In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, we sit down with Jess, a filmmaker whose journey began in high school multimedia classes and led to a career in Los Angeles. Jess shares how a supportive teacher and a passion for video production sparked an early interest in filmmaking. From creating fun projects like mock Mastercard commercials to advocating for more advanced multimedia classes, Jess’s story is one of determination and creativity. Educational Value: This episode is...
Aug 27, 2024•40 min
In this episode, we are honored to welcome Shelley Mitchell, a renowned acting coach, actress, and creative midwife who has been inspiring and guiding actors, filmmakers, and writers for over 30 years. Shelley’s unique approach to dramatic art, deeply rooted in the legacy of Eleonora Duse and the teachings of Lee Strasberg, encourages artists to build their performances from the inside out, tapping into the depths of their intuitive minds and emotional cores. Shelley is best known for her critic...
Aug 23, 2024•38 min
Show Notes: Description: In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, we are joined by Sky, an entertainment lawyer with a career spanning over four decades. Since beginning his practice in 1981, Sky has become a leading figure in entertainment law, now practicing at the renowned firm Greenberg Glusker. Known for handling some of Hollywood’s largest financing transactions—such as Reliance Investments in DreamWorks and The Human Group's slate financing for Lionsgate—Greenberg Gl...
Aug 20, 2024•31 min
Show Notes: Guest: Jia Wertz, Director of the Award-Winning Documentary Conviction and Journalist at Forbes Summary: In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with Jia Wertz to discuss her transition from a successful career in corporate fashion to becoming a documentary filmmaker and journalist at Forbes. Jia shares the powerful influences that led her to this career shift, including the impact of Reuben Carter's story in The 16th Round and the Serial podcast. We explore her filmmaking process, t...
Aug 13, 2024•36 min
I’m beyond excited to introduce our guest, Jessica Ray—a dynamic interdisciplinary artist whose work seamlessly weaves together dance, choreography, filmmaking, and visual mixed media. Originally from Oklahoma City, Jessica now lights up the Brooklyn art scene with her diverse and impactful creations. The move was more than geographical; it was a leap into a world where artistic freedom and a diverse network of professionals have profoundly shaped her work.Episode Highlights: Career Overview: Je...
Aug 10, 2024•57 min
Description: Join us for a captivating episode as we welcome Leah Warshawski—an accomplished Executive Producer, Producer, Director, Impact Producer, and even Craft Service extraordinaire. Leah shares her inspiring journey from the beautiful shores of Hawaii, where she began her film career working on iconic shows like LOST and HAWAII, to becoming a driving force in documentary filmmaking.In this episode, Leah takes us through her significant leap into filmmaking with her first feature film, FIN...
Jul 20, 2024•29 min
Overview: Cindy Chupack's career spans iconic television writing, including multiple episodes of "Sex and the City" that earned critical acclaim. Her transition to directing with "Otherhood," starring Angela Bassett, Felicity Huffman, and Patricia Arquette, showcases her versatility and deep understanding of human relationships.Discussion Highlights: Early Beginnings and Career Path: Cindy's upbringing in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and her journalism degree from Northwestern University. How her early care...
Jul 15, 2024•33 min
In this captivating episode, Damien and Christi dive into a conversation about Christi's unique career path, transitioning from a neuroscientist to a documentary filmmaker. They begin with a friendly chat, addressing some initial technical difficulties and highlighting the determination to share this insightful discussion with the listeners. Christi reveals her admiration for the collaborative effort behind documentaries and shares her fascinating background in neuroscience. Her experiences work...
Jul 11, 2024•39 min
Show Notes: Interview with Natalie Schwan Natalie Schwan is an award-winning director, producer, and founder of full-service production companies Velocity Creatives and Velocity Films. Her work celebrates the human condition, the journey of the overcomer, and the spirit of adventure. Career Highlights Natalie has received multiple Telly Awards for directing and producing. She produced Webby-nominated work and won 2nd place in the SheDirected Audience Awards Competition for her J.K. Rowling biopi...
Jul 03, 2024•36 min
Alexis Neophytides is a distinguished documentary filmmaker based in New York City, recognized for her impactful storytelling and advocacy through film. Her recent co-directorial work includes "Fire Through Dry Grass" with Andres “Jay” Molina, a poignant exploration of art and activism by the Reality Poets inside their nursing home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This film garnered acclaim as a New York Times Critic's Pick, premiered at BlackStar in 2023 winning the jury award for Best Feature Doc...
Jun 30, 2024•39 min
In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of production safety in film and TV with our esteemed guest, Paul Epstein. Paul is an Emmy-nominated executive producer renowned for his work across scripted, factual, and news TV for networks like MSNBC, Discovery, and NatGeo. With approximately 100 credits to his name, Paul's career highlights include producing iconic shows such as The Apprentice USA and Westerns like Into the Wild Frontier . Key Discussion Points: Production Oversight: Current...
Jun 24, 2024•44 min
Today, we have an exceptional episode lined up for you. Joining Damien is the talented Lisa A. Callif, an expert in copyright law. Lisa will share her invaluable insights on a topic every filmmaker needs to understand – navigating the complex world of copyright, fair use, and protecting your creative work. Main Discussion Points: Whether you're an emerging filmmaker or a seasoned professional, understanding these legal intricacies is crucial to ensuring your projects are safeguarded from legal p...
Jun 22, 2024•40 min
Episode Summary: Today, we are honored to have a special guest whose work has defined some of the most iconic films in recent years. Join us as we dive deep into the world of film editing with Eddie Hamilton, a highly acclaimed editor known for his extraordinary contributions to major blockbusters such as the "Mission: Impossible" series, "Kingsman: The Secret Service," and the recent "Top Gun: Maverick.” Eddie Hamilton's journey in the film industry is a fascinating one, marked by his relentles...
Jun 16, 2024•57 min
Today, we are thrilled to host the incredibly versatile Ben H. Winters. Known for his best-selling novels and genre-bending mash-ups like "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters", Ben ventured into the world of television, crafting gripping storylines for acclaimed series such as "Legion" and "Manhunt." In This Episode: Transition from Novelist to Screenwriter: Ben discusses what inspired his leap from the literary world to screenwriting and how his background in novel-writing influences his scr...
May 19, 2024•32 min
Join us as we continue our riveting conversation with Emily, a powerhouse executive who has entrenched herself in the landscape of storytelling. Today, she shares a wealth of insights gleaned from an illustrious career behind the scenes and in front of the camera. We're peeling back the curtain to reveal the confluence of skill, craft, and the vibrant spontaneity that marks both her life and her work. In This Episode: Emily opens up about how her executive tenure has sharpened her narrative inst...
Apr 29, 2024•50 min
Empowering Change Through Film with Jennifer Fischer, Executive Director of Journeys in Film. In today's enlightening episode of Filmmaking Conversations we're honored to host Jennifer Fischer, the visionary at the helm of Journeys in Film. A beacon for integrating cinema into educational paradigms, Journeys in Film is leading the charge in using the emotive power of film to educate and inspire. About Jennifer Fischer and Journeys in Film: Discover the origins of Journeys in Film and the passion...
Apr 09, 2024•44 min
Guests : Dave Merlino and Dustin Sweet, Writers/Directors Podcast Notes: In this compelling episode, we sit down with Dave Merlino and Dustin Sweet, the creative powerhouses behind the thought-provoking documentary "APACHE BLUES: Welcome Home." Merlino, a former federal law enforcement officer turned filmmaker, and Sweet, an animation artist with a rich background in film, television, and music, share their journey making this significant film. Background: Dave and Dustin embarked on a multi-yea...
Mar 31, 2024•41 min
Welcome to another compelling episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, where today we have the honor of hosting Pamela Uzzell, an esteemed documentary producer, director, and editor. Her feature-length documentary, "Unearthing the Dream," not only graced Arkansas Public Television as a highlight of their independent producer series but also clinched Best Documentary at the Arkansas Black Independent Film Festival and garnered an Indie Award of Merit. Pamela's academic journey is as...
Mar 27, 2024•53 min
Episode Overview: Welcome to "Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby," where we explore the inner workings of the film industry and the intricacies of cinema through insightful discussions with professionals from all facets of the movie-making process. I'm your host, Damien Swaby, and in today's episode, we delve into the nuanced world of entertainment law with special guest Katherine Imp. Katherine comes with a wealth of knowledge, having juggled the dual hats of a film producer and a legal...
Mar 16, 2024•39 min
Join us in an expansive conversation with the immensely talented guest who has made waves in the worlds of photography, acting, and music. Dive deep into a journey of creative expression, technical mastery, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Melinda Dahl is a photographer, actress and musician living in Los Angeles. Raised in an artistic family in Toronto, Melinda began acting professionally at age 16. It was through photographing fellow performers in music and film that she began a lifelong fascin...
Mar 12, 2024•37 min
Welcome to this episode of "Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby," where we delve into the art of sound design with the renowned James David Redding III. Get ready for an auditory adventure that will heighten your appreciation for the sounds that bring stories to life. IMBD: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1250289/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdavidreddingiii/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jdr3productions521/videos Introduction to our esteemed guest, James David Redding III, ...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Join us on the latest episode of "Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby," where we sit down with the multifaceted screenwriter and director Dan, who has etched his mark in the film industry through sheer perseverance and a touch of the extraordinary. W: https://www.danhealeyfilms.com/ Show Notes: Meet Dan: Our guest shares his origins from the rugged terrains of Colorado to the swarming shores of Long Island. We uncover how his passion for storytelling was honed at Hofstra University. Diver...
Feb 28, 2024•40 min
Maggie is an award-winning writer/director with a passion for entertaining, witty and deeply human storytelling. Using color and movement to build evocative worlds within the strict geometry of the frame, Maggie has a particular love for stories that dramatize emotional transformation through a crisis in the body. Her ultimate goal as a director is to create visual narratives that inspire, delight, and provoke thought—transporting audiences to places and perspectives beyond their own lived exper...
Feb 20, 2024•41 min
Mike Nowicki host of the "You Are Here Podcast". Mike Nowicki is a vibrant and insightful host who guides listeners through the labyrinth of life's deepest questions on his podcast. Known for his welcoming approach and passion for unraveling the complexities of the world, Mike brings a unique brand of curiosity and enthusiasm to each episode. As a seasoned conversationalist, Mike has a talent for crafting discussions that are as educational as they are engaging. His background is filled with div...
Feb 19, 2024•45 min
Join us in this thought-provoking episode of the "Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby," where we chat with Richard Bakewell, an influential director and screenwriter renowned for his distinctive cinematic style. In this session, Bakewell dives into the complexities behind his emotionally charged film, "Roswell Delirium." This piece has captured the attention of movie buffs with its intricate storytelling and rich narrative. Unveiling the Process: Richard Bakewell takes us behind t...
Feb 12, 2024•46 min
Welcome back, dear listeners! Buckle up for an incredible episode of our podcast where we dive into the endlessly fascinating world of art, media, and representation with the awe-inspiring Terra Mackintosh. Episode Highlights: Meet Terra Mackintosh: Award-winning actress, profound producer, and creative writer with works spanning TV platforms like Apple TV+, Netflix, HBO, and more. Discover Terra's commitment to forging paths in diversity and accessibility within the arts. Get an insider's look ...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr 13 min
In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Ashton, a filmmaker whose journey from the Bay Area to the bustling streets of New York has been as captivating as her films. With a knack for transforming personal experiences into cinematic masterpieces, Andrea's work compels audiences to engage deeply with the complexities of human emotion. We'll explore the milestones of her career, from her festival-winning short 'Pick a Color' to her groundbreaking screenplay 'When Joy Fell', and discuss how her lif...
Jan 22, 2024•38 min
Step into the star-studded universe of "The Jimmy Star Show with Ron Russell", the premier syndicated TV and radio destination for all things entertainment. Hosted by the suave Celebrity Renaissance Man, Dr. Jimmy Star, alongside his charismatic sidekick, Ron Russell, each episode is a two-hour thrill ride through the latest in music, movies, TV, and pop culture. Featuring an illustrious roster of guests like Sean Kanan, Leon, CeCe Peniston, Kenny Aronoff, and Leland Sklar, the show promises not...
Jan 15, 2024•44 min
Emily Hardy has also made her mark in the entertainment sector. She is recognized for her work as an additional crew member, actress, and producer. Her filmography includes roles in "XII" (2008), where she played Claire, and "The Lincoln Lawyer" TV series (2023), portraying a nurse in one episode. Additionally, she has been involved in the production "Genesis: The Future of Mankind Is Woman," taking on the character Angela. Her diverse career path showcases her versatility and ability to contrib...
Jan 04, 2024•50 min
In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of film finance, a critical yet often underappreciated facet of the movie-making process. Our journey begins with "True Hollywood Stories," where we uncover real-life anecdotes that reveal the strategic selection of finance methods, navigate the legal terrain of investor financing, and offer sage advice to independent producers on securing funds. As the reel unwinds, we explore the impact of Securities Law Enforcement on the silver screen's financia...
Dec 26, 2023•42 min
