Rough Cut

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

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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

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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

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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

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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