Ep 222: Breaking In: Class, Rejection & Resilience with Helen Tompson

Episode Summary:In this episode we sit down with screenwriter, script editor, and playwright Helen Tompson to talk about the often-overlooked struggles of working-class creatives in the film and TV industry. From imposter syndrome to industry gatekeeping, Helen shares her personal journey—from leaving school early and working as a young carer to later pursuing a master's in screenwriting and securing funding for her first short film.We discuss:🎬 The hidden barriers working-class writers and filmmakers face💰 The impact of financial instability on creative careers🚪 Dealing with rejection and finding resilience📝 How mentorship and community can make a difference📢 What the industry needs to change to become more inclusive.Helen’s story is proof that talent and determination can break through, even when the odds are stacked against you. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in this industry, this episode is for youLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-tompson/

Episode Description:In this episode, we sit down with accomplished editor Amelia, whose journey from a childhood passion for storytelling to editing high-profile projects like Dune, Westworld, and Pen15 is nothing short of extraordinary. Amelia takes us behind the scenes of the editing room, sharing her deep knowledge of tools like Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premiere Pro, and how they shaped her creative and technical evolution.We explore:The tools of the trade: Why Avid is her go-to for large-scale productions and how Premiere Pro paved the way in her early days.Mentorship and collaboration: How the ACE Internship Program and supportive communities shaped her path.The art of storytelling: Balancing pacing, tone, and emotion in projects ranging from Westworld to Pen15.Technical versus creative: How Emilia relies on her assistants for technical tasks so she can focus on pure creativity.Staying ahead of the curve: Thoughts on the future of editing and adapting to technological advancements.Whether you’re an aspiring editor or a curious film enthusiast, this episode is a treasure trove of practical advice, heartfelt stories, and inspiration.Key Quotes:“Editing is more than cutting scenes—it's crafting a story with rhythm, tone, and emotion.”“The right tools matter, but passion and mentorship are what really make a career.”“Trusting your instincts as an editor is a muscle you train every day.”Resources Mentioned:https://www.avid.com/media-composerAdobe Premiere Prohttps://americancinemaeditors.org/ed-center/ace-internship-program/About Our Guest:Amelia is a seasoned editor who has worked on major Hollywood productions and champions the importance of mentorship and community in the editing world.W:https://www.ameliaallwardeneditor.com/about

Episode Overview:In this engaging episode, Damien Swaby speaks with Joe Lusby, a seasoned creative video producer whose journey has taken him from small-town Arkansas to the vibrant streets of New York City. Joe shares his insights into the challenges and triumphs of balancing corporate work, nonprofit projects, and creative storytelling. From early days in Arkansas’ budding film scene to working with prestigious organizations like Never Whisper Justice, Joe reflects on the importance of impactful storytelling, the lessons learned from working solo, and the evolution of his craft.Key Topics Covered:The Creative Hustle: How Joe turned passion projects into a thriving career.Lessons from Failures: Overcoming creative challenges and learning from mistakes.Corporate vs. Creative: Navigating the balance between commercial and nonprofit projects.Cultural Impact: Exploring racial and social justice themes through filmmaking.Filmmaking Tips: Why collaboration matters and how to embrace fast turnarounds.Memorable Quotes:"You learn so much faster by listening to other professionals that are above you. Take the time—it can wipe a year off your learning curve.""Storytelling is about condensing real experiences into narratives that resonate. It's about doing justice to the people whose stories you’re privileged to tell."W: https://www.joelusbymedia.com/aboutEducational Corner: Pro Tips for Emerging FilmmakersStart Small but Smart: Begin with passion projects to hone your skills. Use constraints to fuel creativity.Collaborate Early: Don’t be afraid to bring in specialists. Sound designers, editors, and cinematographers elevate your work.Be Adaptable: Deadlines and fast turnarounds are inevitable. Learn to stay calm and efficient.Tell Stories That Matter: Seek out stories that inspire change and resonate deeply with audiences.Never Stop Learning: Every project, success or failure, adds to your toolkit.                                           

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, we dive deep into the world of storytelling with Diane Lansing, a screenwriter, playwright, and filmmaker whose passion for reinvention and collaboration shines through her craft. Diane shares her inspiring journey from studying acting under Larry Moss to writing multidimensional characters for stage and screen. We discuss the challenges of transitioning from theatre to film, the lessons learned while directing her short film Out of Her Element, and the beauty of collaboration in filmmaking. Diane also reveals her approach to creating authentic and layered characters, the importance of trust in the filmmaking process, and her upcoming documentary project that promises to blend art, humanity, and inspiration.This episode is a masterclass in storytelling and collaboration, offering valuable insights for filmmakers and creatives looking to refine their craft.Key Topics and TakeawaysReinvention through Writing: How Diane transitioned from acting to writing plays and screenplays, creating more dimensional female characters along the way.Character-Driven Screenwriting: Diane's process for building deep, believable characters rooted in her acting background and how it influences her screenwriting.Lessons in Directing: Diane’s experience directing Out of Her Element and the challenges of adapting theatre concepts to the screen.Collaborative Filmmaking: The importance of building trust with cast and crew, allowing creative freedom, and finding inspiration through teamwork.The Power of Music and Post-Production: A behind-the-scenes look at the score creation for Trust, featuring the Budapest Orchestra, and how post-production enhances storytelling.Documentary Filmmaking: Diane’s plans for her new documentary project, Be Seen, Be Heard, showcasing the resilience and beauty of children with disabilities and cancer.Educational Value of This EpisodeScreenwriting Techniques: Learn how to create layered, authentic characters and balance action with dialogue in your scripts.Directorial Insights: Understand the differences between directing for theatre and film and the key lessons Diane learned from her first directorial experience.The Art of Collaboration: Discover the importance of trust, creative freedom, and community in successful filmmaking.Practical Tips for Filmmakers: Gain actionable advice on casting, working with composers, and navigating post-production challenges.Inspiration for Aspiring Filmmakers: Diane’s journey offers encouragement to embrace reinvention, take creative risks, and pursue meaningful stories.Call to ActionDon’t miss this inspiring conversation with Diane Lansing! Subscribe to the Filmmaking Conversations Podcast on your favorite platform, and leave us a review to share your thoughts. For more updates, follow Damien Swaby on social media and visit the podcast website.https://www.dianelansing.com/

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Anna Toomey, an Emmy Award-winning producer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Anna has worked with major outlets like ABC News, Good Morning America, and Peter Jennings Reporting, creating powerful, character-driven stories with passion and integrity. Her notable credits include The Gun Fight, an Emmy Award-winning deep dive into the National Rifle Association, and the critically acclaimed The Beatles Anthology.As the director of the powerful documentary Left Behind, Anna shares the inspiring journey of a group of determined mothers who fought to open New York City’s first public school for dyslexic children. Through their struggle against a system that neglected over 200,000 students, the film highlights the personal and institutional challenges they faced, and the political obstacles they overcame.Stay tuned as we discuss the impact of this film and the ongoing fight for educational equality. Guest: Anna Toomey, Director of Left BehindHighlights:Anna’s career as an Emmy-winning producer with credits including The Gun Fight and The Beatles AnthologyThe making of Left Behind: A documentary about the fight to establish NYC's first public school for dyslexic childrenThe impact of the film and its role in advocating for change in the education systemThe collaboration with key team members like David Beal, Sian Edwards Beal, and Juju ChangAnna's work with Sandy Dog Productions and her commitment to telling compelling, socially relevant storiesResources:Left Behind at DOC NYCSupport the film’s Impact Campaign for dyslexia awarenesshttps://www.leftbehindthefilm.com

Helen De Michiel – A Pioneer in Participatory Media and Community StorytellingIn this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, we dive into the fascinating world of participatory media and innovative storytelling with Helen De Michiel—a trailblazing producer, director, writer, and community engagement specialist.Helen shares insights from her decades-long career, starting with her pioneering work in public television on The Independents and Alive TV in the 1980s. As a visionary filmmaker, Helen has always pushed boundaries, blending traditional storytelling with co-creative practices to foster dialogue and create impactful media.Her work is featured in museum collections across the United States and continues to inspire new generations of storytellers.We explore Helen’s innovative concept of open space media, which she detailed in her book Open Space New Media Documentary: A Toolkit for Theory and Practice, co-authored with Patricia Zimmermann. She also reflects on the transformative impact of her episodic documentary projects, Lunch Love Community and Berkeley Vs. Big Soda, which address pressing issues like food justice and public health.In addition to her creative work, Helen discusses her role as an educator at California College of the Arts in San Francisco and how she supports other filmmakers through consulting and coaching.Helen’s dedication to sparking dialogue and creating social impact across media and communities is a powerful reminder of the potential of filmmaking to drive meaningful change.Highlights from this episode include:The evolution of participatory media and its impact on storytelling.Helen’s journey in co-creating Lunch Love Community and its global influence on food justice.The concept of open space media and its application to modern documentary filmmaking.How Helen mentors filmmakers in refining their creative processes and reaching their distribution goals.Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true innovator in the world of independent filmmaking. Helen’s passion for collaboration, creativity, and community engagement is sure to leave you inspired and ready to take your storytelling to the next level.Links & Resources:Helen De Michiel’s website: https://www.thirtyleaves.orgListen now and join the conversation!

In this episode, we dive into the world of independent filmmaking with Alexsiya Flora, an acclaimed filmmaker, producer, and social media mentor for rising female creatives. Alexsiya’s passion for storytelling and creative independence has propelled her to produce award-winning work and lead a thriving mentorship program, where she empowers the next generation of female filmmakers to fund their dreams through social media mastery.Who is Alexsiya Flora?Alexsiya Flora is best known for her internationally celebrated documentary Adventures in Plymptoons!, which explores the life and work of Oscar-nominated animator Bill Plympton. A true independent artist, she’s a powerhouse in the indie film community and a self-proclaimed “social media networking ninja.” Beyond her own films, Alexsiya dedicates her expertise to mentoring young female filmmakers, teaching them how to leverage their online presence to gain financial and creative freedom.Notable WorksDirector: Adventures in Plymptoons! - A documentary on animator Bill Plympton, showcasing his unique creative journey.Creator: Ginger Girls: The Secret Lives of Redheads (in production) – A fascinating exploration into the lives of red-haired women.Creator: Little Fishes - A narrative feature exploring human connections.Co-Producer & Co-Star: Supernaturalz: Weird, Creepy and Random and 7 Deadly Sins: Inside the Ecomm CultEditor: Vampira: The Movie - A tribute to the iconic horror hostess.Associate Producer: The Wild World of Ted V. Mikels - Documenting the life of a cult film director.Co-Producer: Beyond the Noise: My Transcendental Meditation JourneyCo-Producer & Co-Star: The Amazing Kreskin on Ultimate FearUpcoming ProjectCurrently, Alexsiya is in post-production for her latest narrative film, Fantastic Santa Monaco. Set in Los Angeles, it follows a group of performance artists navigating love, connection, and significance in a sprawling metropolis.Educational Value PointsHarnessing Social Media for Funding: Alexsiya’s mentorship reveals how aspiring filmmakers can use social media platforms to build an audience and attract funding without relying on traditional film studios.Creative Control and Financial Freedom: She highlights how independent funding strategies give filmmakers full control over their artistic vision, allowing for innovation in both storytelling and production.Breaking into Independent Filmmaking: Alexsiya teaches practical steps for creating an indie film from scratch, sharing insights on production, networking, and resourcefulness.The Art of Storytelling: From documentary to narrative features, Alexsiya’s diverse work emphasizes the importance of storytelling in resonating with audiences and driving engagement.Fun FactAs an actress, Alexsiya has appeared in HBO’s Bored to Death, VH1’s “If you like...” commercial, and Vetiver’s “Everyday” music video, showing her versatility as both a creator and performer.How Alexsiya Can Help You Live Your Creative DreamThrough one-on-one consulting, Alexsiya offers guidance on independent filmmaking, sharing the secrets that have allowed her to thrive creatively. Her life mission? To inspire creative minds to live fully and bring their art to life. She believes in the power of magic, passion, dedication, and creativity, and she’s here to help aspiring artists unlock their potential. Join Alexsiya on her journey, watch her live adventures on Facebook, and learn how you, too, can bring your creative dreams to reality. She promises to spark the magic to help you move mountains in your artistic life.W: http://alexsiyaflora.com/contact

Show NotesIn this episode, we explore:Linda Booker’s transition from a career in art direction to documentary filmmaking at the age of 40.The journey of creating her upcoming documentary, "Minnie Evans: Draw or Die," which sheds light on the life and art of the remarkable self-taught artist, Minnie Evans.The deep connection between Minnie Evans' art, nature, and spirituality, and how these elements shaped her creative legacy.The significance of Linda’s previous works, including her environmental documentary Straws and the social issue-focused Love Lived on Death Row.Linda’s insights into the role of documentary films in driving social awareness and change.How Linda’s background and upbringing influenced her passion for nature, art, and storytelling.Educational Value of the PodcastThis episode offers listeners valuable insights into the world of documentary filmmaking, particularly how it can be used as a tool for social change and cultural preservation. Linda Booker’s experience highlights the importance of following one’s passion, even later in life, and using art as a means to educate and inspire others. The discussion also emphasizes the intersection of art, nature, and spirituality, providing a rich exploration of how creative expression can convey deeper meanings and foster a connection with the natural world. Educators and students alike can gain a deeper understanding of how documentaries can impact policy, awareness, and cultural appreciation.W: https://www.bythebrookfilms.com

Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Curtis, a Filmmaker, Cultural advocate, and Executive Director of the nomadic cinema  and The Luminal Theater (founded in 2015 ) to discuss his journey in the film industry. Influenced by his West Indian heritage and passion for storytelling. Curtis shares his experiences co-founding the New Voices in Black Cinema, his approach to creating spaces for Black filmmakers, and the importance of community-driven art. We also explore the significance of diverse representation in cinema and how Curtis continues to support emerging Black filmmakers through innovative platforms.Key Topics Discussed:Curtis's journey into filmmaking and the impact of his West Indian heritage.The founding of New Voices in Black Cinema and its role in amplifying Black stories.The importance of creating community-driven film spaces.Curtis’s experiences as a producer of impactful documentaries.The role of representation and heritage in storytelling.This podcast provides valuable insights into:Cultural Influence in Creative Work: Curtis discusses how his West Indian heritage shaped his approach to filmmaking and storytelling, offering listeners a perspective on how culture can influence creative careers.Creating Inclusive Spaces in Cinema: Curtis’s experience in founding New Voices in Black Cinema sheds light on the importance of community-driven spaces that amplify underrepresented voices.Impact of Representation in Media: The conversation delves into why representation matters in cinema, providing educational value for listeners interested in diversity and inclusivity in media.Practical Filmmaking Insights: Aspiring filmmakers and producers can learn from Curtis's experiences, challenges, and successes in producing impactful documentaries and films.The Power of Community Collaboration: The episode highlights how building networks and collaborations within communities can lead to successful creative projects and events. W: https://www.luminaltheater.org/curtiscaesarjohn

Episode Overview:In this episode, Damien is joined by Jessica, a talented video producer and editor working at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. They delve into the intricate world of digital media production, dance film, and live streaming, shedding light on the dynamic creative processes behind the scenes at one of New York City's most iconic cultural institutions.Key Discussion Points:Life at Lincoln Center: Production InsightsJessica shares her experiences working at Lincoln Center, discussing her role as a video producer, editor, and sometimes live stream technician. She explains the complexities of live streaming, the coordination involved in capturing multiple camera angles, and the importance of rhythm and timing in delivering engaging live broadcasts.Summer for the City: A Diverse Programming InitiativeJessica talks about Lincoln Center’s "Summer for the City" festival, a dynamic initiative offering diverse programming, including "choose what you pay" events. The conversation explores how this approach makes art and culture more accessible to the wider community.Dance and Equity: A New Vision for the ArtsA deep dive into dance equity and the evolving structure of dance companies. Jessica discusses the challenges of creating more equitable opportunities in dance, ensuring that diverse voices and styles are represented, and the importance of leadership and collective empowerment in dance companies.Curating Dance Film Nights: Blending Dance and FilmJessica's passion for dance and film comes to life as she describes her work curating dance film nights at Millennium Film in Brooklyn. She explores the creative boldness of combining dance with filmmaking and the unique storytelling opportunities this intersection provides.The Yield Project: A Multidisciplinary Art CollaborationJessica recounts her experience co-directing and choreographing "Yield," a multidisciplinary response to Marin Passenger’s work in collaboration with Spark Creative Lab. She discusses the challenges and rewards of collaborating with diverse artists and cultural leaders to create an impactful community-driven performance.Educational Takeaways:Understanding Live Streaming in Arts: Learn about the technical and creative aspects of live streaming, from equipment selection (like OBS Studio and PTZ systems) to the coordination required for successful broadcasts.Dance Equity and Cultural Leadership: Gain insights into how dance companies are evolving to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the roles of cultural leaders in shaping a more equitable arts landscape.The Intersection of Dance and Film: Explore the unique creative possibilities that arise when dance and film converge, and how this art form is pushing boundaries in storytelling and visual expression.Multidisciplinary Collaboration in the Arts: Discover the benefits and challenges of bringing together diverse artistic disciplines to create community-focused art projects.Links and Resources:Link to "Yield" Documentary – Discover more about the collaborative project "Yield" and its impact on the local community in Oklahoma.Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts – Explore upcoming events, programming, and more.