Episode 16: If You Film It, They Will Watch with Dino Tripodis
In Episode 16 of Quality Time With MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout welcomes Dino Tripodis, comedian, podcaster, and writer-producer of the independent film DOWN TO THE FELT. Dino shares his experiences making the largest indie film ever produced in Columbus, Ohio, showcasing how he balanced creativity and efficiency to deliver high quality on a limited budget.
This episode offers an inside look at the art and business of filmmaking, with Dino reflecting on writing the script, fundraising, and coordinating a talented cast and crew. With Hollywood budgets often reaching tens of millions, Dino’s $1.5 million production highlights the importance of teamwork, feedback, and process optimization in achieving excellence.
Whether you’re a film enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or simply curious about how to achieve big results with limited resources, this episode is filled with entertaining stories and practical takeaways. And with Dino and Dan’s 25-year friendship, there’s no shortage of laughs along the way.
In this episode, you will hear about:
2:18 - Dino's podcast, Whiskey Business
5:07 - Dino's history in show business
11:12 - Introduction to DOWN TO THE FELT
12:40 - Writing the movie
16:01 - Raising money to make the movie
19:44 - Other movies Dino has been involved with
24:38 - Ensuring quality without a Hollywood budget
29:44 - The American Film Market
32:36 - The filmmaker as an entrepreneur
39:08 - Improving efficiency while making a movie
43:14 - Getting better as a team
46:49 - Getting the team on the same page
48:57 - The importance of feedback
55:10 - Indicators of quality
62:06 - Saving money
64:22 - DOWN TO THE FELT on social media
Additional Resources:
Down To The Felt Movie Website
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Host • MoreSteam
Dan Swartwout is the host of Quality Time with MoreSteam. A lifelong Central Ohio resident, Dan is a double Buckeye. He earned both a BA and a law degree from The Ohio State University. Before joining MoreSteam, Dan had a long career as a host, comedian, and master of ceremonies. For 17 years, Dan was the studio audience host for the Ohio Lottery game show Cash Explosion. Dan was also the host of CBuzz, which was a collaboration between the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, WWCD 92.9, and the Columbus Dispatch. On CBuzz, Dan interviewed some of the most prominent entrepreneurs in Central Ohio. From 2002-2020, Dan toured the country as a standup comedian. Tracks from his comedy CD have been played over 5,000 times on Sirius/XM satellite radio. Now, Dan brings his experience and enthusiasm to Quality Time with MoreSteam -- it's business and fun, together.
Dino Tripodis is a creator always aspiring to do and be more. Born in Gary, Indiana and growing up in a suburb of Chicago and then a small island of Greece, Dino has seen and done it all.In his professional life, he hasn’t so much chosen any of his numerous careers as much as they have chosen him. What ties all the facets of his creative endeavors together is how he strives to connect with the humanity of others.The most valuable asset he’s developed over his many years of being a voice and radio personality is the ability to listen, which has in turn elevated his success as a speaker, performer, and host. He’s particularly proud of his award-winning podcast, Whiskey Business, which is soon to celebrate its fourth successful year of sharing a variety of unlikely stories between friends…over whiskey, of course.
Dino prides himself on being a creator and following his many passions. Back in the day, his job as a private investigator led him to seek out the comedy club scene as a much-needed distraction from the grueling demands of his profession. Eventually, he decided to try his own hand as a stand-up comedian, and in his words, “failed miserably.” Equally perseverant and impassioned, Dino tried again only two weeks later and won big. From there, he went on to win the Johnnie Walker comedy competition in Columbus, giving Dino his start as a professional comedian. Next thing he knew, he was snatched up by the Sunny 95 air waves, even though he never expected himself to become a “radio guy.” He spent 24 years as a morning radio host.It appears that the jobs Dino accepted on a whim have been what’s lent his name the most recognition, but he says it’s his projects of passion that have saved him creatively.He is currently busy working on a novel, conducting Whiskey Business from home, and writing his way through a four-part memoir that will be published in Ikapia Magazine, an online publication of the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood of America on their website, Pan-Icarian.com.
