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What if the future of AI in the creative industry isn’t inevitable? We chatted with Ted Tremper, producer, director, and writer whose credits include The Daily Show, I Love You, America! with Sarah Silverman, the Borat sequel and The AI Doc, and who serves as the Executive Director of the Creators Coalition on AI, about making art in the age of AI, and what it means to have a say in where the technology goes next. They explore how the promise of replacing human workers has become a sales pitch for the AI industry, and what artists can do to challenge that narrative before it becomes reality. They consider the danger of the “industrialization of storytelling” and what it means to move beyond simply accepting or rejecting AI, toward shared language, collective action, and clear boundaries around the technology. With the rules of AI still being written, the conversation asks what it would take for storytellers to help shape what comes next. Show Links:  Ted Tremper Creators Coalition on AI The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist Credits Host: Sky Dylan-Robbins Guests: Ted Tremper Executive Producers: Sky Dylan-Robbins, Kat Vecchio Producer: Audrey Horwitz Music: Zack Wright Click here to join or support the Video Consortium

We sat down with the award-winning and meticulously creative Canadian filmmaker Charlie Tyrell, co-director of The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist, to talk about the value of handmade filmmaking in an increasingly synthetic world. Video Consortium’s founder Sky Dylan-Robbins and Charlie explored the decision to tell a story about artificial intelligence through an entirely handcrafted visual approach, shaped by Charlie’s tactile stop-motion style and the painstaking work behind it. Their conversation digs into the tension between efficiency and authenticity, Charlie’s belief that the struggle of making something yourself is part of what makes the work meaningful, and the importance of developing a distinctive creative voice while holding onto curiosity, critical thinking, and genuine human connection as AI reshapes how we make and experience stories. Show Links:  Charlie Tyrell  The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist  The AI Doc on Peacock (US) The AI Doc on Apple TV Credits Host: Sky Dylan-Robbins Guests: Charlie Tyrell Executive Producers: Sky Dylan-Robbins, Kat Vecchio Producer: Audrey Horwitz Music: Zack Wright Click here to join or support the Video Consortium

As AI rapidly reshapes the media landscape, how can we embrace new tools without losing the creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking that make storytelling matter? We spoke with journalist and producer Bianca Consunji about what the rise of artificial intelligence means for creativity, journalism, and the future of nonfiction storytelling. Bianca’s cross-cutting background in both storytelling and tech brings a nuanced perspective on how creatives can use AI as a tool without losing the human qualities that make great work original. She and Video Consortium’s founder, Sky Dylan-Robbins, discuss AI's limitations, the importance of critical thinking and taste, the risks of bias and homogenization, and why journalists might be uniquely equipped to help shape more responsible AI systems. Show Links:  Bianca Consunji Credits Host: Sky Dylan-Robbins Guests: Bianca Consunji Executive Producers: Sky Dylan-Robbins, Kat Vecchio  Producer: Audrey Horwitz Music: Zack Wright Click here to join or support the Video Consortium

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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