Ep 271: Inside the Neighborhood: Seth Zvi Rosenfeld’s Guerrilla Filmmaking & NYC Stories

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Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

Damien Swaby

270 episodes

4 days ago

Step into the world of independent film with Filmmaking Conversations with Damien SwabyFrom established industry voices to the filmmakers of tomorrow, Damien Swaby opens up conversations that spark ideas, share experiences, and celebrate creativity in all its forms.

Each episode offers listeners both inspiration and practical takeaways, leaving them better equipped to bring their own stories to life.With a loyal and growing audience of passionate filmmakers and film lovers, Filmmaking Conversations has become a trusted space for authentic dialogue and fresh perspectives on the art of storytelling.

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Ep 271: Inside the Neighborhood: Seth Zvi Rosenfeld’s Guerrilla Filmmaking & NYC Stories

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

46 minutes

2 weeks ago

Ep 271: Inside the Neighborhood: Seth Zvi Rosenfeld’s Guerrilla Filmmaking & NYC Stories

Episode Snapshot

Playwright-turned-filmmaker Seth Zvi Rosenfeld joins Damien Swaby to talk about his journey from the New York theatre scene to Hollywood, Sundance, and independent filmmaking. He shares how his latest film—shot guerrilla-style in a real restaurant over six days—became a heartfelt portrait of community and resilience in post-lockdown New York. The conversation dives deep into working with non-actors, directing for truth, and navigating today’s streaming and indie distribution landscape.

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & intro
00:01 – Origin story: theatre → screenwriting (New Line Cinema)
00:03 – Lessons from early Hollywood experiences
00:04 – First short film, Sundance Lab & early features
00:05 – Brother’s Kiss and King of the Jungle
00:06 – Transition into television work
00:07 – Pandemic short rekindles love for filmmaking
00:08 – The birth of a new film at El Posto A Canto restaurant
00:09 – Shooting with real patrons and blending fiction with reality
00:10 – Guerrilla filmmaking on the Williamsburg Bridge
00:12 – Creating a film about community and connection
00:16 – Directing non-actors and improvisation
00:19 – The heart of the film: post-pandemic togetherness
00:22 – Collaborating with longtime friends and actors
00:24 – New York City as a living character
00:27 – Danny Hoch’s creative influence and personal experiences
00:29 – Tone, truth, and emotional authenticity in filmmaking
00:33 – Influences: Sidney Lumet, Woody Allen, and Scorsese
00:36 – Lessons from theatre: the art of working with actors
00:38 – Television vs. indie film: control and collaboration
00:41 – Distribution realities & using FilmHub
00:44 – Next project: Legit — a comedy set in New York’s cannabis world
00:46 – Why we tell stories and how film preserves human experience
00:47 – Closing thoughts and reflections

People, Places & Projects Mentioned

Films by Seth Zvi Rosenfeld: Brother’s Kiss, King of the Jungle
Restaurant: El Posto A Canto (New York City)
Collaborators: Christopher James, Rebecca James, Danny Hoch, Julio & Beatrice, Victor (Sixto)
Influences & References: Goodfellas (Scorsese), Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico, Network (Sidney Lumet), Manhattan (Woody Allen), Saturday Night Fever
TV: How to Make It in America
Distribution Platform: FilmHub

Notable Quotes

“When you’re shooting a movie in six days, the cameras need to be going all the time.”
“Create an environment where no one can do anything wrong — then roll.”
“If theatre should play with your eyes closed, film should work with the sound off.”
“I’m always chasing what feels true — that’s where the emotion and the comedy live.”
“There will always be a need for people with a good story to tell it.”

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seth_Zvi_Rosenfeld

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