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
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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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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March 2, 2025 • 24 mins
In this episode of The Art of Music Law, we dive into the world of entertainment law with Sarah Falzon, an accomplished associate at Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP. With her expertise in music and entertainment law, Sarah shares her insights on the unique legal challenges artists and music companies face today.Episode Highlights:1. Background & Career Path
- Sarah shares her journey into entertainment law and the experiences...
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February 25, 2025 • 64 mins
Guest: Quenell Jones, SOC (Society of Camera Operators)Episode Overview:
In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with Quenell Jones, an accomplished cinematographer and camera operator, to discuss his journey in the film industry, his passion for cinematography, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
Quenell shares insights from his experiences working with various networks, his education in film, and the technical aspects of cr...
In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with Quenell Jones, an accomplished cinematographer and camera operator, to discuss his journey in the film industry, his passion for cinematography, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
Quenell shares insights from his experiences working with various networks, his education in film, and the technical aspects of cr...
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February 22, 2025 • 19 mins
Episode Summary: Welcome to another episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby! In this inspiring episode, we sit down with powerhouse producer, entrepreneur, and mentor Diane Strand. From working on legendary TV shows like Friends and General Hospital to founding the JDS Creative Academy, Diane has dedicated her career to both storytelling and uplifting the next generation of media professionals.We dive into Diane’s jou...
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February 12, 2025 • 33 mins
Ann Rogers
A 2021 Impact Partners Documentary Producers Fellow, Ann Rogers is a jack-of-all-trades Documentary Producer who has spent the last decade in the entertainment trenches learning the creative and business nuts and bolts of bringing a nonfiction story to screen. Dedicated to bringing true stories to life with integrity and heart, she thrives in the world of premium feature documentary and docuseries.
With experience of usher...
A 2021 Impact Partners Documentary Producers Fellow, Ann Rogers is a jack-of-all-trades Documentary Producer who has spent the last decade in the entertainment trenches learning the creative and business nuts and bolts of bringing a nonfiction story to screen. Dedicated to bringing true stories to life with integrity and heart, she thrives in the world of premium feature documentary and docuseries.
With experience of usher...
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February 7, 2025 • 27 mins
Episode Summary:
In this episode we sit down with screenwriter, script editor, and playwright Helen Tompson to talk about the often-overlooked struggles of working-class creatives in the film and TV industry. From imposter syndrome to industry gatekeeping, Helen shares her personal journey—from leaving school early and working as a young carer to later pursuing a master's in screenwriting and securing funding for her first short fil...
In this episode we sit down with screenwriter, script editor, and playwright Helen Tompson to talk about the often-overlooked struggles of working-class creatives in the film and TV industry. From imposter syndrome to industry gatekeeping, Helen shares her personal journey—from leaving school early and working as a young carer to later pursuing a master's in screenwriting and securing funding for her first short fil...
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January 25, 2025 • 31 mins
Episode Description:
In this episode, we sit down with accomplished editor Amelia, whose journey from a childhood passion for storytelling to editing high-profile projects like Dune, Westworld, and Pen15 is nothing short of extraordinary. Amelia takes us behind the scenes of the editing room, sharing her deep knowledge of tools like Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premiere Pro, and how they shaped her creative and technical evolution.
...
In this episode, we sit down with accomplished editor Amelia, whose journey from a childhood passion for storytelling to editing high-profile projects like Dune, Westworld, and Pen15 is nothing short of extraordinary. Amelia takes us behind the scenes of the editing room, sharing her deep knowledge of tools like Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premiere Pro, and how they shaped her creative and technical evolution.
...
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