Ep 246: From Tom Cruise’s Inner Circle to Indie Film Powerhouse: Kerry David’s Story

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

In this powerful episode, Damian sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Kerry David, whose journey spans from temping at Paramount Pictures to working with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, and ultimately founding her own company, KDC Films.🎬 A multi-award-winning Producer, TEDx Speaker, and Strategic Storyteller, Kerry brings over 20 years of experience creating purpose-driven films that spark global impact. Her work has empowered orphans in Ghana, protected endangered wildlife, and fueled social change across sectors. She’s the founder of:

• KDC Films – amplifying mission-driven narratives
• Over & Above Africa – protecting wildlife and supporting local communities

Kerry collaborates with filmmakers, NGOs, ethical tech, and philanthropists to craft stories that drive funding, action, and cultural relevance.
Kerry opens up about:

• 🌍 Her move from England to LA and how a chance temp job kickstarted her career in film
• 🎬 Working on Eyes Wide Shut with Stanley Kubrick, and sharing a hilarious moment from her first day on set
• 👩‍💼 What it was really like to be Nicole Kidman’s Executive Assistant—and how it prepared her to produce major films
• 🚀 Launching her career with Agent Cody Banks and shifting into independent, socially driven documentaries
• 🐘 Her passion for wildlife and conservation through Over and Above Africa and her award-winning doc Breaking Their Silence
• 🎥 Why she loves working with emerging filmmakers and how she helps elevate new voices
• 🧠 The power of emotional storytelling, balanced with integrity in films like Open Secret and The Bill Coors Story
• 🌱 Building an orphanage in Ghana and her commitment to creating global change
• 💡 Insightful advice for screenwriters, filmmakers, and anyone trying to break through the noise in a crowded distribution landscape
• 🎯 Her guiding ethos: “Enlightenment through Entertainment”

This is a must-listen for creatives, dreamers, and disruptors who want to tell meaningful stories and create real impact through film.
🎧 Mentioned in the Episode:

• Eyes Wide Shut (Stanley Kubrick)
• Agent Cody Banks (MGM)
• Breaking Their Silence (Wondrium)
• Open Secret (Upcoming documentary)
• Over and Above Africa (Nonprofit)
• The Bill Coors Story
• Regal Cinemas
• KDC Films

Website: https://www.overandaboveafrica.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrydavid/