Storyboarding is the backbone of any animated project, and over time I’ve developed a process that keeps things clear and collaborative—especially when working remotely. In this episode, I break down my approach: starting with a detailed shot list, pulling visual references (or even filming with action figures when needed), and creating floor plans to map the action. From there, I hand everything to the animator, answer their questions, and review their first draft of boards. Each new round builds on the last—notes, revisions, and the next batch of shots already prepped in advance. It’s a system that ensures consistency, saves time, and makes sure everyone stays aligned creatively.🚀 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/
Deadlines aren’t just about dates—they’re about trust. In this episode, I break down why vague requests like “no rush” or “get it to me Tuesday or Wednesday” set everyone up for confusion and disappointment. If you really need something by Wednesday, say Wednesday. And if you secretly want it by Monday, be honest about that too. Clear, specific deadlines create clarity, reduce stress, and build respect between collaborators. On the flip side, if you’re the one receiving work, don’t settle for fuzzy timelines—demand clear deadlines so you can prioritize and deliver with confidence.🚀 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/
Phil Svitek is joined by Demetri Panos (@DemetriPanos) and Marisa Serafini (@serafiniTV) to unpack Ne Zha 2—the $2.2 billion global phenomenon that redefined animated cinema. We break down everything from its production scale (over 4,000 artists across 138 studios) to its mythology roots in Investiture of the Gods. Topics include Ne Zha and Ao Bing’s evolving partnership, Lady Yin’s emotional sacrifice, and the larger worldbuilding. We also discuss the film’s groundbreaking animation, and what its record-shattering success means for the global animation industry. Whether you loved the spectacle, the cultural depth, or the mythology, this conversation explores why Ne Zha 2 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a milestone.
Phil and Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) dive into Directed By James Burrows, the memoir of one of television’s most influential sitcom directors. Burrows, the creative force behind Cheers, Friends, Frasier, Will & Grace, and more than 1,000 episodes of TV, offers a funny, candid, and deeply instructive look at his career. We unpack his unique directing style, the alchemy of casting and chemistry, and the innovations that made “Must See TV” an era-defining phenomenon. Along the way, we discuss Burrows’ reflections on representation, legacy, and regret. This book is both a nostalgic trip through TV history and a masterclass in the craft of comedy.Up next in our Bookmarked series:– September 2025: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer– October 2025: Brida by Paulo Coelho– November 2025: TBD– December 2025: Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz
It’s tempting to think “someone else will handle it”—that politicians, activists, celebrities, or organizations are better equipped to solve the world’s problems. But when we push responsibility outward, we shrink our own capacity for impact.The truth is this: you are 100% responsible for 100% of the relationships in your life—family, friends, neighbors, colleagues. And those connections are where real change begins. In this episode, I explore why local responsibility isn’t just the most effective place to start, but also the training ground for bigger change. From repairing tension with a friend to showing up for your block, these seemingly small acts of responsibility create ripples that extend outward—building the credibility, competence, and influence that scale to global movements.🚀 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/
Ever wanted to make a movie but don’t have millions of dollars or fancy Hollywood gear? My short film FIVE MINUTE FILM SCHOOL has you covered.It’s a parody step-by-step tutorial that shows you how to create a cinematic masterpiece using just your smartphone, action figures for emotional performances, and some editing tricks that probably shouldn’t work… but do. Tongue-in-cheek? Absolutely. Believable? For a minute, maybe.Catch FIVE MINUTE FILM SCHOOL at the Silicon Beach Film Festival:-When: Monday, September 8th at 6:00 PM-Where: TCL Chinese Theaters, Hollywood – Theater 3, Block UU-Get tickets: http://siliconbeachfilmfestival.com/tickets (scroll to Block UU)I’m thrilled this project stars and features work from so many talented friends: Victor Laurenz, Khaliel Abdelrahim, Napoleon Tavale, Veronica Piedrahita, Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, Lucia Tarantino, Lyndsey Wegner, Meagan Lynn, Edgar Cortes, and more.Come out, support indie film, and let’s have some fun. See you September 8th!
Every once in a while, a thriller comes along that feels both fun and grounded — that was my experience with Relay. Directed by David Mackenzie (of Hell or High Water fame) and starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James, and Sam Worthington, this cat-and-mouse story dives into the shadowy world of whistleblowers and corporate cover-ups.It’s a world I don’t know personally, but the film felt real enough to pull me in. What stood out most is how the characters constantly forced each other to step up their game — no “stupid” decisions that take you out of the story, just a sharp escalation that kept me engaged. While the final twist didn’t feel fully developed, it still delivered a punch and reminded me that sometimes a movie can be both imperfect and incredibly fun.If you’re into gritty thrillers with strong performances and clever dynamics, Relay is well worth your time. 🚀 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/
Every so often a film comes along that feels like it carries the spirit of Studio Ghibli and old-school Disney charm. For me, that was The Glassworker — a film that first landed on my radar a year or so ago. I became intrigued, dove into the incredible 90-minute behind-the-scenes documentary (which is inspiring in its own right), and now I’ve finally had the chance to see it at a preview screening in LA ahead of its U.S. release on September 5th.Directed by Usman Riaz, The Glassworker is Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated feature, an anti-war romantic drama that blends delicate artistry with heartfelt storytelling. While not without its imperfections, the film shows immense promise, and you can clearly see that Riaz is a filmmaker at the start of what I believe will be a wonderful career.I share my thoughts on the film, why it’s worth supporting, and how backing projects like this ensures that new voices in animation get the chance to build a lasting body of work. If you’re drawn to hand-crafted animation, heartfelt romance, or stories about the cost of war and the resilience of art, The Glassworker might be for you.The Glassworker releases in U.S. theaters on September 5th.Watch the making-of documentary here: The Glassworker – Behind the Scenes: https://youtu.be/rxAOUJt1PaU?si=plGMiL7JHRCh-EPN🚀 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/
I take you behind the scenes of the latest developments for The Arbiters. I’m deep in drafting my Annecy residency application and working with my animation team on the storyboards, shaping the next stage of the film’s creative journey. At the same time, I’m updating the budget and financing plan to reflect our growth and position us for full funding—big opportunities are on the horizon, and exciting decisions are coming soon.I also reflect on why moderate ratings (not everything has to be a 1 or a 5) matter more than we think, share some upcoming life transitions I’ll be navigating over the next six weeks, and give details about the September 8th screening of my short Five Minute Film School at the Silicon Beach Film Festival:-Where: TCL Chinese 6 Theaters, Hollywood-When: Monday, September 8th at 6:00 PM-Block UU – Theater 3Grab tickets here: http://siliconbeachfilmfestival.com/tickets🚀 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/
I chat with Hallie Schmeling, a teacher turned advocate for nervous system regulation in schools and creator of Regulate 2 Educate: Nervous System Regulation for Meaningful Learning. Hallie shares her journey from 12 years in the classroom to stepping outside traditional teaching, the obstacles she faced in bringing her ideas forward, and how the series SHIFT: The Gut Intelligence Blueprint helped her reconnect with her mission.We dive into why nervous system regulation is essential for both educators and students, how it impacts learning and well-being, and Hallie’s vision for creating meaningful change in education.Learn more:🌐 Website: regulate2educate.com✉️ Email: hallie@regulate2educate.comBe sure to check out SHIFT: The Gut Intelligence Blueprint, premiering September 17th on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Hulu.
If you’re a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, you need to check out Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Directed by Randall Lobb, this 2014 documentary dives into the 30-year legacy of Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael—covering their humble indie comic origins, the animated series phenomenon, blockbuster films, and the cultural impact that made the Turtles a global franchise. Featuring interviews with co-creators Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman, plus cast and crew from across the TMNT universe, it’s an essential watch for anyone who grew up shouting “Cowabunga!”Learn more about the documentary at definitivefilm.com.🚀 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/
Too many creators and entrepreneurs land a major platform—a conference stage, a podcast appearance, a viral moment—only to waste it because they’re not ready. No website. No social media presence. No mailing list. Just “email me if you’re interested.” In this episode, I break down the three pillars that make the difference between momentum gained and momentum lost: Anticipation, Preparation, and Execution. Learn how to think ahead, build the right assets, and deliver in a way that converts attention into lasting impact.🚀 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/
You’ve got your storyboards—now what? In this episode, I overview how to turn your static boards into a properly timed animatic that actually works. From figuring out how long each shot should last to knowing how many frames you'll need, I cover it.Whether it’s a dialogue scene or pure action, timing is everything. I share practical methods—from acting out scenes with a stopwatch to using tried-and-true animation timing benchmarks—and reveal how tools like music, editing instincts, and emotional tone shape your pacing. 🚀 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/
In this vlog, I share why the best advice comes from practitioners—people who’ve actually done the thing you’re trying to do. I give an update on The Arbiters and some key perspective shifts I’ve had along the way. I also talk about how progress can feel slow for a long time… until suddenly everything starts coming together at once. Plus, I share where I’m at with my Annecy recap video and what’s next.🚀 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/
Most people operate from fear—even when they’re trying to help. This episode starts with two quotes that continue to guide me: one from James Cameron and one from Avatar: The Last Airbender.Using these as a jumping-off point, I share a message I recently sent to a friend about aiming high, trusting your vision, and refusing to shrink your ambition to fit someone else’s comfort zone. From risking a “no” in a big meeting to spending nearly a decade finishing a documentary, this is a reminder to dream boldly, move at your own pace, and stop asking for permission to create.Let these words give you the push to keep going.🚀 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/
If you’re a freelancer, creative studio, or small business taking on clients, having a standard contract template isn’t just smart—it’s essential. In this episode, I break down why every working professional should start with a clear, customizable agreement: it speeds up onboarding, protects your work, and sets the tone for a professional relationship. I also share why it’s a red flag when larger companies claim they “do this all the time” but don’t have a contract of their own. Plus, I offer tips for what to include in your template and how to respond when a client doesn’t have one. Trust me—your future self (and your bank account) will thank 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
In this episode, I’m sharing some of my all-time favorite anime films—classics, deep cuts, and emotional journeys that have stuck with me as a filmmaker and storyteller. From the timeless works of Miyazaki like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, to the mind-bending brilliance of Paprika and Perfect Blue, to modern gems like Your Name, Belle, and Suzume. Whether you're new to anime or looking for your next must-watch, this list has something for every kind of viewer.🚀 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/
In this episode, we’re talking about one of the simplest but most overlooked tools for creatives and professionals alike: a blackbook. Not a sketchbook, but a secure place where you keep all your essential passwords, account logins, crypto seed phrases, banking info, and more. You’d be surprised how many people lose access to critical accounts—not because of hacking, but because they didn’t write things down. We break down what to include in your blackbook, how to keep it updated, and why it’s essential for long-term success. Plus, a bonus tip on using non-personal emails for business accounts to avoid bottlenecks as your work grows.🚀 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/
Inspired by Alison Levine’s powerful insight on the Question Everything podcast, this episode explores what it really means to “go big and go home”—not just as a climber on Mount Everest, but as an artist. Whether you’re a filmmaker, musician, writer, painter, or podcaster, knowing when to push and when to pull back is essential. We discuss how this idea applies to creative risk-taking, budgeting, burnout, and the myth of “all or nothing” ambition. Levine’s Everest story is a masterclass in courage and self-preservation—something every artist can learn from.Listen to the original Question Everything episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-mount-everest-taught-her-about-failure-fear-and/id1550883345?i=1000718789300🚀 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/
Moving to a new city? Before diving into apartment listings or Zillow rabbit holes, try this analog trick: buy a physical map. In this episode, Phil shares a simple yet powerful strategy for finding your ideal neighborhood—marking all the places that matter most to you (schools, gyms, grocery stores, dentists, etc.) and letting the map reveal where your life naturally wants to be. It’s about aligning your daily needs with your geography—so you’re not just moving somewhere nice, but somewhere that actually works 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/