• Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

  • By: Damien Swaby
  • Podcast

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

By: Damien Swaby
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Discover the world of independent film with Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby!

    From industry professionals to the next generation of filmmakers, Damien Swaby brings his unique perspectives on indie filmmaking and the conversations that are taking place across the community.
    Listeners will find inspiration and guidance from conversations on the podcast and leave armed with the knowledge to make their own indie films.

    Tune in to Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby today!


    Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network (www.ifhpodcastnetwork.com)
    Damien Swaby
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Art
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Episodes
  • Ep 233: The Audience is the Strategy: Caitlin Boyle on Purpose-Driven Distribution

    Ep 233: The Audience is the Strategy: Caitlin Boyle on Purpose-Driven Distribution
    Apr 30 2025
    Episode Summary:

    In this episode, Damien Swaby is joined by Caitlin Boyle, a pioneering force in strategic documentary distribution and the founder of Film Sprout. Caitlin discusses how filmmakers can move beyond traditional release models to build meaningful connections with audiences through grassroots campaigns, non-theatrical screenings, and community engagement. Drawing on over a decade of experience guiding social impact films, she shares insights into how intentional distribution strategies can amplify a film’s reach and deepen its impact. Whether you're an independent filmmaker, producer, or distributor, this conversation is essential listening.

    What We Cover in This Episode:
    • Caitlin’s career journey from WNET to founding Film Sprout
    • The limitations of conventional theatrical distribution
    • How community screenings can drive deeper engagement and real-world change
    • Designing a distribution strategy with purpose from pre-production
    • Real case studies from Film Sprout’s work with impact-driven documentaries
    • Tips for filmmakers on connecting with grassroots organizations and educational institutions
    • Why audience-building should be treated as a creative discipline
    Guest Bio – Caitlin BoyleCaitlin Boyle is the founder of Film Sprout, a consultancy that has shaped the distribution strategies of hundreds of independent documentaries focused on social justice, education, health, and the environment. With over 15 years of experience building grassroots outreach campaigns, she’s a recognized leader in impact distribution and a frequent speaker at DOC NYC, Sundance, and Good Pitch.

    Resources & Mentions:
    W: https://caitlinboyle.co
    E: hi@caitlinboyle.co
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    45 mins
  • Ep 232: From Baywatch to Emmy Wins – Karina Michel P.G.A. The Art of Reinvention

    Ep 232: From Baywatch to Emmy Wins – Karina Michel P.G.A. The Art of Reinvention
    Apr 18 2025
    In this inspiring episode, Damien Swaby sits down with multi-hyphenate creative Karina Michel—an actress, model, producer, and Emmy-winning executive producer. Karina shares her fascinating journey from a childhood dream in Northamptonshire to navigating Hollywood auditions and eventually leading impactful storytelling projects as the head of Tallulah Films.

    🗣️ Topics Covered:
    • Karina’s early acting dreams and her modeling break with Ford Agency
    • Auditioning for Baywatch and what she learned from the process
    • Life on the set of Dexter and how method acting impacted the environment
    • Her transition into producing, and lessons learned from both sides of the camera
    • Behind the scenes of her award-winning documentary Heart of FLPD and Oscar-shortlisted Little Miss Sumo
    • The importance of telling untold stories and spotlighting social issues through film
    • Navigating the evolving landscape of entertainment with streaming, AI, and Zoom-based filmmaking
    • Advice to young creatives: “Just start—even imperfectly. That’s how momentum builds.”
    🌍 Plus:
    Karina reflects on balancing creativity with business, her go-to spiritual and grounding practices, and the emotional strength it takes to wear many hats in the entertainment industry.

    🎙️ About the Guest:
    Karina Michel is the host of Kofi Entertainment Unfiltered, a podcast exploring the journeys of artists and creatives. She has worked on over 100 productions and continues to champion underrepresented voices through film and media.

    📌 Key Quote:
    “Inspiration is everywhere. You don’t always have to look for it—sometimes the story finds you.”

    Connect with Karina Michel
    Instagram: karinamichelofficial
    Podcast: Coffee with Karina - Entertainment Unfiltered

    📢 Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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    35 mins
  • Ep 231: The Art of Video Editing with Emmy Winner Cybele Policastro

    Ep 231: The Art of Video Editing with Emmy Winner Cybele Policastro
    Apr 9 2025
    The Art of Video Editing with Emmy Winner Cybele Policastro
    • Guest: Cybele Policastro, a highly accomplished and multi-Emmy Award-winning video editor based in New York City.
    • Expertise: Extensive experience in video editing for a wide range of high-profile media, including news and entertainment.
    • Career Highlights:
      • Over 20 years of experience as a dedicated editor, notably at ABC News.
      • Recipient of multiple Emmy Awards and a Murrow Award, recognizing excellence in her field.
      • Nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Morning Program for Good Morning America in 2015.
      • Worked on prominent shows and segments, including contributions to GMA, 20/20's Robin's Journey, NAT GEO productions
      • Chalamet, Taylor Swift, Willy Chavarria, RuPaul, John Oates, and India Oxenberg.
      • Experience editing for Shonda Rhimes' productions.
      • Contributed to environmental reporting that received a duPont-Columbia Award.
      • Worked on Between the Lions early in her career.
    • Mentorship: Cybele is also involved in mentoring aspiring journalists and video editors, offering insights into professional editing techniques, news production workflows, and career navigation in the media industry. She emphasizes adapting to the evolving digital landscape and thriving under pressure.
    • Filmmaking Background: Co-directed and edited the documentary shorts The Firings and Evasion, which explored issues of academic freedom and institutional change at Bennington College in the 1990s. This project demonstrates her early engagement with filmmaking and storytelling.
    W: https://cybelepolicastro.com
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    34 mins
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