Episodes

  • Ep 225: Mastering the Art of Cinematography with Quenell Jones, SOC

    Ep 225: Mastering the Art of Cinematography with Quenell Jones, SOC
    Feb 25 2025
    Guest: Quenell Jones, SOC (Society of Camera Operators)Episode Overview:

    In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with Quenell Jones, an accomplished cinematographer and camera operator, to discuss his journey in the film industry, his passion for cinematography, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

    Quenell shares insights from his experiences working with various networks, his education in film, and the technical aspects of creating impactful visual stories.Key Topics Discussed:
    • Early Beginnings: Quenell reflects on his introduction to the film industry through high school projects and internships at CNN and PBS.
    • Passion for Cinematography: He discusses how his curiosity for visual storytelling was sparked by watching documentaries and his experiences with different camera technologies.
    • Education in Film: Quenell shares his decision to pursue a master's degree in film in Manchester, England, and the international perspective he gained from working with filmmakers from diverse backgrounds.
    • The Role of a Cinematographer: Insights into the responsibilities of a cinematographer, including collaboration with directors and the technical processes involved in capturing images.
    • Challenges in the Industry: Quenell talks about the ups and downs of a filmmaking career, including recent strikes and the stress that can accompany the profession.
    • Artistic Collaboration: The importance of merging creative ideas with directors and other artists to construct compelling visual narratives.
    • Recent Projects: Quenell highlights some of his recent work, including his role as a camera operator on notable films and shows.
    Quotes:
    • "The passion to create movies, the passion to create content, the passion to build a story that is impactful."
    • "Cinematography goes way, way back, and it’s about the construction of many artisans working together."

    Contact Quenell: Quenell Jones, SOC

    Watch Zero Day: Zero Day
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Ep 224: Breaking Barriers in Hollywood with Diane Strand

    Ep 224: Breaking Barriers in Hollywood with Diane Strand
    Feb 23 2025
    Episode Summary: Welcome to another episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby! In this inspiring episode, we sit down with powerhouse producer, entrepreneur, and mentor Diane Strand. From working on legendary TV shows like Friends and General Hospital to founding the JDS Creative Academy, Diane has dedicated her career to both storytelling and uplifting the next generation of media professionals.We dive into Diane’s journey—her early love for theatre, the challenges of making it in Hollywood, and her transition into entrepreneurship. She shares firsthand experiences from the entertainment industry, the grit required to succeed, and how she turned obstacles into opportunities.

    Most importantly, we explore her passion for mentorship and education, and how JDS Creative Academy is creating career pathways for aspiring creatives, including those with special needs.Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, producer, or just someone passionate about the entertainment industry, this episode is packed with wisdom, motivation, and actionable insights.

    Tune in to hear how Diane is breaking barriers and empowering the future of media arts.Key Topics Covered: 🎭 Diane’s early passion for storytelling and theatre 🎬 Behind the scenes of Friends and General Hospital 💪 The reality of making it in Hollywood—hard work, perseverance, and grit 🚀 Pivoting from TV production to entrepreneurship 🎓 How JDS Creative Academy is shaping the next generation of filmmakers and media professionalsGuest Info: 🌟 Diane Strand – Founder of JDS Creative Academy, Producer, Author, and Industry Mentor.

    W: https://jdscreativeacademy.org/
    LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianestrand/
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/jdscreativeacademy/

    Follow & Subscribe: 🎙️ Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby is available on all major podcast platforms! Subscribe and leave a review to support the show.

    Email: filmmakingconversations@mail.com
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    19 mins
  • Ep 223: The DocuStoryteller: Behind the Lens with Ann Rogers

    Ep 223: The DocuStoryteller: Behind the Lens with Ann Rogers
    Feb 12 2025
    Ann Rogers

    A 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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    33 mins
  • Ep 222: Breaking In: Class, Rejection & Resilience with Helen Tompson

    Ep 222: Breaking In: Class, Rejection & Resilience with Helen Tompson
    Feb 7 2025
    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 you

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-tompson/
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    28 mins
  • Ep 221: Cutting Through the Story: Amelia Allwarden’s ACE Journey

    Ep 221: Cutting Through the Story: Amelia Allwarden’s ACE Journey
    Jan 25 2025
    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-composer
    • Adobe Premiere Pro
    • https://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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    31 mins
  • Ep 220: Arkansas Roots, NYC Dreams: Joe Lusby's Journey

    Ep 220: Arkansas Roots, NYC Dreams: Joe Lusby's Journey
    Jan 19 2025
    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/about

    Educational Corner: Pro Tips for Emerging Filmmakers
    1. Start Small but Smart: Begin with passion projects to hone your skills. Use constraints to fuel creativity.
    2. Collaborate Early: Don’t be afraid to bring in specialists. Sound designers, editors, and cinematographers elevate your work.
    3. Be Adaptable: Deadlines and fast turnarounds are inevitable. Learn to stay calm and efficient.
    4. Tell Stories That Matter: Seek out stories that inspire change and resonate deeply with audiences.
    5. Never Stop Learning: Every project, success or failure, adds to your toolkit.
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    45 mins
  • Ep 219: Reinvention, Collaboration, and Storytelling: Diane Lansing

    Ep 219: Reinvention, Collaboration, and Storytelling: Diane Lansing
    Dec 30 2024
    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 Takeaways
    1. Reinvention through Writing: How Diane transitioned from acting to writing plays and screenplays, creating more dimensional female characters along the way.
    2. Character-Driven Screenwriting: Diane's process for building deep, believable characters rooted in her acting background and how it influences her screenwriting.
    3. Lessons in Directing: Diane’s experience directing Out of Her Element and the challenges of adapting theatre concepts to the screen.
    4. Collaborative Filmmaking: The importance of building trust with cast and crew, allowing creative freedom, and finding inspiration through teamwork.
    5. 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.
    6. 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 Episode
    • Screenwriting 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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    42 mins
  • Ep 218: Anna Toomey: Fighting for Dyslexic Students in Left Behind

    Ep 218: Anna Toomey: Fighting for Dyslexic Students in Left Behind
    Dec 8 2024
    In today’s episode, we’re joined by Anna Toomey, an Emmy Award-winning producer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Anna has worked with major outlets like ABC News, Good Morning America, and Peter Jennings Reporting, creating powerful, character-driven stories with passion and integrity. Her notable credits include The Gun Fight, an Emmy Award-winning deep dive into the National Rifle Association, and the critically acclaimed The Beatles Anthology.

    As the director of the powerful documentary Left Behind, Anna shares the inspiring journey of a group of determined mothers who fought to open New York City’s first public school for dyslexic children. Through their struggle against a system that neglected over 200,000 students, the film highlights the personal and institutional challenges they faced, and the political obstacles they overcame.

    Stay tuned as we discuss the impact of this film and the ongoing fight for educational equality.
    Guest: Anna Toomey, Director of Left Behind
    Highlights:
    • Anna’s career as an Emmy-winning producer with credits including The Gun Fight and The Beatles Anthology
    • The making of Left Behind: A documentary about the fight to establish NYC's first public school for dyslexic children
    • The impact of the film and its role in advocating for change in the education system
    • The collaboration with key team members like David Beal, Sian Edwards Beal, and Juju Chang
    • Anna's work with Sandy Dog Productions and her commitment to telling compelling, socially relevant stories
    Resources:
    • Left Behind at DOC NYC
    • Support the film’s Impact Campaign for dyslexia awareness
    https://www.leftbehindthefilm.com
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    33 mins