11 FEB 2020 · Maya Washington is a filmmaker (writer/director/producer), actress, writer, poet, Creative Director, and arts educator. She received a BA in Dramatic Arts from the University of Southern California and an MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University. Her work has garnered awards from Jerome Foundation, Minnesota State Arts Board, Minnesota Film and Television, and others. Maya is dedicated to projects that have a sense of “purpose” in the world, selecting stories that illuminate some aspect of the human experience that is untold, rarely seen, or might benefit from new approaches to issues of diversity and inclusion, primarily in America. On this podcast we discuss her film Through the Banks of the Red Cedar! The story unfolds through the eyes of Maya Washington, Gene's youngest daughter, as she uncovers her father's journey and the impact of this legacy on the present generation. Maya traces her father's footsteps from the segregated South to the North, over the course of a modern football season. As she uncovers both the triumphs and defeats of her father's team, she develops a newly formed appreciation for the game and a deeper connection to her father, just in time to witness MSU Spartan Football team ascend to national prominence 50 years later. The racial demographics seen on the field today are due in large part to Hall of Fame coach Duffy Daugherty’s innovative approach to recruiting African American men from the South to MSU in the 1960s, known as the “Underground Railroad” of college football. The success of MSU’s 1965 and 1966 back-to-back Big Ten and National Champion teams forces America to re-think prejudices that previously kept African American players from earning scholarships or starting positions. The story delves into the triumphs and defeats of Daugherty's integrated team as they finish the season with the historic 1966 "Game of the Century," a 10-10 tie against Notre Dame. Teammates Gene Washington, Bubba Smith , Clinton Jones, and George Webster make history as first round picks in the 1967 draft. Gene Washington and Clinton Jones bring momentum to the Minnesota Vikings, playing in the 1969 Super Bowl alongside legendary teammates Joe Kapp, Alan Page, Carl Eller, Jim Marshall, John Henderson, Oscar Reed, Dave Osborn and Mick Tingelhoff. Maya's interviews with former players recall the highlights of the Minnesota Vikings' "Purple People Eater" years, as well as the racial discrimination black players faced in the league, speaking to the overall impact African American pioneers had on players' rights, including free agency and the right to negotiate salaries. Her appreciation and gratitude for her father grows deeper as together they reveal how what happened 50 years ago is still relevant today. visit www.redcedarmovie.com Awards Minnesota Film & TV LACH Production Reimbursement Grant || Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant || Minnesota State Arts Board Arts Tour Grant || Jerome Foundation MN/NYC Film, Video, and Digital Production Grant || Audience Choice Honorable Mention – MN Made Documentary Feature – MSPIFF || Curated in “Best of Fest” screening for MSPIFF 2018 Official Selection Detroit Free Press Freep Film Festival Louisiana International Film Festival Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival Rochester International Film Festival Bentonville Film festival Color of Conversation Film Series, AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival If you liked this podcast, shoot me an e-mail at filmmakingconversations@mail.com Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: www.kweli.tv/programs/the-peopl…xton?autoplay=true Damien Swaby Social Media Links: Instagram www.instagram.com/damien_swaby_video_producer/ Twitter twitter.com/DamienSwaby?ref_src…erp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Facebook www.facebook.com/Damien-Swaby-213805135363397/

7 MAY 2020 · Suzuki Ingerslev has enjoyed a 28-year career as an Art Director and Production Designer. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley and before working in the entertainment industry she practiced architecture in Los Angeles, California and Vienna, Austria. Her best-known design credits include Six Feet Under, Shark, In Treatment, Here and Now and True Blood. Her list of accomplishments includes 3 ADG nominations and 13 Emmy nominations. She enjoys working in both Film and Television. ​Suzuki has had the privilege of working with, among others, such noted directors as Alan Ball, Spike Lee, Michael Patrick King, Scott Winant, Kathy Bates, Miguel Arteta, Rodrigo Garcia, Michael Lehmann, Dan Attias, Jeremy Podeswa and Marc Forster. INSTAGRAM: suzukiingerslev Website: https://www.suzukiingerslev.com If you liked this podcast, shoot me an e-mail at filmmakingconversations@mail.com Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: www.kweli.tv/programs/the-peopl…xton?autoplay=true Damien Swaby Social Media Links: Instagram www.instagram.com/damien_swaby_video_producer/ Twitter twitter.com/DamienSwaby?ref_src…erp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Facebook www.facebook.com/Damien-Swaby-213805135363397

1 JUN 2020 · Brendan Uegama is a cinematographer, shooting feature films and series work. He resides in Los Angeles but is originally from Vancouver Canada. He is best known for his work on Child's Play (2019), Riverdale (2017 TV series) and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Brendan is also the cofounder of "Black Tree Pictures", a production company he runs with his partner Nicole G. Leier. "Henry's Glasses", the short film Brendan directed and wrote in 2010 was screened during the "Films of Remembrance" event in San Francisco in February 2017. Henry's Glasses was nominated for numerous awards and entered several festivals and won Best Canadian Short Film from the National Film Board of Canada in 2011. You can view his website here: https://www.brendanuegama.com If you liked this podcast, shoot me an e-mail at filmmakingconversations@mail.com Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: www.kweli.tv/programs/the-peopl…xton?autoplay=true Damien Swaby Social Media Links: Instagram www.instagram.com/damien_swaby_video_producer/ Twitter twitter.com/DamienSwaby?ref_src…erp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Facebook www.facebook.com/Damien-Swaby-213805135363397

6 JUN 2020 · Topher Osborn is an LA based [local 600] cinematographer working domestically and abroad. While a large part of his work is in commercials, his most recent feature work includes Bad Hair (sundance 2020) directed by Justin Simien. Recent series work includes Flipped - season 1(Quibi), Dear White People - season 3 (Netflix) and A Black Lady Sketch Show - season 1 (HBO). Previous feature films include Dear White People (Lionsgate) which won the breakthrough talent award at Sundance 2014 and Netflix’s Candy Jar which stars Hellen Hunt and Christina Hendricks. One of the most challenging projects he has worked on to date was the documentary film An African Election for which he spent 4 months shooting in Ghana. It was a life changing experience for him, It premiered at Sundance (2011) and was nominated for best documentary at the independent spirit awards. Topher studied cinematography at ucla’s MFA film production program. He loves this medium and hopes to continue to serve the unique stories of talented filmmakers for years to come. When not on set he can be found riding a bicycle either in LA or abroad. representation: Innovative Artists commercial: lauren.zak@iala.com / 310.656.5185 feature + tv: craig.mizrahi@iala.com / 310.656.5157 feature + tv: debbie.haeusler@iala.com / 310.656.5152 or just say hi: topher.osborn@gmail.com If you liked this podcast, shoot me an e-mail at filmmakingconversations@mail.com Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: www.kweli.tv/programs/the-peopl…xton?autoplay=true Damien Swaby Social Media Links: Instagram www.instagram.com/damien_swaby_video_producer/ Twitter twitter.com/DamienSwaby?ref_src…erp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Facebook www.facebook.com/Damien-Swaby-213805135363397

9 JUL 2020 · Donald Sylvester is an American sound editor who has worked on over 100 films. He is best known for his work with James Mangold on the films Ford v Ferrari, Logan and Walk the Line. He won the Academy Award for Best Sound Editing at the 92nd Academy Awards for the film Ford v Ferrari and the BAFTA Award for Best Sound at the 59th British Academy Film Awards for the film Walk the Line He has been a member of BAFTA since 2007. You can reach out to Donald via twitter @ripleyIII If you liked this podcast, shoot me an e-mail at filmmakingconversations@mail.com Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: www.kweli.tv/programs/the-peopl…xton?autoplay=true Damien Swaby Social Media Links: Instagram www.instagram.com/damien_swaby_video_producer/ Twitter twitter.com/DamienSwaby?ref_src…erp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

25 JUL 2020 · Michael Ferrell is the writer, director, and star of the feature films LAURA GETS A CAT and TWENTY MILLION PEOPLE, both independently produced by the team of Devin Sanchez, Chris Prine, and himself. His short films/web series include: STOOP SALE, HARD TIMES, HOT WATER, and BEFORE THE STORM. He has written numerous plays, mostly produced off-off-Broadway, including JERSEY SHORE HOUSE, THE BLUE MARTINI, SPRING AND JAKE, LIFE IS SHORT, and HOW BABIES ARE MADE. His play for high school actors, DELAYED EXPOSITION is available through Eldridge Publishing here. Michael studied acting at The Barrow Group in New York City, improv comedy at i.O. in Chicago, and he has a BFA in Acting from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He also loves soccer and wine. You can watch Laura Gets A Cat here: https://www.amazon.com/Laura-Gets-Cat-Dana-Brooke/dp/B07DP8GR1H AWARDS JURY AWARD FOR SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING - STONY BROOK FILM FESTIVAL INDIE SPIRIT AWARD - NAPLES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL BEST FEATURE - RENO TAHOE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL BEST ACTRESS, DANA BROOKE - RENO TAHOE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, MICHAEL FERRELL - DTLA FILM FESTIVAL BEST ROMANTIC COMEDY - MANHATTAN FILM FESTIVAL BEST FEATURE - WILLIAMSBURG INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL OFFICIAL SELECTION 2017 CINEQUEST FILM FESTIVAL 2017 STONY BROOK FILM FESTIVAL 2017 TALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL 2017 CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL 2017 NAPLES INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST 2017 OMAHA FILM FESTIVAL 2017 DTLA FILM FESTIVAL 2017 TWIN CITIES FILM FEST 2017 RENO TAHOE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2017 INDIEBELGRADE FILM FESTIVAL 2017 MANHATTAN FILM FESTIVAL 2017 LONE STAR FILM FESTIVAL 2017 PORTLAND FILM FESTIVAL 2017 WILLIAMSBURG INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL Michael Ferrell https://vimeo.com/15000558 If you liked this podcast, shoot me an e-mail at filmmakingconversations@mail.com Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: www.kweli.tv/programs/the-peopl…xton?autoplay=true Damien Swaby Social Media Links: Instagram www.instagram.com/damien_swaby_video_producer/ Twitter twitter.com/DamienSwaby?ref_src…erp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

26 OCT 2020 · Catherine Eaton’s feature debut as a director and writer, The Sounding has won two-dozen awards on the festival circuit. She was chosen for Tribeca Film Festival’s ”Through Her Lens" Lab and Grant for emerging female directors, and was selected as a Shadowing Director for show runner Ryan Murphy's Half Program on the hit Fox show "9-1-1." Her pilot script "Breaking News" – based on her personal experience working with freelance news crews in conflict zones – was selected for IFP's Project Forum and as a finalist for the Screenwriters Colony. Catherine shared an Emmy with the production team on "The Human Toll of Ethanol" for Bloomberg TV, and did freelance production work for various news crews for five years. As an actor, she's been seen on Broadway, TV and film, and was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Catherine teaches Screenwriting at Harvard University. Synopsis Catherine Eaton stars as Liv, a young woman who has never spoken, raised on a remote island by her grandfather Lionel (Harris Yulin, "Ozark"). When Lionel discovers he's dying, he calls the driven, privileged son (Teddy Sears, "The Flash") of his best friend to the island and asks him to protect Liv's independence, alongside Lionel's attorney (Frankie Faison, "The Wire"). That night, as Lionel is reading to Liv, his voice fails him. Liv picks up the book of Shakespeare and begins - first reading, then weaving a new language from Shakespeare's words. She is committed to a psychiatric hospital and becomes a full-blown rebel in the hospital; her increasing violence threatens to keep her locked up for life as she fights for her voice and her freedom. The Sounding opens on October 20th on digital platforms Directed by: Catherine Eaton Written by: Catherine Eaton & Bryan Delaney Starring: Catherine Eaton, Teddy Sears, Harris Yulin, Frankie Faison, Danny Burstein, David Furr, Lucy Owen, Deborah Rayne, Erin Darke Produced by: Caitlin Gold, Jessica Vale, Bryan Delaney Cinematography by: David Kruta Editing by: Marco Perez Scored by: Siddhartha Khosla Distributor: Giant Pictures Runtime: 93 minutes Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram #thesoundingfilm “Eaton is an undeniable talent to watch. An examination, and ultimately embrace, of otherness.” - Brian Tallerico, ROGER EBERT. COM “Eaton and co-writer Bryan Delaney have crafted their script with skillful precision. A powerful metaphor for our world’s prevalence to marginalize.” - Jared Mobarek, THE FILM STAGE Watch THE SOUNDING now: https://geni.us/TheSounding (the above link will take you to all available platforms - best international platform is Vimeo) THE SOUNDING website & trailer: thesoundingfilm.com Catherine and THE SOUNDING on social media: Instagram: @soundingmovie @catherineveaton Twitter: @thesoundingfilm @catherineveaton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoundingfilm/ https://www.facebook.com/catherine.eaton.737 If you liked this podcast, shoot me an e-mail at filmmakingconversations@mail.com Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/the-people-of-brixton Damien Swaby Social Media Links: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_damien_swaby/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DamienSwaby?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor ​

24 APR 2022 · Who's Afraid follows this phenomenon to a cathartic yet heart-pumping conclusion as it answers the question: what would happen if someone had to face a life-or-death situation as a result of jeopardizing someone else's life out of sheer racism? Our main character, Whitney King, commits such an act of racism then flees the city to forget and reset. Unfortunately for her, she runs from one problem and into another: a charming group of locals who require human flesh for their holiday feast. As a justice narrative, and given how difficult it remains for marginalized storytellers to make their visions a reality, Who's Afraid represented an opportunity for co-producer/star Siobhan Lee and me to bet on ourselves. Refusing to live haunted by 'what if's and 'if only's, we used our day-job savings to take the bold step of financing the production phase of the film. Seed & Spark Campaign: https://seedandspark.com/fund/whos-afraid#story Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/the-people-of-brixton Damien Swaby Social Media Links: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_damien_swaby/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DamienSwaby?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Website http://filmmakingconversations.com/

24 APR 2022 · Erin has directed and produced documentary television for CNN, HBO, Showtime, National Geographic, PBS, YouTube Premium, OWN, MSNBC, and Investigation Discovery. She's interested in stories that explore social justice, women's rights, environment, health and horror - she loves a good genre film. In 2011, she produced HOT COFFEE, an HBO feature documentary film that examines the infamous McDonald’s hot coffee case and its role in the decline of the civil justice system. The film premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and won the grand jury prize at the 2011 Seattle International Film Festival. It’s been called a “stunning debut” by the Washington Post as well as “entertaining, informative and vividly illuminating,” by the Hollywood Reporter. ​ She has worked with and directed several high-profile journalists such as CNN's Lisa Ling and Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and actor Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Jones. ​NEWSLETTER: https://www.erinlovettfilm.com/newsletter Showreel: https://www.erinlovettfilm.com/work CONTACT | elovett323@gmail.com TWITTER | @erincrum Seed & Spark Campaign: https://seedandspark.com/fund/theknowing#story Website: http://www.erinlovettfilm.com Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/erincrum Newsletter: http://erinlovett.substack.com Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/the-people-of-brixton Damien Swaby Social Media Links: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_damien_swaby/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DamienSwaby?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Website http://filmmakingconversations.com/

24 APR 2022 · Emily Procter is an actress, entrepreneur, and activist. In 2019 Emily shifted focus from entertainment to community by founding Ground Breakers Inc. Ground Breakers is a nonprofit working to create positive identity opportunities for children, and additionally for adults, in compromised circumstances. Working to support people, community and equitable infrastructure, Ground Breakers hopes to be a supporter for change and equity for all. gallery_pic15.jpg Procter's nonprofit, The Ground, offers curriculum centered around making healthy life choices and steps for creating community. After becoming a parent in 2010 Procter realized the deep need for community support especially in single parent situations. She launched The Ground in Kern Vally State Prison in 2019 in order to assist with emotional language and conflict management skills for parents reentering from incarceration. After witnessing the high number of ACES within the class Procter added String Theory Club to Ground Breakers. STC curriculum offers each child support in developing their own individual positive identity. By having conversations around emotional wellbeing, Procter hopes to empower people to create new cultural norms on both the individual and community level. nifty emily google pic.jpg During Procter’s acting career she helped to make C.S.I: Miami a global staple for CBS. For ten seasons Procter dedicated herself to infusing Detective Calleigh Duquesne with spice, spunk and southern charm. On the award winning The West Wing Procter offered two more seasons of the same playing attorney Ainsley Hayes, minus the firearm. For more information on Procter’s credits, please click the link to IMDB.com at the top left corner. Emily Procter Actress, Activist & Entrepreneur E: asst2emily@gmail.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/officialemilyprocter/ T: https://twitter.com/emilyprocter The Ground W: https://emilyprocter.com/the-ground Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/the-people-of-brixton Damien Swaby Social Media Links: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_damien_swaby/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DamienSwaby?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Website http://filmmakingconversations.com/