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Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyFilmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby is a fraction of the critical conversations currently taking place across the indie film community. The podcast reaches out to the next generation of filmmakers, who continue to look for inspiration and... Author: Damien Swaby Language: en Genres: Film History, Film Interviews, TV & Film Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Ep 296: Stop Waiting, Start Filming: Mike Gallant and Seled Calderon on BACKPAY
Wednesday, 14 October, 2026
Mike Gallant and Seled Calderon join Damien Swaby to discuss BACKPAY, an independent neo-noir crime thriller about financial desperation, family and the consequences of believing one bad decision can fix everything.Written, directed and produced by Gallant, who also stars, the film follows Steve, a desperate father fighting to save his marriage. Alongside Murphy, a cop caught up in life as an informant, he attempts to extort a corrupt politician and crack a safe—with increasingly dangerous consequences.Mike discusses how the frustration of chasing payments, rising living costs and providing for a family gave him a personal connection to the story. Seled reflects on bringing her experience as a mother to her performance and how a supportive crew helped her take emotional risks.Their conversation offers a candid look at independent filmmaking, from developing a short proof of concept into a feature to overcoming self-doubt and creating opportunities for yourself.In this episode:Mike’s beginnings in filmmaking and Seled’s move from modelling into acting.Expanding BACKPAY from a short film into a feature.Financial pressure, wage theft and the responsibilities of parenthood.Casting and building a team of trusted collaborators.Balancing acting with responsibilities behind the camera.Creating a set where performers feel safe to explore.The influence of Michael Mann and Penélope Cruz.Moving beyond perfectionism and getting the film made.BACKPAY stars Mike Gallant, Dwain Murphy, Seled Calderon, Golden Madison and Jason Pennell.Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q12ypJOEb3g
