When someone asks, “Who are you?”, do you struggle to answer? In this episode, I share a powerful life exercise given to me by director Jude Weng (Only Murders in the Building, Black-ish) that goes far beyond job titles or hobbies. It’s called the three eulogies exercise—writing your own eulogy from the perspective of a loved one, a colleague, and a close friend. This simple yet profound practice reveals what truly matters to you and serves as a compass for how you want to live. I walk through the steps, reflect on the emotional impact, and explain why confronting our mortality can be one of the most clarifying things we do.

🔔 Subscribe for more movie reviews, storytelling insights, and creative discussions! Want deeper breakdowns? Join me on Patreon or Substack for exclusive content!

Yours truly,

Phil Svitek

Filmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach

⁠http://philsvitek.com⁠

Screenwriting isn’t about stuffing your script with detail—it’s about clarity, rhythm, and impact. In this episode, I share an eye-opening writing exercise passed down from director Jude Weng (Only Murders in the Building, Black-ish), where students compare what they think a scene looks like in a script versus how it was actually written. Spoiler: less is more. I break down how to do this exercise yourself, what it reveals about overwriting, and why this method will sharpen your screenwriting instincts faster than most traditional advice.🔔 Subscribe for more movie reviews, storytelling insights, and creative discussions! Want deeper breakdowns? Join me on Patreon or Substack for exclusive content!Yours truly,Phil SvitekFilmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach⁠http://philsvitek.com⁠

Packing for a trip doesn’t have to be a stress fest.

In this episode, I share my simple, low-stress travel packing strategy: I start tossing things into a suitcase a week before the trip — no pressure, just instinct. Then, the night before I leave, I review everything, cut what I don’t need, fill in any gaps, and lock it down. It’s flexible, mindful, and helps me avoid that last-minute “I forgot something” panic.

Whether you’re a chronic overpacker or always scrambling last minute, give it a try — or tell me what works for you.

How do you pack? Do you plan it all or wing it? Let’s compare notes.

🔔 Subscribe for more movie reviews, storytelling insights, and creative discussions! Want deeper breakdowns? Join me on Patreon or Substack for exclusive content!

Yours truly,Phil SvitekFilmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach⁠http://philsvitek.com⁠

Patreon just rolled out a powerful new feature: creators can now sell individual posts without requiring a monthly subscription. In this episode, I break down exactly how it works, who it's for, and why this opens up a new stream of income for artists, podcasters, filmmakers, writers, and beyond.

Whether you're trying to earn more from your content or support creators in a low-commitment way, this shift matters.

I’ll cover: – How one-off post sales work– What kinds of content are perfect for à la carte selling– Strategic tips for bundling, pricing, and promoting your posts– Why this benefits both creators and fans

I’d love to know:— What kind of content would you consider buying individually?— If you're a creator, how might you use this?Drop me a comment or message!

And if you want to test it out yourself, I’ve got some one-off pieces available here: https://www.patreon.com/c/philsvitek

🔔 Subscribe for more movie reviews, storytelling insights, and creative discussions! Want deeper breakdowns? Join me on Patreon or Substack for exclusive content!

Yours truly,Phil SvitekFilmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach⁠http://philsvitek.com⁠

The Annecy Animation Festival is massive, exciting, and—honestly—a bit overwhelming in the best way (https://programme.annecyfestival.com/programme).

In this episode, I break down how I’m choosing what to attend, from must-see pitch sessions to market meetings and creative conversations. With so much happening at once, I’m prioritizing events that align with both creative inspiration and real business opportunities. Whether you’re a filmmaker, animator, producer, or fan, there’s something here for you.

Have you been to Annecy before? Let me know your best tips—I’d love to hear them.

If you're going this year, hit me up so we can connect.

Never been but curious? Tell me what you’d want to know and I’ll include it in my post-Annecy follow-up episode!

🔔 Subscribe for more movie reviews, storytelling insights, and creative discussions! Want deeper breakdowns? Join me on Patreon or Substack for exclusive content!Yours truly,Phil SvitekFilmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach⁠http://philsvitek.com⁠

What if your body could reveal the truth behind your deepest emotional wounds?

In this illuminating episode, Charles McCaughan shares how he developed Psycho Energetic Transformation—a healing modality that uses muscle testing to uncover and eliminate subconscious beliefs driving your pain, patterns, and self-sabotage.

Charles opens up about his past as a troubled actor, how therapy failed him for over 20 years, and why real change comes from working directly with the subconscious. If you've ever felt stuck despite doing “all the right things,” this conversation will shift your understanding of healing, ego, and responsibility.

Watch a 10-minute session demo with Charles: https://youtu.be/L7rnQhe40wA?si=vPtseeGo83Bd8203

Explore Charles's work and offerings: https://www.charlesmccaughan.com/

Get exclusive access to the full-length healing session on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/full-therapy-125813889?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

If this speaks to you, share it with someone ready to break free from unconscious cycles.

🔔 Subscribe for more movie reviews, storytelling insights, and creative discussions! Want deeper breakdowns? Join me on Patreon or Substack for exclusive content!

Yours truly,Phil SvitekFilmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach⁠http://philsvitek.com⁠

I explore Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos' recent claim that the traditional movie theater model is "outmoded" and that Netflix is "saving Hollywood" (https://variety.com/2025/film/news/netflix-ceo-ted-sarandos-movie-theaters-outdated-1236376565/).

I dive into how streaming platforms have reshaped audience behavior, impacted creative sustainability, and transformed films from cultural events into disposable content.This isn’t about rejecting innovation—it’s about examining who benefits when disruption becomes the goal over quality.I’ll reflect on why theaters still matter, the irreplaceable nature of shared experiences, and why the future of film deserves more than algorithm-driven entertainment.

This episode is an exploration of what's at stake for filmmakers, audiences, and the stories that move us.

🔔 Subscribe for more movie reviews, storytelling insights, and creative discussions! Want deeper breakdowns? Join me on Patreon or Substack for exclusive content!

Yours truly,

Phil Svitek

Filmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach

⁠http://philsvitek.com⁠

I explore a growing tension: How did innovation, once hailed as progress, end up dismantling industries that were built for long-term sustainability?Together, we’ll unpack how tech platforms—like Uber, Airbnb, Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube—shifted costs and risks away from companies and onto everyday people. We'll examine the trade-offs: from rising living expenses and fragmented media to the creative burnout affecting artists and storytellers.This isn't about easy answers—it’s an exploration of the hidden consequences behind the "disruption" narrative, and a reflection on what it might take to build a more balanced future for creators, workers, and audiences alike.Stay curious. Stay critical.🔔 Subscribe for more movie reviews, storytelling insights, and creative discussions! Want deeper breakdowns? Join me on Patreon or Substack for exclusive content!Yours truly,Phil SvitekFilmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach⁠http://philsvitek.com⁠

Welcome to our monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and me, Phil Svitek! This month, we dive into Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison — a sweeping, lyrical novel about family, memory, freedom, and finding one's true self.We follow Milkman Dead, a young man born into privilege but alienated from his roots, as he embarks on a journey that reconnects him with the strength, sorrows, and ancestral stories of his past. Along the way, Morrison weaves a tapestry rich with myth, folklore, and haunting imagery—challenging us to rethink ideas of identity, flight, love, and legacy.In this discussion, we explore major themes like generational trauma, the search for selfhood, economic and racial injustice, the transformative power of oral history, and what it really means to be free. Join us as we break down Morrison’s unforgettable characters, potent symbolism, and enduring legacy—and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!Upcoming Reads:-1984 by George Orwell (May 2025)- Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Reckoning of Roku by Randy Ribay (June 2025)-TBD (July 2025)-James Burrow’s Directed By (August 2025)Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe. And check out Marisa’s podcast, Friends & Favorites w/ Marisa Serafini: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/friends-and-favorites-w-marisa-serafini/id1693327509🔔 Subscribe for more movie reviews, storytelling insights, and creative discussions! Want deeper breakdowns? Join me on Patreon or Substack for exclusive content!Yours truly,Phil SvitekFilmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach⁠http://philsvitek.com⁠

In this vlog, I take you behind the scenes as we gear up for big meetings in May for The Arbiters. From refining the script to building out detailed storyboards and concept art, we’re practicing daily to ensure everything is sharp for the pitch. I also talk through our planning for the Annecy Film Festival—including travel logistics—and why I’ve paused work on my filmmaking book (temporarily!) to prioritize The Arbiters.

Plus, I share insights from my manifesting journal now that I’m halfway through the process, reflect on lessons from watching the Grammys Rewind series, and recap my Boston trip for Emerson College’s film fest and men's soccer alumni event. It’s a packed update on balancing the creative grind, personal growth, and staying grounded in the journey.

🔔 Subscribe for more movie reviews, storytelling insights, and creative discussions! Want deeper breakdowns? Join me on Patreon or Substack for exclusive content!

Yours truly,Phil SvitekFilmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach⁠http://philsvitek.com⁠