Episode 1587 - Billy Corben
Digest
This podcast episode features an interview with Billy Corbin, a documentary filmmaker known for his work on "Cocaine Cowboys" and "From Russia with Lev," a documentary about Lev Parnas and the Ukraine debacle during Trump's presidency. The conversation delves into the creation of "From Russia with Lev," exploring Parnas's involvement with Trump, the implications of the Ukraine scandal, and the challenges of navigating a politically divided country. The episode also explores the evolution of documentary filmmaking, from the early days of independent production to the rise of commissioned work for platforms like ESPN and Netflix. The conversation highlights the challenges of securing funding, the changing landscape of the documentary market, and the emergence of "Pop Docs," a subgenre of nonfiction filmmaking that combines entertainment value with informative content. The episode also discusses the impact of digital video on the documentary industry, the importance of storytelling and empathy in navigating complex personal and political situations, and the role of Rachel Maddow in the creation of "From Russia with Lev."
Outlines
Introduction and Life on Set
Mark Marin introduces his podcast and shares his excitement about the cast of his current project, including Michael McKean, Justin Long, Lily Gladstone, Sharon Stone, Talia Ryder, and Judy Greer. He highlights Justin Long's comedic talent and the joy of working with such funny people.
Interview with Billy Corbin: "From Russia with Lev"
Mark Marin interviews Billy Corbin, a documentary filmmaker known for his work on "Cocaine Cowboys" and "From Russia with Lev," a documentary about Lev Parnas and the Ukraine debacle during Trump's presidency. They discuss the documentary's content, Parnas's involvement with Trump, and the implications of the Ukraine scandal.
Florida, Politics, and the Cultural Landscape
Mark Marin and Billy Corbin discuss Florida's cultural landscape, the rise of Trumpism, and the impact of political polarization on American society. They reflect on the changing nature of facts and truth in the digital age and the challenges of navigating a politically divided country.
Billy Corbin's Journey to Show Business
Billy Corbin shares his childhood experiences in Florida, including his early attempts at acting and his mother's reservations about the entertainment industry. He recounts his involvement in commercials, a movie with Ernest Borgnine and Linda Blair, and his experience on the set of "Parenthood."
From Child Actor to Filmmaker
Billy Corbin discusses his decision to retire from acting at a young age and his subsequent foray into filmmaking. He shares his early experiences with his production company, his involvement in educational videos about AIDS, and his journey to college.
The Power of Storytelling and Pop Docs
Billy Corbin reflects on the importance of storytelling and the role of documentaries in shaping public discourse. He discusses the rise of "Pop Docs" and the need to engage audiences with entertaining content while delivering important messages.
The Dawn of the Digital Era and the Rise of Video Documentaries
This chapter discusses the shift from traditional film to digital video and how it democratized filmmaking. The conversation highlights the impact of digital video on the music industry and the emergence of documentaries as a new form of storytelling.
The "Rape Tape" Documentary: A Case Study in Video Storytelling
The chapter delves into the creation of the documentary "A Question of Consent," which explores a controversial case involving a rape accusation and a video recording. The discussion highlights the use of video evidence and the challenges of presenting a balanced perspective.
From Indie Film to Commissioned Work: The Evolution of Documentary Production
This chapter traces the evolution of the documentary filmmaking business, from the early days of independent production to the rise of commissioned work for platforms like ESPN and Netflix. The conversation explores the challenges of securing funding and the changing landscape of the documentary market.
The "Pop Doc" Approach: Blending Documentary and Narrative Storytelling
The chapter focuses on the "pop doc" style, which aims to create documentaries with a more engaging and cinematic approach. The discussion highlights the use of colorful characters, first-person narratives, and a focus on the human element.
"Florida Fuckery" and the Lev Parnas Story: A Case of International Intrigue
This chapter introduces the story of Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian-American businessman who became entangled in the Trump-Ukraine scandal. The discussion explores Parnas's background, his involvement in the Trump administration, and the implications of his actions on international relations.
The Erosion of Norms and the Rise of Autocracy
The chapter examines the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of autocratic tendencies in the United States. The discussion highlights the dangers of unchecked power, the influence of misinformation, and the potential for a decline in free speech and democratic institutions.
The Humanization of Hunter Biden and the Power of Empathy
This chapter explores the human side of the Hunter Biden story, focusing on his struggles with addiction and the impact of his actions on his family. The discussion highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating complex personal and political situations.
The Challenges of Documentary Production in a Changing Market
The chapter discusses the challenges of producing documentaries in a market that is increasingly dominated by streaming platforms and corporate interests. The conversation highlights the difficulties of securing funding, the pressure to produce content quickly, and the impact of political polarization on the documentary landscape.
The Role of Rachel Maddow in "From Russia with Lev"
This chapter discusses the collaboration between the filmmakers and Rachel Maddow, who served as a partner in journalism and a protector for the project. The conversation highlights the importance of trust and shared values in navigating the complexities of documentary filmmaking.
The Power of Storytelling and the Importance of Shorthand
The chapter concludes with a discussion of the importance of storytelling and the use of shorthand in conveying complex narratives. The conversation highlights the role of Svetlana, Lev Parnas's wife, as a key character in the film and the importance of humanizing the subject matter.
Keywords
Pop Docs
A subgenre of nonfiction filmmaking that combines entertainment value with informative content, often using a "Trojan Horse" storytelling approach to engage audiences with sugar and then slip in the vegetables.
Shadow Politics
A term used to describe the political influence and power exerted by autocratic governments and their financial networks, often operating outside the traditional framework of democratic politics.
Cultural Annihilation
A term used to describe the potential destruction or erasure of cultural values, traditions, and identities, often as a result of political or social upheaval.
Autocracy Inc
A term used to describe the growing influence of autocratic governments and their financial networks in global politics, often operating in a way that undermines democratic principles and institutions.
Trojan Horse Storytelling
A storytelling technique that uses a seemingly innocuous or entertaining element to deliver a more serious or impactful message, often used in Pop Docs to engage audiences with sugar and then slip in the vegetables.
Digital Video
The shift from traditional film to digital video, which made filmmaking more accessible and affordable. This led to a democratization of production and distribution, impacting various industries, including music and documentaries.
Pop Doc
A style of documentary filmmaking that blends traditional documentary techniques with narrative storytelling elements, aiming for a more engaging and cinematic experience. This approach often features colorful characters, first-person narratives, and a focus on the human element.
Florida Fuckery
A term used to describe the often bizarre and outlandish events that occur in Florida, often involving criminal activity or unusual behavior. This term is used in the context of the documentary to highlight the unique and often unpredictable nature of the story.
Q&A
What are some of the key takeaways from Billy Corbin's documentary "From Russia with Lev"?
The documentary explores the involvement of Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian national, in Trump's orbit and his efforts to influence the Ukrainian government on Trump's behalf. It sheds light on the Ukraine scandal and the potential for foreign interference in American politics.
How has the cultural landscape of Florida changed in recent years?
Florida has become a microcosm of the political polarization in the United States, with a growing divide between those who support Trumpism and those who oppose it. This has led to a shift in the state's cultural landscape, with a decline in traditional values and a rise in political extremism.
What are some of the challenges of navigating a politically divided country?
The erosion of trust in facts and truth, the rise of misinformation, and the increasing difficulty of having meaningful conversations about political issues are some of the challenges of navigating a politically divided country.
How did Billy Corbin's childhood experiences in Florida shape his career path?
Billy Corbin's early experiences with acting, his mother's reservations about the entertainment industry, and his involvement in educational videos about AIDS all contributed to his eventual career as a filmmaker. His upbringing in Florida also instilled in him a sense of social responsibility and a desire to use his storytelling abilities to address important issues.
What is the significance of "Pop Docs" in contemporary filmmaking?
"Pop Docs" are significant because they offer a way to engage audiences with important issues in a way that is both entertaining and informative. By using a "Trojan Horse" storytelling approach, they can deliver powerful messages while appealing to a broader audience.
How did the shift to digital video impact the documentary filmmaking industry?
Digital video made filmmaking more accessible and affordable, leading to a surge in documentary production. It also allowed for a more intimate and personal style of storytelling, as filmmakers could capture footage in a more unobtrusive way.
What is the "pop doc" approach to documentary filmmaking?
The "pop doc" approach aims to create documentaries with a more engaging and cinematic style, blending traditional documentary techniques with narrative storytelling elements. This approach often features colorful characters, first-person narratives, and a focus on the human element.
What are some of the challenges of producing documentaries in today's market?
The documentary market is increasingly dominated by streaming platforms and corporate interests, making it difficult for independent filmmakers to secure funding and distribution. There is also pressure to produce content quickly, which can compromise the quality and depth of storytelling.
How did Rachel Maddow contribute to the making of "From Russia with Lev"?
Rachel Maddow served as a partner in journalism and a protector for the project, providing guidance and support to the filmmakers. Her involvement helped to ensure the film's journalistic integrity and provided a platform for its distribution.
What is the significance of Svetlana, Lev Parnas's wife, in the documentary?
Svetlana plays a key role in the film, providing a humanizing perspective on Lev Parnas and his actions. Her presence helps to ground the story in reality and allows viewers to connect with the characters on a personal level.
Show Notes
Filmmaker Billy Corben got an early taste of show business as an aspiring child actor. That aborted career path eventually turned into a new vocation as a maker of documentary films, including celebrated projects like Cocaine Cowboys and The U. Billy and Marc talk about the persistent connection to Florida in Billy’s work and how his latest film, From Russia with Lev, is both a cautionary tale about the dangers of a Trump Administration and a meditation on the quintessential Florida Man.
This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, dedicated to the rights of freethinkers and protecting the constitutional principle of Church and State. Visit FFRF.org/vote to get involved. Or text WTF to 511511 and receive a free issue of FFRF's newspaper, Freethought Today.
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