Cassavetes Award, and was one of the National Board of Review Top 10 Independent Film of 2021. Kwedar also produced Rising From Ashes, Running with Beto (Winner: SXSW Audience Award 2019), and was co-producer on Ghost Fleet (Telluride & TIFF, 2018). He has spoken to thousands of students across the country and sat on panels about his work at SXSW, Sundance, UNESCO, the United Nations, and more. His latest film Sing Sing, over seven years in the making, which he both directed and co-wrote, premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival where it was acquired by A24 for theatrical release.
Episode 012: Documentary Producer: David Mahanes
This episode feature impact film producer David Mahanes:
David Mahanes has been producing impact documentaries and films for over twenty years. His focus is on impactful, mission-driven documentaries and feature films, most notably Free Burma Rangers and his worth with Union Rescue mission in LA where he has produced over 100 films to help drive there mission. His work on Free Burma Rangers offers a deep look into the lives of David Eubank and his team as they bring medical aid, hope, and faith to communities affected by war in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Mahanes invest in artist and builds teams to accomplish projects that are bigger then someone could do on there own. He aims to amplify stories of resilience and courage. Through his films, he highlights both the struggles and unwavering spirit of people who work at the frontlines of crisis.
His work often balances documentary authenticity with powerful narrative elements, enabling audiences to engage intimately with these compelling stories. In addition to Free Burma Rangers, Mahanes has worked on other projects that explore themes of human endurance, faith, and social justice, which has show a well told story can create measurable impact..
Episode 011: Documentary Director / Cinematographer Jack Zakrajsek
Meet Jack Zakrajsek, a 22-year-old filmmaker who began on his filmmaking career by dropping out of film school. His bold move paid off. He shot a feature film that led to an unexpected breakthrough on YouTube.
Jack is a documentary film director and cinematographer based in Colorado. Over the past few years, he has worked on numerous documentary and marketing projects across the United States, as well as in South Africa, Namibia, British Columbia, and Costa Rica. His debut directorial feature film, "Tracing The Divide," is set to premiere in 2024. His short film "Wild Connection," which offers an intimate look at cheetahs in South Africa, recently premiered at the International Hawaii Film Festival, an Academy Award-qualifying event.
Jack is passionate about documenting stories that challenge audiences to rethink their lives and perspectives, aiming to inspire new worldviews through his compelling narratives.
To watch on Youtube visit: https://youtu.be/AyxuVwUIW5Q
https://www.jackzakrajsek.com
https://www.instagram.com/jackzakra/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcw-WOGoKc_qAC92j6QKZg
Episode 010: Photographer, John Russell
When I first began filmmaking 25 years ago, John Russell gave me a shot. It's how everything began. I was his photo assistant and soon began shooting video over his shoulder. This build my reel and launched several opportunities that landed my first few gigs in documentary filmmaking. In this podcast we discuss how John got his start in photography as well as his philosophy of shooting. "When young folks, or anybody for that matter, asks me what the secret is to being a “successful” photographer, I answer with what’s become my mantra, ”It’s all about light and relationships.”
Episode 009: Film Editor, Tyler Boyd
TYLER H BOYD Meet Tyler Boyd, freelance editor based in Colorado with over 10 years experience cutting both in-house and remotely with clients all over the country. The people I have worked with over the years have made me who I am today. He Tell stories in collaboration with like minded creatives, and pulling out the authentic human emotion in every story he tell. Editors sit too much, they need to stretch their legs. tylerhboyd.com
beandogpostoffice.com
www.docfilmschool.com
Episode 008: Filmmaker, Jordan Campbell
Find out what it's like making impact documentaries in some of the worlds hardest locations. We talk about Jordans new film, Ukraine Under Fire and the epic journey of getting this film made and making an impact.
Jordan Campbell is an American journalist and award-winning documentary filmmaker. He is the founder and CEO at Ramro Global | Worldwide Humanitarian Action, a socially driven film production company, spotlighting the issues, challenges and people that define the worldwide humanitarian space. He’s also the director and producer of UKRAINE UNDER FIRE | A Film about War & Conflict, which highlights war crimes, genocide and resilience in the face of Russia’s 2022 invasion and examines Ukraine’s future amidst the most significant conflict in Europe since World War II.
His additional film work, most notably to draw attention to cataract blindness and child heart disease in low-and-middle-income countries, along with other media assignments, has taken him to Nepal, Kosovo, Lebanon, Cameroon, South Sudan and conflict-affected countries like Libya and Iraq. Readers can find Jordan’s byline in National Geographic, Outside, Climbing, Inside Hook and Men's Journal. Jordan is also the director of the award-winning documentary film, DUK COUNTY | Peace is in Sight in the New South Sudan, which won the Indomitable Spirit Award and Moving Mountains Prize at Telluride Mountainfilm and screened twice at the United Nations.
Jordan is also an accomplished international mountaineer, having participated in notable expeditions to Himachal Pradesh in Northern India and the Nyenchen Tanglha region of Eastern Tibet, along with a myriad of climbing, skiing and mountain exploits spanning Europe, Asia and the Americas. His lifetime commitment to international climbing and mountain adventure is fortified by his professional service as former director of communications for Marmot Mountain LLC and former expeditions manager for The North Face.
Jordan also serves on the Board of Directors for Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, Colorado.
Jordan Campbell CEO & Executive Producer | Ramro Global
Director | UKRAINE UNDER FIRE STORY. MOUNTAIN. HOPE.
Episode 007: Meet filmmaker Joshua Cook
Conversation with filmmaker/photographer Joshua Cook. He's had an amazing journey as a creative but more then that is living an amazing story outside of filmmaking. joshloveslight.com, Joshua Cook @joshloveslight
Cinematographer // Storyteller // Photographer ⌁ Josh passionately crafts contexts where people flourish through curating and capturing visual stories causing you to linger.
Born in Central California, Josh grew up sitting on a surfboard and watching the sun rise and set on the Pacific Ocean. As the swell rose and fell, the light danced around him and those he was with. It was here his curiosity and passion for light was formed. When the camera first landed in his hands while studying abroad in Israel, the transition was seamless.
For the past 20 years, Josh has been leveraging the power of light and sound to visual stories for brands. He brings diverse breadth of experience to every project, ranging from photojournalist editorial work, to directing internal marketing campaigns for national insurance providers, to leveraging his strength in brand strategy to help to build one the leading apparel brands in the cycling industry.
Josh, his wife and two sons, now live just outside Boulder, Colorado. He still longs for the ocean, but has fallen in love with the mountain air.
Currently, along with his commercial work, Josh is also filming a mini documentary about a local ranch that rehabilitates neglected and abused horses and then utilizes their trauma to train and empower foster parents. As a foster/adoptive parent himself, this story resonates deeply.
"Watching the world move captivates and inspires me. I love finding unique and creative ways to curate the stories around me into visual narratives. Every element of photography is centered around people. Even when there is no human to be seen, the image itself is designed to engage someone's eye. People are the focal point and it's light that captures them. I process the world in pictures, understand life through the light that defines it and speak through the lens of a camera."
Episode 006: Meet the cast of DEALMAKERS, Luis Gutierrez Jr.
In today’s show we sit down withLuis Gutierrez from our documentary Dealmakers. In this episode we talk about redemption, life behind bars and what it means to live life with a second change. Loui is one of the T.C.’s best friends and this will be a podcast to remember.
Learn more about Loui @redemption_ink_hutchinson T.C. Johnstone @tcjohnstone tcjohnstone.com
Episode 005: Meet the cast of DEALMAKERS, Pete Ochs
In today’s show we sit down with Pete Ochs from our documentary Dealmakers. In this episode we are going to talk about business, life principles and what it’s like building a Buisness inside a maximum security prison. You can learn more about the film at tcjohnstone.com Enjoy!
Learn more about Petes at peteochs.com
T.C. Johnstone @tcjohnstone tcjohnstone.com
Episode 004: Meet the cast of IN THE DIRT, Frank & Lorenzo
In today’s show we sit down with two of my good friends Frank and Lorenzo who are cyclist, coaches and machanics for the Silver Stallion non-profit. They are committed to helping kids and building the cycling culture on the Navajo Nation. They are both cast members of the our new documentary film IN THE DIRT. Enjoy!
Learn more about the film at INTHEDIRTFILM.COM
Follow on Instagram:
Franklin Cook @milenko_79 T.C. Johnstone @tcjohnstone tcjohnstone.com
Episode 003: Meet the cast of IN THE DIRT, Tarrance & MT
In today’s show you will meet Tarrance Yazzie and MT. Two cast members of the our new film IN THE DIRT. We go behind the curtain and give you more to the story of Res life and how cycling has become a major part of theirs lives.
Learn more about the film at INTHEDIRTFILM.COM
Follow on Instagram:
Terence Yazzie @tyz.ig. MT Garcia @dziltah_haseyah. T.C. Johnstone @tcjohnstone tcjohnstone.com
Episode 002: Meet the cast of IN THE DIRT, the James Family
In today’s show we start a new series called “more to the story” We sit down with the cast of our new documentary film IN THE DIRT that release October 1st. Today we join the James family to talk about cycling, Native American history, and family values. Enjoy!
Learn more about the film at INTHEDIRTFILM.COM
Follow on Instagram:
Rezduro @rezduro Nigel James nigel_james04 T.C. Johnstone @tcjohnstone tcjohnstone.com
Episode 001: Introduction to Podcast
Welcome to the Gratis 7 Films Podcast!