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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

25:39

Ep 259: Challenging Stereotypes: Dr. Ali on Building...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/09/03

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, I sit down with Dr. Ali, the visionary founder of Fam Cinema. His platform is more than just a streaming service—it’s a movement designed to empower marginalized voices, provide family-friendly viewing, and give filmmakers fairer opportunities to share their work. We talk about:The childhood experience that inspired Dr. Ali to challenge stereotypes in film.Why representation matters—and how media can heal and empower communities.The values and criteria

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43:12

Ep 258: Finding Stories in Unexpected Places with...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/08/26

In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with filmmaker and multi-disciplinary creative Mick Lexington to talk about his journey through art, music, and writing — and how it all led him back to filmmaking. From restless college days in the Midwest to wandering the streets of Paris, playing music in London, and finally honing his craft as a writer and filmmaker, Mick shares a candid look at what drives him to create.They dive into:How Mick’s unconventional path shaped his voice as a storyteller.The

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48:12

Ep 257: The Intersection of Anthropology and Cinema:...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/08/22

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby speaks with filmmaker Natalie, whose journey bridges anthropology, culture, and cinema. From her early studies in cultural and social anthropology to her work at the Smithsonian’s International Center, Natalie explains how her background in research and global exploration shaped her filmmaking perspective.The conversation covers:Anthropology to Filmmaking: How cultural and social anthropology informed Natalie’s storytelling and cinematic

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53:59

Ep 256: Jason Walsh: Training Bradley Cooper &...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/08/21

Guest: Jason Walsh — Strength & Performance CoachMentors & background (as stated in the episode):Worked under Greg Gatz at the University of North Carolina (Olympic athlete S&C environment).Mentored by Luke Richardson (respected strength coach).Selected clients & projects mentioned in the episode:Bradley Cooper — American Sniper: Discussed as a standout “all-in” transformation Jason was involved in (“the transformation that we did in American Sniper”), including addressing tendon

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30:02

Ep 255: From Music to Film: Brian Weaver + The...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/08/20

In this episode, host Damien Swaby sits down with Brian Weaver, founder of Weaver Films — a Central Arkansas–based company known for its cinematic wedding storytelling and powerful social documentaries.Before stepping behind the camera, Brian was a musician, performing over 300 live shows and even opening for acts like Plain White T’s. His journey into filmmaking began with a deeply personal moment — his own wedding — which showed him the power of preserving meaningful memories.Together, Damien and

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48:08

Ep 254: The Science Behind the Screen: A NASA...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/08/13

Hello and welcome back to the show. Today, I'm joined by Les Johnson, a NASA technologist, science fiction author, and consultant on films like Europa Report and Lost in Space. We'll be diving into what it takes to bring science to the screen, how to balance scientific truth with a good story, and the real-world passion behind space travel. Stick around, you won't want to miss this!Show NotesWhat is a Science Consultant? Les explains his role as a science consultant on films and TV shows like Europa

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41:08

Ep 253: From Sixteen Candles to Social Films: A Talk...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/08/12

This podcast episode features a conversation with actress and director Blanche Baker, who discusses her career, her notable roles, and her passion for making films that address social issues.Show Notes:Early Career and the Impact of HolocaustBlanche Baker's debut role was in the Emmy-winning miniseries Holocaust.This role was deeply personal for her because her father, Jack Garfine, was a Holocaust survivor.Before filming, she retraced her father’s journey through the concentration camps, including

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51:48

Ep 252: A Legal Architect’s Journey Through...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/08/11

Episode Summary:Marc's career is anything but ordinary. Before becoming a powerhouse entertainment attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP, he studied film at the University of Pennsylvania and UCL, made three documentaries—including the Sundance Special Jury Award-winning After Innocence—and helped change legislation in multiple states. In this in-depth conversation, Marc opens up about how he navigated the worlds of law and filmmaking, and the lessons he’s learned from representing clients ranging from

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43:22

Ep 251: Lights, Camera, Climate: Building a Festival...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/08/08

In this episode, we sit down with Alec, co-founder of the New York Climate Film Festival, to explore how cinema is being used to spark conversations around climate change. From building a community of diverse storytellers to rethinking what climate narratives can look like, Alec shares the journey of starting a film festival focused on one of the most urgent issues of our time. Whether you're a filmmaker, climate advocate, or simply a lover of good stories, this episode uncovers the creative

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43:34

Ep 250: Paul Robinson: Blending Story and Image,...

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby ·

2025/08/06

Welcome to the show. Today, we're joined by Paul Robinson, a self-taught photographer who began his career in Paris shooting fashion and celebrities. Paul's work, which has been described as blending story and image, has evolved from classic single-frame photography to a focus on abstract, narrative-driven visuals. He's a true creative who has photographed cultural icons like B.B. King. Paul's passion for storytelling and empowering new artists led him to found the NEFTI short film competition, a

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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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278 results

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