Fred Zara – Producer, Director, Editor & Founder, Sketchbook Productions

What does it really take to build a creative life that lasts?In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with filmmaker and storyteller Fred Zara to unpack a journey that spans punk rock stages, indie film sets, and everything in between.Fred shares how growing up in Trenton, New Jersey shaped his perspective on storytelling, why independent film gave him a path that Hollywood couldn’t, and how a DIY mindset still drives his work today. From crowdfunding his films to navigating the realities of low-budget production, this is a raw look at what it takes to bring stories to life without waiting for permission.They also dive into the deeper side of storytelling—why meaningful, human stories matter more than ever, and how Fred approaches characters who are simply trying to overcome everyday struggles.If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing something bigger—this conversation is a reminder that you don’t need perfect conditions to start… just the willingness to keep going.The best is yet to come.