DMF Episode 238 Film Director Damien Swaby Part 2 "You Can Transform Your Passion for Acting into Filmmaking Success!"

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. Today on the podcast I am talking to film director and podcaster: Damien Swaby. This week we talk about being an actor and starting his podcast. As always you can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with my name Justin Younts. Thank you for listening and sit back and enjoy. Welcome to the DMF. I'm Justin Younts. This is part two. I transitioned from acting to filmmaking, and it was a journey filled with challenges and revelations. I didn't go to film school; instead, I learned on set, surrounded by talented crew members and directors. My background as an actor allowed me to observe the intricacies of filmmaking, which sparked my interest in creating my own short films and documentaries. I realized that the acting opportunities were dwindling, and I needed to pivot my career towards filmmaking. Throughout my acting career, I often found myself more engaged with the crew than the cast. I was fascinated by the technical aspects of filmmaking, from cinematography to editing. This curiosity led me to create my own projects, where I could collaborate with the talented individuals I had met along the way. However, the transition wasn't easy. I faced financial struggles and a lack of opportunities, which made me question my path. I often reflect on my time as an actor, the joy of performing, and the frustration of not finding the right roles. The last few years of my acting career were particularly challenging, as I relied heavily on commercials for income. The pay had stagnated, and the opportunities seemed to diminish with each passing year. I felt like a starving artist, proud of my work but struggling to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, I found solace in storytelling and the desire to create new narratives. I started the Filmmaking Conversations Podcast to share my journey and connect with others in the industry. Through this platform, I've had the privilege of speaking with a diverse range of guests, from Oscar winners to independent filmmakers. Each conversation has enriched my understanding of the craft and inspired me to keep pushing forward. If you're passionate about filmmaking or considering a career transition, I encourage you to embrace your journey. Learn from your experiences, connect with others, and never lose sight of your passion for storytelling. Together, we can navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry and create meaningful work that resonates with audiences. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope to inspire you to pursue your dreams in filmmaking. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/filmmaking-conversations-podcast-with-damien-swaby/id1260717243 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:06 - Transition from Acting to Filmmaking 00:02:12 - Acting Experience and Challenges 00:03:49 - Stage Acting and New Stories 00:03:49 - Acting Process and Challenges 00:07:31 - Acting Training and Techniques 00:11:41 - Starting a Podcast 00:15:14 - Joining Indie Film Hustle Podcast Network