Little Dieter Needs to Fly

Episode 026 - Little Dieter Needs to Fly

In this episode we discuss Herzog’s 1997 film Little Dieter Needs to Fly, a documentary about German-American pilot Dieter Dengler’s extraordinary experiences and escape as a POW in Vietnam. Herzog would later go on to direct a narrative feature, Rescue Dawn, starring Christian Bale, about the same subject.

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Episode 026 - Little Dieter Needs to Fly

Grizzly Man

Episode 024 - Grizzly Man

We dive into Herzog’s masterpiece of documentary filmmaking, his 2005 film, Grizzly man. Using footage shot by Timothy Treadwell as well as newly-shot interview footage of those who knew Treadwell, Herzog presents yet another window through which to peer into the Human Condition. Treadwell lived among grizzly bears for 12 seasons in a national park in Alaska before being attacked and killed by one of the Grizzlies. Join us as we explore yet another Herzogian Landscape of the Soul.

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Episode 024 - Grizzly Man

Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin

Episode 021 - Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin

We discuss Herzog’s film, Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin (2019) - We discuss the themes Herzog explores as well as the technical aspects of Herzog’s fantastic film about Herzog’s friend and the importance of traveling on foot.

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Episode 021 - Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin

Career Strategy and Life as a Filmmaker

Episode 020- Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 24 & 25

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 24 & 25 - Career Strategy & Life as a Filmmaker. Short films can be your film school. Take initiative! Handling rejection (of which you will receive a lot) . Specificity in your career goals is vital. Thinking long term. Making what you want and ignoring the rest. Keeping your curiosity awake. Experiencing the essential moments. You are alone and all you have are your dreams.

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Episode 020 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 24 & 25

Dealing with Human Beings and Truth in Nonfiction

Episode 019 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 22 & 23

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 22 & 23 - Dealing with Human Beings and Truth in Nonfiction. There are no clear rules, but you must know yours and respect ethical boundaries. Being exploitive isn’t generally ethical and it doesn’t make for good film anyway when it comes to documentaries. Getting to the heart of people quickly - learning how and when to push your subject - never forget they are human beings! Documentaries are movies - they don’t have to be all truth. As a matter of fact - facts don’t make truth! You are seeking to illuminate your audience with the ecstasy of truth!

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Episode 019 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 22 & 23

Documentary Filmmaking: Making the Conversation & Eliciting Difficult Stories

Episode 018 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 20 & 21

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 20 & 21 - Documentary Filmmaking: Making the Conversation & Eliciting Difficult Stories. It’s not a interview, it’s a conversation! We aren’t journalists, so don’t act like one. We discuss conversation strategies. Knowing your subjects’ hearts, making your subjects human, managing your own emotions while remaining present and engaged, getting to the heart of the story, and how to shape the story and get the essentials.

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Episode 018 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 20 & 21

Invaded by Images

Episode 017 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 18 & 19

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 18 & 19 - Invaded By Images. How to choose subjects for films? Ideas are like invaders who come to you in the middle of the night! The importance of traveling on foot - both literally and figuratively. When you are grabbed by an idea - be sure to capture it - but how? Keep opened to the unplanned. Let ideas come to you in unexpected ways. Gather your ideas and give them time.

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Episode 017 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 18 & 19

Editing

Episode 016 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 17

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 17 - Editing. Be careful not to force your intentions on your footage, consider it as if you hadn't shot it - what is it trying to tell you? Watch less and remember more - use a log book to make notes as you watch your footage the first time, don't ignore takes (you never know) and don't make yourself numb to the footage by watching it over and over. Be ruthless with your footage - don't be afraid to be decisive! Listen to your audience, but know when to take a stand or your vision. Use the footage you can't ignore!

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Episode 016 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 17

Music

Episode 015 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 16

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 16 - Music. In this episode, we discuss Herzog's always fascinating usage of music in film and what we can learn from him for our own films. We discuss how emusic informs our entire filmmaking process and offer suggestions on working with composers.

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Episode 015 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 16

Sound

Episode 014 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 15

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 15 - Sound. We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 15 - Sound. Learn from Herzog's mistakes (her couldn't show his first few films to an audience the sound was so bad). Take the time to learn the basics. Be sure to have sound in mind when location scouting. ADR vs. Location sound. Foley. Thinking of sound like a special effect. Diegetic vs. extradiegetic. Going above just the competent recording of sound and adding stylization to your work. Listen for the remarkable.

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Episode 014 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 15

Working with Actors

Episode 013 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 14

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 14 - Working with Actors on Set. There are no stars on set, but whoever is front of the camera is royalty - even extras. To rehearse or not? And what do we mean by rehearsal. Be careful of too many takes. Do acting classes hurt an actor? Herzog claims yes, we argue only in the beginning.

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Episode 013 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 14

Creating the Character

Episode 012 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 13

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 13 - Working with Actors, Creating the Character. We discuss the importance of selecting the right actor, understanding chemistry, and knowing the hearts of others. We have a lively debate on Herzog's philosophy that all that matters is what ends up on screen. "Everybody has the same chance in front of the camera!"

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Episode 012 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 13

Camera Techniques

Episode 011 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 12

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 12 - Camera Techniques and spatial orientation. Your audience must be able to orient the action and characters We on screen! What's the 180 rule? Ever hear of the Kinski Spiral or the Nazarian Walk? When is it okay to disorient your audience? Iguanas!!!

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Episode 011 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 12

Cinematography

Episode 010 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 11

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 11 - Cinematography. It's not the gear - it's you! We discuss getting caught up in thinking you need the latest and greatest gear, using (or not using) zoom lenses, favoring momentum over style, and the idea that maybe you shouldn't worry too much conceptually about your aesthetic and trust that it's there inside you and will come out in full if you just let it.

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Episode 010 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 11

Shooting Strategies

Episode 009 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 10

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 10 - Shooting Strategies. Are storyboard the ”instruments of cowards?” How does Herzog keeps his cast and crew on edge (in a good way)? Coverage - how much to shoot? Is is smart insurance or a procrastination of artistic decision? Above all - we discuss Herzog’s strategies for collecting the remarkable, not garbage.

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Episode 009 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 10

Set Rules

Episode 008 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 9

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson nine - Set Rules. Cullen and Clark discuss Herzog's on-set philosophies including set organization, one camera vs multi-camera shoots, using a video-village, crew size, cell phones on set, working with a sense of urgency, and being the buffer between your actors and the hustle and bustle of the crew.

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Episode 008 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 9

Leading the Platoon

Episode 007 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 8

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson eight - Leading the Platoon. Cullen and Clark discuss Herzog's views on being an effective leader and director. We compare and contrast to our own experiences. We mull over the importance of developing a working knowledge of every area of filmmaking - including acting - and how to use catastrophes to your advantage, dealing with the unexpected, and how your character is always on the clock if you want to be the best director you can be.

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Episode 007 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 8