Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

• Ep 223: The DocuStoryteller: Behind the Lens with Ann Rogers

  Ann RogersA 2021 Impact Partners Documentary Producers Fellow, Ann Rogers is a jack-of-all-trades Documentary Producer who has spent the last decade in the entertainment trenches learning the creative and business nuts and bolts of bringing a nonfiction story to screen. Dedicated to bringing true stories to life with integrity and heart, she thrives in the world of premium feature documentary and docuseries.With experience of ushering nonfiction work through the different phases of production and distribution, her specialty is international production having sent crews to nearly 30 countries on almost every continent. ​Her skill-set and experience includes: ​- Development - Budgeting and Scheduling- Production Management- Editorial Management- Distribution Delivery- Film Festival and Awards Circuits Strategy.Her production credits include works for Netflix, National Geographic, HBO, Showtime, Participant, MRC, Fifth Season, POV, PBS, and CNN. She is also member of the Documentary Producers Alliance (DPA) and the Producer's Guild of America (PGA).​In 2021, Ann founded HUMBLE HEART FILMS, a documentary-focused film production company that is currently developing it's first slate of projects.​Originally from the Montana mountains, Ann now lives near the Los Angeles beaches with her husband and rescue pup.Website

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• Ep 222: Breaking In: Class, Rejection & Resilience with Helen Tompson

  Episode Summary:In this episode we sit down with screenwriter, script editor, and playwright Helen Tompson to talk about the often-overlooked struggles of working-class creatives in the film and TV industry. From imposter syndrome to industry gatekeeping, Helen shares her personal journey—from leaving school early and working as a young carer to later pursuing a master's in screenwriting and securing funding for her first short film.We discuss:🎬 The hidden barriers working-class writers and filmmakers face💰 The impact of financial instability on creative careers🚪 Dealing with rejection and finding resilience📝 How mentorship and community can make a difference📢 What the industry needs to change to become more inclusive.Helen’s story is proof that talent and determination can break through, even when the odds are stacked against you. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in this industry, this episode is for youLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-tompson/

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• Ep 221: Cutting Through the Story: Amelia Allwarden’s ACE Journey

  Episode Description:In this episode, we sit down with accomplished editor Amelia, whose journey from a childhood passion for storytelling to editing high-profile projects like Dune, Westworld, and Pen15 is nothing short of extraordinary. Amelia takes us behind the scenes of the editing room, sharing her deep knowledge of tools like Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premiere Pro, and how they shaped her creative and technical evolution.We explore:The tools of the trade: Why Avid is her go-to for large-scale productions and how Premiere Pro paved the way in her early days.Mentorship and collaboration: How the ACE Internship Program and supportive communities shaped her path.The art of storytelling: Balancing pacing, tone, and emotion in projects ranging from Westworld to Pen15.Technical versus creative: How Emilia relies on her assistants for technical tasks so she can focus on pure creativity.Staying ahead of the curve: Thoughts on the future of editing and adapting to technological advancements.Whether you’re an aspiring editor or a curious film enthusiast, this episode is a treasure trove of practical advice, heartfelt stories, and inspiration.Key Quotes:“Editing is more than cutting scenes—it's crafting a story with rhythm, tone, and emotion.”“The right tools matter, but passion and mentorship are what really make a career.”“Trusting your instincts as an editor is a muscle you train every day.”Resources Mentioned:https://www.avid.com/media-composerAdobe Premiere Prohttps://americancinemaeditors.org/ed-center/ace-internship-program/About Our Guest:Amelia is a seasoned editor who has worked on major Hollywood productions and champions the importance of mentorship and community in the editing world.W:https://www.ameliaallwardeneditor.com/about

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• Ep 220: Arkansas Roots, NYC Dreams: Joe Lusby's Journey

  Episode Overview:In this engaging episode, Damien Swaby speaks with Joe Lusby, a seasoned creative video producer whose journey has taken him from small-town Arkansas to the vibrant streets of New York City. Joe shares his insights into the challenges and triumphs of balancing corporate work, nonprofit projects, and creative storytelling. From early days in Arkansas’ budding film scene to working with prestigious organizations like Never Whisper Justice, Joe reflects on the importance of impactful storytelling, the lessons learned from working solo, and the evolution of his craft.Key Topics Covered:The Creative Hustle: How Joe turned passion projects into a thriving career.Lessons from Failures: Overcoming creative challenges and learning from mistakes.Corporate vs. Creative: Navigating the balance between commercial and nonprofit projects.Cultural Impact: Exploring racial and social justice themes through filmmaking.Filmmaking Tips: Why collaboration matters and how to embrace fast turnarounds.Memorable Quotes:"You learn so much faster by listening to other professionals that are above you. Take the time—it can wipe a year off your learning curve.""Storytelling is about condensing real experiences into narratives that resonate. It's about doing justice to the people whose stories you’re privileged to tell."W: https://www.joelusbymedia.com/aboutEducational Corner: Pro Tips for Emerging FilmmakersStart Small but Smart: Begin with passion projects to hone your skills. Use constraints to fuel creativity.Collaborate Early: Don’t be afraid to bring in specialists. Sound designers, editors, and cinematographers elevate your work.Be Adaptable: Deadlines and fast turnarounds are inevitable. Learn to stay calm and efficient.Tell Stories That Matter: Seek out stories that inspire change and resonate deeply with audiences.Never Stop Learning: Every project, success or failure, adds to your toolkit.                                           

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• Ep 219: Reinvention, Collaboration, and Storytelling: Diane Lansing

  In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, we dive deep into the world of storytelling with Diane Lansing, a screenwriter, playwright, and filmmaker whose passion for reinvention and collaboration shines through her craft. Diane shares her inspiring journey from studying acting under Larry Moss to writing multidimensional characters for stage and screen. We discuss the challenges of transitioning from theatre to film, the lessons learned while directing her short film Out of Her Element, and the beauty of collaboration in filmmaking. Diane also reveals her approach to creating authentic and layered characters, the importance of trust in the filmmaking process, and her upcoming documentary project that promises to blend art, humanity, and inspiration.This episode is a masterclass in storytelling and collaboration, offering valuable insights for filmmakers and creatives looking to refine their craft.Key Topics and TakeawaysReinvention through Writing: How Diane transitioned from acting to writing plays and screenplays, creating more dimensional female characters along the way.Character-Driven Screenwriting: Diane's process for building deep, believable characters rooted in her acting background and how it influences her screenwriting.Lessons in Directing: Diane’s experience directing Out of Her Element and the challenges of adapting theatre concepts to the screen.Collaborative Filmmaking: The importance of building trust with cast and crew, allowing creative freedom, and finding inspiration through teamwork.The Power of Music and Post-Production: A behind-the-scenes look at the score creation for Trust, featuring the Budapest Orchestra, and how post-production enhances storytelling.Documentary Filmmaking: Diane’s plans for her new documentary project, Be Seen, Be Heard, showcasing the resilience and beauty of children with disabilities and cancer.Educational Value of This EpisodeScreenwriting Techniques: Learn how to create layered, authentic characters and balance action with dialogue in your scripts.Directorial Insights: Understand the differences between directing for theatre and film and the key lessons Diane learned from her first directorial experience.The Art of Collaboration: Discover the importance of trust, creative freedom, and community in successful filmmaking.Practical Tips for Filmmakers: Gain actionable advice on casting, working with composers, and navigating post-production challenges.Inspiration for Aspiring Filmmakers: Diane’s journey offers encouragement to embrace reinvention, take creative risks, and pursue meaningful stories.Call to ActionDon’t miss this inspiring conversation with Diane Lansing! Subscribe to the Filmmaking Conversations Podcast on your favorite platform, and leave us a review to share your thoughts. For more updates, follow Damien Swaby on social media and visit the podcast website.https://www.dianelansing.com/

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