Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

• 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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• Ep 270: The Paper Bear: Arix Zalace Blends Animation and Nature for Conservation

  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 storytellingThe challenge of filming wild black bears in Florida’s forestsArix Zalace’s evolution from commercial work to conservation cinemaThe emotional power of father-son themes and 1980s-style adventure filmmakingBuilding partnerships and funding an independent environmental filmWhy storytelling and animation are powerful tools for conservationWhether 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.W: https://www.thepaperbear.org/who-we-areIMBD: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7730373/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 269: Zayn Alexandre: Reclaiming the Arab Narrative — From Beirut to New York

  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 MentionedVenice Film Festival – Giornate degli Autori (Venice Days)Khayrallah Art Prize for Lebanese Diaspora ArtSilver Hypatia Award – Alexandria Short Film FestivalAhmed Khedr Award – ÉCU European Independent Film FestivalLaguna Sud Award – ItalyTIFF Filmmaker Lab ‘21Arab America’s 40 Under 40https://www.zaynalexandre.com/aboutUse 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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