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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...
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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 has become a trusted space for authentic dialogue and fresh perspectives on the art of storytelling.
Join us—and discover why this podcast is resonating with the community shaping the future of film.
Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network
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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 has become a trusted space for authentic dialogue and fresh perspectives on the art of storytelling.
Join us—and discover why this podcast is resonating with the community shaping the future of film.
Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network
Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby
Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby
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Transcribed
6 DEC 2025 · In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby sits down with Caprice Bourret — award-winning model, actress, entrepreneur, and now film producer — to discuss her powerful career reinvention and the making of her new Christmas movie, A Scottish Christmas Secret.Known worldwide for her iconic modelling career, Caprice has graced over 350 magazine covers, starred in major West End productions, built a successful business empire, and now leads JJLove Productions, where she produces heartfelt seasonal TV films for global audiences.Damien attended the premiere of A Scottish Christmas Secret and reflects on the warm, intimate atmosphere — popcorn, sofas, friendly faces, and the big screen bringing everyone together. This episode explores why Christmas films matter, how Caprice transitioned from supermodel to producer, and why she’s committed to creating movies that bring people comfort and joy.WHAT WE COVER:
- Caprice Bourret’s career transformation from global supermodel to film producer
- The founding and mission of JJLove Productions
- Behind the scenes of A Scottish Christmas Secret
- Why Christmas films are still culturally important
- Producing, acting, and balancing creative control
- How personal reinvention can spark new creative chapters
- The importance of telling feel-good stories in uncertain times
- What’s next for Caprice and her growing film slate
ABOUT CAPRICE BOURRETCaprice is an award-winning model, successful entrepreneur, actress, philanthropist, and the founder of JJLove Productions. Her work spans over 300 TV/film appearances and more than 350 magazine covers. She now produces internationally released movies including A European Christmas, A Toast to Love, and A Scottish Christmas Secret.WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERSIf you’re interested in filmmaking, producing, acting, or the process of reinventing your career, Caprice’s story is a blueprint for possibility. Her move into film production shows how creative ambition can evolve, grow, and find new expression later in life.LISTEN IF YOU LIKE:
- Christmas films
- Film producer interviews
- Acting and filmmaking insights
- Reinvention & career growth stories
- Behind-the-scenes filmmaking conversations
https://www.capricebourret.com
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Transcribed
29 NOV 2025 · In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, host Damien Swaby speaks with Juli Berg, an accomplished film and television editor and post-producer whose creative path began in junior high school and evolved into a decades-long career in documentary, unscripted television, music videos, and independent film.Juli shares the early experiences that shaped her artistic identity, the unexpected moments that led her to the School of Visual Arts (SVA), and the pivotal decision to pursue filmmaking professionally.
She explains how her early academic strengths intersected with her love for art, eventually leading her to earn a BFA in Film/TV from SVA—a choice that set the stage for a distinguished career in post-production.
After graduating from SVA, Juli began her career as an assistant editor in the documentary world, working alongside legendary editors including Larry Silk, Lillian Benson, and Jonathan Oppenheim.
Her first professional editing assignment—ABC’s In Concert—merged two of her passions: music and picture editorial. Over the years, she has:
- Edited numerous short films screened at domestic and international festivals
- Directed, produced, and edited a wide range of music videos
- Served for two years as an Avid editing instructor at SVA, helping develop the next generation of editors
- Built a reputation as a self-sufficient editor and post-producer capable of managing narrative structure, pacing, and story architecture independently
- Delivered over 80 episodes and specials as Editor/Post-Producer on History Channel’s long-running series American Pickers
Juli is passionate about honoring the work of everyone involved in the filmmaking chain. She approaches editorial storytelling as a form of writing—shaping raw footage into its best possible version while maintaining the integrity and intention of those who shot it.
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast. Follow Damien Swaby for more filmmaker interviews and insights into the craft and business of storytelling.
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- X (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405
- Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en
Transcribed
25 NOV 2025 · Episode Summary
In this episode, Damien Swaby is joined by the remarkable Barbara Niven, an actress whose dedication, versatility, and heart have made her one of Hollywood’s most enduring and admired talents.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Barbara has starred in over 100 film and TV roles, been featured in thousands of commercials, and contributed her experience and leadership to the Screen Actors Guild.Barbara discusses her work on Hallmark’s highest-rated series and films — including Chesapeake Shores, Cedar Cove, Murder She Baked, and Crossword Puzzle Mysteries. She talks openly about the discipline it takes to maintain longevity in Hollywood, as well as the joy she finds in each new character she inhabits.
She also reflects on her critically acclaimed portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in HBO’s The Rat Pack, still considered one of the top depictions of the icon to date. Her award-winning performances in independent cinema, including A Perfect Ending and Hamlet’s Ghost, showcase her range, intuition, and emotional intelligence as a performer.
Outside the screen, Barbara has built a global reputation as Hollywood’s top Media Trainer and Video Marketing Coach, teaching professionals across industries through her signature program Unleash Your Star Power!™. She helps people break through fear, speak confidently, and shine with authenticity.
Barbara is also a best-selling author, renowned speaker, mental health advocate, and a National Ambassador for American Humane.
This episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom for actors, filmmakers, creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone pursuing their passion.
Key Topics Covered
- How Barbara became one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood
- Working on Hallmark’s biggest and most beloved series
- Bringing Marilyn Monroe to life in The Rat Pack
- What it takes to stay relevant and fulfilled in entertainment
- The creation of Unleash Your Star Power!™
- Overcoming fear, self-doubt, and perfectionism
- Living a life of purpose, passion, and service
https://www.barbaraniven.com
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- Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en
3 NOV 2025 · Episode Snapshot
Playwright-turned-filmmaker Seth Zvi Rosenfeld joins Damien Swaby to talk about his journey from the New York theatre scene to Hollywood, Sundance, and independent filmmaking. He shares how his latest film—shot guerrilla-style in a real restaurant over six days—became a heartfelt portrait of community and resilience in post-lockdown New York. The conversation dives deep into working with non-actors, directing for truth, and navigating today’s streaming and indie distribution landscape.
Chapters & Timestamps
- 00:00 – Welcome & intro
- 00:01 – Origin story: theatre → screenwriting (New Line Cinema)
- 00:03 – Lessons from early Hollywood experiences
- 00:04 – First short film, Sundance Lab & early features
- 00:05 – Brother’s Kiss and King of the Jungle
- 00:06 – Transition into television work
- 00:07 – Pandemic short rekindles love for filmmaking
- 00:08 – The birth of a new film at El Posto A Canto restaurant
- 00:09 – Shooting with real patrons and blending fiction with reality
- 00:10 – Guerrilla filmmaking on the Williamsburg Bridge
- 00:12 – Creating a film about community and connection
- 00:16 – Directing non-actors and improvisation
- 00:19 – The heart of the film: post-pandemic togetherness
- 00:22 – Collaborating with longtime friends and actors
- 00:24 – New York City as a living character
- 00:27 – Danny Hoch’s creative influence and personal experiences
- 00:29 – Tone, truth, and emotional authenticity in filmmaking
- 00:33 – Influences: Sidney Lumet, Woody Allen, and Scorsese
- 00:36 – Lessons from theatre: the art of working with actors
- 00:38 – Television vs. indie film: control and collaboration
- 00:41 – Distribution realities & using FilmHub
- 00:44 – Next project: Legit — a comedy set in New York’s cannabis world
- 00:46 – Why we tell stories and how film preserves human experience
- 00:47 – Closing thoughts and reflections
People, Places & Projects Mentioned
- Films by Seth Zvi Rosenfeld: Brother’s Kiss, King of the Jungle
- Restaurant: El Posto A Canto (New York City)
- Collaborators: Christopher James, Rebecca James, Danny Hoch, Julio & Beatrice, Victor (Sixto)
- Influences & References: Goodfellas (Scorsese), Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico, Network (Sidney Lumet), Manhattan (Woody Allen), Saturday Night Fever
- TV: How to Make It in America
- Distribution Platform: FilmHub
Notable Quotes
- “When you’re shooting a movie in six days, the cameras need to be going all the time.”
- “Create an environment where no one can do anything wrong — then roll.”
- “If theatre should play with your eyes closed, film should work with the sound off.”
- “I’m always chasing what feels true — that’s where the emotion and the comedy live.”
- “There will always be a need for people with a good story to tell it.”
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seth_Zvi_Rosenfeld
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Transcribed
2 NOV 2025 · In this episode, host Damien sits down with filmmaker and conservationist Arix Zalace, the creative mind behind The Paper Bear — a visually stunning blend of animation and live action that tells the story of Florida’s disappearing wilderness.
Arix shares how his journey from producing corporate films evolved into a years-long mission of documenting Florida’s black bears and protecting one of North America’s most biodiverse regions. What began as a passion project became a cinematic call to action that uses art and emotion to reconnect people with the natural world.
🎧 In this conversation:
- How The Paper Bear combines animation and real-world storytelling
- The challenge of filming wild black bears in Florida’s forests
- Arix Zalace’s evolution from commercial work to conservation cinema
- The emotional power of father-son themes and 1980s-style adventure filmmaking
- Building partnerships and funding an independent environmental film
- Why storytelling and animation are powerful tools for conservation
Whether you’re a filmmaker, storyteller, or nature lover, Arix Zalace’s passion and persistence will inspire you to see how creativity can help protect our planet’s wild heart.
https://www.thepaperbear.org/who-we-are
IMBD: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7730373/
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- X (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405
- Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en
Transcribed
16 OCT 2025 · Episode Summary
Lebanese-American filmmaker Zayn Alexandre joins us to discuss his journey from a small town outside Beirut to the heart of New York’s independent film scene. Known for his award-winning films Abroad and Manara, Alexandre shares how psychology, identity, and diaspora shape his storytelling. From the Venice Film Festival to the TIFF Filmmaker Lab, Zayn has carved a space for authentic Middle Eastern voices in global cinema. In this conversation, he opens up about cultural identity, representation, and the responsibility of Arab artists to tell stories that challenge stereotypes while embracing universal human truths.
In this deeply personal and cinematic episode, Zayn Alexandre—a Lebanese-American film director, writer, and actor based in New York City—reflects on his artistic journey and the transformative power of storytelling.
His voice reminds us that film is not only art — it’s empathy in motion.🏆 Awards & Recognitions Mentioned
- Venice Film Festival – Giornate degli Autori (Venice Days)
- Khayrallah Art Prize for Lebanese Diaspora Art
- Silver Hypatia Award – Alexandria Short Film Festival
- Ahmed Khedr Award – ÉCU European Independent Film Festival
- Laguna Sud Award – Italy
- TIFF Filmmaker Lab ‘21
- Arab America’s 40 Under 40
https://www.zaynalexandre.com/about
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- X (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405
- Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en
Transcribed
10 OCT 2025 · In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, host Damien Swaby talks with Victoria Duncan, a filmmaker and Senior Creative Video Producer at Bloomberg Media Studios, about building a career that bridges art, analytics, and authenticity.
Victoria shares how she transitioned from post-production and film school at NYU Tisch to producing global branded campaigns at Bloomberg. She opens up about her creative process, directing style, and the balance between data-driven storytelling and emotional resonance in branded content.
🎬 Topics Covered:
- Victoria’s journey from North Carolina to New York and Bloomberg
- The making of I Am Enough and its Lincoln Center adaptation
- How to balance creativity and client goals in branded storytelling
- Building collaborative systems at Bloomberg Media Studios
- Mentorship, judging film festivals, and empowering women in film
- A look at Victoria’s upcoming short film Exit Sign
This conversation is a must-listen for filmmakers, creatives, and storytellers interested in the intersection of film, branding, and innovation at one of the world’s leading media companies.
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- X (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405
- Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en
Transcribed
28 SEP 2025 · Show Notes
In this episode, I sit down with Mark Watters to talk about a life lived in music: from Disney, Pixar, and Olympic scores, to his role today at Eastman School of Music, where he oversees the Beal Institute for Film Music and Contemporary Media. We get deep into the Eastman Film & Media Festival—how it started, what it’s become, and why Rochester, NY is fast becoming a home for composer communities and cinematic sound.Mark reveals:
- His early obsession with film music (yes, Star Wars fourteen times just for the score)
- How “The Art & Craft of Music for Animation” ended up as a session at Soundtrax, hosted by him. https://www.soundtrax.org/festival-schedule?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Why the Eastman Festival is more than panels and concerts—it’s an immersive space for composers to test ideas
- His thoughts on legacy, mentorship, and how teachers and students exchange influence
- The way he listens now—and how that listening echoes what first drew me into music
We also weave in my own origin story: discovering Mo’ Better Blues via BBC Two, being changed by Terence Blanchard’s trumpet, and inviting back Cynda Williams (as Clarke Bentancourt, and on “Harlem Blues”) because she embodies that space between story and song.As part of this musical conversation, I reference how The South Bank Show elevated composers through storytelling, and I end with a poetic note on Rochester—where winter winds and Eastman echoes make composition both memory and promise.
Soundtrax Highlights to MentionFrom the Soundtrax Film Music Festival (October 16–18, 2025, at Eastman / Rochester) schedule: https://www.soundtrax.org/festival-schedule?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- “The Art & Craft of Music for Animation” — hosted by Mark Watters in Kilbourn Hall
- Film Scores Live! — Terence Blanchard with E-Collective & Gateways Festival Orchestra in Kodak Hall
- John Williams Reimagined — concert of Williams’ themes rearranged for flute, cello, piano https://events.rochester.edu/event/soundtrax-film-music-festival-john-williams-reimagined?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Interstellar in Concert — live performance of the Zimmer/Nolan score in Rochester’s Third Presbyterian Church https://www.visitrochester.com/event/soundtrax-film-music-festival%3A-%E2%80%9Cinterstellar%E2%80%9D-in-concert/108235/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
W: https://www.soundtrax.org/festival-schedule
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- X (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405
- Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en
Transcribed
26 SEP 2025 · 📒 SHOW NOTES
In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, Damien sits down with Dr. Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., a food scientist, consultant, and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered.
Bryan’s career is a masterclass in curiosity-driven storytelling — one that filmmakers, storytellers, and creatives will find both inspiring and familiar.🎬 What’s inside this episode:
- A story worth filming: How Bryan’s 2,000-mile walk across America sparked his lifelong obsession with taste, survival, and the science of food.
- The art of structured storytelling: Why Bryan’s book 150 Food Science Questions Answered reads like a collection of perfectly crafted short films — each one with a setup, conflict, and resolution.
- From science to screen: Bryan’s collaboration with Emmy Award-winning filmmakers on The Food Matrix, exploring the philosophy and science of flavor.
- Bridging industries: How food science, media, and film all share a core principle — making complex ideas clear, engaging, and human.
- Big takeaways: Lessons from food science that resonate with filmmaking — clarity, curiosity, pacing, and respecting your audience’s attention.
- The central question: The deceptively simple obsession that drives all of Bryan’s work: What makes food taste good?
📚 Along the way, we’ll spotlight some of the book’s most fascinating questions:
- Should you put hot food straight into the fridge?
- Is raw milk really safe to drink?
- Do soy and fish sauce need refrigeration once opened?
- Do canned and frozen fruits and vegetables actually lose nutrients?
For filmmakers and creatives, this episode is a reminder that the best stories don’t always come from Hollywood. Sometimes, they come from a lab, a kitchen, or even a long walk across America.
W: https://www.mendocinofoodconsulting.com/bryanquocle
W: https://www.amazon.com/150-Food-Science-Questions-Answered/dp/1646118332
W: https://www.proceragin.com
W: https://www.statesmenmarinades.com
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- X (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405
- Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en
Transcribed
22 SEP 2025 · 🎙️ Episode Intro
What happens when comedy collides with life’s most challenging topics? In this episode, host Damien Swaby sits down with Nicole Magerko — a Chicago-based comedy screenwriter, producer, and founder of Pine Grove Productions. Nicole’s work thrives at the intersection of humor and humanity, shining a light on aging, caregiving, and the often-overlooked everyday struggles that bind us together.
From the personal turning point that inspired her company, to her evolving voice as a creator in the film and TV world, Nicole shares the realities of building a career that is both creatively fulfilling and socially resonant.
📒 Show NotesIn this episode, you’ll hear about:
- 🎬 The beginnings of Pine Grove Productions
Nicole opens up about how a quarter-life crisis led her to start a company dedicated to telling heartfelt, comedic stories about the human condition.
- 💡 Why humor matters in heavy conversations
How laughter can be a tool for connection when exploring subjects like aging, family caregiving, and identity.
- 🛠️ The process behind the craft
Nicole shares her writing and producing approach — blending lived experience with creative storytelling to make work that feels both authentic and entertaining.
- 🚀 Challenges and opportunities for emerging filmmakers
What it takes to stand out in the crowded film and TV landscape, and how she’s navigating an evolving industry as a fresh voice.
- ❤️ Life lessons from comedy
Why Nicole believes comedy is more than entertainment — it’s a way to confront fear, embrace imperfection, and build empathy.
W: https://www.nicolemagerko.com
- Use Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:
- 25% Off More Labs
- https://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY
- 20% Off Strong Coffee Company
- https://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY
- 15% Off Tussle
- https://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY
- 20% Off Eric Javits
- https://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY
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- https://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY
- 20% Off Long Table
- https://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY
- 20% Off HyperNatural
- https://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY
- 20% Off wearplayground
- https://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY
- 15% Off STAND+
- https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY
- 10% Off Molly Bz
- https://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY
- 41% Off Cozy Earth
- https://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY
- X (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405
- Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en
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...
show more
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 has become a trusted space for authentic dialogue and fresh perspectives on the art of storytelling.
Join us—and discover why this podcast is resonating with the community shaping the future of film.
Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network
show less
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 has become a trusted space for authentic dialogue and fresh perspectives on the art of storytelling.
Join us—and discover why this podcast is resonating with the community shaping the future of film.
Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network
Information
| Author | IFH Podcast Network |
| Organization | IFH Podcast Network |
| Categories | TV & Film , Film Interviews , Film History |
| Website | open.spotify.com |
| filmmakingconversations@mail.com |
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