MAKE COOL SHIT

Episode 8 - If they want Scare Me to be seen by anyone (other than their families) they need distribution. And for that, getting into a festival would surely help. Luckily, Brendan Banks’ 2-minute trailer gets a shocking level of interest from Shudder and the film lands a coveted premiere at Sundance in a haunted theater. Lean in as the MCS crew struggles to find their footing amongst the Hollywood elite, while a buzz starts to build around Scare Me. Grab a drink at the premier party, and join host Aaron Kheifest as he takes you to Park City Utah and beyond, along with next steps for Josh Ruben, Aya Cash, and Chris Redd in the season finale of MAKE COOL SHIT.

EPISODE 7 - Good news: the movie is all shot! Bad news: there’s no money to edit it. And with Josh having cashed in his 401K, Scare Me is in danger of dying in post-production limbo. Meet editor Patrick Lawrence in his Ghostbusters-laden den, learn the importance of audio with sound designers/mixers John Moros and Ian Stynes of Great City Post, and hear composer Chris Maxwell try to one-up the greats. Plus, it’s time for the first test screenings and ooooh boy do people have opinions! Join host Aaron Kheifets as he leads you through post-production and beyond on Episode 7 of MAKE COOL SHIT.

Episode 6 - The days are long, conditions are rough, and our drill sergeant (1st AD Jay Williams) has left production. But the show must go on, and the final shoot day will be a doozy. We move locations for a demonic song and dance number, and Josh’s nerves get to him while Chris Redd has to teach him how to dance. Meet composer Chris Maxwell, Laurent Rejto and Sage Higgins of the Hudson Valley Film Commission, along with the ever-charming owner of the sound stage, Dean Holterman, as he recalls his influence on pop culture. Join host Aaron Aaron Kheifets a journey to picture-wrap in Episode 6 of MAKE COOL SHIT.

Episode 5 - Welcome to actually making movies. Strap yourself in for frozen pipes, clogged toilets, and cars in ditches as nature itself tries to stop filming. Listen in as Becky Drysdale (Key & Peele) plays a cabbie, and Aya Cash (The Boys) and Chris Redd (SNL) arrive on set to tell scary stories and shoot a drug-fueled cabin scene. First AD Jay Williams goes missing, and podcast producer Donny struggles to interview a freezing, sick and tired crew. Get in on the action with host Aaron Kheifets on Episode 5 of MAKE COOL SHIT.

Episode 4 - The budget is tight, and we're still short a cast member but Josh has to forge ahead anyhow or they'll miss their production window. Meet Line Producer Andrew Rodes & Production Supervisor Jen Wilmeth as they lead us through a tech scout by any means necessary. Costume Designer Sean Dermond walks us through horror-movie Easter Eggs hidden in plain sight, and First AD Jay Williams, our drill sergeant, explains why failure is not an option. An offer goes out to comedy ringer Becky Drysdale (Key & Peele/The Tonight Show). Nothing can stop them now - well, maybe a polar vortex and a major winter storm. Join host Aaron Kheifets and learn all about pre-production in Episode 4 of MAKE COOL SHIT.

Episode 3 - Josh has commitments from Aya Cash and Chris Redd, but still hasn’t secured funding and shooting starts in just 2 weeks! How do you get the money to make your dream project? In this episode we'll meet producers of this podcast, Mike Bulger and Donny Dykowsky, along with Eamon Downey and Steve Stodghill of Last Rodeo Studios. Can they help raise funds? Join host Aaron Kheifets on our quest for finding the money, on Episode 3 of MAKE COOL SH!T.

Episode 2 - Josh wants to make a film! Cool! Him and every single other person in LA. How the hell is he going to get money, talent and crew? Josh pitches the film to production companies like Alex Bach and Dan Powell of Irony Point, and sets the groundwork for crewing up and casting. Can we get Aya Cash (The Boys) and Chris Redd (SNL) for roles in 'Scare Me'? Will Alex Borstein (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) be available? Find out on episode 2 of MAKE COOL SH!T.

Episode 1 - Every film starts with a story, and our story begins with Josh Ruben — the funniest guy you've never heard of. Lean in as host Aaron Kheifets unpacks Josh's origins from Woodstock to College Humor, SNL auditions to the creation of a screenplay. Find out what makes something funny, what makes it worthwhile, and what makes it worth risking your whole career for; on the first episode of MAKE COOL SH!T.

MAKE COOL SH!T blends the best parts of comedy, documentary, and reality TV in a true story of hope and process. Season 1 is all about making a movie - a Certified Fresh horror/comedy feature called "Scare Me" featuring College Humor icon Josh Ruben, Aya Cash (The Boys), Chris Redd (SNL), Becky Drysdale (Key and Peele), and hosted by Aaron Kheifets (Comedy Central). From script to its premier at Sundance, this hilarious non-fiction podcast captures all the grit and nuance of filmmaking in the modern age.

This podcast was 2 years in the making, with all scripting, VO recording, and much of the interview process taking place during the pandemic. Our Chelsea studios were shuddered, so the MCS crew relied on makeshift vocal booths, home studios, and leaned into the mixed media available to tell this remarkable story of art, process, and the relentless pursuit of realizing a creative vision.