We made it to Episode Ten! In this landmark episode, we bring in Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Curren Sheldon. We talk about his beginnings in filmmaking, including filming alongside his wife, Elaine, and the process of creating their Netflix Original documentaries, Recovery Boys and Heroin(e).

Recovery Boys and Heroin(e) are currently available to watch on Netflix.

IMDb: Curren Sheldon

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  • We believe that documentary films are growing, and not just because we filmed one last year! To go more in-depth on the process of filming and distribution, we brought in award-winning documentary filmmaker, Curren Sheldon. While starting off as a travel writer, Curren quickly rose to become one of a few filmmakers in Appalachia. Along with his wife, director of both documentaries Elaine McMillion Sheldon, he has explored many topics within his community, with the Opioid Crisis being discussed in two Netflix documentaries, Recovery Boys and Heroin(e). Along with discussing the process from pre-production to distribution, we also talk about Curren’s experiences attending film festivals and stepping on the red carpet at Hollywood’s biggest night, The Oscars.

• Talking Points

  • How he went from travel writer to award-winning filmmaker

  • The process of filming the documentaries Heroin(e) and Recovery Boys

    • Scheduling When To Film

    • One-or Two-Camera Setup

    • Use of Lights?

    • Anticipating Pressing “Record”

    • Any Other Work During Production? 

    • Involvement Other Than Being Behind The Camera

  • How Netflix got involved in the distribution of the two films

  • Film Festival Submission Process

  • Journey To The Oscars

  • What Was Next?

• Social Media

  • Official Website