Episodes
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...
Published 03/12/24
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...
Published 03/04/24
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...
Published 02/28/24
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...
Published 02/20/24
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...
Published 02/19/24
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...
Published 02/12/24
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...
Published 01/29/24
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...
Published 01/22/24
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...
Published 01/15/24
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...
Published 01/04/24
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...
Published 12/26/23
Today, we're diving into the world of film and philanthropy with a versatile artist who has made significant strides on both sides of the camera. Our guest is none other than Ashley Bratcher - an award-winning American actress, producer, writer, and director. With nearly a decade of on-set experience across a variety of departments, she brings a rich tapestry of knowledge to each project she undertakes. You might know her from the box office hit, 'Unplanned,' where her compelling performance...
Published 11/28/23
In this episode, we are joined by Imara Lenders, a highly skilled Offline Editor based in Glasgow. Imara brings a wealth of experience from the television and film industry, with a particular expertise in TV drama. She shares her journey of working on a diverse range of projects and how she has honed her craft to seamlessly weave together visual and audio elements to create compelling narratives. Imara Lenders has made significant contributions to the television industry through her work on...
Published 11/20/23
Welcome to another episode of Filmmaking Conversations. Today, I am thrilled to have a conversation with the incredibly talented Lauren Bancroft. Based in Los Angeles, Lauren is a renowned producer known for her unique blend of creative talents. Lauren's impressive portfolio includes the documentary 'The Making of Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles' with Billie Eilish on Disney+, the acclaimed sketch comedy shows CBS Showcase 2022 and CBS Showcase 2023 on Paramount, and...
Published 11/13/23
In this episode, we delve into the world of visual storytelling with renowned video editor, Adam Epstein. With a career spanning over a decade, Epstein has worked on a diverse range of projects, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the field. Beyond his professional endeavors, Epstein is passionate about mentoring the next generation of video editors. He regularly conducts workshops and seminars, sharing his insights and expertise with aspiring professionals. Despite his many...
Published 11/06/23
Welcome to another episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby. In this episode, we are thrilled to have the talented Method actress, Mathilde Dehaye, as our guest. Mathilde is a graduate of The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York City, where she mastered The Method, a technique that has significantly influenced her acting career. She has an impressive portfolio, having portrayed the key character of Amity in both seasons of the J.J. Abrams & Stephen King hit...
Published 10/31/23
Welcome to another episode of our podcast where we bring you the stories behind the stories, where we delve into the minds of those shaping the worlds of film, theatre, and fiction. Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to a talent who has been making waves in the world of storytelling. Originally hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, and now calling the city of angels, Los Angeles, her home, Natalie Higdon, is a writer and performer whose work embodies modern narratives with an insightful...
Published 10/22/23
Cheryl has recently finished cutting four episodes of Amazon’s sweeping and epic series The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings of Power, which explores events of the second age, set thousands of years before J.R.R. Tolkien’s much beloved The Lord Of The Rings. Prior to this Cheryl cut HBO’s flagship series The Nevers starring Laura Donnelly and Nick Frost, TNT’s The Alienist: The Angel of Darkness and TNT’s dystopian drama series Snowpiercer, helmed by showrunner Graeme Manson (Orphan Black) and...
Published 10/16/23
In this episode, we engage in a fascinating conversation with the visionary behind the ArtHouse, a unique establishment that seamlessly blends the roles of a cinema and a community hub. Our guest shares his experiences and insights on how he managed to strike a balance between these two roles, and the profound impact it has had on the local community. He also delves into the intricate process of curating a diverse program that includes cinema, live National Theatre screenings, and comedy,...
Published 10/09/23
Welcome to another episode of our podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of filmmaking. Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Christopher Donaldson, a seasoned video editor whose work spans an extensive variety of dramatic and documentary features and television.Christopher's impressive credits include Sarah Polley’s “Women Talking” and “Take This Waltz”, David Cronenberg’s “Crimes of the Future”, "Reacher" for Amazon Prime, "The Handmaid's Tale" for Hulu, Atom Egoyan's...
Published 09/23/23
Wood Chapman is a multi-talented artist whose work spans the realms of puppetry, Disney productions, and video editing. His journey began with a fascination for puppetry, where he breathed life into inanimate objects, creating characters that have captivated audiences worldwide. His storytelling prowess led him to the magical world of Disney. Beyond puppetry and Disney, Wood has also made significant strides as a video editor, crafting narratives that are visually stunning and emotionally...
Published 09/11/23
Today on Filmmaking Conversations, I speak to film producer Sarah Potter. When the Lotus Blooms: a story of acute survival is a powerful documentary project that has been left to Naperville resident Sarah Potter after her filmmaker husband, Scott, passed away unexpectedly in July 2020. A routine endoscopy had triggered severe pancreatitis for Scott, and after months of treatments and stays in the hospital, he died from complications associated with his condition. This project has become...
Published 08/05/23
Have you ever felt like the world of independent filmmaking is a mysterious and inaccessible realm? 🤔 Well, you're not alone! Many aspiring filmmakers and industry outsiders struggle to understand the ins and outs of this creative field. But fear not, my friends, because today we're going to shed some light on this topic and provide valuable insights! 💡✨ Who better to guide us through this journey than Jason Godbey himself? 🎬🙌 In the latest episode of Filmmaking Conversations, I had the...
Published 07/05/23
She has recently won 5 Best Actress Awards for her work in "Prime of Your Life". It has also won "Best Short" & "Best Writing". ​ Tara's directorial debut was made with her short film, "A Real Killjoy" which has won "Best of The Fest", "Special Jury Award" and "Best Dark Comedy Micro-short". "A Real Killjoy 3" is currently in pre-production, to be directed by Tara Erickson and Matt MacWilliams in the winter of 2023. ​ She's also the face of Little Caesars in their hilarious commercial...
Published 06/11/23
Scott Leger is a Director and Screenwriter whose work has screened at Cannes Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, SeriesFest, and Palm Springs International Film Festival. Drawn to filmmaking after a horrific mountain biking accident in high school derailed his illustrious Junior Varsity sports career, Scott transferred his manic passion from the field to the frame and hasn't exhaled since. And his collarbone healed up quite nicely, thanks for asking. He would later go on to drop out of...
Published 06/02/23