Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

• Ep 275: How One Filmmaker Made a Studio-Level Fantasy on a $100K Budget

  In this episode, Damien speaks with filmmaker Christopher, the creator of Princess Hally and the Jester, a groundbreaking ultra-low-budget fantasy feature made with a hybrid workflow of green screen, virtual production, traditional VFX, and AI-enhanced imagery.Christopher shares how he went from NYU Tisch to building an animation studio, mentoring artists who would later work on Avatar and with Christopher Nolan, and ultimately pioneering new methods of independent filmmaking.Highlights From the ConversationEarly Beginnings: From birthday-party camcorder experiments to applying (twice!) to NYU Tisch.Film School Insights: NYU in the early 2000s — shooting on 16mm, learning craft over tech, and being ahead of the digital curve.First Company Success: His Nashville-based interactive animation studio where future Oscar-level talent got their start.The Birth of Princess Hally and the Jester:Conceiving a classical fairytale inspired by Technicolor films like The Wizard of Oz.Shooting an epic fantasy for under $100k — often as a literal one-man crew.Convincing actors the project wasn’t impossible (many initially thought it was).Managing set builds, lighting, and performances inside a garage turned green-screen stage.AI + VFX Hybrid Workflow:Completing 600 new VFX shots in 30 days with no crew.How AI expanded existing handmade work rather than replacing it.Why this approach will likely become the norm for independent and studio filmmaking alike.Casting & Performance:Building the relationship between Princess Hally and Henry.Working with actors who sometimes never shared the stage in real life due to the shooting constraints.Challenges on Set:A near-disastrous second day of filming.Emotional moments of doubt — and how the director’s wife kept the production alive.Sound recording issues leading to 90% of the film being looped in post.The Role of Family:Christopher’s wife made every costume — essential for elevating the world-building.Tools for Indie Filmmakers:Emphasis on Unreal Engine 5, Maya, freelance marketplaces, and early experimentation with AI prompts.Where Independent Film Is Headed:How YouTube, TikTok, and gaming have shifted audience habits.Why indie filmmakers will soon match studio visuals thanks to evolving tools.What’s Next:A new period adventure film in early development.Hopes of working with a full crew after this one-man epic.🎬 Film Mentioned Princess Hally and the JesterCurrently available on Amazon Prime (director’s cut), with releases on additional platforms coming soon.TRAILER: https://vimeo.com/1112925787📌 Three Words Christopher Uses to Describe the Film“21st century filmmaking.

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• Ep 274: Caprice on Fame, Films, and Creating Feel-Good Christmas Stories

  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 producerThe founding and mission of JJLove ProductionsBehind the scenes of A Scottish Christmas SecretWhy Christmas films are still culturally importantProducing, acting, and balancing creative controlHow personal reinvention can spark new creative chaptersThe importance of telling feel-good stories in uncertain timesWhat’s next for Caprice and her growing film slateABOUT 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 filmsFilm producer interviewsActing and filmmaking insightsReinvention & career growth storiesBehind-the-scenes filmmaking conversationshttps://www.capricebourret.comCall to Action. 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.Use Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:25% Off More Labshttps://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Strong Coffee Companyhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off Tusslehttps://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Eric Javitshttps://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY25% Off Quantum Energy Squarehttps://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Long Tablehttps://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off HyperNaturalhttps://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off wearplaygroundhttps://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off STAND+https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY10% Off Molly Bzhttps://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY41% Off Cozy Earthhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABYX (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en 

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• Ep 273: Cutting the Story: Juli Berg on Documentary Editing, TV Post, and a Life in Film

  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 festivalsDirected, produced, and edited a wide range of music videosServed for two years as an Avid editing instructor at SVA, helping develop the next generation of editorsBuilt a reputation as a self-sufficient editor and post-producer capable of managing narrative structure, pacing, and story architecture independentlyDelivered over 80 episodes and specials as Editor/Post-Producer on History Channel’s long-running series American PickersJuli 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.Use Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:25% Off More Labshttps://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Strong Coffee Companyhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off Tusslehttps://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Eric Javitshttps://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY25% Off Quantum Energy Squarehttps://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Long Tablehttps://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off HyperNaturalhttps://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off wearplaygroundhttps://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off STAND+https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY10% Off Molly Bzhttps://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY41% Off Cozy Earthhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABYX (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en 

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• Ep 272: Barbara Niven: A Masterclass in Craft, Courage & Career Longevity

  Episode SummaryIn 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 CoveredHow Barbara became one of the busiest actresses in HollywoodWorking on Hallmark’s biggest and most beloved seriesBringing Marilyn Monroe to life in The Rat PackWhat it takes to stay relevant and fulfilled in entertainmentThe creation of Unleash Your Star Power!™Overcoming fear, self-doubt, and perfectionismLiving a life of purpose, passion, and serviceW https://www.barbaraniven.com Call to Action. 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.Use Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:25% Off More Labshttps://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Strong Coffee Companyhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off Tusslehttps://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Eric Javitshttps://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY25% Off Quantum Energy Squarehttps://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Long Tablehttps://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off HyperNaturalhttps://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off wearplaygroundhttps://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off STAND+https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY10% Off Molly Bzhttps://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY41% Off Cozy Earthhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABYX (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en 

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• Ep 271: Inside the Neighborhood: Seth Zvi Rosenfeld’s Guerrilla Filmmaking & NYC Stories

  Episode SnapshotPlaywright-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 & Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & intro00:01 – Origin story: theatre → screenwriting (New Line Cinema)00:03 – Lessons from early Hollywood experiences00:04 – First short film, Sundance Lab & early features00:05 – Brother’s Kiss and King of the Jungle00:06 – Transition into television work00:07 – Pandemic short rekindles love for filmmaking00:08 – The birth of a new film at El Posto A Canto restaurant00:09 – Shooting with real patrons and blending fiction with reality00:10 – Guerrilla filmmaking on the Williamsburg Bridge00:12 – Creating a film about community and connection00:16 – Directing non-actors and improvisation00:19 – The heart of the film: post-pandemic togetherness00:22 – Collaborating with longtime friends and actors00:24 – New York City as a living character00:27 – Danny Hoch’s creative influence and personal experiences00:29 – Tone, truth, and emotional authenticity in filmmaking00:33 – Influences: Sidney Lumet, Woody Allen, and Scorsese00:36 – Lessons from theatre: the art of working with actors00:38 – Television vs. indie film: control and collaboration00:41 – Distribution realities & using FilmHub00:44 – Next project: Legit — a comedy set in New York’s cannabis world00:46 – Why we tell stories and how film preserves human experience00:47 – Closing thoughts and reflectionsPeople, Places & Projects MentionedFilms by Seth Zvi Rosenfeld: Brother’s Kiss, King of the JungleRestaurant: 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 FeverTV: How to Make It in AmericaDistribution Platform: FilmHubNotable 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_RosenfeldCall to Action. 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.Use Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:25% Off More Labshttps://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Strong Coffee Companyhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off Tusslehttps://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Eric Javitshttps://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY25% Off Quantum Energy Squarehttps://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Long Tablehttps://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off HyperNaturalhttps://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off wearplaygroundhttps://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off STAND+https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY10% Off Molly Bzhttps://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY41% Off Cozy Earthhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABYX (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en 

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