It’s Just a Universal Studios Hat… Until You Hear the Story Behind It.

Look, I get it. Saying “I’m building a studio” sounds wild. It’s the kind of thing you almost laugh at yourself for even saying out loud. But here’s the thing: it’s been working. Is it easy? No. But what good story is?

The hat

See this Universal Studios hat? Sweat marks, faded logo, washed a couple times.

I could buy a new one. But this is the hat. I bought it while directing a short film for Loews Universal Hotels. That project actually made waves — they played it company-wide. And in that moment, wearing this beat-up cap, it hit me: everything was connecting.

Karl Laemmle — the original madman dreamer

Karl Laemmle started Universal in 1912. No AI tools, no YouTube, no online investors.

Just a dream and a lot of stubbornness.

He literally invented the idea of a studio where people could walk in and feel like they were inside the movies.

That’s bonkers.

Reading his story lit me up. Because if he could do that back then, what excuse do I have not to build To The Top! Studios now, with all the resources and talent around me?

Spielberg and the six-hour ET line

When I was a kid, I was so obsessed with Spielberg that I honestly thought he worked at the park.

Like he might be hiding behind the Jaws ride taking notes.

I looked for him everywhere.

And waiting six hours in the ET line? Worth it. Pure magic.

That sense of wonder has never left me.

Here’s why Spielberg mattered so much: he made movies that made you forget about life for a while.

That’s why I connected to him. That’s why I loved him. And deep down, that’s why I want to make the work I’m making today — so people can escape, laugh, cry, and be entertained, even if it’s only for a couple of hours.

That’s why I’m making The Witch Masters General.That’s why I’ve got two TV shows in motion.That’s why I work with brands the way I do — not just commercials, but cinematic pieces that make companies feel like they belong on the big screen.

This hat is my daily reminder: aim higher, make it cinematic, don’t stop.

So yeah, it might sound crazy to say I’m building a studio.

But you know what?

Karl was crazy too.

Spielberg was crazy too.

And maybe, just maybe, crazy is the only way this works.