The difference between a mediocre documentary and a great one can often depend on the discipline to cut beloved footage out. “That’s why the most unsung hero is usually the editor,” said Josh Braun, co-president of Submarine Entertainment. “Just be brutal about what is necessary.”

The bit of advice was shared by Braun with film students at State College of Florida's Bradenton campus. Braun is in town for the Sarasota Film Festival but spoke Tuesday afternoon with a documentary production class, dispensing knowledge about the documentary field and tips on navigating the changing industry.

Braun’s own resume includes credits for some of the best known documentaries created in the last few years, including Citizenfour, 20 Feet From Stardom, Blackfish and Food, Inc. The biggest focus of his work day today is on connecting filmmakers with distributors, he said. He also has served as executive producer on such films as Page One: A Year Inside The New York Times and Sunshine Superman, the latter of which screens at the Sarasota Film Festival today and Friday.

As far as filmmaking tips, he stressed the importance of making clear in documentaries what is happening, to avoid using placeholder music too often when you know you will never be able to afford the rights, and to be careful when structuring finance not to give too much control over a film’s distribution to people who may only be looking for a fast return on investment.

Many of the films in his portfolio have been programmed at the Sarasota festival through the years, and Braun himself will soon be able to call the community home. He revealed to students he was purchasing a house in the Sarasota area. 

At the end of last year an Italian Chef named Alessandro and Italian businessman named Roberto quietly took over the Hillview Grill on Osprey and Hillview. I had the pleasure of trying one of Chef Alessandro’s signature dishes over the weekend: a gorgeously presented and utterly delicious Wahoo Ceviche served on Venus rice with a tangy tomato and avocado coulis that Alessandro refers to as ‘guacamole’ The generous portion of Wahoo is marinated in lime, orange juice, soy sauce, and a touch of honey and the bright fresh flavors are offset with a small dollop of sour cream meant as a palate cleanser. Venus black rice is an Italian favorite because of its color and nutritional properties and Alessandro seems incredibly excited to be serving it. I can’t wait to try other new additions to Hillview Grill’s menu. 

Hillview Grill. 1920 Hillview Street, Sarasota

Capital Solution Services, or CS2, a Sarasota-based provider of lending services, changed the company name to Lendacy and introduced a new corporate identity. In addition to rebranding the company, Milestone Marketing helped Lendacy’s management team narrow the scope of the business. Lendacy offers customized lending solutions that provide accredited investors’ access to funds with flexible lines of credit at below prime rates. 

Lendacy

Neal Communities broke ground on a new recreation center at its newest neighborhood, Indigo, in Lakewood Ranch. Indigo will be Neal’s 30th community for sale when it opens on April 25. An active, adult-themed neighborhood northeast of Central Park, Indigo will have a total of 453 homes at completion. The recreation center will include a social activity director, fitness center, pool and spa, grills, bocce ball courts and tennis courts. 

Neal Communities

Manatee Gynecology announced plans for construction of a new medical office building in Bradenton. The firm has selected general contractor Satterfield and Pontikes Construction of Sarasota to build the 10,000-square-foot facility. The $1.45-million project will be constructed on a one-acre site on 60th Street Court West.. When completed, the building will provide offices, examination rooms, nurses’ stations, a laboratory and resources for women’s health care. 

Satterfield and Pontikes Construction