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PODCAST

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

Step into the world of independent film with Filmmaking Conversations with Damien SwabyFrom established industry voices to the filmmakers of tomorrow, Damien Swaby opens up conversations that spark ideas, share experiences, and celebrate creativity in all its forms.Each episode offers listeners both inspiration and practical takeaways, leaving them better equipped to bring their own stories to life.With a loyal and growing audience of passionate filmmakers and film lovers, Filmmaking Conversations

tv & film film interviews

All Episodes

49:35

Ep 249: Lee Romaire: Building Worlds for Disney and...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/08/03

🔍 Episode SummaryIn this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with the brilliant Lee Romaire, an Emmy-winning creative force behind some of the most iconic animatronic creations in entertainment. From his early fascination with Disney World and miniature train sets to designing immersive experiences for Disney Parks and major TV productions, Lee shares the origin of his creative passion and how he transformed it into a world-class career.Listeners will discover:The childhood spark that ignited Lee’s

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47:19

Ep 248: From Ohio to Netflix: Maria Timonina’s...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/08/01

Episode Overview:In this masterclass episode of Filmmaking Conversations, host Damien Swaby sits down with Maria Timonina, the magnetic actress behind Alice Wells in Netflix’s international crime thriller, Gringo Hunters. This is not just a conversation about acting—it’s a blueprint for creative resilience, cultural identity, and the realities of breaking into the upper echelons of the film and television industry.About “Gringo Hunters”:Gringo Hunters is Netflix’s latest high-stakes crime drama,

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8:55

Ep 247: Sunday Nights, Theo Huxtable, and the Legacy...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/07/22

Episode Summary:In this deeply personal solo episode, host Damien Swaby reflects on the life and legacy of Malcolm-Jamal Warner — actor, director, musician, and activist — who passed away tragically at the age of 54.As a Black Londoner from South East London, Damien shares his heartfelt memories of watching The Cosby Show with family every Sunday on Channel 4, and how Warner’s portrayal of Theo Huxtable shaped an entire generation of Black boys across the globe.The episode explores Warner’s quiet

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56:25

Ep 246: From Tom Cruise’s Inner Circle to Indie Film...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/07/19

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 orphans in Ghana, protected endangered wildlife, and fueled social change

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74:10

Ep 245: Vision, Leadership, and Legacy: Ramon Velez...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/07/14

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 digital age.Key Takeaways:How to build a dynamic career across

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73:40

Ep 244: Craft, Clarity & Creativity: A Conversation...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/07/12

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:Rob’s journey and insights into directing across film and televisionWhy remembering names on set matters more

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77:57

Ep 243: The Mahne Narrative: From Doctor Who to...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/07/05

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 creative spark, and how rowing in the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race

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41:05

Ep 242: Suha Araj on Storytelling, Identity &...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/06/27

📄 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 candidly about the lack of representation and the damaging

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47:24

Ep 241: From Courtroom to Camera: Don Worley’s...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/06/26

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 star of Time for Sunset, a gripping crime thriller, and co-creator of

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43:40

Ep 240: Reel Ambition: How Olivia Deitch Cut Her Way...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/06/19

🎧 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:Olivia’s origin story: From Boston University to breaking into HollywoodDiscovering her passion for editing during high schoolThe move to Los Angeles and navigating early career uncertaintyGetting a foot in the door as a PA at a boutique

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6:15

Ep 239: Writing small talk, Big Thoughts: Building a...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/06/17

Episode DescriptionIn 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 a creative philosophy.Whether you're a filmmaker, screenwriter,

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43:05

Ep 238: From BBC to Bold: Moses Ssebandeke on...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/06/11

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 media through the BBC apprenticeship scheme🎧 His behind-the-scenes

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44:03

Ep 237: The Art of Color Grading: Alice Abrams on...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/06/03

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, cinematic experiences.Alice shares her unique journey from working as a

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47:36

Ep 236: Narrative Truths: Producing Impactful...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/05/22

📘 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 frameworks of a major broadcasting institution. Together, they explore

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35:47

Ep 235: Art Meets Film: Isabel Riley on Bridging...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/05/12

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 shares details about her current exhibitions at the Michele Mercaldo

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61:09

Ep 234: 30 Years at ABC — Executive Director Doug...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/05/07

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 fast-paced environment, and the key skills needed to thrive in modern

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45:24

Ep 233: The Audience is the Strategy: Caitlin Boyle...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/04/30

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, she shares insights into how intentional distribution strategies

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34:31

Ep 232: From Baywatch to Emmy Wins – Karina Michel...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/04/18

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:Karina’s early acting dreams and her modeling break with Ford AgencyAuditioning for Baywatch and what she learned from the

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33:36

Ep 231: The Art of Video Editing with Emmy Winner...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/04/09

The Art of Video Editing with Emmy Winner Cybele PolicastroGuest: 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 Murrow Award, recognizing excellence in her field.Nominated for a Daytime Emmy

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36:05

Ep 230: Beyond the Turmoil: Isabelle Mecattaf's Lens...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/04/06

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/filmographyShownotes:Isabelle's Origin Story: Born and raised in Lebanon,

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