A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative Coach

Phil Svitek flags a practical option for animators and filmmakers: MIFA (the market/information side of the Annecy Festival ecosystem) now has an online component. He explains why it’s useful if France travel is cost-prohibitive and suggests searching “MIFA online” to explore the access, replays, and programming.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach? Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help. ✅ Work with me: ⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers. 📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content? Join me on: • Patreon – ⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠ • Substack – ⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠

Phil Svitek calls out a growing trend: as tech improves, podcast audio quality somehow gets worse. He breaks down why “fix it in post” is a trap, how bad audio increases editing time and cost, why lav mics aren’t something to be precious about, and why clean, intelligible sound is the baseline for any serious production.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach? Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help. ✅ Work with me: ⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers. 📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content? Join me on: • Patreon – ⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠ • Substack – ⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠

In an industry that constantly tells creatives to keep “multiple irons in the fire,” Phil Svitek explains why he’s choosing the opposite approach.Rather than bouncing between projects while waiting on studios or investors, Phil is fully committing to The Arbiters — continuing storyboards, refining concept designs, rewriting with intention, and self-funding progress so momentum never stalls.This isn’t about stubbornness. It’s about conviction, clarity, and showing tangible forward motion so when the right opportunity hits, the project is undeniable.If you’re torn between chasing new ideas or doubling down on the one that won’t leave you alone, this is a perspective on why going all in might be the stronger long-term play.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach? Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help. ✅ Work with me: ⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers. 📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content? Join me on: • Patreon – ⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠ • Substack – ⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠

Phil Svitek checks in after a busy January in LA—sharing a big progress update on The Arbiters (storyboards through Act 1, concept design ramp-up, and how he’s keeping momentum while conversations with studios/distributors evolve). He also recaps working Grammys week (Grammy House + the digital/YouTube clip operation), reflects on ideas from Open Socrates about seeing the best in people and using criticism productively, then fires off quick, practical tips: record clean podcast audio, check out MIFA’s new online option, explore Cinando’s modernized website, and don’t screw up objective requirements on client work. He wraps with a blunt take on AI CEOs needing clearer problem-solving goals, plus a nostalgic love letter to The Mummy trilogy (and curiosity about a fourth film).🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach? Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help. ✅ Work with me: ⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers. 📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content? Join me on: • Patreon – ⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠ • Substack – ⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠

👉 Visit patreon.com/philsvitek to be part of the journey.We’re excited to finally share this. This 20-minute behind-the-scenes video offers a rare look at how The Arbiters—our original, hand-drawn, anime-inspired sci-fi/fantasy feature film—came to life through its proof of concept.The Arbiters follows Edea, a young woman searching for her lost friend Rosa, only to uncover a much larger threat—ancient elemental forces, a broken world, and a choice that could determine humanity’s future. Think Princess Mononoke meets Suzume, grounded in emotion, scale, and consequence.This video pulls back the curtain on the process. You’ll see how the project evolved from early ideas into a working proof of concept, why we chose to shoot live-action reference footage, and how that footage became a “glorified animatic” that shaped performances, pacing, and story long before final animation. You’ll also get glimpses of cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, and our first time presenting The Arbiters to audiences at LA Comic Con.What You’ll See Inside🎬 Clips from the proof of concept showcasing the film’s tone and visual direction🛠 How the idea for The Arbiters started—and how it evolved🎥 Why we combined live-action reference with animation (and what it unlocked creatively)🌟 Highlights from LA Comic Con and early audience reactions🎤 Cast & crew reflections on building this world🌌 A look at the film’s world-building: advanced technology, societal decay, and a planet on the brinkThis video represents the philosophy behind the project—and behind my Patreon. I believe in showing the process, not just the outcome. The Arbiters is a real-time example of that belief in action.Want to Go Deeper?This behind-the-scenes documentary is just one part of a larger, ongoing open-studio journey happening on my Patreon.On Patreon, supporters get access to:-Additional Arbiters updates as the film develops-Early artwork, storyboards, and design explorations-Creative breakdowns, tools, and lessons drawn from the same process-Community polls, Q&As, and sneak peeks before public releasesWhether you support monthly or via a one-time contribution, everyone gets the same Arbiters access. The only difference is how you choose to participate.If this video sparked your curiosity—and you want to see how a film like this actually gets made from the inside—I’d love to have you join us.👉 Visit patreon.com/philsvitek to be part of the journey.Thanks for watching, and for supporting independent, long-form animation. We’re building something bold, beautiful, and human—one step at a time.

Emmy-winning producer, songwriter, and transmedia creator Genevieve LeDoux joins the show after we met at the World Animation Summit panel “How We Got Our Show Made — Against All Odds!” We dive into the origin of Star Forest—a genre-blurring universe built around an animated band—and how Genevieve is using music, animation, and games to help audiences (especially Gen Z/Gen Alpha) reconnect with creativity, quiet, and flow.Genevieve shares the deeply personal story that shaped her purpose, why mentorship matters more than ever, and how Star Forest is designed as non-linear storytelling that moves fast without sacrificing authenticity. We also talk building a sustainable creative pipeline, responding to negativity with humanity, why “viral” isn’t the plan (or the point), and what’s next: collabs, a third album recorded in a real studio, and expanding the world.If you’re an animator, musician, writer, indie creator, or anyone trying to get your project made “against all odds,” this one’s for you.To learn more about Star Forest, visit http://starforest.rocks

Not all traps look like mistakes. Some offer good money, attention, or the relief of certainty when you’re exhausted and just trying to survive.I break down the honeytraps artists and creatives fall into: jobs that pay but quietly take over your time, the pull of social media trends and clickbait certainty, and the pressure to take shortcuts when real growth feels painfully slow.We talk about why nuance doesn’t spike, why “this may help” rarely performs as well as “this will solve everything,” and why it can feel harder to grow when you refuse to oversimplify your work or your thinking.I also add an important nuance: sometimes, we have to take a honeytrap — especially for money and survival. The danger isn’t taking the job or chasing stability. It’s losing awareness and letting a temporary trade become a permanent identity.From tipped service work in America to the difference between 10 years doing the same job versus 10 years of real experience, this episode is about learning to use honeytraps consciously — without living inside them.If you’re an artist trying to balance survival, integrity, and long-term growth, this one’s for you.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/

Worldbuilding doesn’t have to start with an encyclopedia—and in fact, sometimes it shouldn’t.I break down how I approached worldbuilding for my animated feature by working backwards on purpose. BTW, if you want to follow the project as it’s actually being built, I’m sharing the full behind-the-scenes journey on Patreon (development updates, concept art, proof-of-concepts, and real creative decision-making along the way): http://patreon.com/philsvitek.I walk through how we broke down the script to identify what actually needs to exist onscreen, how that led to deeper systems around technology, government, housing, food, and culture, and why this level of logic is crucial for concept artists designing within a cohesive world.Rather than trying to solve everything at once, we’re focusing on major elements we already feel strong about—using small victories to build momentum and inform the harder design challenges ahead.If you’re a filmmaker, writer, animator, or storyteller overwhelmed by worldbuilding, this episode is about giving you permission to build the world as you need it—not all at once.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/

👉 Join the Patreon: patreon.com/philsvitekThis video is an invitation! The Arbiters is an original, hand-drawn, anime-inspired sci-fi/fantasy feature film currently in pre-production—and this project is one of the core reasons I created my Patreon.If you’re new: The Arbiters follows Edea, whose search for her lost friend Rosa uncovers a far more dangerous truth—ancient elemental forces, a fractured world, and a choice that could determine humanity’s future. Think Princess Mononoke meets Suzume.But this video isn’t just about the film. It’s about how a film like this actually gets made—and why I’ve chosen to share that process publicly.On my Patreon, I open the doors to the creative journey behind The Arbiters alongside the rest of my filmmaking, storytelling, and teaching. I believe in showing the process, not just the outcome—and this film is a real-time example of that philosophy in action.Rather than spoilers or unfinished scenes, Patreon supporters get context: how ideas evolve, why certain creative choices are made, and what it really takes to develop an independent animated feature from the ground up.Think of it as creative x-ray vision. You won’t see the final frame early—but you will see how every piece comes together.Why Patreon (and Why It’s Temporary)This Patreon isn’t meant to be a forever thing. Our ultimate goal is full funding—through studios, grants, partnerships, or co-productions. Patreon exists as a bridge, not a destination: a way to maintain momentum, fund key development phases, and keep the project alive while we work toward that larger goal.Animated films take time, and reliable cashflow allows us to keep building—one phase at a time—without the pressure of all-or-nothing crowdfunding or constant restarts.If and when full funding comes together, this Patreon will pause or evolve accordingly. Transparency is a core value here, and supporters will always know where the project stands.Ways to Support$10/month – Ongoing SupportGet full access to all Arbiters updates and everything else I share on Patreon.$300 – One-Time All-Access PassPrefer a single contribution? This unlocks a dedicated post and password-protected hub where you’ll receive the same Arbiters updates—kept current alongside Patreon posts.What You Get Right Away-Two proof-of-concept teaser videos-A 20-minute behind-the-scenes documentary on making the teasers-Sample music serving as the film’s sonic mood board-Character art & concept design bundle-PDF of the original teaser scriptWhat You’ll Get Over Time-Ongoing Arbiters update videos-Exclusive artwork and designs-Community polls & Q&As-Sneak peeks before public releases-Your name listed under Special Thanks in the final film-The option to submit your likeness for background characters-Occasional bonus surprises along the wayThe Arbiters began with a successful Seed&Spark campaign (https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-arbiters#story), but animated films take years—and consistent momentum matters more than one big moment. Patreon allows the project to keep moving forward while staying flexible, transparent, and community-driven.If this video resonated—and you want to see how ambitious creative work actually gets built from the inside—I’d love to have you along for the journey.👉 Join the Patreon: patreon.com/philsvitekThanks for watching, and for supporting independent, long-form storytelling.

With the holiday season slowing things down, this episode turns into a relaxed check-in on what we’ve been reading lately—for fun, for comfort, and for curiosity.I talk about revisiting Bird by Bird and why it remains one of the most honest books about the writing life, alongside reflections on translated fiction like The Taiga Syndrome, cozy seasonal mysteries such as Mrs. Claus and the Nightmare Before New Year, and rediscovering the magic of Stranger Things through its Season One novelization.We also get into fantasy and romance reads, including Sorcery of Thorns, and why revisiting beloved stories through audiobooks—like Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and His Dark Materials—can be a meaningful way to experience familiar worlds in a new medium.Along the way, we talk about:-Reading vs. audiobooks (and why speed-listening and summaries aren’t the same as reading)-Fan-recommended books we hope to get to in the future-Stories from other cultures that expand perspective-Why slowing down with books still matters in a hyper-optimized worldIf you love reading, book clubs, or just hearing how stories land with thoughtful readers, this episode is for you.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?Join me on:• Patreon – ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠⁠⁠⁠• Substack – ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠🎬 My Films• The Love Market – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket⁠⁠⁠⁠• Finding Love in Bogotá – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip⁠⁠⁠⁠• The Arbiters – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters⁠⁠⁠⁠📚 My Books• Elan, Elan – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan⁠⁠⁠⁠• Master Mental Fortitude – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude⁠⁠⁠⁠• In Search of Sunrise – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#insearchofsunrise⁠⁠⁠⁠• Hollywood Dreams on a Shoestring Budget – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#hollywooddreams⁠

What is the role of an artist during turbulent times? When the world feels loud, chaotic, and overwhelming, creating art—or even choosing joy—can feel self-indulgent or irresponsible. But history shows the opposite. Art is often the first thing oppressive systems try to erase, because it’s a powerful form of communication, imagination, and inner freedom.In this episode, I reflect on why joy itself is a quiet but meaningful form of resistance, how awareness doesn’t have to mean constant outrage, and why real activism is often unglamorous, collective, and rooted in everyday kindness. Drawing on ideas from Viktor Frankl and personal experience as a filmmaker and creator, this is a reminder that making art—whether professionally or as a hobby—is not wasted time.If creating gives you something, that alone is enough.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?Join me on:• Patreon – ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠⁠⁠⁠• Substack – ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠🎬 My Films• The Love Market – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket⁠⁠⁠⁠• Finding Love in Bogotá – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip⁠⁠⁠⁠• The Arbiters – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters⁠⁠⁠⁠📚 My Books• Elan, Elan – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan⁠⁠⁠⁠• Master Mental Fortitude – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude⁠⁠⁠⁠• In Search of Sunrise – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#insearchofsunrise⁠⁠⁠⁠• Hollywood Dreams on a Shoestring Budget – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#hollywooddreams⁠

Phil Svitek and Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) dive into The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, with iconic illustrations by Jules Feiffer—a timeless children’s fantasy that doubles as a philosophical guide to paying attention.First published in 1961, The Phantom Tollbooth follows Milo, a bored boy who drives through a mysterious tollbooth and enters a world where words grow on trees, numbers are mined from the ground, time literally ticks, and curiosity determines whether you move forward or get stuck in the Doldrums. Along the way, Milo meets unforgettable characters like Tock the Watchdog, Humbug, Alec Bings, and the princesses Rhyme and Reason.In this episode, Phil and Marisa explore why this book has endured for over 60 years—selling nearly five million copies—despite early bans and challenges over its “difficult” language and ideas. We break down the novel’s playful but pointed critique of modern life: distraction, speed, consumerism, and the quiet danger of not thinking deeply enough.We discuss the power of language and education, the balance between words and numbers, and why wisdom isn’t just about learning facts—but learning how, why, and when to use what you know. The conversation also touches on the book’s adaptations, including the 1970 animated/live-action film, stage versions, and ongoing interest in a modern remake. At its heart, The Phantom Tollbooth reminds us that life isn’t boring—it’s only boring when curiosity disappears.We also share what we’ve been reading outside of Book Club lately.Upcoming Book Club picks-I’ll Be Waiting For You (and other stories) – Kim Bo-Young (February 2026)-The Lost Bookshop – Evie Woods (March 2026)-Marisa pick (April 2026)-How to Solve Your Own Murder – Kristen Perrin (May 2026)-Marisa pick (June 2026)-Days at the Torunka Café – Satoshi Yagisawa (July 2026)🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?Join me on:• Patreon – ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠⁠⁠⁠• Substack – ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠🎬 My Films• The Love Market – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket⁠⁠⁠⁠• Finding Love in Bogotá – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip⁠⁠⁠⁠• The Arbiters – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters⁠⁠⁠⁠📚 My Books• Elan, Elan – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan⁠⁠⁠⁠• Master Mental Fortitude – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude⁠⁠⁠⁠• In Search of Sunrise – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#insearchofsunrise⁠⁠⁠⁠• Hollywood Dreams on a Shoestring Budget – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#hollywooddreams⁠

Netflix’s Unreal pulls back the curtain on how WWE builds its weekly spectacle—from live storylines to nonstop deadlines and the physical and emotional toll on performers. In this episode, I share my personal reaction as both a longtime wrestling fan and a filmmaker: what it reveals about creative pressure, illusion, sacrifice, and why some industries demand a level of commitment most of us couldn’t sustain.This isn’t a traditional review—it’s a reflection on what it costs to make spectacle at scale, how live performance compares to film and TV, and how to hold space for both appreciation and accountability inside massive entertainment systems.We also touch on the larger WWE controversy, why it’s not always as simple as boycotting an entire industry, and how to support performers while still calling for better systems.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?Join me on:• Patreon – ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠⁠⁠⁠• Substack – ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠🎬 My Films• The Love Market – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket⁠⁠⁠⁠• Finding Love in Bogotá – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip⁠⁠⁠⁠• The Arbiters – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters⁠⁠⁠⁠📚 My Books• Elan, Elan – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan⁠⁠⁠⁠• Master Mental Fortitude – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude⁠⁠⁠⁠• In Search of Sunrise – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#insearchofsunrise⁠⁠⁠⁠• Hollywood Dreams on a Shoestring Budget – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#hollywooddreams⁠

Every Oscar season turns into a debate about snubs, surprises, and who got robbed—but that conversation often misses the point. In this episode, I break down my bigger issue with the Oscars: how consensus culture leads to the same films dominating every category, even when craft should be judged independently.I share thoughts on this year’s nominations, highlight categories that actually took chances, and talk about films I wish were part of the broader conversation. And I close with a simple reminder: if we really care about movies, the most impactful thing we can do is keep going to the theater—even a few times a year.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?Join me on:• Patreon – ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠⁠⁠⁠• Substack – ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠🎬 My Films• The Love Market – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket⁠⁠⁠⁠• Finding Love in Bogotá – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip⁠⁠⁠⁠• The Arbiters – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters⁠⁠⁠⁠📚 My Books• Elan, Elan – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan⁠⁠⁠⁠• Master Mental Fortitude – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude⁠⁠⁠⁠• In Search of Sunrise – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#insearchofsunrise⁠⁠⁠⁠• Hollywood Dreams on a Shoestring Budget – ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#hollywooddreams⁠

In fitness, no one expects you to start at the hardest version of an exercise. A good trainer shows you the base movement first—then offers a modification to make it easier, and another to make it harder.I talk about why that framework is powerful far beyond the gym—and how it can completely change the way you approach goals, creativity, and personal growth. Instead of quitting because something feels overwhelming, you can scale it. Instead of stagnating when something feels too easy, you can level it up.Whether you’re working on your health, your art, your career, or a long-term project, this mindset helps you stay in motion without burning out or giving up.Think of your goals the same way you’d think of an exercise: base version → easier modification → harder progression.That’s how real momentum is built.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?Join me on:• Patreon – ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠⁠⁠• Substack – ⁠⁠⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠⁠⁠🎬 My Films• The Love Market – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket⁠⁠⁠• Finding Love in Bogotá – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip⁠⁠⁠• The Arbiters – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters⁠⁠⁠📚 My Books• Elan, Elan – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan⁠⁠⁠• Master Mental Fortitude – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude⁠⁠⁠• In Search of Sunrise – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#insearchofsunrise⁠⁠⁠• Hollywood Dreams on a Shoestring Budget – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#hollywooddreams⁠

👉 Join the Patreon: patreon.com/philsvitekThis video is an invitation! The Arbiters is an original, hand-drawn, anime-inspired sci-fi/fantasy feature film currently in pre-production—and this project is one of the core reasons I created my Patreon.If you’re new: The Arbiters follows Edea, whose search for her lost friend Rosa uncovers a far more dangerous truth—ancient elemental forces, a fractured world, and a choice that could determine humanity’s future. Think Princess Mononoke meets Suzume.But this video isn’t just about the film. It’s about how a film like this actually gets made—and why I’ve chosen to share that process publicly.On my Patreon, I open the doors to the creative journey behind The Arbiters alongside the rest of my filmmaking, storytelling, and teaching. I believe in showing the process, not just the outcome—and this film is a real-time example of that philosophy in action.Rather than spoilers or unfinished scenes, Patreon supporters get context: how ideas evolve, why certain creative choices are made, and what it really takes to develop an independent animated feature from the ground up.Think of it as creative x-ray vision. You won’t see the final frame early—but you will see how every piece comes together.Why Patreon (and Why It’s Temporary)This Patreon isn’t meant to be a forever thing. Our ultimate goal is full funding—through studios, grants, partnerships, or co-productions. Patreon exists as a bridge, not a destination: a way to maintain momentum, fund key development phases, and keep the project alive while we work toward that larger goal.Animated films take time, and reliable cashflow allows us to keep building—one phase at a time—without the pressure of all-or-nothing crowdfunding or constant restarts.If and when full funding comes together, this Patreon will pause or evolve accordingly. Transparency is a core value here, and supporters will always know where the project stands.Ways to Support$10/month – Ongoing SupportGet full access to all Arbiters updates and everything else I share on Patreon.$300 – One-Time All-Access PassPrefer a single contribution? This unlocks a dedicated post and password-protected hub where you’ll receive the same Arbiters updates—kept current alongside Patreon posts. Here's the direct link for that: https://www.patreon.com/posts/arbiters-inside-148231149?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkWhat You Get Right Away-Two proof-of-concept teaser videos-A 20-minute behind-the-scenes documentary on making the teasers-Sample music serving as the film’s sonic mood board-Character art & concept design bundle-PDF of the original teaser scriptWhat You’ll Get Over Time-Ongoing Arbiters update videos-Exclusive artwork and designs-Community polls & Q&As-Sneak peeks before public releases-Your name listed under Special Thanks in the final film-The option to submit your likeness for background characters-Occasional bonus surprises along the wayThe Arbiters began with a successful Seed&Spark campaign (https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-arbiters#story), but animated films take years—and consistent momentum matters more than one big moment. Patreon allows the project to keep moving forward while staying flexible, transparent, and community-driven.If this video resonated—and you want to see how ambitious creative work actually gets built from the inside—I’d love to have you along for the journey.👉 Join the Patreon: patreon.com/philsvitekThanks for watching, and for supporting independent, long-form storytelling.

I’ve always believed that if you want to make better work, you have to study the process, not just the finished product. In this episode, I share some of my favorite documentaries that explore how art actually gets made—the doubts, the breakthroughs, the obsession, the missteps, and the human cost behind the work.Many of these docs are rooted in filmmaking and animation, but that’s exactly why I want your recommendations too—so I can expand beyond my own creative lane and keep learning how great work gets made across disciplines.The documentaries I talk about include: • Megadoc: The Making of Megalopolis • Rivers and Tides • Pencils vs Pixels • Netflix’s Stranger Things’ docs • The Movies That Made Us • The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness • The Matrix Revisited • Hand Drawn • Overnight — a cautionary tale every creator should seeSome of these are inspiring. Some are sobering. All of them are invaluable if you care about craft, longevity, and understanding what the creative journey really looks like.If you have favorite documentaries about process—filmmaking or otherwise—drop them in the comments. I’m always looking to expand the list.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?Join me on:• Patreon – ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠⁠⁠• Substack – ⁠⁠⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠⁠⁠🎬 My Films• The Love Market – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket⁠⁠⁠• Finding Love in Bogotá – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip⁠⁠⁠• The Arbiters – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters⁠⁠⁠📚 My Books• Elan, Elan – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan⁠⁠⁠• Master Mental Fortitude – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude⁠⁠⁠• In Search of Sunrise – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#insearchofsunrise⁠⁠⁠• Hollywood Dreams on a Shoestring Budget – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#hollywooddreams⁠

With the holidays behind us, it’s time to get back to creative work on The Arbiters—my original, hand-drawn animated feature.In this vlog, I share where the project is right now: while a dedicated team continues outreach and funding conversations, the core creative team and I are fully focused on what we can control—storyboards, world-building, and a new wave of concept art. And I’ll be honest: this was the first time the scope really hit me. That “wow… this is massive” feeling. The moment where you ask yourself, am I crazy for taking this on? Then, like always, you shake it off and keep moving—one step at a time.I also reflect on an idea from Daymond John about being able to distill a brand—or even a person—down to 3–5 words. Nike has “Just Do It.” His was “For Us, By Us.” Mine? I’m exploring eliminating limiting beliefs. I’d love to know: what would yours be? Drop it in the comments.From there, I outline how I’m using patreon.com/philsvitek to help sustain The Arbiters while we’re in this long middle stretch—creating momentum, staying transparent, and inviting people into the process.Finally, I connect all of this to something I love about fitness culture: how trainers explain the base version of an exercise, then offer a modification to make it easier—and another to make it harder. It’s a powerful framework not just for workouts, but for goals, creativity, and life itself.If you’re building something big and feeling the weight of it, this one’s for you.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?Join me on:• Patreon – ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠⁠⁠• Substack – ⁠⁠⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠⁠⁠🎬 My Films• The Love Market – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket⁠⁠⁠• Finding Love in Bogotá – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip⁠⁠⁠• The Arbiters – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters⁠⁠⁠📚 My Books• Elan, Elan – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan⁠⁠⁠• Master Mental Fortitude – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude⁠⁠⁠• In Search of Sunrise – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#insearchofsunrise⁠⁠⁠• Hollywood Dreams on a Shoestring Budget – ⁠⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#hollywooddreams⁠

If your StreamYard local recording takes forever to upload—or never finishes at all—there’s a simple reason most people overlook: disk space.In this episode, I break down one of the most common (and costly) StreamYard mistakes. Local recordings rely on available storage on your computer. If you’re low on disk space, uploads will crawl. If you run out entirely, the local file is gone—and there’s no way to recover it. You’ll be stuck with only the cloud recording.I’ll explain:-Why StreamYard local recordings fail to upload-How disk storage directly affects recording speed and reliability-What happens when your computer runs out of space mid-record-Why you should always check storage before hitting record-How to add disk space requirements to your guest instructionsThis is a simple fix that can save you from losing irreplaceable interviews.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?Join me on:• Patreon – ⁠⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠⁠• Substack – ⁠⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠⁠🎬 My Films• The Love Market – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket⁠⁠• Finding Love in Bogotá – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip⁠⁠• The Arbiters – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters⁠⁠📚 My Books• Elan, Elan – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan⁠⁠• Master Mental Fortitude – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude⁠⁠• In Search of Sunrise – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#insearchofsunrise⁠⁠• Hollywood Dreams on a Shoestring Budget – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#hollywooddreams⁠

AI doesn’t threaten creativity because it imitates. It threatens creativity because it lets us skip the hard part. There’s a concept called the Helsinki Bus Station Theory: early in a creative life, everyone’s work looks the same. That’s not failure—it’s the necessary beginning. Originality isn’t a leap. It’s endurance.What worries me about AI is that it short-circuits that phase. When we offload first drafts, concepts, or style exploration to AI, we step off the bus before our path has time to diverge. The work looks polished—but it isn’t ours. This episode isn’t anti-AI. It’s a warning about skipping discomfort, struggle, and boredom—the very things that forge a creative voice.Originality isn’t something you generate. It’s a route you survive.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠⁠🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?Join me on:• Patreon – ⁠⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠⁠• Substack – ⁠⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠⁠🎬 My Films• The Love Market – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket⁠⁠• Finding Love in Bogotá – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip⁠⁠• The Arbiters – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters⁠⁠📚 My Books• Elan, Elan – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan⁠⁠• Master Mental Fortitude – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude⁠⁠• In Search of Sunrise – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#insearchofsunrise⁠⁠• Hollywood Dreams on a Shoestring Budget – ⁠⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#hollywooddreams⁠