Shows / A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative Coach
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative Coach
With 20+ years in the entertainment industry at the top level, I’m Phil Svitek. Join me as I pay it forward, sharing insights from my journey as a filmmaker, author, podcaster, and even high-level executive. Get a 360-degree view of the digital artist’s path to success, blending technical theory, practical wisdom, and personal development. Your smoother journey awaits.
Episodes
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachThe Eulogy Exercise That Can Redefine Your Life
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…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachThe Screenwriting Trick That Changed How I Write Scenes
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…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachMy Travel Packing Method (That Keeps Me Sane Every Time)
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…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachPatreon Now Lets You Sell Individual Posts — Here's Why That’s a Game Changer
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…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachHow I'm Navigating the Annecy Animation Festival (and Why You Might Want to Go)
The Annecy Animation Festival is massive, exciting, and—honestly—a bit overwhelming in the best way (https://programme.annecyfestival.com/programme).In this…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachMuscle Testing, Core Beliefs & Psycho Energetic Transformation with Charles McCaughan
What if your body could reveal the truth behind your deepest emotional wounds?In this illuminating episode, Charles McCaughan shares how he developed Psycho…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachHow Tech "Innovation" Broke Sustainable Industries | The Hidden Cost We’re All Paying
I explore a growing tension: How did innovation, once hailed as progress, end up dismantling industries that were built for long-term sustainability?Together…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachDiscovering Freedom, Legacy, and Identity | Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison | Book Club Deep Dive
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…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachManifesting Wins by Doing the Work – Arbiters Prep & Annecy Plans - 4/25/2025: Vlog
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…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachFrom Kolkata to Hollywood: Pramita Mukherjee on Surviving AND Thriving in Animation
In this inspiring deep-dive, I sit down with Pramita Mukherjee—featured in Animation Magazine’s 2025 Rising Stars of Animation…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachTrue and False Magic by Phil Stutz Came at the Perfect Time – My Go-To Book Recommendation Lately
Some books don’t just land—they arrive exactly when you need them. True and False Magic by Phil Stutz and Elise Loehnen has been that book for me. It’s more…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachThe Big Ideas from Robert McKee’s STORY: What Every Writer Must Know
Want to elevate your storytelling? In this episode, we break down the most essential insights from Robert McKee’s legendary book STORY. From mastering…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachManifestation, Consciousness & Staying Aligned with Susan K. Wehrley
In this continuation of our conversation on manifestation, I’m joined again by Susan K. Wehrley to explore the deeper practices that keep us aligned when our…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachA Year of Transition: Deadlines, Burnout, and the Process - 4/7/2025: Vlog
This year feels like a major transition—for all of us. In this vlog, I reflect on how I’m navigating change through creative work, personal rituals, and a few…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachWhat Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Taught Me About Filmmaking
I recently saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at LA’s Pantages Theatre — and while this isn’t a review, I have to say: it blew my mind. Watching it felt…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachThe Artist’s Real Job: Show Up Consistently or Stay an Amateur
What separates professionals from amateurs? It’s not talent. It’s not even opportunity. It’s consistency. In this episode, I break down why showing up week…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachQuick Tip: The Easiest Way to Share Tons of Data Remotely
Need to send a large amount of footage to someone in another city? Skip the upload wait times and ditch the heavy hard drives. In this quick tip episode, I…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachBud Rebel on Filmmaking Hustle, Creative Discipline, and Building a Personal Brand
In this episode, we sit down with Bud Rebel—filmmaker, actor, podcaster, and content creator—whose career spans indie feature films (The Undead, All Screwed…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachConfessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up – A Hilarious & Heartfelt Book Club Chat
Welcome to our monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and me, Phil Svitek! This month, we dive into Confessions of a…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachBuild Buzz Before Your Project Drops – Using Public Events to Engage Early
What if you could start building hype for your project before it’s even finished? Here, I talk about how creators across all disciplines—writers, filmmakers…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachStop Comparing Yourself to a Myth: You're Not Falling Behind
I break down a subtle trap many of us fall into—we compare ourselves not to one person, but to a collage of people, mistakenly treating their combined…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachHow to Make Job Platforms Like Upwork and Fiverr Fairer for Everyone (Clients & Freelancers)
I dive into a simple yet powerful idea that could improve job platforms like Fiverr and Upwork: what if the freelancer who gets hired is paid the average of…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachHollywood's Failing Filmmakers—Here’s How Robert Rodriguez & The Duplass Bros Are Beating the System
The old Hollywood system is crumbling, and two legendary filmmakers—Robert Rodriguez and Mark Duplass—aren’t waiting around. Rodriguez is launching Brass…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachHow Animation Can Change Lives: Toby Cochran on LUKi & the Lights & Indie Filmmaking
In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with animator and storyteller Toby Cochran, the creative force behind LUKi & the Lights, a deeply moving animated…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachThe Long Game of Art: Why Slow and Steady Wins the Race - 3/17/2025: Vlog
I share major updates on The Arbiters, including progress on the script, our writer’s room sessions, and the latest developments with our new trailer and proof…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachThe Hidden Costs of Layoffs: Why Cutting Jobs Hurts Companies in the Long Run
Layoffs may seem like an easy way for companies to cut costs, but the data tells a different story. In this episode, we dive deep into the financial…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachA Quick Guide to Film Markets: When, Why & How to Attend
I break down the basics that filmmakers need to know about film markets—when to attend (and when to skip), how to plan effectively, the major markets worth…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachUnlocking the Power of Manifestation with Susan K. Wehrley
In this insightful interview, I sit down with Susan K. Wehrley, a consciousness coach with 35 years of experience helping leaders and individuals manifest…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachThe Greatest Gift: Presence in the Age of Distraction
In a world dominated by social media and AI, our attention is constantly being pulled in a thousand directions. But the greatest gift we can give someone is…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachReviving Apprenticeships: Passing the Torch in the Arts
The arts have long been built on mentorship, yet today, too many creatives are left to fend for themselves, struggling to learn the craft without guidance…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachEmbracing the Indie Film Lifer Mentality: Knowing Our Worth and Shaping the Industry
Sean Baker’s impassioned speech at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards (watch it here: https://youtu.be/yIxtMGRlx0k?si=0_QCG3cLpvqFDWKd) resonated deeply…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachHowl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones (Monthly Book Club Discussion)
Welcome to our monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and me, Phil Svitek! This month, we dive into Howl’s Moving Castle by…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachYou Never Master Art—You Master the Process of Discovery (Insight From Gene Wolfe)
Gene Wolfe once said, “You never learn how to write a novel. You just learn how to write the novel that you're writing.” And the more I create, the more I…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachDitch KPIs—Real Impact Can’t Be Measured
We’ve been conditioned to think that if we can’t measure it, it doesn’t matter. But what if the opposite is true? What if the most meaningful things—art…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachNe Zha 2 Smashes Records! What Filmmakers Must Learn About Global Markets
Ne Zha 2 just made nearly $1 billion in China alone, proving that Hollywood isn’t the only game in town. As filmmakers, we need to think beyond Hollywood and…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachShould You Ever Work for Free? The Truth About Unpaid Work in the Creative Industry
"Unfortunately, I can't take on any unpaid work to help you make money at this time." You've probably seen this phrase floating around—and while I get the…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachStop Writing Weak Emails! 10 Pro Tips for Clearer, More Effective Communication
If your emails aren’t getting responses or feel ignored, it’s probably because they’re too long, too vague, or filled with weak phrases. Let’s fix that! 🚀In…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachBeing Bold, Reviving Projects & Truths on Sponsorships & Boundaries - 2/17/2025: Vlog
I’ve committed to being truly bold in my outreach for my big animated feature. Now, with more time opening up, I’m returning to past projects: updating my…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachIndie Filmmakers: Stop Thinking Small! Here’s How to Go Big on a Budget
Indie filmmakers are always told to keep it small—one location, minimal cast, limited scope. But what if you flipped that thinking on its head? Instead of…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachStop Playing the Gatekeepers’ Game – How Artists Can Thrive on Their Own
Many artists feel trapped by traditional industry models—musicians relying on streaming, painters chasing galleries, filmmakers hoping for big studio deals…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachWorking the Grammys, Recutting Our Trailer, and a Dream Actor?! - 2/9/2025: Vlog
This week has been a whirlwind! I worked at the Grammys, which was an amazing experience, I’ve been continuing on with The Arbiters—recutting our…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachMy Mobile Work Setup: Going Beyond the Laptop Life
Digital nomads and influencers might get by with a laptop, ring light, and hard drive—but my work demands so much more. In this episode, I showcase my mobile…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachDefine Your Dream Job: A Simple Exercise to Get You Started
If you could do anything for work, what would it be? In this episode, I challenge you to write down your ideal job—no judgment, no limits. Whether it’s reading…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachWhat You Don’t Give to Love, You Give to Fear: A Life-Changing Perspective
Inspired by A Course in Miracles, this episode explores the profound idea that what you withhold from love is ultimately given to fear. I discuss why this…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachBreaking the Mold: Why Mindless Rule-Following Doesn’t Work for Everyone
Ever feel like certain rules or systems just don’t fit you? In this episode, I explore how the more different you are from those who created the rules, the…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachThe Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple (Book Club Discussion)
Welcome to our monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and me, Phil Svitek! This month, we explore The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachMandate: Every American Should Visit All 50 States
Imagine how much kinder and more united we’d be if every American traveled to all 50 states. In this episode, I share my thoughts on why a nationwide program…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachUncertainty Is the Certainty: Life-Changing Wisdom from Dr. Ellen Langer
Uncertainty isn’t something to fear—it’s the only certainty. In this episode, I share the wisdom of Dr. Ellen Langer, often called the “Mother of Mindfulness,”…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachCreative Funding, Clickbait Pitfalls, and Building a Legacy - 1/27/2025: Vlog
In this episode, I reflect on my latest project—a 2D animated film that I simply cannot make alone. It’s been humbling to lean on my team as we get creative to…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachBreaking Down Bernard Meltzer’s Timeless Advice: Why It’s More Vital Than Ever
United States radio host Bernard Meltzer, known for his advice call-in show that ran from 1967 to the 1990s, shared a powerful quote that remains relevant…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachBuilding Your Local Community: The Key to Support and Growth
In a world that often feels disconnected, building a strong local community of support is more vital than ever. Your community—friends, neighbors, colleagues…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachFreeFileSync Overview: The Ultimate Tool for File Management
FreeFileSync is an incredible, open-source tool that simplifies file synchronization and backup. In this episode, I dive into the benefits of using…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachCharles Bukowski’s Dinosauria, We: A Warning for Humanity
Charles Bukowski’s poem Dinosauria, We is a haunting reflection on humanity’s path toward destruction. With vivid imagery and raw honesty, Bukowski warns us…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachSurviving the LA Wildfires: My Experience, Reflections, and Moving Forward - 1/18/2025: Vlog
The past week and a half have been a whirlwind as I navigated the chaos of the LA wildfires. In this episode, I share my personal experiences of what happened…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachWhy I’m Choosing to Shop Local & How You Can Support Your Community
In this episode, I share my journey of buying more locally—from farmer’s markets to independent bookstores to non-franchise restaurants. It's about keeping…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachMy Reflections on 2024 & New Year Intentions - 1/6/2025: Vlog
In this vlog, I look back on December 2024—a month of balancing creative work early on before pausing to enjoy the holidays. I share personal reflections on…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachDeepen Your Friendships: Simon Sinek’s 8-Minute Friend Concept
In this episode, I delve into Simon Sinek’s transformative 8-minute friend concept—a thoughtful way to support your friends during tough times. The idea is…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachHow to Restore Chrome Tabs After Accidentally Closing
Accidentally closed your Chrome window and lost all your tabs? Don’t panic! In this quick tutorial, I’ll show you step-by-step how to restore your tabs and…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachTop 10 Movies of 2024
Join me as I reveal my top 10 movies of 2024! With 98 films watched this year, this list highlights the ones that left the biggest impression on me. While I…
A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative CoachBook Club Discussion: Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
Welcome to our monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and me, Phil Svitek. If you’re passionate about books, you’re in the…