MAKE COOL SHIT

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.

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 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.