This week, we dive deep into the world of anamorphic lenses—why they look so cinematic, whether they’re worth the hype, and how they’ve completely changed how we shoot our own projects. From film history to hands-on test shoots (with a side of burritos), we unpack what makes these lenses so alluring and complicated.

After years of window shopping, we finally picked up our first set of anamorphic lenses—and used them to shoot a full music video. In this episode, we explore the difference between anamorphic and spherical, the history of Super 35, the struggle with vertical video, and how lens choices affect everything from contrast to storytelling. Plus, a bonus tale about AI girlfriends and milk-based VFX.

00:00 - Intro 08:13 - The Argument for Sirui 17:45 - Rehash from Ep #30 20:19 - The History of Anamorphic 33:11 - Our Experience so far 45:39 - Our Microcenter Story

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In this episode, Chris, Mike, and special guest/producer Steve catch up post-film festival to unpack the last few chaotic weeks of filmmaking, festivals, and film nerdery. The guys recount an award-nominated short they worked on, the highs and lows of networking at Golden Door Film Festival and the NJ Film Expo, and some sharp critique on another 9/11-themed short that left everyone confused.

They also break down key takeaways from the B&H Build Expo — including what makes video content actually connect with people — and try to make sense of a whirlwind talk from an eccentric AI influencer who may or may not have burned down her childhood home.

Plus: Full spoiler review of the new F1 racing film starring Brad Pitt, including what made it work, what fell flat, and how the hell they actually filmed it. (Hint: iPhones, GoPros, and possibly witchcraft.) It’s an episode that swerves from filmmaking strategy to movie criticism to martial arts choreography… with a few laughs and alcohol-related regrets along the way.

0:00 - Intro 05:13 - Networking for film 11:43 - Golden Gate Film Fest 16:00 - The 9/11 Movie We Saw 23:01 - Viral Content Pillars (what we learned) 35:41 - AI Scam or Actual Good Idea? 51:43 - Complete F1 Movie Review 53:46 - F1 General Impressions 58:15 - F1 Movie Fun Facts 01:05:43 - F1 Missed Opportunities? 01:15:37 - Cars Are Dangerous 01:19:26 - Almost Friday TV & Joel Haver

Find out more at https://until-you-make-it.pinecast.co

What’s it like working at Netflix Animation for years… and never having anything released? In this episode, we catch up with Joshua Lewkowicz, a longtime friend of the show and an assistant/associate editor at Netflix, to unpack the unseen side of the animation industry — the long hours, the creative burnout, and the projects that disappear into studio limbo. Josh talks candidly about the experience of working on unreleased shows, the highs and lows of bouncing between roles, and what it means to feel like your work isn’t seeing the light of day.

We also dig into why Andor might be the best Star Wars series ever made — and how it succeeds where so many others fall flat — before ending with a wild behind-the-scenes story involving stunt choreography, last-minute prep, and Kel Mitchell’s… anatomy.

It’s a funny and sobering look at the creative grind — from inside one of the biggest studios in the world.

00:00 - Intro 02:39 - Josh Works At Netflix Animation 05:07 - Making Art No One Will See 16:44 - The Artist Struggle 20:10 - Treat It Like A JOB 26:01 - Why go to Disney Land so often? 31:54 - Is Star Wars Land Cool or nah? 40:21 - Andor is GREAT 52:19 - Guillermo del Toro loves Josh 58:31 - The Kel Mitchell Story 01:15:41 - Test Screening our New Film 01:21:13 - GAME TIME: Writers Room

Find out more at https://until-you-make-it.pinecast.co