Shows
A Bright IdeaKweliTV: Building A Streaming PlatformOur guest today is DeShuna Spencer - the founder & CEO of kweliTV, a global streaming service that curates the largest library of indie Black films & docs from across the globe.As a former journalist & radio host, DeShuna’s work focuses on the intersection of media images and implicit bias. She speaks frequently on media representation, diversity in the streaming & the OTT space, social entrepreneurship, the effects of Black trauma content, challenges & opportunities in the media landscape, starting a media tech venture, women in media & tech, and her journey as a Black founder. In this episode, DeShuna discovers creating a sp...
2025-08-061h 17
Sista BrunchKweliTV Founder DeShuna Spencer: How She Built ThisDeShuna Spencer is the founder and CEO of kweliTV, a streaming platform dedicated to curating and celebrating black culture on a global scale. Before starting kweliTV in 2015, DeShuna was a journalist and radio host on Washington, DC’s 89.3 FM WPFW. On this episode, Fanshen and DeShuna discuss DeShuna’s path to becoming a storyteller, how she built a streaming platform before most others existed and why she’s committed to “taking matters into my own hands.”
2023-01-3044 min
#RolandMartinUnfilteredNo Charges in Amir Locke's Death, Okla Great-grandmother taunted by cops, African Conflicts, KweliTV4.6.2022 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: No Charges in Amir Lockes Death, Okla. Great-grandmother taunted by cops, African Conflicts, KweliTV police officer is getting away with murdering an innocent black man. No criminal charges will be filed in the Amir Locke shooting. I'll be talking to the family attorney tonight. A 70-year-old black great-grandmother gets taunted and laughed at by Tulsa, Oklahoma, police while possibly going through a mental crisis. We'll talk to her attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons and two of her children. We will be looking at the conflicts in Africa and examine why people don't know about...
2022-04-072h 14
The Gaudy: InsightsKweliTVIn this episode, I talk to DeShuna Spencer, the CEO of KweliTV. We talk about the dedication it takes to start a streaming service, supporting filmmakers, and what the future might hold. Check out KweliTV: www.kweli.tv For similar content from The Gaudy, check out: www.gaudylanguage.com
2022-04-0148 min
The Black Film Space PodcastDeShuna Spencer (On KweliTV)In our latest episode we interview DeShuna Spencer, the founder & CEO of the highly acclaimed streaming platform, Kweli TV. DeShuna graduated at Jackson State University and started her career in journalism before she became a Halcyon Incubator Fellow, a Vocal Fellow and a Google NextGen Policy Leader. Amongst her many accomplishments, DeShuna was also the first place winner of the 2017 Harvard Business School African Business Conference Pitch Competition and in this episode we talk to her about her about KweliTV, attracting investors for your company and her transition from journalism to creating a streaming platform that celebrates diverse communities.
2022-03-0756 min
Active Allyship...it's more than a #hashtag!"EP #83: Through the Banks of the Red Cedar with Maya WashingtonSunni and Lisa are joined by Maya Washington who talks about her book THROUGH THE BANKSOF THE RED CEDAR:My Father and the Team that Changed the Game.Maya Washington is the award-winning Writer/Director and Producer of Through the Banks of the Red Cedar and author of the memoir by the same name. Maya’s multi-media work has garnered fellowships and/or awards from Jerome Foundation, Minnesota State Arts Board, Minnesota Film and Television, and others. She is a 2019 Commercial Directors Diversity Program finalist and workshop participant, and a 2019 McKnight Fellow in Media Arts. In...
2022-02-2312 min
#kweliCREATORSYucef MayesA conversation with Yucef Mayes director of Zahara and the Oil Man.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer, CEO of kweliTV
Edited by: Michael Pittman, kweliTV Fellow
2022-01-1921 min#kweliCREATORSTroy PryorA conversation with Troy Pryor producer and founder of Creative Cypher.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer, CEO of kweliTV
Edited by: Michael Pittman, kweliTV Fellow
2022-01-1921 min#kweliCREATORSToddré MoneirA conversation with Toddré Moneir director of the fashion series Off the Beaten Path streaming on kweliTV.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer, CEO of kweliTV
Edited by: Michael Pittman, kweliTV Fellow
2022-01-1929 min#kweliCREATORSNgardy Conteh GeorgeA conversation with Ngardy Conteh George director of the documentary The Flying Stars streaming on kweliTV.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer, CEO of kweliTV
Edited by: Michael Pittman, kweliTV Fellow
2022-01-1926 min#kweliCREATORSDr. Khalid Akil WhiteA conversation with Dr. Khalid Akil White director of the documentary Black Fatherhood streaming on kweliTV.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer, CEO of kweliTV
Edited by: Michael Pittman, kweliTV Fellow
2022-01-1923 min#kweliCREATORSHarold Jackson IIIA conversation with Harold Jackson III director of romance feature film Last Night streaming on kweliTV.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer, CEO of kweliTV
Edited by: Michael Pittman, kweliTV Fellow
2022-01-1923 min#kweliCREATORSGabri ChristaA conversation with Gabri Christa director of the short film, Kasita, and the documentary, One Day At A Time, streaming on kweliTV.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer, CEO of kweliTV
Edited by: Michael Pittman, kweliTV Fellow
2022-01-1926 min#kweliCREATORSLegendary Animator Leo SullivanBonus: A conversation with legendary animator Leo Sullivan. He's spent the last 60 years developing animated content for shows such as Fat Albert, The Incredible Hulk, He Man, Mighty Mouse, Flash Gordon and others. He is now the founder of AfroKids. His animated series AfroKids is also streaming on kweliTV.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer, CEO of kweliTV
Edited by: Michael Pittman, kweliTV Fellow
2022-01-1830 min
30 to Life - Redefining the Black Experience63: Building A Streaming Service & Redefining Black Media With DeShuna Spencer of kweliTVIn this episode, the guys chat with DeShuna Spencer, Founder & CEO of kweliTV, about her journey to creating a video streaming service and lessons she learned along the way. DeShuna breaks down why positive black representation is needed today and the importance of showcasing authentic black stories. Later she give practical advice for anyone looking to start a business. Tune in!
Learn more about kweliTV at http://www.kweli.tv/
More about DeShuna:
DeShuna Spencer is the Founder/CEO of kweliTV, a video streaming network that curates undiscovered and award-winning indie films, documentaries, web series and children’s programming of th...
2021-07-2259 min
Droppin' Jewelz RadioDroppin’ Jewelz Radio: Lil Rel Howery and DeShuna SpencerJoin Jewelznyc as she sits down with actor, comedian, and the Head of Comedy at kweliTV, Lil Rel Howery, along with DeShuna Spencer, founder and CEO of kweliTV, a black-owned streaming service.
2021-05-2244 min
Every Moment with Errol EEps 14 - DeShuna Spencer founder and CEO of kweliTVLinkedIN came at a time where I was in discovery mode. Looking at creative black Entrepeneur's doing their thing. Then oneday I landed on the page of DeShuna Spencer, Founder of kweliTV. Intrigued because I never heard of kweliTV before, I found the website and saw that this was not just an ordinary streaming service being made, but creating a foundation for black creators, to have a voice.
2021-02-061h 05
The Write StuffPitching PlatformsThis week I speak to producer, storyteller and businesswoman Deshuna Spencer! Deshuna is the brains and brawn behind Kweli TV, a streaming platform which celebrates global black culture through curated, undiscovered and award-winning indie films, documentaries, web series, children’s programming and events. If you were once told that you can't make money from short films, well clearly you haven't found the right platform as yet and for me, Kweli TV has been it!
We talk about failing and pivoting, biblical "Job" moments, paralysed dogs, long awaited breakthroughs and one day building a "Disney" one curated fi...
2020-12-0827 min
The Bakari Sellers PodcastkweliTV Founder DeShuna Spencer on Creating a Home for Black Content and Running a Streaming ServiceBakari is joined by the founder of kweliTV, DeShuna Spencer, to talk about where she got her inspiration to start a streaming service that features exclusively Black content (3:59), how she finds content for the platform (12:39), and the work that goes into running a streaming service (19:28).Host: Bakari SellersGuest: DeShuna Spencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2020-11-1936 min
Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 80: Endless Learning in the Industry: Award-Winning Actress & Producer Oriane PickOriane Pick: Award-Winning Actress & ProducerBackground:Oriane Pick, an award-winning French actress, has lived in various countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe before settling in London in 2013. Since then, she has built an impressive portfolio, starring in numerous short films, web series, and commercials.Breakthrough Performance:In 2019, Oriane starred in the multi-award-nominated short film Say Your Name, available on Amazon Prime. Her portrayal of the tormented lead character earned her two Best Actress nominations.Co-Founder of Candid Broads Productions:In 2020, Oriane co-founded Candid Broads Productions, a company dedicated to producing female-led, entertaining stories. The company’s first project, th...
2020-09-1224 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 79: "A couple of $100" How Evan Kidd made his brilliant indie feature film and more!Evan Kidd is an award-winning filmmaker based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Raised in NC, he fell in love with film at early age, eventually turning his passion for storytelling into a career. Creating works screening globally for Rostrum Records, Cucalorus Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival, XXL, Mass Appeal, BET, and MTV Jams. Evan currently hosts Convincing Creatives, a video podcast on intuitive creativity & hosted How We Human Podcast.In 2014, Kidd graduated from East Carolina University, earning his degree with honors in Cinematic Arts and Media Production. While still in college, Kidd directed “Spazz Out!”, a 35-minute documentary on t...
2020-09-1253 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 78: Chadwick Boseman - Gone But Not Forgotten. Howard University 2018 Commencement Speech.Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, died Friday of cancer, his representative said. He was 43.Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Associated Press.Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, his family said in a statement."A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to...
2020-08-2935 min
Friday Night Movie by @pancake4tableWatchmen with Kedenard RaymondThe brilliant, talented, and amazing, Kedenard Raymond, joins the Friday Night Movie family for a deep dive into one of this year's most compelling TV series - Watchmen (HBO). We also talk recommendations, including: KweliTV, Indian Matchmaking (Netflix), Perpetual Grace, LTD (Epix), Upload and the brilliance of Andy Allo.
The Friday Night Movie Family supports the following organizations: NAACP Legal Defense Fund | Equal Justice Initiative.
Subscribe, rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, including iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play | Podbean | Overcast.
Play along with Friday Night Movie at home! Read the FNM Glossary to l...
2020-08-281h 26Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 77: Former Film Professor, UNC Charlotte - JEFF JACKSONJEFF JACKSON is a novelist, playwright, visual artist, and songwriter. His second novel Destroy All Monsters was published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux in Fall 2018. It received advanced praise from Don DeLillo, Janet Fitch, Dana Spiotta, Ben Marcus, and Dennis Cooper. His novella Novi Sad was published as a limited edition art book and selected for “Best of 2016” lists in Vice, Lit Reactor, and Entropy. His first novel Mira Corpora, published in 2013, was a Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and featured on numerous "Best of the Year" lists, including Slate, Salon, The New Statesman, and Flavorwire. His short fict...
2020-08-2651 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 76: The Sleepless - Michael DiBiasio (Writer and Director)The Sleepless - Michael DiBiasio (Writer and Director)The Sleepless is Michael’s second feature film. His first, The Videoblogs, screened nationally in 2016 and is currently available on VOD in multiple countries. His best friends are his wife, his dog and whatever film he is working on at the time -- which he believes is an entirely normal, healthy, and appropriate way to live. Michael is a graduate of Columbia University.THE QUICK GIST…Chronic insomniacs Zach and Sophia wander the pre-dawn streets of New York City on an impromptu first date.THE LONG...
2020-08-201h 11
#kweliCREATORSInnaRaeA conversation with InnaRae creator of Journey to Rena's Moan. Watch her film on kweliTV: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/the-journey-to-renas-moan.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer
Edited by: Neasha Shuler
2020-08-1922 min#kweliCREATORSJimmy OlssonA conversation with Jimmy Olsson creator of the film 2nd Class. Watch his work on kweliTV: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/second_class.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer
Edited by: Neasha Shuler
2020-08-1926 min#kweliCREATORSJuan Pablo Daranas MolinaA conversation with Juan Pablo Daranas Molina creator of the film Angela. Watch his work on kweliTV: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/angela.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer
Edited by: Neasha Shuler
2020-08-1918 min#kweliCREATORSMarquette JonesA conversation with Marquette Jones creator of the short film "Round on Both Sides." Watch her work: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/round-on-both-sides.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer
Edited by: Neasha Shuler
2020-08-1930 min#kweliCREATORSRahiem ShabazzA conversation with Rahiem Shabazz, the creator of the documentary series Elementary Genocide. Watch his work: https://www.kweli.tv/authors/rahiem-shabazz.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer
Edited by: Neasha Shuler
2020-08-1933 min#kweliCREATORSSamantha NellA conversation with Samantha Nell creators of the comedic shorts" Stiff" and "The Beast." Watch her work: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/stiff.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer
Edited by: Neasha Shuler
2020-08-1921 min#kweliCREATORSDr. Robin HayesA conversation with Dr. Robin Hayes, creator of the documentary Black and Cuba. Watch her work on kweliTV: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/black-cuba.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer
Edited by: Neasha Shuler
2020-08-1934 min#kweliCREATORSBooker T. MattisonA conversation with Booker T. Mattison, creator of the short "Bird." Watch his work on kweliTV: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/bird.
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer
Edited by: Neasha Shuler
2020-08-1927 min#kweliCREATORSMarjuan CanadyA conversation with Marjuan Canady, creator of Callaloo Short Stories," "How To With Callaloo," and "Girls! Girls? Girls." Watch her work on kweliTV: https://www.kweli.tv/authors/marjuan-canady
Interview by: DeShuna Spencer
Edited by: Neasha Shuler
2020-08-1926 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 75: From BBC to CNN to NPR: Global Stories with Sophie EastaughIn this premiere episode, Sophie takes us behind the scenes of her reporting journey—from the Colombian Amazon to the Senegalese coast to the streets of Bristol. Her stories, featured by BBC, CNN, NPR, The Guardian, and more, spotlight the people at the heart of global headlines.In this episode, we cover:🌍 Investigating Amazon deforestation and post-conflict Colombia for the BBC⚽️ Filming a youth football academy in Senegal for CNN—with just an iPhone🏛️ Producing a deeply researched NPR podcast about how Bristol is confronting its role in the transatlantic slave trade🚧 Reporting on migration at the...
2020-08-1733 min
L. Jeffrey MooreLj Presents: The Revolution Pt 2Maria Judice is a visual storyteller working in cinema, photography, and art. She received her M.F.A. from CalArts in Film/Video. As an award-winning writer/director, her experience ranges across new media platforms, traditional media, technology, public art/civic engagement and subject matters left of center. She leads the charge as a producer with essential business, marketing, and creative skills. With a practice, autonomy first and platform second, she maintains mobility and adaptation new technologies. Her artwork is about community, space, and place.
Her short film PALM TREES won the Adrienne Shelly Award for excellence in...
2020-08-141h 27Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 74: "Trying to do projects that are good for the world" New York Times filmmaker, Dillon HayesDillon is a film editor based in Los Angeles. He works in documentary, music videos, and commercials/branded content. He brings empathy, passion, and a collaborative attitude to every project. His influences vary across mediums and expressions -- music, literature, skateboarding, politics, and history among them. Dillon's work has been featured on the New York Times, Vimeo Staff Picks, Short of the Week, NOWNESS, The Guardian, and Stereogum.Clients include Amazon Music, YETI, Vans, Church’s, and Universal Music.CONTACT:(785) 317-5173contact@dillonmhayes.comI enjoyed talking to Dillion about hi...
2020-08-1339 min
Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 73: Tanya Fear, moving to LA from the UK!Tanya Fear is an actress and director, known for Shoot Your Shot (2020), Doctor Who (2005) and Kick-Ass 2 (2013). I enjoyed talking to her, one of the brightest young talents from the UK. Listen out for news regarding this podcast and my audio essay on Spike Lee. If you liked this podcast, shoot me an e-mail at filmmakingconversations@mail.comAlso, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: www.kweli.tv/programs/the-peopl…xton?autoplay=trueDamien Swaby Social Media Links:Instagram www.instagram.com/damien_swaby_video_producer/
2020-08-1230 min
Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 72: Legal Backstage: Navigating Entertainment Law with Michael R. BlahaIn this episode of Legal Backstage, we sit down with seasoned Hollywood entertainment attorney Michael R. Blaha, whose 30+ years of experience have made him a trusted advocate for artists, creators, and industry professionals across film, TV, music, theater, and photography.Michael shares insights from his time as Vice President of Litigation at Columbia Pictures and how that experience shaped the personalized, client-first approach he brings to his practice today. From independent filmmakers to chart-topping musicians, Michael helps clients navigate the complex world of entertainment contracts, rights acquisition, production law, and litigation.What You’ll Learn:Why legal counsel is essential in...
2020-08-0144 min
So ShamelessChatty PattiesOn this weeks episode of #SoShamelessPodcast we talk reparations (2:00), Meg’s live on Tory’s bday 👀 (14:00), Draya losing her Fenty deal (26:55), Toxic women (44:45), Telfar hypebeast (54:00), Talib Kweli being cancelled (60:10), Keeps.com/shameless ad (75:50), hating friends Scenario (80:36), Who gets in the backseat, Mom or Wife? (89:03), parenting autistic children, Is spanking children with bad behavior necessary? (103:45), Foster care (114:00), Tyson v Jones Fight (123:00), Verzuz Battles (Usher v. Brown & Ross v. 2Chainz (135:27), Black Business of the Week (149:30).This episode is sponsored by Keeps.com/shameless and 13Robots.net... Enjoy!!Black Business of the week KweliTv Email us at sosh...
2020-07-292h 39
Purposeful Story Podcast#43 - The KweliTV Story: Deshuna Spencer shares how she built an online streaming service to share black stories around the world.On this episode we have Deshuna Spencer Founder and CEO of KweliTV. It is an online streaming service built to tell the stories from around the world through curated independent films, documentaries, web series, kids programming, news, and events/live experiences. This is an amazing concept seeing as how the black diaspora is extremely diverse and often times there are not enough platforms sharing services like this from an African diaspora perspective. I really dig into the PURPOSE as to why Deshuna started KweliTV. Another episode you don't want to miss!
Follow Deshuna and her...
2020-07-2844 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 71: LAURA GETS A CAT, Writer and Director Michael Ferrell!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...
2020-07-2539 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 70: Defeating The Odds! Actress Becki Hayes, making it happen!Becki Hayes is a Texas-born SAG-AFTRA actress known for both deaf and hearing roles. Born with a hereditary, progressive hearing loss, Becki's hearing rapidly declined, rendering her profoundly deaf by age 12.Becki made her network TV debut in ABC's "Gideons Crossing" opposite Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin, portraying a deaf teen at odds with her parents over cochlear implants. Life imitated art for Becki, as shortly after the show aired, she underwent bilateral cochlear implant surgery.She considers her former deafness a gift to her craft. "When one sense is absent, the other senses are heightened...
2020-07-2431 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 69: Official selection at Hot Docs 2019 - Editor Rosella TursiRosella Tursi is the editor of the feature documentary Willie, an official selection at Hot Docs 2019 and a runner up for the Rogers Audience Award. Originally from Montreal and now based in New York City, her recent credits include the documentary series Dirty Money (Netflix), Dark Net (Showtime), The Last Defense (ABC limited series executive produced by Viola Davis), Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle (SundanceTV limited series executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio) and The Vice Guide to Film ( Viceland) as well as the documentary JFK: The Smoking Gun for which she earned a Canadian Screen Award nomination for...
2020-07-1451 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 68: Greater, Antiquities, & Lazy Eye Cinematographer Gabe MayhanGabe Mayhan - BioGabe Mayhan is a cinematographer. He approaches each project with innovative technique, excitement, and a collaborative spirit. Over the course of his career behind the camera, Gabe has created a diverse body of work in the genres of indie films, short films, documentary, commercial and TV programming. Notably, his work on the feature length films' Antiquities & Lazy Eye both of which were released theatrically. Both films have a visual style and dialogue unique to the respected stories. A theme that spans across the board on all of his work. Gabe held double duties as...
2020-07-1447 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 67: Oscar Winner! Donald Sylvester - Ford v Ferrari, Logan and Walk the LineDonald 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 LineHe has been a member of BAFTA since 2007.You can reach out to Donald via twitter @ripleyIIIIf you liked...
2020-07-0942 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 66: KEVIN HART: DON'T F**K THIS UP, and "Last Chance U" Producer Adam RidleyAdam Ridley is a documentary Producer, Director and Editor originally from Detroit, Michigan. His first documentary short was about the private-press musician Dane Sturgeon called The Wild 'n' Tender Dane Sturgeon (2012). He has since produced/directed the Netflix documentary Series Last Chance U (2016) and the short documentary about the first male stripper The Story of Sweet Pie (2014). He also edited the documentary episode for the Netflix show W/Bob and David: W/Bob and David: Behind the Making of the Scenes (2015) and the documentary Mitt (2014) which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. His brother is Ryan Ridley, the Writer/Executive...
2020-07-0456 min
The Spoken Path PodcastLights, Camera, Action with Melan PerezIn this episode Ashton speaks with actress Melan Perez. Melan shares how she started her journey acting from gigs on college campus to her latest role on Netflix in the film Love Dot Com. This was such a joyful interview full of incredible advice. Follow Melan on Instagram @melan_perez be sure to support her latest work Love Dot Com & Four Points on KweliTV. Follow @spokenpathpodcast on Instagram
2020-06-2443 min
The Rosé Hour PodcastSpoiled Dog RoséWe poured it up this week with Deshauna Spencer, the founder and creator of Kweli TV and the owner of Spoiled Dog Winery, Karen Krug!
About Deshauna Spencer: No matter where I go or who I meet, I get asked the same question: "Why did you start kweliTV?" The inspiration for kweliTV came one evening many years ago while flipping through what felt like 100 cable channels. I was frustrated with the same tired stereotypes, lack of diversity in TV shows and movies as well as the few choices of content that focused on issues i...
2020-06-171h 14Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 64: Hallmark, NBC, TNT, Screenwriter and Producer JAMIE PACHINOJAMIE PACHINO is an award winning playwright, screenwriter and television writer. Her work has been produced in four countries, commissioned, published and honored.Jamie currently writes for the series Charlotte Walsh Like to Win for Amazon. Previously she wrote on Sneaky Pete (Amazon), The Brave (NBC), Chicago PD (NBC), Halt and Catch Fire (AMC), Franklin & Bash (TNT) and Fairly Legal (USA). She has written teleplays for Amazon, Hallmark Hall of Fame, Hallmark Channel, Lifetime Television and UP, including one that gathered Emmy and SAG nominations for Gena Rowlands.As a SCREENWRITER, Jamie has written features for...
2020-06-1643 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 63: Dear White People, LA based Cinematographer Topher OsbornTopher 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 do...
2020-06-0645 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 62: Brendan Uegama is a cinematographer and producer, known for Child's Play (2019)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...
2020-06-0141 min
The Empowered Patient PodcastInnovation in Streaming, with founder and CEO, DeShuana Spencer of KweliTVWebsite: https://inovcares.com/podcast
Representation matters in media and television. The narrative and story of certain demographics are told through the lens of people without lived experiences. DeShuna Spencer took this challenge and is changing the narrative through kweliTV, Inc., an interactive video streaming network dedicated to the issues, stories and culture of the global black community. Recently, KweliTV became available on Comcast Xfinity X1 and Flex, allowing the stories of 250+ promising and award-winning independent-mostly black - filmmakers to become available to a larger audience.
DeShuna Elisa Spencer is the Founder & CEO of...
2020-05-281h 02Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 61: Unveiling “The Truth about Muslim Marriage” with Dr. Myriam FrançoisDr Myriam Francois is a journalist, TV producerand writer.Her documentaries have appeared on Channel 4 and BBC1 among others. She devised, produced and presenteda monthlyArts and Culture documentary series “Compass”forTRT world, a global news network on Sky 519 (2017-2018). She was also Europe Correspondent for TRTWorld from 2015-2017, covering French politics, the migrant issue and Brexit. She has also reported for BBC World news, most recently with her exclusive report on the allegations of sexual assault against Prof Tariq Ramadan (2018).Myriam is the presenter of the Channel 4 documentary “The Truth about Muslim marriage” (11/2017), nominated for best...
2020-05-2350 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 59: Emmy award winner, LINDA MIDGETT! NBC-Universal, Discovery, PBS, and National GeographicLINDA MIDGETT is an independent documentary filmmaker, TV producer and screenwriter with writing, producing and directing credits on many major networks, including NBC-Universal, The History Channel, A&E, Discovery, PBS, National Geographic and LMN (Lifetime Movie Network). Her work has won numerous awards, including two Emmys.Linda’s documentary credits includes Hometown Stories: The Greek-Americans of Charlotte for PBS, which won a regional Emmy for best cultural documentary; Through My Eyes, a documentary about teens struggling with suicide, depression and eating disorders. Through My Eyes was nominated for a regional Emmy, and was awarded the national Voice Award fo...
2020-05-111h 00Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 58: Hollywood Production Designer, Suzuki IngerslevSuzuki Ingerslev has enjoyed a 28-year career as an Art Director andProduction 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 Ba...
2020-05-0832 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 57: Vivacious, Tenacious, and Gracious! Award-winning actress Doris MorgadoAward-winning actress Doris Morgado, is best known for her work opposite Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, John Travolta and Dwayne Johnson. She has worked with award winning directors such as James Mangold, Juan Jose Campanella, Baltasar Kormakur, Shawn Levy, and Chuck Russell just to name a few.Ms. Morgado’s ability to continuously work with such great directors is due in part to the training she’s received in some of the most prestigious acting schools in Los Angeles. Doris has trained at Warner Loughlin Studio, Diana Castle’s The Imagined Life and The BGB Studio. She has also traine...
2020-05-021h 08
The Screen Raised UsQuarantine RecommendationsAre you bored and need something to watch during the nation's Stay At Home order? We have a nice variety of recommendations from Kid movies, Reality TV, Comedy shows, Dramas, Documentaries, Action and Comedy Films. Most of the recommendations can be found on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO, KweliTV, Crackle to name a few.
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2020-04-3037 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEP 56: Starsky & Hutch star Paul Michael Glase, Chrystallia and The Source of LightGlaser, raised in a Jewish family, is the youngest of three children. He was born Paul Manfred Glaser in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the son of Dorothy and Samuel Glaser, who was an architect. Glaser attended the Buckingham Browne & Nichols School until 1961 before transferring to the Cambridge School of Weston completing high school. Glaser attended Tulane University, where he was roommates with film director Bruce Paltrow, majoring in theatre and English with a minor in architecture and graduated in 1966. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. He earned a master's degree in fine arts from Boston University in acting...
2020-04-2736 min
The Video EntrepreneurDeShuna Spencer on Building a Successful Niche Streaming ServiceYour YouTube channel is a marketing engine for your VOD. It's where you get your streaming business discovered and grow your brand.Today, we're joined by DeShuna Spencer, founder of kweliTV to learn about building a successful niche video streaming business.Kweli means Truth in Swahili. In this episode, DeShuna shares the truth about running a niche streaming service. Stay tuned to learn:What KweliTV is and how it came aboutHow a niche entertainment SVOD can succeedHow a VOD platform can enable you to offer value to your audienceHow KweliTV seek out and get...
2020-04-2726 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 55: Eugene Lee A Master of Stage and Screen with Stories to TellEugene Lee began working as an actor in the early 1970s and continues to appear on stage, in movies and on television.In 1972, Lee was a cast member in a command performance of “A Raisin in the Sun” for President Lyndon B. Johnson by the Ebony Players, a college theatrical group. He went on to appear and work in over 200 television movies and series, including “The Women of Brewster Place” (ABC) with Oprah Winfrey; “Dallas” (TNT); “Good Times” (CBS); “The White Shadow” (CBS); “The District” (CBS); “NYPD Blue” (ABC); “The Guiding Light” (NBC); “Quantum Leap” (NBC); “American Crime” (ABC); “The Lying Game” (Freeform); “MacG...
2020-04-2345 min
Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 54: Cinematographer, Adam Newport-Berra "Never lose sight of making things"Adam Newport-Berra is a director of photography with a reel that includes features, commercials and music videos. Most recently Adam was the cinematographer on Euphoria and The Last Black Man In San Francisco which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won awards for Best Directing and a Special Jury Prize for Creative Collaboration. In the music realm he has worked with Chance the Rapper, Francis and The Lights, Kanye West and many more. Adam’s commercial work delves into true storytelling with compelling and unique ads that can feel more like short films.On...
2020-04-1344 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 53: "Social media can mentally put you down" Actress Fidelia Grace!"Growing up in a small town outside of Buffalo NY, there weren’t many opportunities for me to immerse myself in the entertainment industry. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come, October of 2014 (Halloween, to be exact!), I picked up my whole life and moved to the beautiful city of Los Angeles, California. It was nerve-wracking at first, not knowing a single soul or having a job to go to everyday, but I took those nerves and used them to help create who I am.I made the non-traditional decision to not attend college because I knew in my...
2020-04-1147 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 52: An award-winning filmmaker/actress, Julia CampanelliJulia Campanelli is an award-winning filmmaker and actress. Her film “116” won 27 awards and screened in over 50 festivals world-wide. Her screenplay “The Paisley Witch Trial” has won 8 Best Screenplay awards, was short-listed by The Black List to become a Finalist for Cinereach Film Fund 2019. Founder of Shelter Film, a New York-based independent film company dedicated to creating films by and about women and other under-represented groups, as well as Shelter Theatre Group NYC, a non-profit company dedicated to equality on stage, through gender-blind, age-blind, and color-blind casting. She has produced/directed 13 stage productions in NYC, including the critically acclaimed Macbeth...
2020-04-0944 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 51: Deadpool, and Gone Girl! Vashi Nedomansky, ACE!Vashi NedomanskyVashi defected from Czechoslovakia as a child during the Cold War and grew up in Toronto & Detroit. Following his career as a professional hockey player, he has been a professional film editor in Los Angeles since 2000.Vashi has edited 11 feature films including “6 BELOW: Miracle on the Mountain,” the global phenomenon “Sharknado 2,” the comedy “An American Carol” for director David Zucker (Airplane, Scary Movie) & PTSD documentary “That Which I Love Destroys Me” for director Ric Roman Waugh (Angel Has Fallen, Snitch).Vashi has cut over 50 national commercials for numerous brands including Nike, Volkswagen, Ford, NHL, EA Sp...
2020-03-301h 00Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 50: Conner Reeves discusses his Music VideosConner Reeves (born 8 April 1972) is an English singer and songwriter. He is best known for his 1997 album Earthbound which was released on Colin Lester's and Ian McAndrew's Wildstar label.Reeves scored five Top 40 singles in the UK Singles Chart, was nominated for a Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act in the 1998 Brit Awards. He performed as support act for many singers, including Whitney Houston on her European tour in 1998. After breaking with Wildstar Records, Reeves focused on writing songs for other artists like Artful Dodger, Joss Stone, Sami Yusuf, Joe Cocker and Tina Turner amongst many others..He...
2020-03-2042 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 49: ARRAYNow! Filmmaker C. Fitz, "JEWEL’S CATCH ONE" documentary Now on NetflixC. Fitz, Creator/Producer/Director/Writer/Filmmaker/Speaker: C. Fitz is a television and marketing veteran who is known for her globally successful content, TV Directing, and social media campaigns for Disney, Pepsi, Showtime, Celebrities and Global Business Thought Leaders. With an extensive background in developing original content, directing TV and films, social media management and producing award-winning marketing campaigns all over the world, she has become an innovative pioneer in both the entertainment, Digital, filmmaking and advertising industries. Her latest feature is now streaming on Netflix and most recent TV Directing was for Ava DuVernay's Queen Sugar...
2020-03-1340 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 48: Michael Barnathan: Crafting Hits Like Harry Potter, The Help, and StepmomMICHAEL BARNATHAN (producer) is an Academy Award-nominated producer and President of 1492 Pictures, in which he is a producing partner with Chris Columbus and Mark Radcliffe. The company was formed in May 1994.Recently Barnathan produced Christ the Lord, based on the best selling novel from Anne Rice. This faith-affirming fictional story follows young Jesus as he comes to discover his real identity and the truth surrounding his birth. Focus Feature will release Easter 2016.Barnathan has served as producer on such Columbus-directed projects as "Nine Months," "Rent," "Stepmom," "I Love You, Beth Cooper," and "Percy Jackson & The Olympians...
2020-03-0755 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 47: From the podcast Film Method! Jenna EdwardsJenna Edwards is an Actor (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Malcolm in the Middle), an Award-Winning Film Producer (iTunes, Netflix, Hulu) and a #1 Best- Selling Author who is passionate about spreading the idea of Aggressive Optimism as far and wide as she is able to.Growing up in a small town in Minnesota, Jenna was (what she calls) a “walking statistic." According to the experts, she should have been pregnant at 16, living in poverty with an abusive husband, addicted to some form of drug.Instead, she made the choice to break the cycle and since then she has trav...
2020-02-2946 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 46: Maya Washington, Through the Banks of the Red Cedar!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 A...
2020-02-1129 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 45: From BAFTA to the Academy: The Katie Bryer EditKatie BryerFilm EditorInitially trained as a drama editor, first at the NFTS and later at the BBC, and started working on documentaries in 2010. She has since worked on many award-winning documentaries on subjects ranging from forced marriage to human trafficking to Everest to the moon, and in fifteen different languages. Her first feature documentary was the popular snowboarding movie, WE RIDE for Grain Media, and she went on to co-edit the Oscar-nominated VIRUNGA, directed by Orlando von Einsiedel. In 2014 she returned to her drama roots and edited the award-winning feature rom-com SUPERBOB, directed by Jon...
2020-02-0438 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 44: Cooper Saxe from the hit tv show 'POWER', Shane Johnson.Shane Johnson is an American actor with numerous credits in both television and film. He is noted for playing Scott in Black Cadillac. He has also appeared as Will Cooper in two episodes of the 2008 TNT show Raising the Bar.Shane has also ventured into producing, writing and animation. Given his passion for one particular project, he taught himself how to animate and has since been developing multiple projects. He's also ventured into scripted and reality TV as a writer/creator, striking deals with production companies and navigating the maze.If you liked this podcast, shoot me...
2020-02-0154 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 43: One of the UK's BEST! Filmmaker Julius Amedume started a production company using ten credit cards!JULIUS AMEDUME’S film education began with black & white film noirs, comedies and musicals screened on TV each afternoon while he was home schooled due to illnesses as a child. Film became his passion and he made his first short film at the tender age of 16.Years later after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree (BSC Hons) in communication and technology, his passion which was now a hobby transitioned into a career.His first broadcast credit was on CANAL PLUS in Belgium and France for a short documentary about the Cinefondation award at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival. Af...
2020-01-3035 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 42: Ava Duvernay Keynote Address 2013 Film IndependentAva DuVernay is a writer, producer, director and distributor of independent film.Winner of the Emmy, BAFTA and Peabody Awards, Academy award nominee Ava DuVernay is a writer, director, producer and film distributor. Her directorial work includes the historical drama SELMA, the criminal justice documentary 13TH and Disney’s A WRINKLE IN TIME, which made her the highest grossing black woman director in American box office history. Based on the infamous case of The Central Park Five, her next project is entitled WHEN THEY SEE US and will be released worldwide on Netflix in May 2019. Currently, she is ov...
2020-01-1542 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 41: Adam Fenderson, talks about his SXSW documentary UNLIKELYIn this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, I speak to Adam Fenderson and his documentary UNLIKELY.Filmmakers investigate America's college dropout crisis, and the barriers students face in their pursuit of an education and meaningful career.In cities across the nation, five individuals failed by the higher education system fight for a second chance at opportunity.A feature documentary from Three Frame Media filmmakers Jaye & Adam Fenderson, Unlikely investigates America’s college dropout crisis and the barriers students face in their pursuit of a college degree and meaningful career.In the US less than 50% of...
2019-12-2935 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 40: Roberto Schaefer, ASC, BAFTA nominated cinematographer. "Quantum of Solace", and more!I am excited and thrilled to have the honor of interviewing the cinematographer Roberto Schaefer ASC. He has been the director of photography on some of my favorite films, “Monster Ball,” and “Stranger Than Fiction,” and “Quantum of Solace” featuring Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Judy Dench, and Gemma Arterton. Roberto has been extremely kind to find time in his busy schedule to talk about his work and the visual turn that the iconic series took with his decisions as a cinematographer. On this podcast, we speak about: Roberto being the first cinematographer to use an Arri Alexa instea...
2019-12-211h 32Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 39: Lauren Sowa creates work to move the world forward!Lauren Sowa is a New York-based actor and filmmaker. “MARISOL” 15-MIN. DRAMATIC SHORT, 2019A narrative short film about one young mother’s experience as an undocumented immigrant in NYC. Premiered at the San Diego Latino Film Festival, March 2019. Currently available on HBO, and being developed as a series. Watch Marisol (2019) on HBO Latino, HBO GO & HBO NOW:https://www.hbo.com/movies/marisolDirected by Zoé Salicrup JuncoWritten by Tim EliotProduced by Lauren Sowa Lauren Sowa is an actor and independent filmmaker. In 2016, she co-founded Form & Pressur...
2019-12-1443 min
The Sanctuary Radio ShowSeason 2: Episode 45: "Telling Our Own Stories: Voice. Visibility. Validation."DeShuna Moore Spencer from kweliTV.com and Derrick Young from MahoganyBooks.com joined me in The Sanctuary and we discussed:
"Telling Our Own Stories: Voice. Visibility. Validation."
📕Creating and Sustaining a Black Business
🎥 The Importance of Black Owned Media
👸🏽🤴🏾 Why Media Representation Matters
Check it out!
Tune in to The Sanctuary Radio Show, weekdays @ 4PM online at DC Radio and on all platforms or download the app!
Grab a copy of #FromJerZtoMe at wendicherry.com/book
#kweliTV #MahoganyBooks
👸🏽🌸🦋
2019-12-1300 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 38: Are people looking down at you for having a day job? Cinematographer Crystal WatersIn this episode I get to once again interview Crystal Waters. We discussed: Being on a unhealthy set.You’ve got to know when you’re having those “Why am I doing this?’ moments, and you need to have a good answer.The ramifications of working outside of 9-5 and keeping relationships with family and friends.The business being worst for actors and more. If you liked this podcast, shoot me an e-mail at filmmakerswaby@hotmail.com Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixt...
2019-12-0228 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 37: Oscar Winners at The Heartbeat of Storytelling: Lagralane GroupIt was amazing for me to interview Yvonne and Jason, Lagralane Group. Yvonne Huff LeeYvonne Huff Lee is co-CEO of Lagralane Group. She is an actor, creative investor, philanthropist and mother to three with her husband and co-founder Jason Delane Lee. Yvonne is inspired by the female experience and seeks to elevate both female-driven narratives and women’s perspectives. Through Lagralane, Yvonne has breathed life into a diverse slate of films. Personal credits include executive producing two 2017 SXSW premiere documentaries (SERVED LIKE A GIRL and THE BLOOD IS AT THE DOORSTEP) and associate producing 2017 Sundance pr...
2019-11-2830 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 36: "We can't wait for permission to create things!" Award winning actress and filmmaker Sonja O'HaraSonja O'Hara is a multi award winning actress and filmmaker. She is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA. Sonja was featured as one of INDEPENDENT Magazine's “10 Filmmakers to Watch in 2017”, chosen by a jury from MovieMaker Magazine, the Sundance Institute and Austin Film Festival. Sonja created and stars in the series DOOMSDAY (The Spectator's "7 Series To Binge Watch."), which qualified for the 2017 Emmy award and was nominated for "Best Indie Series" at the Streamy Awards. Sonja was also awarded the prestigious “Best Director” prize at The New York Television Festival out of 4000 pilot submissions. She is a four time semi fin...
2019-11-1642 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 35: Sundance Best Documentary Winner Amy Adrion!Amy Adrion is a director and writer whose work has screened at the Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca and Los Angeles Film Festivals, been broadcast on PBS and MTV, and won numerous awards.HALF THE PICTURE, Amy’s debut feature, celebrates the groundbreaking work of women film directors and had its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2018. HALF THE PICTURE won the #WhatNext Award at Sundance: London, the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Lighthouse Film Festival and the Impact Award at the Through Women’s Eyes Film Festival. Amy won a Directors Guild of America (DGA) Student Film...
2019-11-1042 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 34: Do you feel trusted as a female cinematographer?In this episode I get to talk to one of the most honest and upfront out of work cinematographers on social media. Crystal Waters was so upfront on the is podcast, part 2 of this podcast is already in the bag! Based in New York, she made me think. Do female cinematographers get a hard time? If you think they do, shoot me an e-mail at filmmakerswaby@hotmail.com!Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: www.kweli.tv/programs/the-peopl…xton?autoplay=trueDamien Sw...
2019-11-0122 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 33: Dreams Do Come True! Filmmaker Antonio PantojaAntonio Pantoja is a Hispanic-Italian horror filmmaker and fine art photographer focused on creating ethereal imagery, stories that break stereotypes, and use the film medium to teach socioeconomic values.Pantoja has garnered nearly 100 awards in his efforts in film and photography and has a passion for community outreach by offering free classes and workshops in photography and film.Here is a link to his website: https://www.antoniopantoja.com/Antonio is such an inspiring filmmaker!Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: www.kweli.tv...
2019-10-221h 09Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 32: Legally Blonde, Monster-in-Law, and 21 director Robert Luketic!Robert Luketic started making short films as a teenager and went on to study at the Victorian College of Arts – School of Film and Television (VCA).He first attracted Hollywood's attention with his award-winning short film Titsiana Booberini. After screening to much acclaim at several festivals within Australia, Titsiana Booberini became a hit at many internationally renowned festivals including the Sundance Film Festival.It won "Best Film" at the Aspen ShortsfestLuketic directed the comedy Legally Blonde for MGM in the summer of 2001. This film, which grossed close to $100 million domestically and was nominated for tw...
2019-10-1642 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 31: Chris G. Parkhurst from The Documentary Life PodcastChris G. Parkhurst is co the founder of The Documentary Life.He came from a film and video production background - commercial and corporate gigs and narrative feature films - but for some time now he has been focused on making our documentary films and helping others do the same.Originally from the USA he loves to travel, especially to Asia. He is currently living in Siem Reap, Cambodia with his wife, who he works with who is a fellow filmmaker, two little ones Flynn and Maya, while they finish making a doc film....
2019-09-221h 16Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 30: From BRIGHTLIGHT PICTURES - Jameson Parker, Director, Production & DevelopmentJAMESON PARKERDirector, Production & DevelopmentJameson Parker is a producer and director who currently serves as the Director of Development for Brightlight Pictures. Most recently he produced the feature film SUMMER OF ’84 starring Rich Sommer (MAD MEN), was directed by the acclaimed directing trio RKSS (TURBO KID) and premiered in the Midnight Section of Sundance ’18. His first feature film PRODIGALS had it’s world premiere at the 2017 edition of the Whistler Film Festival and was released domestically by LevelFilm. He has directed numerous music videos for local and international artists and in 2014 directed THE PRICE IS PRECISE for in...
2019-09-0137 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 29: (Bonus episode) James Cameron, directed award winning films Titanic, Avatar, and Terminator.James Cameron is the Director of award winning films Titanic, Avatar, Terminator."Just do it. Just pick up a camera and start shooting something."In total, Cameron's directorial efforts have grossed approximately US$2 billion in North America and US$6 billion worldwide. Not adjusted for inflation, Cameron's Avatar and Titanic are the second and third highest-grossing films of all time at $2.78 billion and $2.19 billion respectively. Cameron also holds the distinction of having directed the first two of the five films in history to gross over $2 billion worldwide (the latter three being Star Wars: The Force Awakens...
2019-08-1306 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp: 28 Bill Duke! 'Predator', 'Sister Act 2' and 'Menace to Society' One of the best!Luckily I got to speak to Bill Duke! Film director and actor Bill Duke was born on February 26, 1943 in Poughkeepsie, New York and is the son of Ethel Douglas Duke and William Duke, Sr. After earning his A.A. degree from Dutchess Community College, Duke became interested in the performing arts while attending Boston University, although he initially enrolled as a pre-med student. He eventually majored in theater there and then went on to earn a M.A. degree in fine arts from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Duke later enrolled in the American Film...
2019-08-0535 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 27: Wavelength Productions - Knock Down the House!Jenifer Westphal founded Wavelength Productions to develop, fund, and produce films that tell great f**king stories. Wavelength Productions works tirelessly to find and support talented and exciting filmmakers in all stages of production on projects that resonate with broad audiences. Sundance 2019 films included In Association and Executive Producer on Matt Tyrnauer’s Where’s My Roy Cohn?, Executive Producer on Tayarisha Poe’s Selah and the Spades, and Co-Executive Producer on Cristina Ibarra and Alex Rivera’s The Infiltrators and Rachel Lear’s Knock Down the House. Additional projects include Executive Producer on Morgan Neville’s film Won’t You Be...
2019-07-0149 minFilmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyEp 26: Mark Duplass Inspirational Talk at SXSWOn this episode of The Filmmakers Podcast I talk about the future of the podcast and we have an inspiration talk from Mark Duplass. SOON ON THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST! Wavelength Productions, the finance and production company behind the best doc I've seen this year! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wGZc8ZjFY4&t=1sCinematographer Roberto Schaefer, he shot one of my all time favorite films to name a few. One of the greatest cinematographers of his generation.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZpg8VII7esAntonio Pantoja, an...
2019-06-2927 min
Day Ones PodcastS02E05: DeShuna Spencer, Founder of KweliTVThis week on the Day Ones Podcast, we begin by discussing Steven Spielberg’s crusade against streaming services, and why that mission is completely damaging. Then, we pull out a lost episode from the vaults for ya’ll where we sit down with DeShuna Spencer, creator of KweliTV, a video streaming service that celebrates movies, TV, children’s programming, and much, much more from the African Diaspora. She walks us through how KweliTV was founded and what the process of starting a streaming platform is like. Next, she shares with us the content from her childhood that may have inspired her. A...
2019-03-0858 min
The Dr. Will Show PodcastNicole Franklin (@Nicoleedits) - How To Become A Digital FilmmakerNicole Franklin is an award-winning filmmaker of two features, the recently released TITLE VII, a narrative film on the rarely discussed subject of same-race discrimination in the workplace and her debut film, I Was Made to Love Her: the Double Dutch Documentary. TITLE VII was the 2017 Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival HBO sponsored Best Feature Nominee, the 2017 St. Louis International Film Festival Emerging Director Award Nominee, and Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actress winner from the I See You Awards 2018.
Currently directing projects for both stage and screen, Nicole’s other credits include the multi-award wi...
2019-03-021h 06
Podcast - Picture LockPicture Lock PR After Show: Deshuna Spencer of KweliTV
I’ve got some #wednesdaywisdom for you with this After Show with Deshuna Spencer of KweliTV. We talk about the importance of telling authentic visual stories in your marketing, doing the research on your content, and more. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode! Thanks for listening.The after show is where I ask my guests two questions that cut straight to great takeaways for how to improve the PR and marketing for your production and they throw one at me. Definitely worth the time to listen #indiefilmmakers!Find out more about Deshuna here: http://des...
2018-11-2900 min
Podcast - Picture LockPicture Lock Radio: Ep 101- Holiday Movies, Creative Edge Collaborative, & KweliTV
Happy Friday folks! I hope you are enjoying those leftovers! This week on the show I have Chair, Secretary and Manager of the Creative Edge Collaborative, Talaya Grimes. She’ll talk about what the Creative Edge is and the Future of Film and Media Conference they’re holding Nov. 30 through Dec. 1st at Bowie State University. I also talk w/ Deshuna Spencer of Kweli TV. She talks about her online streaming platform designed to serve films and stories of and by people of the Afric
2018-11-2300 min
Brothaspeak PodcastSinging the blues loud & queer. Ep. 76In the Brothaspeak Podcast episode #76, we speak to Robert Phillipson. On the show we discuss some of his work such as T'Ain't Nobody's Bizness: Queer Blues Divas of the 1920s, and other unknown queer black history. KweliTV KweliTV is an interactive streaming platform that shares the African Diaspora experience through undiscovered documentaries, films, web shows, children's programming, news and more. Website: www.kweli.tv CLICK HERE Robert Phillipson Robert Philipson is an independent scholar and film director who lives in Oakland, California. His work has been published in...
2018-09-0234 min