Episodios

  • Ep 236: Narrative Truths: Producing Impactful Documentaries with Nicole Noren

    Ep 236: Narrative Truths: Producing Impactful Documentaries with Nicole Noren
    May 22 2025
    📘 Episode Summary: In this masterclass episode, Damien Swaby is joined by award-winning journalist and documentary producer Nicole Noren, whose two-decade career at ESPN is a case study in investigative storytelling done right. Nicole breaks down how she balances the demands of narrative structure with journalistic integrity — from sourcing vulnerable subjects, to shaping character arcs, to working within the legal and ethical frameworks of a major broadcasting institution. Together, they explore the future of longform investigative media, the creative tension between access and objectivity, and how the democratization of platforms like YouTube is reshaping the business model of high-quality nonfiction.

    🧵 Topics Covered:
    • Nicole’s process for fusing investigative research with narrative filmmaking
    • Ethics and liability in true-story storytelling
    • Why subject trust is non-negotiable in stories involving trauma
    • Building stories that survive legal review without losing emotional weight
    • Internal dynamics of working inside a network like ESPN
    • Challenges of time compression, edit lock deadlines, and character consent
    • How platforming on YouTube increases reach without compromising quality

    🎧 Who This Episode Is For:
    • Investigative journalists and editors
    • Documentary filmmakers and producers
    • Media lawyers and compliance editors
    • Communications strategists in public interest or nonprofit media
    • Journalism educators and students focused on longform formats
    W: https://nicolenoren.com/about
    Listen full documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYGkIL70TD4&t=3s
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    48 m
  • Ep 235: Art Meets Film: Isabel Riley on Bridging Canvas and Cinema

    Ep 235: Art Meets Film: Isabel Riley on Bridging Canvas and Cinema
    May 12 2025
    Episode Summary: Discover the fascinating intersection of visual art and filmmaking in this insightful conversation with artist Isabel Riley. Host Damien Swaby delves into Isabel's unique role in bringing art to the screen through her work with Art for Film. Explore how her paintings and artistic vision contribute to the atmosphere and storytelling of film and television productions. Beyond her cinematic collaborations, Isabel also shares details about her current exhibitions at the Michelle Mercaldo Gallery and Ellen Meller Gallery in Boston, offering a glimpse into her broader artistic practice. This episode is a must-listen for filmmakers, art directors, set designers, and anyone intrigued by the power of art to enhance visual narratives.

    Key Talking Points:
    • Isabel Riley's background as an artist and her connection to the film industry.
    • How art contributes to the mood, period authenticity, and overall aesthetic of film and TV.
    • Insights into the Boston art scene and its potential collaborations with film productions.
    W: https://www.isabelriley.com
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    36 m
  • Ep 234: 30 Years at ABC — Executive Director Doug Looney Takes Us Behind the Broadcast

    Ep 234: 30 Years at ABC — Executive Director Doug Looney Takes Us Behind the Broadcast
    May 7 2025
    Episode Summary:

    Join Damien Swaby as he sits down with a seasoned professional from ABC News with 30 years of experience in the media industry. In this episode, we delve into Doug Looney's fascinating career journey, from early experiments with VHS editing in high school to overseeing technical operations at a major news network. Discover how technology has transformed news production, the challenges and rewards of working in a fast-paced environment, and the key skills needed to thrive in modern media operations.

    Key Topics Discussed:
    • Early Beginnings: How a high school television production class sparked a passion for media and led to early editing experiments.
    • Entry into ABC News: His first steps into the industry through a temporary job and the importance of soaking in the environment.
    • The Rise of Digital: Transitioning from analog to digital and the early days of abcnews.com.
    • Modern News Acquisition: How technologies like LiveU and TVU enable rapid ingestion of live video from the field.
    • The Power of Avid: Utilizing the Avid system for simultaneous recording and editing in news production.
    • Adobe Premiere Pro at ABC News: Where and why Premiere Pro is used within the network, particularly for social media and promos.
    • The Move to 7 Hudson Square: The massive project of relocating ABC News operations and the exciting technological upgrades implemented, including cloud-based editing.
    • Scaling Operations: Balancing cost efficiency with creative output and the role of technology in achieving this.
    • Essential Skills for Media Operations Teams: Prioritizing technical proficiencies for editors, acquisition teams, and distribution roles.
    • Missing the Edit: Reflections on the hands-on editing process and memorable projects, including an Emmy-winning piece.
    • The Impact of the Pandemic: How remote work and technological adaptation fostered deeper bonds within the team.
    Doug Looney's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-looney-75a8854/

    Thank you for joining us for this insightful conversation with our guest from ABC News. We hope you gained valuable perspectives on the evolution of media operations and the exciting future of news production. Be sure to subscribe to Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby for more in-depth discussions with industry professionals!
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    1 h y 1 m
  • 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 m
  • 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 m
  • 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 m
  • Ep 230: Beyond the Turmoil: Isabelle Mecattaf's Lens on Lebanon

    Ep 230: Beyond the Turmoil: Isabelle Mecattaf's Lens on Lebanon
    Apr 6 2025
    Welcome to the podcast! Today we have filmmaker Isabelle on the show to discuss her journey from Lebanon to NYU and her experiences crafting compelling films. We'll delve into her creative process, her passion for telling human stories amidst political turmoil, and her advice for emerging filmmakers. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about resilience, filmmaking, and finding your voice.

    https://www.isabellemecattaf.com/filmography

    BEITY

    Shownotes:
    • Isabelle's Origin Story: Born and raised in Lebanon, Isabelle moved to the United States at 18 for college, where she studied English literature and philosophy. She pursued a master's in film at NYU.




    • NYU Tisch Experience: Isabelle describes her time at NYU Tisch as transformative, where she learned all aspects of filmmaking from industry professionals and built a strong network of collaborators.



    • Influence of Literature and Philosophy: Isabelle discusses how her background in English literature and philosophy has shaped her storytelling, particularly in character development and narrative structure.



    • Short Film "Beiti": Isabelle's second-year film at NYU, "Beiti" (meaning "My House" in Arabic), was shot on 16mm film in Lebanon. The film explores themes of waiting, limbo, and the experiences of those left behind in Lebanon due to immigration.




    • Shooting on Film: Isabelle shares her love for shooting on film, emphasizing how it fosters intentionality, precision, and focus on set.




    • Feature Film "May You Outlive Us": Isabelle is currently working on her first feature film, "May You Outlive Us," which continues to explore themes of resilience and everyday life in Lebanon amidst political and economic turmoil.




    • Lebanese Resilience: The discussion delves into the resilience of the Lebanese people and how it influences their daily lives and Isabelle's filmmaking.



    • Transition to Feature Film: Isabelle shares the challenges of transitioning from short films to a feature, particularly in navigating co-productions, government funding, and pitching to secure financing.



    • Focus on Humanity: Isabelle emphasizes her commitment to telling human stories and her desire to move beyond narratives solely focused on war and poverty in Lebanon.



    • Lebanese Filmmakers: Isabelle highlights the work of other talented Lebanese filmmakers, including Wisam Sheddaf and Muniael, and the collaborative spirit within the community.



    • Casting Process: Isabelle discusses her approach to casting, emphasizing her preference for working with professional actors and focusing on connection and communication.



    • Recognition and Support: Isabelle acknowledges the impact of being shortlisted for the Breakthrough Lens Action Grant and selected for the NYU Purple List, highlighting the importance of community and support in filmmaking.



    • Advice for Emerging Filmmakers: Isabelle's advice for emerging filmmakers, particularly those telling personal and politically relevant stories, centers on trusting their support system, working hard, surrounding themselves with good people, and seeking out opportunities and initiatives designed to support new voices.



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    36 m
  • Ep 229: Protecting Creativity: Navigating IP & Entertainment Law with Kennington Groff, Esq.

    Ep 229: Protecting Creativity: Navigating IP & Entertainment Law with Kennington Groff, Esq.
    Mar 28 2025
    In this episode, we sit down with Kennington Groff, Esq., an experienced attorney specializing in intellectual property, entertainment, and corporate law. With a career spanning major companies like HBO, NBCUniversal, and Lionsgate, Kennington shares insights into protecting creative work, legal pitfalls businesses should avoid, and how the entertainment industry is evolving in the digital age.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • Kennington’s journey into law and entertainment
    • Common misconceptions about trademarks and copyrights
    • The biggest IP challenges facing content creators today
    • Legal mistakes businesses make when protecting their brand
    • How streaming platforms have changed entertainment law
    • Essential legal advice for entrepreneurs and startups
    • Kennington’s volunteer work and advice for aspiring lawyers
    Whether you're a content creator, entrepreneur, or business owner, this episode is packed with valuable legal insightsto help you navigate intellectual property and entertainment law.

    Kennington is a highly organized and motivated individual with a strong work ethic, who brings a unique blend of legal and industry experience to her clients. She is dedicated to registering, protecting, enforcing, and defending the rights of individuals and companies throughout the United States and abroad. Kennington is a J.D. graduate from Pepperdine Law, and holds Bachelors of Arts degrees in Journalism and Public Relations and Spanish from The University of Georgia.

    Kennington is also a dedicated volunteer and has a history of supporting great causes. She advocates for the welfare of animals and supports local businesses volunteering with Buckhead Business Association and Taste of Buckhead. Formerly, she mentored high school students preparing for moot court and drafted declarations to help clients obtain court-approved temporary restraining orders as a Legal Volunteer with LACBA Domestic Violence Legal Services Project.

    W: Kennington Groff, ESQ
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    32 m
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