Zooming In on Documentary Storytelling with Glenn Kirschbaum

Resources:

Kbaum57 (Instagram) Glenn Kirschbaum (Facebook)

Outline

Glenn Kirschbaum's Career Journey

Melissa Milner introduces the podcast and its sixth season, encouraging listeners to rate and review it.
Glenn Kirschbaum shares his background, starting from Sharon, Massachusetts, and moving to Hollywood in 1980.
Glenn initially aimed to write comedy but shifted to documentary work due to the miserable nature of comedy writers.
He worked on the show "That's Incredible," featuring bizarre and unusual individuals, which led to promotions in his career.

Transition to Documentary Filmmaking

Glenn discusses his transition from comedy to documentary filmmaking, working with networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS.
He highlights his work on the History Channel and the Emmy-winning documentary on Hitler and the Holocaust.
Glenn shares his experience writing for "Unsolved Mysteries," including creating memorable lines for Robert Stack.
He recounts stories of working with Robert Stack and the fun and diverse topics covered on the show.

Inspiration and Early Influences

Glenn talks about his storytelling roots, influenced by his father, a dentist who loved sharing stories.
He mentions his brother, a head writer at "Seinfeld" and "Everybody Loves Raymond," who was also influenced by their father.
Glenn reflects on his school experiences, being inspired by teachers who challenged him and allowed him to explore his passions.
He emphasizes the importance of teachers who understand that students are unique and can achieve great things.

Advice to Teachers and Students

Glenn advises teachers and students to believe in themselves and pursue their passions, regardless of challenges.
He shares his philosophy of being nice and how occasionally nice things happen to nice people.
Melissa Milner discusses the importance of storytelling in education and how it applies to various genres.
Glenn explains the process of creating documentaries, from initial ideas to evolving stories based on field experiences.

Challenges and Evolution in Documentary Filmmaking

Glenn discusses the challenges of documentary filmmaking, including the need for a good script and the importance of originality.
He shares his experience working on a documentary about the Confederate flag controversy in South Carolina.
The project evolved from focusing on Civil War reenactors to exploring the ongoing Civil War debate.
Glenn emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind and being flexible during the production process.

Teaching Students to Make Documentaries

Melissa expresses her interest in teaching students to create mini documentaries and the potential of Zoom for interviews.
Glenn encourages students to make films, emphasizing the accessibility of filmmaking today.
He discusses the challenge of standing out in the crowded field of filmmakers and the importance of originality.
Glenn highlights the role of writing in filmmaking, stressing that a good script is crucial for a successful film.

The Gene Wilder Documentary Project

Glenn shares the story of how the Gene Wilder documentary project came about, involving Leonard Nimoy's family.
The project aimed to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease, inspired by Wilder's widow, Karen.
Glenn and his team decided to celebrate Wilder's life rather than focus on his illness, using his own narration from audio tapes.
They secured interviews with Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, and other notable figures who knew Wilder.

Challenges and Successes in Distribution

The team faced challenges in getting the documentary distributed, with Netflix and HBO initially not interested.
Mel Brooks's support and a successful festival run led to wider interest and a theatrical release.
Netflix eventually picked up the film, which became a success, reaching number five on their platform.
Glenn emphasizes the importance of persistence and believing in one's work, even when faced with rejection.

Reflections on Career and Future Projects

Glenn reflects on his career, expressing gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he has had.
He discusses his current project on professional football players and their journey to the Hall of Fame.
Glenn emphasizes the importance of capturing real emotions and stories in documentaries.
He shares his love for storytelling and the joy of meeting interesting people and exploring unique stories.

Personal Connections and Final Thoughts

Melissa and Glenn discuss their shared connection through Sharon High School and mutual friends.
Glenn shares his admiration for Gene Wilder and the joy of making Mel Brooks laugh.
He reflects on the importance of staying relevant and connected to the younger generation.
Glenn concludes with advice for teachers and students, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and pursuing one's passions.

Zooming In on Documentary Storytelling with Glenn Kirschbaum

Resources:

Outline

Glenn Kirschbaum's Career Journey

Melissa Milner introduces the podcast and its sixth season, encouraging listeners to rate and review it.

Glenn Kirschbaum shares his background, starting from Sharon, Massachusetts, and moving to Hollywood in 1980.

Glenn initially aimed to write comedy but shifted to documentary work due to the miserable nature of comedy writers.

He worked on the show "That's Incredible," featuring bizarre and unusual individuals, which led to promotions in his career.

Transition to Documentary Filmmaking

Glenn discusses his transition from comedy to documentary filmmaking, working with networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS.

He highlights his work on the History Channel and the Emmy-winning documentary on Hitler and the Holocaust.

Glenn shares his experience writing for "Unsolved Mysteries," including creating memorable lines for Robert Stack.

He recounts stories of working with Robert Stack and the fun and diverse topics covered on the show.

Inspiration and Early Influences

Glenn talks about his storytelling roots, influenced by his father, a dentist who loved sharing stories.

He mentions his brother, a head writer at "Seinfeld" and "Everybody Loves Raymond," who was also influenced by their father.

Glenn reflects on his school experiences, being inspired by teachers who challenged him and allowed him to explore his passions.

He emphasizes the importance of teachers who understand that students are unique and can achieve great things.

Advice to Teachers and Students

Glenn advises teachers and students to believe in themselves and pursue their passions, regardless of challenges.

He shares his philosophy of being nice and how occasionally nice things happen to nice people.

Melissa Milner discusses the importance of storytelling in education and how it applies to various genres.

Glenn explains the process of creating documentaries, from initial ideas to evolving stories based on field experiences.

Challenges and Evolution in Documentary Filmmaking

Glenn discusses the challenges of documentary filmmaking, including the need for a good script and the importance of originality.

He shares his experience working on a documentary about the Confederate flag controversy in South Carolina.

The project evolved from focusing on Civil War reenactors to exploring the ongoing Civil War debate.

Glenn emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind and being flexible during the production process.

Teaching Students to Make Documentaries

Melissa expresses her interest in teaching students to create mini documentaries and the potential of Zoom for interviews.

Glenn encourages students to make films, emphasizing the accessibility of filmmaking today.

He discusses the challenge of standing out in the crowded field of filmmakers and the importance of originality.

Glenn highlights the role of writing in filmmaking, stressing that a good script is crucial for a successful film.

The Gene Wilder Documentary Project

Glenn shares the story of how the Gene Wilder documentary project came about, involving Leonard Nimoy's family.

The project aimed to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease, inspired by Wilder's widow, Karen.

Glenn and his team decided to celebrate Wilder's life rather than focus on his illness, using his own narration from audio tapes.

They secured interviews with Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, and other notable figures who knew Wilder.

Challenges and Successes in Distribution

The team faced challenges in getting the documentary distributed, with Netflix and HBO initially not interested.

Mel Brooks's support and a successful festival run led to wider interest and a theatrical release.

Netflix eventually picked up the film, which became a success, reaching number five on their platform.

Glenn emphasizes the importance of persistence and believing in one's work, even when faced with rejection.

Reflections on Career and Future Projects

Glenn reflects on his career, expressing gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he has had.

He discusses his current project on professional football players and their journey to the Hall of Fame.

Glenn emphasizes the importance of capturing real emotions and stories in documentaries.

He shares his love for storytelling and the joy of meeting interesting people and exploring unique stories.

Personal Connections and Final Thoughts

Melissa and Glenn discuss their shared connection through Sharon High School and mutual friends.

Glenn shares his admiration for Gene Wilder and the joy of making Mel Brooks laugh.

He reflects on the importance of staying relevant and connected to the younger generation.

Glenn concludes with advice for teachers and students, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and pursuing one's passions.

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