Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

• Ep 242: Suha Araj on Storytelling, Identity & Representation

  📄 Show Notes:In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with filmmaker Suha Araj, who shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey from a career in advertising to becoming a powerful voice in film. Suha opens up about navigating major life transitions and how creative expression has always been a crucial part of her identity—even when it was sidelined by other life responsibilities.Growing up as a Palestinian in Ohio, Suha talks candidly about the lack of representation and the damaging stereotypes about Arabs and Palestinians in media. These experiences ignited her passion to reclaim narratives and amplify underrepresented voices through the lens of cinema.Listeners will gain insight into:How personal identity can inspire professional transformationThe role of media in shaping cultural perceptionThe challenges and triumphs of shifting from corporate to creative lifeWhy storytelling is a powerful tool for social justice📚 Educational Insight:Representation matters—not just in front of the camera, but behind it too. When people tell their own stories, it challenges stereotypes, deepens empathy, and broadens the understanding of cultures often misrepresented in mainstream media.https://www.suhamaria.com

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• Ep 241: From Courtroom to Camera: Don Worley’s Journey into Independent Film

  Summary From Courtroom to Camera: Don Worley’s Journey into Independent Film In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby sits down with the multitalented Don Worley — a nationally recognized personal injury attorney, former stand-up comedian, and now a dynamic force in independent cinema. Don shares his unconventional journey from high-stakes legal battles to red carpets at the Chinese Theatre. As the producer and star of Time for Sunset, a gripping crime thriller, and co-creator of the hit streaming series Power of Attorney, Don opens up about navigating the worlds of justice and storytelling.🎬 Discover:How comedy shaped Don’s courtroom presenceWhat inspired his transition to filmmakingBehind-the-scenes of Time for SunsetBuilding a streaming hit from scratchThe synergy between law and filmThis episode is packed with inspiration for creatives, legal minds, and anyone chasing a second act.McDonald Worley The Power of AttorneyDon Worley 3rd degree connection 3rd Attorney at McDonald Worley Attorneys at Law and VP at Brand-in EntertainmentPower of Attorney: Don Worley - Season 2 TrailerBrand In Entertainment

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• Ep 239: Writing small talk, Big Thoughts: Building a Feature Film with an iPhone, a Mic & a Vision

  Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Damien Swaby opens up about the script for his upcoming film small talk, Big Thoughts — a powerful, poetic anthology of real conversations exploring identity, faith, legacy, migration, masculinity, feminism, and more.Damien shares how he's preparing to shoot the entire project on an iPhone, why he's using the Rode NTG2 and Tascam DR-05X for audio, and how DIY filmmaking is not a limitation — it’s a creative philosophy.Whether you're a filmmaker, screenwriter, podcaster, or storyteller, this episode is a masterclass in grounding powerful stories in real-world tools and intention.📚 Educational Benefit / Learning OutcomesListeners will:Learn how to prep a feature film with minimal gear and maximum intention.Understand the strengths of using an iPhone + Filmic Pro for cinematic storytelling.Gain insight into capturing high-quality audio with budget-friendly equipment.Explore how to write and structure an anthology-style script with social and cultural weight.Reflect on the value of starting with what you have — and why storytelling doesn’t need to wait for permission.Perfect for indie filmmakers, students, podcast producers, and anyone building creative projects with limited resources.Tools Mentioned:iPhone 13 ProFiLMiC Pro appBeastGrip rigRode NTG2 shotgun micTascam DR-05X recorder

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• Ep 238: From BBC to Bold: Moses Ssebandeke on Crafting New Cinematic Voices

  Episode Summary: In this compelling episode, Damien Swaby sits down with filmmaker Moses Ssebandeke, a bold voice in the UK indie film scene and a member of the Lionstooth Collective. Known for his experimental yet grounded storytelling, Moses shares the journey from his early days as a BBC Academy apprentice to producing content for Radio 1Xtra, ITVX, and beyond. Listeners will get an inside look at:🌱 How Moses got started in media through the BBC apprenticeship scheme🎧 His behind-the-scenes experience working at BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, helping grow their YouTube following past 140,000 subscribers — more than any other BBC radio station🛠️ The technical and emotional rollercoaster of being a freelance filmmaker🪐 A peek into Panspermia, a cosmic visual project exploring the interconnectedness of existence and storytelling🎥 The purpose and passion behind the Lionstooth film collective and their commitment to bold, culturally-rich narrativesMoses also talks candidly about the creative droughts and bursts that define the life of an independent artist, what fuels him to keep pushing boundaries, and why telling stories that haven’t been told — or haven’t been told this way — is a lifelong mission. Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative professional, or someone fascinated by how stories are made, this is a must-listen.Links & Mentions:Moses Ssebandeke on LinkedIn Moses work https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEDuRPQm85a9gGxExYL5U_ucTf234ILJEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQs327Kra6Uhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEDuRPQm85a8bSFbW6rDUvmzM1XMkstg7

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• Ep 237: The Art of Color Grading: Alice Abrams on Shaping Emotion Through Color

  Episode Summary:What makes a scene feel cold, nostalgic, or magical—before a single word is spoken? In this illuminating episode, we’re joined by Alice Abrams, a freelance colorist whose work has helped define the visual identity of campaigns for Netflix, Meta, Google, Volvo, and more. Based in Austin, TX, Alice brings a decade of experience in film to her color suite, where she transforms raw footage into emotionally resonant, cinematic experiences.Alice shares her unique journey from working as a director of photography and editor to discovering that color grading was her true calling. You'll hear how her background behind the camera influences her work in post-production, and why she views color not just as a technical tool—but as a storytelling language in its own right.Whether you're a filmmaker, editor, aspiring colorist, or just a visual storytelling enthusiast, this deep dive into the world of professional color grading offers both inspiration and practical insights.Alice Abrams is a seasoned freelance colorist with a background in cinematography, editing, and color grading. After spending years working across California and New York, Alice now resides in Austin, TX, where she operates her own grading suite and works with clients worldwide. Her work spans narrative film, commercials, branded content, and music videos—bringing a distinct visual signature that blends cinematic precision with emotional depth.📬 Contact: [email protected]🌐 Website & Reel: alicefilmcolor.com📸 Instagram: @alice.filmcolor🎨What You'll Learn in This Episode:The evolving role of a colorist in today's film and commercial landscapeHow color influences mood, tone, and storytellingThe technical and artistic sides of color gradingTips for building trust with directors and cinematographersHow to start offering remote grading servicesWhy building your aesthetic voice mattersHow Alice balances professional growth and personal creativity📢 Call to Action:🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it really helps others find the show!

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