SUMMARIES - Sevan Najarian - How Crowdfunding and Community Rallied to Save 'Mars'

SUMMARIES - Sevan Najarian - How Crowdfunding and Community Rallied to Save 'Mars'

From The MAKE IT Podcast by Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs

May 12, 2026 · 13 min

About this episode

Sevan Najarian shares his journey from a strict upbringing to directing the crowdfunded animated film 'Mars', highlighting the role of community and human intention in creativity.

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore the remarkable journey of writer, director, animator, and VFX artist Sevan Najarian , from his constrained upbringing in a strict Jehovah's Witness household in Modesto, California, to directing the crowdfunded animated feature film "Mars" for the legendary comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U Know . Through his story, we discover how limitations and community support can fuel extraordinary creative achievements, and examine the importance of human intention in an age of artificial intelligence. This deep dive reveals how a DIY spirit, honed through platforms like Channel 101, can lead to professional success while maintaining creative integrity. We also talk about: • The difference between SFX (practical special effects) and VFX (digital visual effects) • Channel 101's brutal but effective feedback loop for creative development • The toxic culture of big VFX houses versus television's constraint-driven efficiency • How the pandemic forced the Mars project from live-action to animation • The role of AI tools in creative work and why generative AI can't replace human intention People, Places, Products, and…

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