Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

Episode Summary: In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien sits down with Ramon Velez—a media powerhouse whose career spans from AV tech and live broadcast to executive leadership, screenwriting, and mentoring Emmy-winning talent. With experience at Google, ABC News, NBC, and Yahoo, Ramon shares invaluable lessons on navigating the evolving media landscape, leading multi-platform teams, and creating impactful stories in the digital age. Key Takeaways: * How to build a dynamic career across multiple media sectors * The mindset behind mentoring top-tier creative talent * Lessons from working on high-stakes productions like presidential elections * Why technical fluency and creative storytelling go hand-in-hand * Ramon’s thoughts on the future of media and storytelling Links & Resources: * Connect with Ramon Velez Emmy-Nominated Broadcast Executive | Director of Studio Operations & Broadcast Engineering | Live Production Strategy | SMPTE 2110 | AV-over-IP | Cross-Functional Leadership [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramon-velez/] Subscribe & Review: Love what you heard? Subscribe and leave us a 5-star review to help us bring more amazing conversations to your ears.

Description: In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with acclaimed director and author Rob Spera to talk about filmmaking as a craft. They unpack lessons from Rob’s book, practical set strategies, and the deeper philosophy behind being a storyteller. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this conversation is filled with real-world wisdom and inspiration. What You’ll Learn: * Rob’s journey and insights into directing across film and television * Why remembering names on set matters more than you think * The value of alternative scene endings * How Rob’s book changed Damien’s own approach to shoots * The mindset shift from shooting to storytelling Guest: Rob Spera – Director, Author, and StorytellerFollow & Connect: 🎥 Rob Spera: Website [https://www.robspera.com] 🎙️ Damien Swaby: twitter [https://x.com/damienswaby?lang=en] Rob's Films: MUBI [https://mubi.com/en/cast/rob-spera] BUY THE BOOK: FILM/TV DIRECTOR'S FIELD MANUAL: Seventy Maxims to Change Your Filmmaking [https://www.amazon.com/FILM-DIRECTORS-FIELD-MANUAL-Filmmaking/dp/1662850549/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DVI3VOT13U4G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ngBkw11ucXFoQgg50z6R634U5h6DQV34g_o8JpiGvYTLDPOz6jnAm5nSmxqLm8AvCrsWLjZOVb2JM8ouiUNxLh_ibAz9RRP0tVRFAU1o9i5SOiXOm9-4E2Z-GUCQITqB-3esqzWRvMofptb7UzUGEt6OjISBcek-67FVTdHhKGqB_N97bAjXuLNIYKKf4zUK.JEsBlrkIgbZOCditCh34dH01DZUv8P3KyOLsS9GRpts&dib_tag=se&keywords=rob+spera&qid=1733295490&sprefix=rob+spera%2Caps%2C324&sr=8-1]

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby sits down with Christian Mahne—a seasoned creative director, Oxford graduate, and veteran storyteller whose work has graced the screens of BBC, CNN, Sky, and 7 Network Australia. This conversation is more than a résumé rundown. It’s a journey into the why behind the work.  Christian shares how a childhood gift—Doctor Who: The Making of a Television Series—lit a lifelong creative spark, and how rowing in the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race unexpectedly rekindled his fascination with television production. With over 30 years of experience, Christian reflects on the value of clarity, integrity, and discipline in the art of corporate storytelling.Together, Damien and Christian explore: * 🎬 How childhood wonder evolves into professional craft * 📺 The hidden philosophies behind visual storytelling * 🧭 Why every good story begins with intention, not ego * ⚙️ Behind-the-scenes experiences at major broadcasters * 💼 What it really means to be a "corporate storytelling gun for hire" This is an episode for filmmakers, creatives, and anyone interested in how the stories we tell shape the legacies we leave.🗣️ “The best stories,” Christian says, “are not the loudest—they're the most honestly told.”🔗 Connect with Christian Mahne: 🌐 Website: www.mahne.com [http://www.mahne.com/]📣 If you enjoyed this episode: → Please rate & review the show → Share it with a fellow storyteller → Subscribe for more conversations with creative minds

📄 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 transformation * The role of media in shaping cultural perception * The challenges and triumphs of shifting from corporate to creative life * Why 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 [https://www.suhamaria.com]

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 presence * What inspired his transition to filmmaking * Behind-the-scenes of Time for Sunset * Building a streaming hit from scratch * The synergy between law and film This episode is packed with inspiration for creatives, legal minds, and anyone chasing a second act. McDonald Worley [https://mcdonaldworley.com] The Power of Attorney [https://beacons.ai/powerofattorneydonworley] Don Worley 3rd degree connection 3rd Attorney at McDonald Worley Attorneys at Law and VP at Brand-in Entertainment [https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-worley-92847950/] Power of Attorney: Don Worley - Season 2 Trailer [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuJSda9fIfU] Brand In Entertainment [https://www.brandinentertainment.com]