Panels are supposed to deliver insights, inspiration, and real value… but too often, a huge chunk of the time gets eaten by long, bloated introductions. Some it takes up 20 minutes out of a 45 minute panel!Today, I break down why panel introductions need to be much, much shorter and how “context over credits” is a rule that changes everything.This isn’t about disrespecting panelists — it’s about giving them more time to shine instead of drowning them in résumé reading.For a deeper dive, including full frameworks, templates, and concrete examples you can use for your own events, I expanded this topic in a full Patreon article here: https://patreon.com/philsvitek (If you run panels, host events, or speak on them, you’ll get a lot out of it.)Whether you’re an organizer, moderator, panelist, or attendee who’s tired of wasting precious time — this episode will help you rethink the way we start conversations.
In this episode, I show you the quickest and easiest way to password-protect a page in WordPress — no plugins, no coding, no complicated settings. If you’re working on client projects, managing private content, or building exclusive experiences, this is one of the most useful features built right into WordPress.Why password-protect a WordPress page?There are lots of reasons creators, businesses, and teams use this feature:Client work: Deliver drafts, designs, cuts, or documents privatelyPatreon/paid members: Share exclusive pages without exposing them publiclyInternal team resources: Keep reference material or WIP pages hiddenEvent pages: Limit access to guests or registrantsPortfolio pieces: Share selective work samples privatelyEarly previews: Release beta features or in-progress content to trusted viewersSensitive info: Anything that shouldn’t live openly on the webPassword-protecting a page is one of the simplest ways to control who sees what — and it’s built into WordPress by default.
My Google Drive had gotten messy — duplicate folders, random uploads, files mislabeled, and years’ worth of assets scattered everywhere. And with limited local storage and very specific permission needs, the usual “Sync & Mirror” option didn’t work for me.So I created my own one-off cleanup method, and after hours of experimenting, it finally worked.In this episode, I break down exactly what I did:✔️ Downloaded everything using the Google Drive desktop app✔️ Copied the full Drive to an external hard drive as a safety net✔️ Used two Finder windows to reorganize folders manually✔️ Added missing files from my local drive that never made it to GDrive✔️ Created clean new folders and moved everything into the correct structure✔️ Archived the original Google Drive folders so nothing was lost✔️ Uploaded the clean, organized version back to GDrive✔️ Kept archive copies on the external drive “just in case”This was a one-time reset designed for people who:don’t have enough hard drive space for a full mirrorneed complicated folder permissionshave years of clutterwant to rebuild their GDrive structure from scratch without losing filesneed a safe and reversible solutionIf your Google Drive feels like a digital junk drawer, this method might save you hours — and your sanity.
The World Animation Summit is one of my favorite industry events — and not because I’m paid to say so. In this episode, I share why this intimate three-day gathering is such a gem for anyone passionate about animation. Hosted annually by Animation Magazine in mid-November, the summit brings together around 500 attendees ranging from emerging creators to legendary filmmakers, all sharing panels, luncheons, and conversations that spark real connection. I reflect on his experience meeting the director of The Wild Robot, how the event fosters genuine creative kinship, and what I’m most excited to capture during my second year attending. I also invite listeners to submit questions I can answer while documenting the experience — offering a rare peek behind the curtain of one of animation’s most inspiring events.🚀 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/
When it comes to podcasting, most creators waste time tweaking the wrong things — obsessing over intro music, rearranging episode order, or chasing the mythical “X factor” that’ll suddenly explode their downloads. In this episode, I break down the biggest mistake podcasters make: over-focusing on minutiae instead of consistency, purpose, and audience value. Drawing from experience producing over 80,000 podcast episodes since 2011, he shares why chasing perfection rarely works, how patience and rhythm build true growth, and why even “low-quality” shows can thrive when they deliver meaning and connection.🚀 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 reflective episode, I expand on my Substack essay “Keep Going: The Quiet Power of Perseverance When Progress Feels Invisible” (https://philsvitek.substack.com/p/keep-going-the-quiet-power-of-perseverance). I explore one of the hardest truths of any creative journey — that progress often happens beneath the surface. Whether you’re pitching a film, writing a book, or chasing a dream that feels perpetually out of reach, I break down the illusion of “stalled progress” and reframe rejection as refinement, not failure. Drawing on examples from filmmaking, Brené Brown’s early rejections, and my own creative process, I share how endurance, adaptability, and faith in your purpose are the real differentiators between those who stop and those who break through. This is a must-listen for anyone in a quiet season of doubt — a reminder that the work you’re doing today is laying the foundation for tomorrow’s success.🚀 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/
It’s my birthday! 🎉 Instead of gifts or a night out, I’m focusing on something more meaningful — supporting independent art and pushing The Arbiters, my hand-drawn animated feature film, closer to full funding.In this video, I share a few ways you can support not just me, but the creative ecosystem I’m part of:1️⃣ Support authors and artists I loveI recently made an Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DQo8P_VCYHb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) highlighting authors I know personally:📖 Emily Krempholtz – Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore (out Nov 18). Emily’s coached me and made me a better writer in so many ways.🍴 Pyet DeSpain – Rooted In Fire (also out Nov 18). Her food is as soulful as it is delicious.✍️ Jeff Cannata – Best Summed Up. I don’t know Jeff personally, but I’ve supported the project since I’ve heard him announce it on The Filmcast podcast.💪 Eboni K. Williams – Bet on Black. Eboni is one of the wisest people I know, and this book radiates her strength and insight.🎭 AJ Gibson – Flipping the Script. A deeply personal story full of humor, vulnerability, and universal lessons on growth.💫 Cleo Wade – Remember Love. A beautiful and profound poetry collection that feels like medicine for the soul.🧠 Elise Loehnen – Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness. Elise is such a brilliant analytic fuser of ideas — her writing bridges intellect and soul with rare clarity.🌀 Susan K. Wehrley – Shift. Susan is an amazing coach, and this book is as transformative as her others.🌱 Satya Doyle Byock – Quarterlife. A must-read for any young adult — I wish it had existed when I was 20.💰 Chelsea Galicia – SAVE Yourself. An incredible and practical guide to personal finance and self-worth.💔 Rachel Brathen – To Love and Let Go. A deeply moving memoir about loss, love, and healing.2️⃣ Watch my indie feature films🎬 Love Market → Watch free on Tubi or Rent/Buy on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Love-Market-Amy-Cassandra-Martinez/dp/B09DFS3FTZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=OPD1DOF5QJEV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IdPrSpjj3QqPAftz6QnsMQ.H5mtVTRIKGp9SqJ8znlJDoH1p2q39ZfTS1jxxyxCj6Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=love+market+phil+svitek&qid=1762806777&sprefix=love+market+phil+svitek%2Caps%2C259&sr=8-1)🎥 Finding Love in Bogotá → Watch free on Tubi or Rent/Buy on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CVTV87HL/ref=atv_sr_fle_c_sr62ef6f_1_1_1?sr=1-1&pageTypeIdSource=ASIN&pageTypeId=B0CVV1KBZN&qid=1762806804981)3️⃣ Read my books📗 Master Mental Fortitude (35 creative lessons) → https://www.amazon.com/Master-Mental-Fortitude-Achieving-Ambitions/dp/B0BF2XK7GY/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2iq-FzaQP-lr2GVeLiZ7jF2ZxSmmSCakvzXhcaac19xNUHAHxF_6tRsvufK4NoZqsjirTRVpyeVmQQNBYJl17HZ6siOyOCDLlbyGBBGdI1BW5Y0Hx64-L5AEXWPJcxCgGlqZoZR7qRJXZHpoKBCs4xxjCwNR26tl8kq-Yj56Kp3WlW3WqQVapzdhbNhS00sqH_ZC2y3HVVnu7HC546f-5IjW6Cf7kiwCmV0rhMjc3zE.u6SVkM25unupCU6gS7y04SF6Y-0vG-DHFLPHCYEmwKI&dib_tag=se&keywords=master+mental+fortitude&qid=1762806868&sr=8-1📙 Elan Elan (coming-of-age fiction set in Slovakia) → https://www.amazon.com/Elan-Phil-Svitek/dp/B09M5HS5G9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JQOZ43DYPSRY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zSiboGodZvBn8Cp3CJkzlw.OR3StJwrFVhPGBYMyz_qtEtrO7vGQbmqjDI1k0uZLvI&dib_tag=se&keywords=elan+elan+phil+svitek&qid=1762806898&sprefix=elan+elan+hil+svitek%2Caps%2C370&sr=8-14️⃣ Join my Patreon community👉 patreon.com/philsvitekYour monthly or one-time support directly funds The Arbiters — covering storyboard development, artist fees, and behind-the-scenes production.🎁 BONUS: You can also get access to the 20-minute behind-the-scenes making-of video from The Arbiters proof of concept for $30 right here → https://www.patreon.com/posts/making-of-proof-119386974?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
This week’s vlog is all about money — in filmmaking and in life.On the creative front, I share major updates on The Arbiters: our budget is finalized, the investor package is complete, and we’re now actively taking the project to investors. I’ve also been interviewing entertainment lawyers in preparation for closing deals and finding the right partner for ongoing production legal.Beyond financing, I dive into brand sponsorships — an unconventional idea for a 2D animated film, but one I truly believe can work. I also recap a Women in Animation event and share my excitement for the upcoming Animation World Summit.On a personal note, I talk about celebrating a housewarming party, my upcoming birthday, why therapy should challenge you, and a frustrating but revealing experience with my auto loan — a reminder that even when you do things right, finances can still test your patience.It’s a full-circle episode about building a creative life — the wins, the stress, and the messy reality of chasing big dreams with discipline and heart.🚀 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 and Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) do a bonus Bookmarked episode on George Orwell’s Animal Farm—a quick-hit companion to our 1984 episode. We share overall reactions (Marisa read it right after 1984; Phil revisited it for the first time since high school) and dig into the big stuff: how a “fairy story” becomes a razor-sharp satire of revolutions gone sideways, why language manipulation (Squealer!) matters, the seduction of “ends justify the means,” and what “some animals are more equal than others” says about power today. We connect key moments—Boxer’s tragedy, the windmill grind, Napoleon’s myth-making—to modern propaganda, disinformation, and personality cults, then compare its bite to 1984’s. It’s not a deep dive—more of a guided reaction with themes and takeaways—and we’d love your thoughts: What parallels do you see now? Drop a comment and join the convo.🚀 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 and Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) unpack Paulo Coelho’s Brida, a spiritual coming-of-age novel that blends witchcraft, love, and the search for destiny. We trace Coelho’s remarkable journey—from rebellious lyricist and political prisoner to world-renowned author of The Alchemist—and how his fascination with faith, mysticism, and personal legend shaped Brida’s twin paths of the Sun (reason, discipline) and Moon (intuition, ritual). We explore the novel’s central relationships—Brida, Magus, Wicca, and Lorens—and what they reveal about soulmates, free will, and spiritual growth. Along the way, we discuss memorable quotes, recurring symbols, and whether Brida’s ultimate choice reflects courage or denial.Up next in our Bookmarked series:Exile and the Kingdom – Albert Camus (Nov 2025)Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore – Emily Krempholtz (Dec 2025)Marisa pick (Jan 2026)Marisa pick (Feb 2026)The Lost Bookshop – Evie Woods (Mar 2026)Marisa pick (Apr 2026)How to Solve Your Own Murder – Kristen Perrin (May 2026)
Phil and Madina sit down for a full-spoiler conversation about Long Story Short, the new adult animated comedy-drama created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg (BoJack Horseman and Undone). The series premiered on Netflix on August 22, 2025, and has already been renewed for a second season.Set across a non-linear timeline, Long Story Short follows the middle-class Jewish Schwooper family—siblings Avi (Ben Feldman), Shira (Abbi Jacobson), and Yoshi (Max Greenfield)—as they navigate adulthood while reflecting on the small, formative moments of their shared past. Through humor, heartache, and memory, the show explores how family, identity, and compassion intertwine over time.In this spoiler-filled discussion, we unpack the show’s major themes—like little-t trauma, empathy through perspective, and the beauty of restraint in storytelling. We also chat about the series’ animation style, jokes, and emotional payoffs, while inviting you to join the conversation.Which Schwooper are you today—and what moment hit you hardest? Share your thoughts in the comments below!🚀 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 filmmakers try to cram a character arc into a short film — and that’s where they go wrong. In this episode, I break down why short films should focus on a single event that grabs the viewer, while feature films rely on a full arc that lets us connect and care. Learn how this mindset shift can transform your storytelling approach, whether you’re making a 5-minute short or a 2-hour feature.🚀 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/
After a hectic September filled with moving, Comic Con, and even a mild round of COVID, I’m finally settling into my new apartment and ready to get back into a steady creative rhythm. In this vlog, I share:-Life Update: Finding my footing again after a busy month and building new routines.-Comic Con Recap: Reflections on this year’s experience and what made it special — you can check out the full Comic Con video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0HBiTz60Bo&t=3s&pp=ygUVcGhpbCBzdml0ZWsgY29taWMgY29uCreative & Business Updates: Progress on The Arbiters and what’s next for the team.-Community & Compassion: Several of our team members in the Philippines were impacted by the recent earthquake — if you’d like to help, please donate to the Philippine Red Cross (https://redcross.org.ph/).-Mentorship: Excited to share that I’ve begun mentoring students from Emerson College through a new program that’s already been deeply rewarding.It’s good to be back in the swing of things — creatively, personally, and with renewed purpose.🚀 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/
At the Annecy Festival, I watched Julie Ann Crommett masterfully quiet a packed, buzzing room—not by raising her voice, but through a clever and engaging technique. Instead of shouting over people or asking for silence, she said:“Clap three times if you can hear me.”A few people clapped. Then she said, “Clap five times if you can hear me.” More joined in. Within seconds, the whole room was quiet, attentive, and ready.This method works anywhere—weddings, classrooms, meetings, panels, you name it. It flips the psychology of command into playful participation, resetting everyone’s focus without tension. In this episode, I break down why this works, how to apply it yourself, and how it can help you lead more calmly and effectively in any situation.🚀 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/
YouTube just dropped one of its biggest updates yet — Collaborations. Think Instagram Collabs or TikTok joint posts, but made for YouTube’s long-form videos and Shorts. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to use it step-by-step — from sending invites in YouTube Studio to featuring your collabs on your channel homepage.You’ll learn how to:-Add up to 5 collaborators to a single video or Short-Display their names + subscribe buttons directly on your video-Get your video featured in each collaborator’s subscription feed-Manage access, analytics, and visibility in StudioI’ll also share some early shortcomings and bugs I noticed that YouTube will hopefully fix soon — plus, I’d love to hear in the comments how you plan to use this feature to grow your channel. Whether you’re a small creator or running a large brand channel, this is a new growth hack worth experimenting with.🚀 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/
Not enough people in positions of power have heard the word “no.”Whether it’s in tech, politics, or entertainment, too many decision-makers operate in echo chambers — surrounded by people who agree with them or fear challenging them. The result? We move forward without ever pausing to consider the merits of an idea, product, or policy. That lack of resistance breeds short-sighted innovation and cultural stagnation.I use the example of Napheesa Collier, who recently spoke out against Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA commissioner. The way Collier did it — calm, strategic, and eloquent, not angry or reactionary — shows what it looks like to speak truth to power effectively.This isn’t just about sports; it’s a model for leadership and accountability everywhere. If more people learned to say “no” — and more leaders learned to listen when they hear it — maybe our society could start trending upward again.🚀 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 make the case that consistency trumps talent — especially in today’s fast-paced world.Too many creatives still think it’s about making the perfect thing, when in reality, it’s about showing up and delivering good work week after week. Sure, everything can always be improved with more time — but for freelancers and creative professionals working on deadlines, that’s not a luxury we have.The key is learning to identify what truly matters and deliver quality on schedule. That’s how careers are built — not in isolated moments of brilliance, but in sustained, repeatable effort.When it’s your own passion project, you can take your time. But when you’re working with clients, teams, or audiences, your ability to deliver consistently is what keeps you in the game.🚀 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/
For further resources, tools, plus Arbiters' exclusives visit: https://bit.ly/arbitersinfo Bringing an original anime-style feature film to life as indie creators is no small feat—but we’re making it happen. Join the team behind The Arbiters, an upcoming 2D-animated sci-fi fantasy epic, for a behind-the-scenes look at the creative, technical, and entrepreneurial journey of building a high-quality animated film outside the traditional system—while still engaging with it.This panel explores the balancing act between DIY innovation and professional collaboration, and the real-world insights we've gained from events like Annecy (the world’s largest animation festival) and the American Film Market. Learn what it takes to navigate the indie path and open doors to studio partnerships.Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, creative producer, or anime fan, this panel delivers practical strategies, honest insights, and inspiration for anyone forging new paths in animation.Panel Moderator: Candice Cruz (@CandiceCruz)Participants: Khaliel Abdelrahim (@KhalielAbooboo) Tamara Berg (@TamaraBerg), John Comerford, Sara Stretton (@sarastretton), Phil Svitek (@PhilSvitek)Photographer/Videographer: Marisa Serafini (@SerafiniTV)Recorded live at LA Comic Con 2025🚀 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 and Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) unpack Foer’s ambitious 2005 novel about nine-year-old Oskar Schell, a mysterious key, and a city learning to live with grief after 9/11. We dig into Foer’s background and why he felt compelled to write about 9/11), the book’s inventive form (child narrator, epistolary letters, visual experiments, and that unforgettable flip-book ending), and the way a simple quest opens doors to connection across New York—Mr. Black, Abby, and the grandparents’ parallel love story. We explore big themes—loss, unanswered questions, and the search for closure. Up next in our Bookmarked series:-Brida - Paulo Coelho (October 2025)-Exile and the Kingdom - Albert Camus (November 2025)-Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore - Emily Krempholtz (December 2025)-Marisa pick TBD (Jan 2026)-Marisa pick TBD (Feb 2026)-The Lost Bookshop - Evie Woods (March 2026)-Marisa pick TBD (April 2026)-How to Solve Your Own Murder - Kristen Perrin (May 2026)
In this episode, I demo Adobe Premiere Pro’s Scene Edit Detection—how to run it and why it’s a serious time-saver. You’ll see how auto-detecting cuts on a flattened file lets you: color grade shot-by-shot, stabilize only the shaky bits, replace music under specific scenes, rebuild a trailer timeline, pull selects for a reel, and study pacing/coverage from existing edits. I’ll show the basic setup (right-click a clip in the timeline → Scene Edit Detection → add cuts and/or markers) and share pro tips to keep things organized. Drop your own creative use cases in the comments—let’s build a list together.🚀 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/