The Blended Future Podcast

Filmmakers are taught to create stories to create attention—for big studios or big tech companies.But that conditioning can disconnect you from the human reasons story exists.In this episode, we re-center storytelling around the right reasons: impact for the human experience.Then we use two classic frameworks—the Hero’s Journey and the Heroine’s Journey—to turn craft into transformation.WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE* Filmmaking lessons often stop at craft—and leave out how to build a sustainable career.* Why stories shape civilizations—and why you must tell them for the right reasons.* The Hero’s Journey: a universal structure you can apply to life and filmmaking.* The Heroine’s Journey: the internal, healing-focused path to wholeness.* How to find story conflict and meaning even in everyday moments (yes, even “going to the store”).* A storytelling practice in editing: shrinking a story down to shorter and shorter formats while keeping the arc.* Why AI still struggles with the nuance of human experience.* A challenge: study story everywhere—and own your skills in how you communicate online and in person.CHAPTERS00:00 — The Wrong Reasons (Big Studios vs Human Experience)03:00 — The Hero’s Journey (A Universal Framework)04:00 — Applying It to Life (Even Grocery Trips)05:05 — The 7-Second Challenge (Editing for Story)05:37 — The Heroine’s Journey (Beyond External Success)09:38 — Healing Within: The True Prize10:04 — Story’s Societal Power (Nations, Religion, Hollywood)10:46 — Magnetic Storytelling (How to Get Through to People)11:13 — Why AI Can’t Replace Real Scripts (Yet)11:36 — Your Call to Action (Study, Own, Communicate)ABOUT YOUR HOST (Creator-Auteur)I’m Maris Lidaka, a Creator-Auteur.I blend the practices of the creator economy with the auteur viewpoint of a traditional filmmaker.I teach other filmmakers how to build creative practices around their work so they can sustain their careers and make what they want.📬 Newsletter: marislidaka.substack.com Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

Finding your creative source is what makes a filmmaker ready to take on the industry—and build from there.Not random motivation. Not waiting for inspiration. Your creative source is the wellspring underneath your work—the reason you keep returning, creating, and finishing.In this episode, we distill the idea into one essential principle: when you understand your creative source, you stop running on empty.WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE* The Ego Trap: Why creating to “get noticed” is a prison, and how to create from truth instead.* The Long Race: Why the goal isn’t to be first (like Spielberg), but to build a body of work that compounds over decades.* 3 Essential Questions: The framework for uncovering your unique perspective and finding your ideal audience.* The 100 Ideas Challenge: A practical exercise to prove to yourself that you will never run out of stories.* Stop Pretending: Why the industry is full of people in it for the “photo op,” and how to shift your focus back to the craft.* The Silent Work: Embracing the “I get to” mindset for the thousands of hours of writing, storyboarding, and fundraising that no one sees.CHAPTERS00:00 — Finding Your Creative Source (The "Why")01:50 — Truth vs. Fear: Running the Long Race03:05 — Defining Your Ideal Audience05:11 — Personal Journey: Finding My North Star08:12 — Practical Tools: 100 Ideas & Journaling10:32 — Stop Pretending: Embracing the Silent Work13:01 — The Shift: From "Have To" to "Get To"ABOUT YOUR HOSTI am Maris Lidaka, a Creator-Auteur. I don’t just edit videos; I architect the Full-Stack systems that turn creative chaos into sovereign institutions. I help purpose-driven creators and brands build Signature Media that lasts.📬 Newsletter: marislidaka.substack.com Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

Most filmmakers approach their careers from two positions: scarcity and fear.But there’s a better way. It’s called the Hall of Fame Mindset — and it’s exactly how the greatest athletes build sustainable, thriving careers.In this episode, I break down six principles that elite athletes use to dominate their fields, and how filmmakers can apply them to build something that lasts a lifetime.WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE* Why “bad mental conditioning” is holding filmmakers back (and how to recognize it in yourself)* Own Who You Are: Why “I am the next [whoever]” should never leave your mouth* Focus on Craft, Not Rewards: Why chasing awards is a trap (and what to focus on instead)* Add to Your Toolbox: How getting 1% better every day compounds into mastery* Embrace Leadership: What true leadership means (and why it’s your responsibility)* Think in Decades: Why “never underestimate what you could do in ten years”* Work in Cycles: How to balance pushing hard with necessary rest (for you and your films)* Why your film is an asset for generations, not a one-time lottery ticket* The difference between trying to “make it” and building a lifetime of greatnessCHAPTERS00:00 — The Course Correction Filmmakers Need00:40 — The Hall of Fame Mindset (Athlete Framework)01:46 — Principle 1: Own Who You Are04:21 — Principle 2: Focus on Craft, Not Rewards05:57 — Principle 3: Add to Your Toolbox (1% Better Daily)07:15 — Principle 4: Embrace Leadership09:59 — Principle 5: Build Something Bigger Than Yourself10:33 — Principle 6: Think in Decades12:11 — Work in Cycles (Push & Rest)14:11 — Pursuing Greatness Over a LifetimeABOUT YOUR HOST I am Maris Lidaka, a Creator-Auteur. I don’t just edit videos; I architect the Full-Stack systems that turn creative chaos into sovereign institutions. I help purpose-driven creators and brands build Signature Media that lasts.What’s one principle from this episode that resonates most with you? Drop it in the comments or reply on Substack — I want to know which athlete mindset you’re adopting first.📬 Newsletter: marislidaka.substack.comThe first step in having a long career in filmmaking is not racing to the top as fast as you can. It’s pursuing the act of greatness over a lifetime. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

Filmmaking isn’t just “output.” The real magic is the experience: a group of people coming together, on the same page, having fun, and creating something from nothing—especially when it’s small enough that everyone can contribute.In this episode, I break down why the magic of set is irreplaceable—and why AI can’t truly replicate the human collaboration, the shared stories, and the bonds you build while making something together.WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE* Why filmmaking is worth the time, money, and uncertainty* How small, collaborative sets (a “summer camp” energy) unlock the best creativity* Why a proof of concept matters (often as a teaser/short film that builds the bigger project)* The real reason big productions can feel compartmentalized vs. small productions* Safety and ethics: why nobody needs to be endangered “for the sake of the film”* Why the “why” behind filmmaking is collaboration, shared fun, and shared humanity* Why AI/generative video can’t replace the lived experience of making with other people* A reminder for anyone doubting themselves: your work is important—and the experience is specialABOUT YOUR HOST (Creator-Auteur Bio)I’m Maris Lidaka, a Creator-Auteur. I don’t just edit videos—I architect Full-Stack systems that turn creative chaos into sovereign institutions. I help purpose-driven creators build Signature Media that lasts.📬 Newsletter: marislidaka.substack.comDrop into the comments/DM: what’s been your favorite set experience so far—and what kind of filmmaking community do you want to build next? Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

Art is not a luxury. It is a manual for life — and the world needs it most when things feel most broken.In this episode, we explore why filmmaking becomes more essential during turbulent times, why AI will never replace the human emotion at the heart of great cinema, and why a new kind of creator — the Creator Auteur — is emerging to carry the art form forward.WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE* Why the most powerful films in history were made during periods of social upheaval* The irreplaceable power of communal cinema — and what a singer in a Ukrainian bomb shelter taught us about it* Why generative AI won’t kill filmmaking (and what Delroy Lindo’s improvised monologue in Sinners proves about human creativity)* The rise of the Creator Auteur — the filmmaker who combines artistic vision with entrepreneurial independence* A direct message to every artist who has wondered whether their work still mattersWATCH THIS EPISODEIf you’d like to watch this podcast, you can do so here - CHAPTERS00:00 — Does Filmmaking Still Matter?01:35 — Art as a Manual for Life01:50 — The Power of Communal Cinema05:17 — AI and the Future of Filmmaking08:25 — The Rise of the Creator Auteur08:54 — A Message for ArtistsTOOLS & SPECSCamera: Fuji XT-3Editing: DaVinci ResolveAudio: Shure Mic, Focusrite Audio InterfaceABOUT YOUR HOSTI am Maris Lidaka, a Creator-Auteur. I don’t just create art; I architect systems that turn creative ideas into infrastructure that builds audience and sustains a life. I help purpose-driven creators build Signature Media that lasts. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

For 20+ years in the film industry, I trained a specific muscle:Make the decision. Move forward.You learn quickly that momentum is everything in production. The problem is that many of us only activate that mindset when we’re in the “right environment.”A set.An edit suite.A production meeting.But life doesn’t work that way.If you’re building something - From a film, to a company, to a creative career - you can’t wait for the right environment.You have create it.Watch the Full VideoIn this video I break down how I started applying the director’s mindset to everyday life.Including:• Why indecision quietly drains hours of creative energy• The system I use to map my energy throughout the day• Why willpower alone doesn’t work (and what actually does)• The deeper responsibility filmmakers have as storytellers and cultural memory keepersWatch the full video here → The Deeper Role of StorytellersWhile researching creative traditions, I came across the West African concept of the Griot.Griots weren’t just storytellers.They were:• historians• advisors• keepers of culture• guardians of memoryThey understood something powerful:Whoever tells the story shapes the culture.And right now, as the entertainment industry goes through massive change, creators are being pushed to rediscover that responsibility.Not just to entertain but to preserve memory. This passes knowledge forward and helps people understand the world.Art has always done that as stories were the first manuals for life. It’s a responsibility that we’ve abandoned. But must come back to.My Challenge to YouPick one area of your life where you keep negotiating with yourself.Stop negotiating.Decide.Then act within 24 hours.See what happens when you bring the director’s mindset into the rest of your life. You might be surprised how much momentum comes from a single decision. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: I wrote about this in detail on Substack →https://substack.com/@marislidaka/p-178658705🎥 Watch this episode: Building an audience isn’t about chasing follower counts. It’s about building real connections with real people. In this episode, I share how I built my film career through authentic relationships — not viral moments or growth hacks.You’ll learn:* Why follower count doesn’t equal audience* The Ryan Coogler lesson (and why it doesn’t apply to you)* How I met my executive producer through a simple Instagram post* The 1% rule (and why it changes everything)* Actionable steps to build real connections todayCHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction: The Right Way to Build an Audience01:24 – Audience vs. Followers & Numbers02:04 – “Blended Future” Project: Early Audience Building02:45 – Overcoming Social-Media Overwhelm & Toxicity03:22 – Core of Audience Building: Making Connections03:41 – Social Media as Extraction vs. Connection04:10 – The “Give Me” Feed vs. Genuine Interaction04:45 – Putting the “Social” Back into Social Media04:53 – Deeper Connections & Collaboration Examples05:59 – Chris Hall & “Concrete River” Collaboration06:37 – Limits of Chasing Follower Numbers (≈1% act)07:09 – Focus on the Connections Game07:23 – Creation’s Fundamental Reason: Connection07:58 – Actionable Advice: Research & Engage New Followers08:23 – Party Analogy for Networking08:51 – Practical Steps: Comment → DM09:13 – Freelancing & Business Stability Through True Audience09:43 – Building an Audience the Right Way: Supportive & Uplifting10:09 – ConclusionFREE DOWNLOADS🎬 The Creative Impact QuizRate your complete creative infrastructure (15-point diagnostic) →https://creativeimpact.scoreapp.com/📘 The Filmmaker Emergency KitAll the systems to beat anxiety and overwhelm →https://maris-lidaka-shop.fourthwall.com/products/creator-emergency-kitCONNECT🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marislidaka/🌐 Website: www.marislidaka.com🎬 Studio: www.blendedfutureproject.com📬 Newsletter (Mon & Friday): https://marislidaka.substack.comABOUT MARIS LIDAKAI’m Maris Lidaka — a Creator Auteur who controls the entire creative vision from story to screen. In the last 3 years, I’ve produced 1 feature + 3 award-winning shorts while building creative infrastructure for brands like Netflix, FHC, and Red Bull.Subscribe for bi-weekly insights on building sustainable creative careers. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

Hollywood is crumbling. While the industry retreats into predictable stories, safe stars, and insular gatekeeping, the real opportunity for filmmakers has gone global. K-pop Demon Hunters is dominating Netflix. A Vietnamese filmmaker (Noor Niaz) is building teams across France, Germany, and the US. The industry is shifting — not toward the giant machine of Hollywood, but toward cross-cultural collaboration that transcends borders. The filmmakers who thrive won’t be the ones waiting for LA gatekeepers to open doors. They’ll be the ones building relationships across continents, telling stories that merge cultures, and creating work that travels. This isn’t just about “diversity” or “international markets.” It’s about survival. When Hollywood only makes movies for rich, old, mostly white audiences, and you’re none of those things, you have two choices: Wait for permission or build your own door.If you’d rather watch than listen, you can do that here:Production Notes:* Camera: Fuji XT-3* Editing: DaVinci Resolve * Recording setup: Shure Microphone on stand with two LED lights.* This episode is a companion to my essay on the same topic at https://marislidaka.substack.com/p/the-woke-advantage-cultural-exchangeAbout MeI’m Maris Lidaka. I’m a Creator Auteur, founder of The Blended Future Project, and currently writing my debut novel - The Filmmaker’s Survival Guide. I merge the taste of classic cinema with the modern infrastructure of creator economy; I’m documenting every step of producing my feature film Concrete River while building systems that actually sustain creative work. Learn more→ https://www.marislidaka.com/Helpful LinksFor the Builder (Level 1): Take the Creative Sustainability Quiz. Assess where you are in the Burnout Machine → Creative Engine spectrum and get specific recommendations for your next move.→ https://creativesystem.scoreapp.comFor the Leader (Level 2): → Grab the Filmmaker Launch Kit ($29). The folder structures, checklists, and workflow templates I’m using to produce Concrete River—plus the exact system for marketing like a rapper.→https://maris-lidaka-shop.fourthwall.com/products/filmmaker-launch-kit Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

Filmmakers are still marketing like it's 1999. Meanwhile, musicians have figured out how to survive the streaming era. Here is why we need to steal their playbook. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, the focus is on the importance of creative systems in fostering and sustaining creativity. We debunk the myth of the 'inspired genius' and emphasizes that creative work is rarely the result of sudden inspiration but rather the outcome of intentional systems, processes, and constant iteration. I'll share personal experiences and the methods he has developed over a decade to systematically produce work at a sustainable rate, from organizing ideas in digital tools like ClickUp and Kortex, creating soundtracks for writing, to building detailed treatments before screenplays.We highlight the need for artists to embrace both filmmaking and content creation for better audience engagement and ownership of their work. The episode concludes with the encouragement to build personalized creative systems to maintain focus, health, and productivity in a world full of distractions.Links:- Resources: http://blendedfutureproject.com/resources- Concrete River Soundtrack: 00:00 - Introduction to Creative Systems01:42 - The Myth of the Inspired Genius03:10 - Overcoming Creative Hurdles04:49 - Building a Creative System05:51 - Organizing Your Ideas08:20 - Using Music to Enhance Creativity10:29 - Developing and Refining Ideas16:17 - The Importance of Patience and Persistence19:25 - Balancing Multiple Creative Projects23:13 - Embracing Content Creation27:23 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

After years of trying to build with both speed and scale at the forefront, I’ve reached a different kind of season — one defined by stillness, recalibration, and letting go. In this episode, I reflect on what it means to slow down not as a failure, but as a practice.This is a reflection on how to really build momentum and the creative wisdom that comes from choosing to pause. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

As the US withdraws from the global stage. Other countries are taking up the mantle and advancing the craft and art of film. And that will have consequences we aren’t thinking about. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

I have some expanded thoughts on DEI (influenced by Justin Simien’s article). Which relates to my next film - Concrete River. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

We recently screened our documentary Creative Force to a small audience at the University of Notre Dame. I give my thoughts on not just the reception of our film. But the importance of doing screenings differently from before. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

I boiled down the path to independence into 8 steps. Simple in theory and a lot of work to execute.But the reward is great one. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

This week, my extended thoughts on the new strategy for independent filmmakers. It’s about using film festivals in concert with private screenings to build an audience - both locally and internationally.We have to start thinking of how we can take our own power back. Also using that to share with the people who lend their time and talent to make the film. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

With the ongoing backlash against DEI. I think it’s going to be a tough road for real representation in the greater film industry. But I think a lot more writers, filmmakers and creatives are going to embrace independence. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

There’s been a few updates about Concrete River. I’m sharing not only those. But how the industry is changing and what I’m doing to create my own lane. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

This podcast adds up all the skills I think filmmakers will need to succeed in this new year. Which is really the beginning of a new era. The skills are:* The Right Approach* The Right Mindset* Learning about Editing* Learning about DesignPut all this together and we can start to move forward in a real way. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

The fires are still burning. But we’re still here and still fighting however we can. The Palisades Fire is still the largest one remaining with only 20% containment. The LAFD has beaten nearly half of the Eaton Fire back. The dear friends who have lost their homes from the Los Angeles fires still need help.Soma Helmi is a director and writer who I met at a screenwriting workshop for Mixed Asian Media. Her script SuperNova is the best one I’ve read in a long time. And she is simply a wonderful human being. Her and her partner’s house and car were destroyed in the Eaton fire.Their GoFundMe is here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-soma-and-isaac-rebuild-after-tragic-eaton-fireElaine Loh is a writer and director. I met her at a film festival when she was transitioning from acting to directing. She volunteered to speak at the same workshop and has always been open to help anyone who needs it. She also lost her house and belongings in the Eaton fire.A GoFundMe has been set up for her:https://www.gofundme.com/f/elaine-and-tyler-home-funds-from-eaton-canyon-altadena-fires?attribution_id=sl:e2380c22-7645-46e5-831e-0d3963804321&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=smsNature Friends is the place where I got married and has been burned down. The foundation has remained intact. But they still have a long way to go. If you could help them get on their feet. It would mean the world to me.CLICK HERE TO DONATEThere is still a lot of work to be done.Please help those you can and let’s all continue to look out for each other. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

I’m starting something new in 2025 - an audio companion to the normal articles. After posting the weekly newsletter, I often have additional thoughts I want to share. I will now share those thoughts in the form of an audio podcast companion. It will be the information inside the usual articles with extended thoughts that are helpful.I will keep the articles free and provide an audio version of them as well. I hope this proves insightful for all of you listening. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe

Let's go inside a private practice of mine. The end of the year has always been a time of reflection and setting goals. I set aside some quiet time to examine what's worked, what hasn't, and what my goals are for next year. And this time, I will invite you with me.We filmmakers need to build together and put things in perspective. So I hope sharing this will help with that.Now get ready because this is going to be a long one.REFLECTIONSI always start by looking backward. In 2024, much was accomplished. But also, there was much left to be done. So let's dive in:2 YEARS IN BUSINESSThis was my second year running The Blended Future Project as a registered LLC. The first year was, well, barely survivable. The second year, we managed and even made some progress both creatively and financially. And it ended up being the first year that 100% of my income came through my business, which is great! But also has its challenges.Now, we won't get into profit and loss overviews because this isn't a business newsletter. But I will say that officially creating a business has been extremely positive for my filmmaking career. Simply because it makes you take it seriously. Like a film, you've birthed something into the world that needs to be nurtured and improved, which helps you focus on the long term rather than simply the project in front of you.You are now thinking about the big picture and building for the future.SHORT FILM SUCCESSTwo shorts continued their festival runs. The first being Gabriela by Evelyn Lorena:And the second Forbidden Fruit by Isaiah Forte-Rose:I produced both of these films back to back in 2022, and they continue to have incredible reach. Gabriela was screened at the Smithsonian Institute, Forbidden Fruit at a local chapter of the NAACP, and each has been accepted at countless festivals. Gabriela qualified for Awards Consideration, which is an amazing achievement for the team.But more than all the accolades, these two shorts mark the beginning of something important for me:Continuing to tell stories that matter.Gabriela showcased the experience of an undocumented woman. Forbidden Fruit gave us a look inside the life of an unfed child. These are characters and stories we don't hear about very often. Or when we do, the focus is on their misery. But even though they have large challenges, they live each day with grace, determination, and beauty. Their stories are part of all of us.THE UKRAINE DOCUMENTARY SAGASince the middle of 2023, I have been working as an editor and producer for the documentary Creative Force (aka UKR). The film showcases artists in Ukraine that are using their everyday skills to support the war effort. In the middle of last year, Alex LeMay (the director) and I were convinced that we had a finished edit to begin selling.But then, we had an actual screening.An audience of 50 people was not connecting with one of the major elements of the story. And normally, we filmmakers would say, "This is my story. I'm going with my gut." But when you hear the reaction from everyone:You have to realize there's a pattern, and you owe it to your film to listen.This involved a slightly new approach. But also meant, in a sense, starting over. Now, as the year has come to an end, the film is in a much better place.And we even had a few interested buyers for the New Year.CONCRETE RIVERI've been writing a script for what feels like a decade. It's called Concrete River, and it's a feature film about an unhoused hip-hop music producer who tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter but meets a teenage drifter who changes the way he sees the world. It's a story about the America we encounter every day. The part we want to forget or look past. But like Gabriela and Forbidden Fruit, we are going to that dark, hidden place to show people who hope, dream, and build community despite their circumstances.The script received two Finalist considerations and is currently ranked in the Top 20% on CoverFly. I got a deck made for it, hired a casting director, and began building some momentum. But I had to take a little break because I wasn't sure how to proceed exactly.I'd been speaking with my DP (who gave me the idea for the story) about making a short version, which has been written. And my casting director began looking for talent to make it. But with a budget of around 20K or so to shoot the short, the question remained:Was this the right thing to do? Should I simply be focusing on making the feature instead?So there's a lot of overthinking about what the "right way" forward is for Concrete River.I found the answers. Which I'll reveal later on.A SCREENPLAY ABOUT LOVEBefore the Blended Future Project was a company, it was a blog where I wrote about being multicultural. After a year, I put out a call for short stories by other authors to go on the blog (which I would like to do again later). One of them really stood out. A 20-page true story titled Someone Like Me about a Navy vet's first true love, which also happened to be her first interracial relationship. I reached out to the author and received permission to develop her story into a film.Which finally began last year.I tried to write this script on my own but quickly got overwhelmed. There was simply too much story for me to wrap my head around. So I asked another longtime collaborator Chris Hall to help. And we got a great first draft done just before the end of the year in just a few weeks (cumulatively) of work.EMBRACING THE CALLINGLast year I tried a lot of things. I started this Substack, tried consulting, and got a few more editing projects. And I came away with the following focus:I want to tell stories about people and culture.Storytelling has always been my strength, and I believe it can change the world. So this upcoming year, I will be doubling down on telling stories that help us understand people. I will be playing to my strengths.And with that, let's move on to next year's:GOALSIMPROVING THE SKILLSETI've always continued to learn. Filmmaking is a craft that can always be improved upon. There are more skills I want to learn in the world of post-production, specifically motion graphics and color work. I want to get back to directing actors more, as it's something I haven't done in quite a while. And I want to conquer what has been somewhat of my Achilles' heel—cameras. Working with cameras has been hit or miss for me. I definitely know my way around them, but I'm not quite confident in my camera work yet. Which is surprising given how great my father was at using them.But the improvement isn't just with the technical skills of filmmaking. To me, it means continuing to connect with people (both old and new) and having great experiences. Continuing therapy and making sure my mental health is in order. And also getting back in the habit of exercise. The skillset is not just about getting better at your craft, but getting the best out of life.THE RELEASE OF CREATIVE FORCEThis year, Creative Force will be released into the greater world. We are close to finishing the edit of the full 90-minute version. But also, we have a pending screening for a 60-minute version at Notre Dame at the beginning of this year!This film is going to be distributed very much in a hybrid model—mixing traditional and grassroots methods to screen it for audiences. With a film as important as this one, we want to ensure we're getting the message out there and making an impact. And as this process moves along, I'll be giving frequent updates on what we're doing and how it's working.SHOOTING CONCRETE RIVERAfter months of overthinking, the universe forced my hand.Part of the film involves the creation of a song. Our hero, Travis, is listening and remixing a song that he wants to give to his daughter, Noelle. Now, I frequently make playlists to write. During this process, I stumbled across the song that was absolutely perfect for how Noelle would sound. The artist's name is Lexa Gates, and I thought:It would be amazing if her song was Noelle's.So I asked my casting directors to reach out, with no expectations of what would come of it.I was sitting on the couch watching Netflix on my laptop over the holiday break. I received a phone call from a Los Angeles number I didn't recognize. It was Miriam, my casting director, and she announced, much to my surprise, that Lexa's team was very interested. They had seen the deck and wanted to know more (which is why decks are important). The next step is to meet with Lexa on Zoom and see how we get along. But it let me know that Concrete River has to be a priority this year.A FACE TO THE NAMEI've had a Blended Future YouTube Channel for a little over a year, but it's mostly been abandoned. As we created more press around Gabriela, the channel gained a little traction. Mostly from the trailer, which has been seen over 3,000 times!So again, I think this is a sign that I should pay more attention to creating videos and using YouTube to grow a presence. Not just as an advertisement of what I'm making, but for the same goal I have with these articles:To provide a blueprint on building a non-dependent ecosystem for filmmakers.NOTES FROM THE FIELDI know that films can create empathy and change the world. And they can do that by presenting the truth as it is. But we also need to have the truth, and the data, in order to make that happen.Dija Henry, a frequent collaborator and fellow Substacker (yes, that's a word), and I have been speaking about how filmmakers need a space to get inspiration, share data, and information in order to build their own ecosystems. She mentioned how scientists will share their findings in order to advance the medium because it's for the greater good. But filmmakers are conditioned to hoard what we know in order to make sure we're getting the best deal. Dija and I want to change that and use Substack as the platform to do so. We're still figuring out how it will work exactly.But as soon as it's ready, everyone will know.THE ROAD AHEADThere's more ahead for me, but these are the major points. The key focus is to continue building and connecting. The world tells us that it's every person for themselves. But the truth is we're stronger together than we are apart.I was just speaking with Alex LeMay the other day, and we both said that now is the time to say yes (within reason). Find your focus and say yes. Say yes to growing, say yes to learning, and say yes to helping. Think 10 years ahead in reaping your rewards and just keep pushing.Take it from me, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results.Before we wrap up, I want to invite you to join me for something special. Releasing tomorrow at 8am, I will have a special podcast version of this article. It will require a paid subscription to access:We’ll dive deeper into the challenges, the victories, and the lessons I’ve learned this year. Plus, I’ll share some personal stories and actionable insights you won’t find here.Including:How to easily get a casting director for your film.Why creating mutiple versions of your film can help with its distribution.It will be well worth the subscription fee. I’ll see everyone there. Get full access to The Blended Future Project at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe