Working

A New Kind of “Live Documentary” Honors the Temporary

Filmmaker Sam Green explains why he decided to start presenting his work in a more performative and ephemeral way.

Episode Notes

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to Sam Green, a documentary filmmaker who has pioneered a new kind of performance called “live documentary,” which involves presenting ideas and images on-stage, accompanied by live music. In the interview, Sam explains why he started designing his films this way and why the temporary nature of these performances makes them so special. He also talks about researching and structuring his performances, learning to script and memorize his lines, and the joys of feeding off the audience’s energy.

After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas discuss whether more people should try to remix artistic mediums.

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Sam talks about how much he loves traveling around the country and the world presenting his work.

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

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About the Show

Slate interviews Americans about their jobs.

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Host

  • Isaac Butler is the co-host of Slate’s Working podcast. He is currently working on his third book, The Perfect Moment: The Religious Right, American Art, and the Dawn of the Culture Wars.