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P.A. (Production Assistant)

per month

A production assistant, also known as a PA, is a member of the film crew and is a job title used in filmmaking and television for a person responsible for various aspects of a production. Alright, imagine you're making a big blockbuster movie, right? Well, think of the production assistant (PA) as the superhero of the set, the unsung champion behind the scenes. They're like the Swiss Army knife of the production world, tackling everything from fetching coffee to herding cats (or actors) to making sure the director's sandwich is just right.

A Thank You Message from Christian Taylor
Podcast Exclusive Content
Shoutout on Doc1st Social Media

Associate Producer

$10

per month

An associate producer is an assistant to a film, TV or Radio program producer. They work directly under a producer, taking care of administrative tasks so that the producer can focus on high-level production issues. Picture this: making a movie is like throwing an epic party. You've got your director as the DJ spinning tunes, your actors as the life of the party, and your producer as the master planner, making sure everything runs smoothly. Now, enter the associate producer. They're like the ultimate hype person, the one who's not just cheering from the sidelines but diving into the action, helping the producer with all the behind-the-scenes stuff. Think of them as the glue that holds everything together. They're the ones juggling schedules, chasing down permits, and maybe even wrangling a few runaway llamas if the script calls for it. They're the unsung heroes who make sure the director has their coffee, the actors have their scripts, and the whole production stays on track.

Personalized "Thank You" Video from Christian Taylor
Shout Out on The Doc1st Podcast
Access to ALL content Recordings

Producer

$25

per month

A film producer is a person who oversees film production. Either employed by a production company or working independently, producers plan and coordinate various aspects of film production, such as selecting the script, coordinating writing, directing, editing, and arranging financing. Imagine a producer as the wizard behind the curtain of your favorite movie or song! They're like the ultimate chef in the kitchen, mixing all the ingredients (talented actors, catchy tunes, and amazing effects) to cook up something truly magical. They're the mastermind who turns ideas into reality, bringing together the right people and resources to make the project shine. So next time you're blown away by a blockbuster or jamming to a hit song, tip your hat to the producer—they're some of the unsung heroes making it all happen!

ALL the benefits in the previous tiers
FREE copy of feature Documentary Film "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" (Digital or DVD)
FREE copy of "Grueling Glory (Digital)
Invitation to co-host on he Doc1st Podcast or interview Christian

Executive Producer

$50

per month

Executive producers typically provide or secure funding for a movie and control how their production crew uses the money. They also connect other producers for their film with the studio, company or individual financing the film. Imagine a movie or TV show is like a big, delicious pizza. You've got all the ingredients: the crust, the sauce, the cheese, and of course, the toppings. Now, think of the executive producer as the master chef overseeing the whole pizza-making process. They're not the ones tossing the dough or sprinkling on the pepperoni, but they're the ones who make sure everything comes together perfectly. They're like the big boss behind the scenes, making important decisions, providing the resources needed, and ensuring the final product is top-notch. So, while the director might be the one calling the shots on set and the actors are delivering the lines, the executive producer is the one making sure the whole production stays on track and turns out as tasty as that perfect slice of pizza.

ALL the benefits from the previous Tiers

Studio Executive

$100

per month

A studio executive is an employee of a film studio or entertainment corporation who may hold positions such as CEO, CFO, COO, or various vice presidential roles. They oversee production and manage financial and other interests between the studio and production companies, ensuring smooth operations within the entertainment industry. Imagine a studio executive as the master conductor of a blockbuster symphony! They're the maestros of moviemaking, the wizards of the silver screen, and the guardians of cinematic magic. With their sharp suits and sharper wit, they're like the cool captains steering the ship through the stormy seas of showbiz. Picture them as the ultimate mix of creative guru and business ninja, wielding spreadsheets like spells and scripts like sacred scrolls. They're the folks who sprinkle stardust on ideas, turn dreams into dollars, and make movie miracles happen, all while sipping their triple-shot lattes and juggling calls like pros. In short, they're the superheroes of Hollywood, crafting the stories that make us laugh, cry, and cheer for more popcorn!

ALL the benefits of ALL the Previous Tiers
Personal Coaching Session with Christian
Early Access to all Future Films

Documentary First is the podcast where documentary filmmakers tell the truth about making documentaries — the craft, the business, the heartbreak, and the moments that make it all worth it.

I'm Christian Taylor. I spent four decades in entertainment as a voice actor, casting director, and producer before I followed my son — a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division — to Normandy and stumbled into directing my first documentary. That film, The Girl Who Wore Freedom, went on to win 25+ international awards and get distributed in over 30 countries. I made every mistake a first-time filmmaker can make, and I'm still here to talk about it.

For the past 12 years, I co-hosted The Holy Post Podcast. Now, with 270+ episodes of Documentary First, I sit down with filmmakers at every level — from people crowdfunding their first short to Oscar winners like Ken Burns and Susan Lacy — and ask them the questions nobody else does. How did you actually get that film made? What almost killed the project? What do you know now that you wish you'd known at the start?

If you're making a documentary, thinking about making one, or just love the art of true storytelling — this is your show. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe so you don't miss one.