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

In this episode, I walk you through the process of inserting a letterhead into a Word document. Whether you're creating a professional document or personalizing your business communications, I'll show you simple, clear steps to add your custom letterhead efficiently. Follow along to give your documents a polished, professional look! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Yours truly, Phil Svi...

In this special episode of AfterBuzz TV’s Reign AfterShow, hosts Alina Vission, Keetin Marchi, and Phil Svitek break down the season 4 finale, “All It Cost Her…,” joined by an amazing lineup of cast members! Guests include Adelaide Kane (Mary, Queen of Scots), Craig Parker (Narcisse), Ben Geurens (Gideon), Spencer Macpherson (Charles), Sara Garcia (Keira), and Jonathan Goad (John Knox). Tune in as...

Join me as I recap my LA Comic Con 2024 panel experience, sharing insights from the event and looking ahead to the American Film Market. I’ll also dive into how I’m prepping for a pitch presentation, practicing networking strategies, and my takeaways from Emerson College's Voice Over 101 how-to event. Plus, I'll discuss the latest script revisions for my project and our very first table read! Chec...

In this episode, I discuss the powerful mindset shift from saying "I've been busy" to "I've been productive." It may seem like a small change, but it puts you back in control of your time and helps showcase that you're actively working on what matters, instead of feeling overwhelmed by tasks. Let's start owning our productivity and making it a positive reflection of our efforts! Don't forget to li...

Originally aired on July 16, 2015, this episode of iTalk Movies features hosts Candice Buenrostro, Phil Svitek, and Demetri Panos in an exclusive interview with screenwriter and director Thunder Levin, best known for his work on Sharknado. Join the discussion as they delve into the making of the cult classic disaster film Sharknado (2013) and explore the creative process behind the movie that took...

In this episode, I’m sharing a valuable tool to help streamline your animation production! Our custom-designed animation process worksheet allows you to track every shot's progress, from initial concept to final output. Whether you're an indie filmmaker or an animator working on a big project, this worksheet will keep your workflow organized and efficient. Download the worksheet for free and follo...

In this episode, I take you on an exciting journey through the world of animation, highlighting the unique styles and techniques that bring stories to life. From the intricate process of 2D animation—starting with storyboards and leading to the final polished output—we'll explore every step in detail. Whether you're curious about hand-drawn animation, rotoscoping, or digital techniques, this episo...

Join our panel of talented filmmakers as they take you on a journey through the creation of an animated film, using their latest project "The Arbiters'' as a case study. This session will offer a comprehensive look at the entire process, from initial concept and storyboarding to animation and final production. Learn about the unique challenges and creative solutions involved in bringing an animate...

In this bonus book club episode, Marisa Serafini (@SerafiniTV) and I delve into RF Kuang’s final book in The Poppy War trilogy, called The Burning God. In this final chapter, after saving her nation of Nikan from foreign invaders and battling the evil Empress Su Daji in a brutal civil war, Fang Runin was betrayed by allies and left for dead. Despite her losses, Rin hasn’t given up on those for who...

Welcome to our 31st episode in the monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and myself, Phil Svitek. If books are your passion, you've come to the right place! In this episode, we delve into The Midnight Library which is a novel by Matt Haig. In it, a 35-year-old English woman is unhappy in her dead-end life and so she is given the opportunity to experience lives she...

Originally aired on November 5, 2014 on the Popcorn Talk Network, this episode features hosts Chloe West, Phil Svitek, and JJ Jurgens interviewing Noel Fisher about his role in the 2014 reboot Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Fisher, who plays Michelangelo in the film, shares his experience working on the movie, alongside an all-star cast including Megan Fox and Johnny Knoxville. We also dive into Fi...

In this episode, I get real about the hardships we rarely talk about as artists—the struggles of life, death, and helping friends—that impact our creativity. I'll explain how these challenges slowed down the official first draft of my latest script, taking over a year to complete. I also have a quick update for you: with LA Comic Con around the corner, I'll be putting out less content over...

Revisit the intense series finale of ABC's Revenge with special guest Nick Wechsler! In this reposted episode from AfterBuzz TV, hosts Phil Svitek, Anna Koppel, Christina Kaplan, and Roxy Striar dive into the climactic episode, "Two Graves." They discuss key moments, character arcs, and what the finale means for Emily Thorne's journey. Tune in as they unpack all the twists, turns...

In this episode, I explore a filmmaking truth that many overlook—framing is more important than lighting. While lighting plays a key role, I explain why framing your shot is even more critical, especially for indie filmmakers who need to maximize coverage and capture multiple takes within tight time constraints. Mastering framing can elevate your shots and storytelling, even when lighting isn'...

In this vlog, I dive into the process of recalibrating deadlines for the development phase of our animated film, making sure we stay on track while allowing room for creativity to flourish. I also share exciting updates as we gear up for LA Comic Con, along with progress from our recent writing sessions. On a personal note, I talk about how I recently discovered Joshua Caldwell's debut feature...

In this repost of an AfterBuzz TV interview from October 21, 2025, we sit down with the brilliant Edward Burns — creator, writer, director, and star of TNT’s Public Morals! This insightful conversation delves into the making of the 1960s New York City cop drama, discussing its inspiration, the challenges Burns faced as a multi-hyphenate on set, and what sets Public Morals apart in the crime drama...

In this episode, I share a fantastic resource that will save you from wasting money on bad seats at concerts, arenas, theaters, and more! AViewFromMySeat.com allows you to see real photos taken by other event-goers from specific seats, helping you avoid the dreaded obstructed view (like sitting behind a pole!). Whether you're planning for a big concert, sports game, or theater show, this site...

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to create Gmail templates (formerly known as canned responses) and explain why they’re a game-changer for anyone who wants to save time and stay organized. Whether you’re running a business, managing multiple projects, or just want to simplify your email routine, Gmail templates make it easy to send consistent, professional responses with just a few clicks. I’ll...

In this episode, I share some incredible updates on our animated feature film project! We’ve been working closely with line producers to budget the ideal number for the film, and everything is truly coming together. I also talk about how two of my amazing writing partners spent significant time with me last week going over all the details. Plus, if you're in LA, don't miss us at LA Comic C...

In this reposted episode from the Popcorn Talk Network, originally aired on July 20, 2016, hosts Phil Svitek and Derrial Christon sit down with Tara Reid to discuss her iconic role in the Sharknado series. Tara opens up about the challenges and excitement of starring in the cult classic, as well as reflecting on her broader career, including her experiences in the limelight during the peak of the...

In this episode, I discuss a significant limitation of Upwork's team collaboration tool: the inability to grant coworkers access only to specific projects rather than all projects in your account. This can be a major issue for freelancers and teams who need to maintain privacy and organization across multiple projects. I share my experience with this challenge and offer a workaround—creating s...

In this episode, I dive into the true commitment it takes to launch any project by examining the staggering 7-year, 2,399-day journey behind Hayao Miyazaki's latest masterpiece, "The Boy and the Heron." Viewing the timeline in such terms can clarify which projects are worth dedicating yourself to, while also revealing the hard reality of sacrificing other opportunities. After explori...

In this special repost, join AOM hosts Phil Svitek, John Comerford, Demetri Panos, Sara Stretton, and Marisa Serafini as we revisit our in-depth discussion of the 2014 summer blockbuster "X-Men: Days of Future Past," directed by Bryan Singer. Originally aired in the 2010s, this episode features an exclusive interview with the film’s Editor and Music Composer, John Ottman, who also worked...

In this bonus book club episode, Marisa Serafini (@SerafiniTV) and I delve into RF Kuang’s follow-up to The Poppy War, called The Dragon Republic. In this sequel, the war is over. The war has just begun. Three times throughout its history, Nikan has fought for its survival in the bloody Poppy Wars. Though the third battle has just ended, shaman and warrior Rin cannot forget the atrocity she commit...

Welcome to our 30th episode in the monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and myself, Phil Svitek. If books are your passion, you've come to the right place! In this episode, we delve into Elder Race which a novel by Adrian Tchaikovsky. In it, Lynesse is the lowly Fourth Daughter of the queen, and always getting in the way. But a demon is terrorizing the land, a...