Helen De Michiel – A Pioneer in Participatory Media and Community StorytellingIn this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, we dive into the fascinating world of participatory media and innovative storytelling with Helen De Michiel—a trailblazing producer, director, writer, and community engagement specialist. Helen shares insights from her decades-long career, starting with her pioneering work in public television on The Independents and Alive TV in the 1980s. As a...

In this episode, we dive into the world of independent filmmaking with Alexsiya Flora, an acclaimed filmmaker, producer, and social media mentor for rising female creatives. Alexsiya’s passion for storytelling and creative independence has propelled her to produce award-winning work and lead a thriving mentorship program, where she empowers the next generation of female filmmakers to fund their dreams through social media mastery. Who is Alexsiya Flora?Alexsiya Flora is best known for her...

Show Notes In this episode, we explore: Linda Booker’s transition from a career in art direction to documentary filmmaking at the age of 40.The journey of creating her upcoming documentary, "Minnie Evans: Draw or Die," which sheds light on the life and art of the remarkable self-taught artist, Minnie Evans.The deep connection between Minnie Evans' art, nature, and spirituality, and how these elements shaped her creative legacy.The significance of Linda’s previous works, including her...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Curtis, a Filmmaker, Cultural advocate, and Executive Director of the nomadic cinema  and The Luminal Theater (founded in 2015 ) to discuss his journey in the film industry. Influenced by his West Indian heritage and passion for storytelling. Curtis shares his experiences co-founding the New Voices in Black Cinema, his approach to creating spaces for Black filmmakers, and the importance of community-driven art. We also explore the...

Episode Overview:In this episode, Damien is joined by Jessica, a talented video producer and editor working at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. They delve into the intricate world of digital media production, dance film, and live streaming, shedding light on the dynamic creative processes behind the scenes at one of New York City's most iconic cultural institutions.Key Discussion Points: Life at Lincoln Center: Production Insights Jessica shares her experiences working at Lincoln...

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...

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...

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...

Show Notes: Guest: Jia Wertz, Director of the Award-Winning Documentary Conviction and Journalist at ForbesSummary: 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,...

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:...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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:...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...