Episode 118: Vladimir Maruska—Building a Creative Community From The Stage To The Screen

On Episode 118, I’m joined by filmmaker: Vladimir Maruska! We discuss his transition from musical theater to the technical world of filmmaking, founding Third Drawer Down Studios, the nostalgic process of choreographing Star Wars fan films using the Jedi Code , and the psychological buildup required to direct an effective horror film. We also dive into how his English background influences his screenwriting and his core mission to use film as a tool for empathy and community growth.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1#podcast #filmmaking #director #indiefilm #shortfilm #creative #storytelling #behindthescenes #art #cinematography #newepisode #starwars #jedi #lightsaber #fanfilm #choreography #actionmovies #theforce #sith #trending 00:00 – Welcome To Episode 118! 00:10 – Meet Vladimir 00:56 – Transitioning From The Stage To Filmmaking 03:01 – Co-Founding Third Drawer Down Studios 07:37 – The Process Behind Creating Star Wars Fan Films 14:22 – Challenges In Directing Action And Editing 19:46 – Directing The Horror Short "Uninvited" 31:19 – Bridging English Studies And Screenwriting 36:17 – Using Film As A Tool For Empathy 41:33 – Get To Know You's54:27 – Outro & Closing Thoughts