Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby
Discover the world of independent film with Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby! From industry professionals to the next generation of filmmakers, Damien Swaby brings his unique perspectives on indie filmmaking and the conversations that are taking place across the community. Listeners will find inspiration and guidance from conversations on the podcast and leave armed with the knowledge to make their own indie films. Tune in to Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby today! Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network (www.ifhpodcastnetwork.com)
Episodes
July 18, 2025 • 56 mins
In this powerful episode, Damian sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Kerry David, whose journey spans from temping at Paramount Pictures to working with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, and ultimately founding her own company, KDC Films.🎬 A multi-award-winning Producer, TEDx Speaker, and Strategic Storyteller, Kerry brings over 20 years of experience creating purpose-driven films that spark global impact. Her work has empowered orphan...
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July 14, 2025 • 74 mins
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien sits down with Ramon Velez—a media powerhouse whose career spans from AV tech and live broadcast to executive leadership, screenwriting, and mentoring Emmy-winning talent.
With experience at Google, ABC News, NBC, and Yahoo, Ramon shares invaluable lessons on navigating the evolving media landscape, leading multi-platform teams, and creating impactful stories in the...
In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien sits down with Ramon Velez—a media powerhouse whose career spans from AV tech and live broadcast to executive leadership, screenwriting, and mentoring Emmy-winning talent.
With experience at Google, ABC News, NBC, and Yahoo, Ramon shares invaluable lessons on navigating the evolving media landscape, leading multi-platform teams, and creating impactful stories in the...
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July 12, 2025 • 73 mins
Description:
In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with acclaimed director and author Rob Spera to talk about filmmaking as a craft. They unpack lessons from Rob’s book, practical set strategies, and the deeper philosophy behind being a storyteller. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this conversation is filled with real-world wisdom and inspiration.
What You’ll Learn:
In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with acclaimed director and author Rob Spera to talk about filmmaking as a craft. They unpack lessons from Rob’s book, practical set strategies, and the deeper philosophy behind being a storyteller. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this conversation is filled with real-world wisdom and inspiration.
What You’ll Learn:
- Rob’s journey and insights into direc...
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July 5, 2025 • 77 mins
In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby sits down with Christian Mahne—a seasoned creative director, Oxford graduate, and veteran storyteller whose work has graced the screens of BBC, CNN, Sky, and 7 Network Australia. This conversation is more than a résumé rundown. It’s a journey into the why behind the work.
Christian shares how a childhood gift—Doctor Who: The Making of a Television Series—lit a lifelong creat...
Christian shares how a childhood gift—Doctor Who: The Making of a Television Series—lit a lifelong creat...
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June 27, 2025 • 41 mins
📄 Show Notes:In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with filmmaker Suha Araj, who shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey from a career in advertising to becoming a powerful voice in film. Suha opens up about navigating major life transitions and how creative expression has always been a crucial part of her identity—even when it was sidelined by other life responsibilities.Growing up as a Palestinian in Ohio, Suha talks ...
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June 26, 2025 • 47 mins
Summary
From Courtroom to Camera: Don Worley’s Journey into Independent Film In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby sits down with the multitalented Don Worley — a nationally recognized personal injury attorney, former stand-up comedian, and now a dynamic force in independent cinema. Don shares his unconventional journey from high-stakes legal battles to red carpets at the Chinese Theatre. As the producer and sta...
From Courtroom to Camera: Don Worley’s Journey into Independent Film In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby sits down with the multitalented Don Worley — a nationally recognized personal injury attorney, former stand-up comedian, and now a dynamic force in independent cinema. Don shares his unconventional journey from high-stakes legal battles to red carpets at the Chinese Theatre. As the producer and sta...
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June 18, 2025 • 43 mins
🎧 Guest: Olivia Deitch
🎤 Host: Damien SwabyIn this episode, Damien sits down with the talented Olivia Deitch to explore her inspiring journey through the entertainment industry — from wide-eyed film student to head online editor by the age of 23.
🗂️ Topics Covered:
🎤 Host: Damien SwabyIn this episode, Damien sits down with the talented Olivia Deitch to explore her inspiring journey through the entertainment industry — from wide-eyed film student to head online editor by the age of 23.
🗂️ Topics Covered:
- Olivia’s origin story: From Boston University to breaking into Hollywood
- Discovering her passion for editing during high school
- The move to Los Angeles and navigating ...
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June 17, 2025 • 6 mins
Episode Description
In this episode, Damien Swaby opens up about the script for his upcoming film small talk, Big Thoughts — a powerful, poetic anthology of real conversations exploring identity, faith, legacy, migration, masculinity, feminism, and more.
Damien shares how he's preparing to shoot the entire project on an iPhone, why he's using the Rode NTG2 and Tascam DR-05X for audio, and how DIY filmmaking is not a limitation — it’s...
In this episode, Damien Swaby opens up about the script for his upcoming film small talk, Big Thoughts — a powerful, poetic anthology of real conversations exploring identity, faith, legacy, migration, masculinity, feminism, and more.
Damien shares how he's preparing to shoot the entire project on an iPhone, why he's using the Rode NTG2 and Tascam DR-05X for audio, and how DIY filmmaking is not a limitation — it’s...
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June 11, 2025 • 43 mins
Episode Summary: In this compelling episode, Damien Swaby sits down with filmmaker Moses Ssebandeke, a bold voice in the UK indie film scene and a member of the Lionstooth Collective. Known for his experimental yet grounded storytelling, Moses shares the journey from his early days as a BBC Academy apprentice to producing content for Radio 1Xtra, ITVX, and beyond. Listeners will get an inside look at:
- 🌱 How Moses got started in...
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June 3, 2025 • 44 mins
Episode Summary:
What makes a scene feel cold, nostalgic, or magical—before a single word is spoken? In this illuminating episode, we’re joined by Alice Abrams, a freelance colorist whose work has helped define the visual identity of campaigns for Netflix, Meta, Google, Volvo, and more. Based in Austin, TX, Alice brings a decade of experience in film to her color suite, where she transforms raw footage into emotionally resonant, cin...
What makes a scene feel cold, nostalgic, or magical—before a single word is spoken? In this illuminating episode, we’re joined by Alice Abrams, a freelance colorist whose work has helped define the visual identity of campaigns for Netflix, Meta, Google, Volvo, and more. Based in Austin, TX, Alice brings a decade of experience in film to her color suite, where she transforms raw footage into emotionally resonant, cin...
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May 22, 2025 • 47 mins
📘 Episode Summary: In this masterclass episode, Damien Swaby is joined by award-winning journalist and documentary producer Nicole Noren, whose two-decade career at ESPN is a case study in investigative storytelling done right. Nicole breaks down how she balances the demands of narrative structure with journalistic integrity — from sourcing vulnerable subjects, to shaping character arcs, to working within the legal and ethical fra...
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May 12, 2025 • 35 mins
Episode Summary:
Discover the fascinating intersection of visual art and filmmaking in this insightful conversation with artist Isabel Riley. Host Damien Swaby delves into Isabel's unique role in bringing art to the screen through her work with Art for Film. Explore how her paintings and artistic vision contribute to the atmosphere and storytelling of film and television productions. Beyond her cinematic collaborations, Isabel also ...
Discover the fascinating intersection of visual art and filmmaking in this insightful conversation with artist Isabel Riley. Host Damien Swaby delves into Isabel's unique role in bringing art to the screen through her work with Art for Film. Explore how her paintings and artistic vision contribute to the atmosphere and storytelling of film and television productions. Beyond her cinematic collaborations, Isabel also ...
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Episode Summary:
Join Damien Swaby as he sits down with a seasoned professional from ABC News with 30 years of experience in the media industry. In this episode, we delve into Doug Looney's fascinating career journey, from early experiments with VHS editing in high school to overseeing technical operations at a major news network. Discover how technology has transformed news production, the challenges and rewards of working in a fas...
Join Damien Swaby as he sits down with a seasoned professional from ABC News with 30 years of experience in the media industry. In this episode, we delve into Doug Looney's fascinating career journey, from early experiments with VHS editing in high school to overseeing technical operations at a major news network. Discover how technology has transformed news production, the challenges and rewards of working in a fas...
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April 30, 2025 • 45 mins
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Damien Swaby is joined by Caitlin Boyle, a pioneering force in strategic documentary distribution and the founder of Film Sprout. Caitlin discusses how filmmakers can move beyond traditional release models to build meaningful connections with audiences through grassroots campaigns, non-theatrical screenings, and community engagement. Drawing on over a decade of experience guiding social impact films...
In this episode, Damien Swaby is joined by Caitlin Boyle, a pioneering force in strategic documentary distribution and the founder of Film Sprout. Caitlin discusses how filmmakers can move beyond traditional release models to build meaningful connections with audiences through grassroots campaigns, non-theatrical screenings, and community engagement. Drawing on over a decade of experience guiding social impact films...
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April 18, 2025 • 34 mins
In this inspiring episode, Damien Swaby sits down with multi-hyphenate creative Karina Michel—an actress, model, producer, and Emmy-winning executive producer. Karina shares her fascinating journey from a childhood dream in Northamptonshire to navigating Hollywood auditions and eventually leading impactful storytelling projects as the head of Tallulah Films.
🗣️ Topics Covered:
🗣️ Topics Covered:
- Karina’s early acting dreams and her modeling break ...
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April 9, 2025 • 33 mins
The Art of Video Editing with Emmy Winner Cybele Policastro
- Guest: Cybele Policastro, a highly accomplished and multi-Emmy Award-winning video editor based in New York City.
- Expertise: Extensive experience in video editing for a wide range of high-profile media, including news and entertainment.
- Career Highlights:
- Over 20 years of experience as a dedicated editor, notably at ABC News.
- Recipient of multiple Emmy Awards and a Murr...
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April 6, 2025 • 36 mins
Welcome to the podcast! Today we have filmmaker Isabelle on the show to discuss her journey from Lebanon to NYU and her experiences crafting compelling films. We'll delve into her creative process, her passion for telling human stories amidst political turmoil, and her advice for emerging filmmakers. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about resilience, filmmaking, and finding your voice.
https://www.isabellemecattaf.com/filmogr...
https://www.isabellemecattaf.com/filmogr...
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March 27, 2025 • 31 mins
In this episode, we sit down with Kennington Groff, Esq., an experienced attorney specializing in intellectual property, entertainment, and corporate law. With a career spanning major companies like HBO, NBCUniversal, and Lionsgate, Kennington shares insights into protecting creative work, legal pitfalls businesses should avoid, and how the entertainment industry is evolving in the digital age.
What You’ll Learn:
What You’ll Learn:
- Kennington’s jou...
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March 13, 2025 • 55 mins
Join us for an exciting conversation with the multi-talented Amy as she shares her journey from a young performer influenced by iconic shows like I Love Lucy and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood to landing major roles in TV hits like Ally McBeal. In this episode, we dive deep into Amy’s creative evolution, from memorizing Lucille Ball's famous Vitameatavegamin monologue to winning a Young Artist Award on Lizzie McGuire during a challenging...
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March 7, 2025 • 41 mins
In this episode, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the remarkable Mike, an Emmy Award-winning cinematographer with over 25 years of experience in the film industry. We traversed the fascinating landscape of his career, uncovering the pivotal moments that shaped his unique approach to visual storytelling. Mike's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the courage to pursue one's true calling.
Initially...
Initially...
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