The MAKE IT Podcast
MAKE IT is a film podcast hosted by Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs that takes listeners behind the scenes of the filmmaking process. Episodes cover independent gems, major blockbusters, and cinema history, mixing industry insight with candid conversation. Rather than surface-level chatter, the hosts dig into how films actually get made and what makes them work. It is aimed at movie lovers who want a deeper, more personal take on the craft.
Episodes
SUMMARIES - Julius Ritter - The Permissionless Revolution & When Zero Dollars Isn’t Zero Vision
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIThttps://themakeitpodcast.store/newsletterHello, Hello!In this episode, AI
Bonus Episode: 48 Hour Film Project Winner Allison Alonzo on How to Make a Film in 48 Hours
This episode is brought to you by MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year! Hello, Hello! In this episode, Allison Alonso explains how she led her first 48 Hour Film Project as a director and won with Falling Short. She breaks down the competition’s strict rules, the creative decisions
447 - What Money Can’t Fix on a Film Set, Why People Need People, and Creative Sets, AI, and Staying Weird - Nichole Marie Lim
This episode is brought to you by MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year! Hello, Hello! In this episode, we speak with Nashville filmmaker Nicole Marie Lim about building a career across makeup, writing, producing, and directing. Nicole explains how supportive relationships, practica
SUMMARIES - Keith McDaniel - How he made "The Clinton 12," Cast James Earl Jones, and Why Local Beats Bigger
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEITSubscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/supportHello, Hello!In this
446 - Isabel Hagen on Making 'On a String', Winning Tribeca, Cancel Culture, and Surviving Stand‑Up
This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeitThis episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today
Film Brief - Who Is Stan Smith? - The Man Behind the Three Stripes
WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.BRIEF:In this episode, Nick reviews Who Is Stan Smith?, Danny Lee’s documen
SUMMARIES - Alexis Gambis - CRISPR, Cinema, and Identity—The Human Story of Science
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEITSubscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/supportHello, Hello!In this
445 - Indie Talk - The Death of Physical Media, Infoist Religion, Fall Film Festivals, AI in Education, and Reaching 300K Subscribers
This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/products/mastering-film-marketing. Use the Discount code: NASHFILM20 for 20% off EVERYTHING at themakeitpodcast.comHello, Hello! In this episode, we dive deep into the cultural and philosophical battle between physical ownership and the digital future, using Sony's elimina
SUMMARIES - Jeffrey Pittle - Why Art Is Never Finished, The Secret Lost Chaka Khan Video, and How Serving the Work Builds a Lasting Creative Legacy
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEITSubscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/supportHello, Hello!In this
444 - Oscar Boyson on Directing Our Hero, Balthazar, Working with The Neistat Brothers, Empathy Machines vs. Validation Machines, and Failing in Public
This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeitThis episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today
Mistakes In The Making - The Creative Pivot That Made Barbie a Billion-Dollar Film
Hello, Hello!In this episode, Kevin Goetz, Hollywood's leading audience research expert and founder of Screen Engine, shares one of his most humbling professional mistakes — advising Mattel's entertainment team to walk away from the Barbie movie project before it became a global cultural phenomenon. Kevin reflects on how he misread early research data that showed limited audience interest
SUMMARIES - Nathaniel Nuon's Unconventional Philosophy on Filmmaking Tech (The Uber Analogy and the Viagra Principle)
Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the extraordinary life and career of Nathaniel Nuon, a Cambodian refugee-turned Emmy-winning filmmaker who transformed personal and financial limitations into groundbreaking creative work. They explore how a childhood spent watching a broken, silent television set trained Nathaniel's brain to become a master
443 - X-Men ’97 Cast - Rogue, Morph & Nightcrawler Walk Into a Podcast: The Voice Acting Craft Behind X-Men '97
This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeitThis episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today
442 - Illuminai Studios Founder Jesse Weglein on Being Laid Off at Pixar, Why AI Is the Brush, Not the Artist, and Animation's Next Frontier
This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/products/mastering-film-marketing. Use the Discount code: NASHFILM20 for 20% off EVERYTHING at themakeitpodcast.comHello, Hello! In this episode, Chris, Nick, and Producer Papa Bear sit down with Jesse Weglein — 15 years at Pixar, now founder of Illuminai Studios — joining liv
SUMMARIES - Actress Christine Woods - How to Walk Into Any Audition Room and Completely Flip the Power Dynamic in Your Favor
Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness take a deep dive into the life, craft, and career philosophy of actress Christine Woods — known for her roles in HBO's Hello Ladies, ABC's Flash Forward, and The Walking Dead — exploring how a profoundly shy girl from Lake Forest, California built a sustainable, authentic acting career by rejecting Hollywood's arbit
441 - How YouTube Lore Is Rewriting the Hollywood Playbook, Why George Lucas Is Right, and the New Rules of the Box Office (Your Father's IP Is Dead) - Indie Talk
This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/products/mastering-film-marketingHello, Hello! In this episode, Chris and Nick reunite for an Indie Talk episode packed with film industry insights, starting with Chris's powerful experience watching the James Baldwin documentary I Am Not Your Negro and a heartfelt shoutou
SUMMARIES - Caroline Locorriere - Camera Appropriateness, Script Architecture, and the Three Pillars of Craft
Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the remarkable journey of Caroline Locorriere, founder and lead coach of the Nashville Acting Studio, exploring how she walked away from a thriving commercial acting career in Los Angeles to discover her true calling as an acting teacher and coach. They unpack her empathy-driven teaching philosophy, which stands
440 - Nick (Goes Solo) on What Matt Damon and Oscar Boyson Can Teach Us About Making It
This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeitThis episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today
Film Brief - Toy Story 5 - Andrew Stanton's Return: Why Pixar's Boldest Creative Bet Is a Story About Growing Up
WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.BRIEF:In this episode, Nick dives deep on Toy Story 5, the highly anticipat
SUMMARIES - Josh Bishop - Follow Your Heart, Not the Money: Jim Jarmusch's Advice That Changed Everything
Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the archives of the MAKE IT Podcast (Episode 174) to extract the raw, unfiltered reality of indie filmmaker Josh Bishop's journey — from his punk rock-influenced teenage years in Europe to premiering his debut documentary at South by Southwest after an extraordinary 11-year production process. They explore ho
439 - Daril Fannin - The Wild Story Behind A24's Acquisition of Undertone and the New Rules of Independent Film in 2026
This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeitThis episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today
SUMMARIES - Magali Barbe - How a Visual Effects Hoax Became a Philosophical Masterpiece
Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the remarkable career of London-based filmmaker and visual effects artist Magali Barbe, whose passion project short film Strange Beasts went viral overnight and landed her offers from 20th Century Fox and top Hollywood talent agencies. They explore how her 13 years as a pre-visualization artist on blockbuster fil
438 - Kevin Goetz - On Audience Testing 5,000+ Films, How He Became Hollywood's Most Powerful Audience Whisperer, and How to Use Audience Testing to Enhance Your Film (Not Destroy Your Vision)
This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/products/mastering-film-marketingHello, Hello! In this episode, we sit down with legendary audience research expert Kevin Goetz, the CEO of Screen Engine, who has tested over 5,000 film and television titles for major studios over three decades. Kevin shares his journey from a
Spider-Noir | Is Nicolas Cage's Spider Noir the Most Vulnerable Superhero Ever Created?
Hello, Hello!WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.BRIEF:In this episode, host Nick explores Spider Noir, a groun
SUMMARIES - Danielle Vega - Child Star, Emmy Nominated Actress, and the Long Game of Resilience
Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness discuss the career of actress Danielle Vega, who transitioned from childhood stardom in "Barney and Friends" to adult success. Vega's journey is highlighted as a case study in resilience, detailing her early audition process, the demanding physical conditions for performers, and the supportive environment at Katie S
437 - Stephen Marinaccio DGA UPM & Line Producer - What It Really Takes to Make a $100M Film, Lessons from 80+ International Projects, and How to Budget Like a Pro
This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://allthingsmakeit.com/collections/learnThis episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude
SUMMARIES - Jennica Schwartzman - How to Build a Multi-Hyphenate Career Without Sacrificing Your Family
Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore the unconventional career journey of indie filmmaker Jennica Schwartzman, examining how she built a successful multi-hyphenate creative life without sacrificing family or integrity. They discuss her rejection of traditional linear career models in favor of a fluid, chapter-based approach that integrates multiple roles a
436 - Elsa Ramo - Entertainment Lawyer & Strategist - Why Entertainment Lawyers Need to Be in LA, The Hidden Costs of Not Hiring an Entertainment Lawyer, and Creative Vision vs. Commercial Reality
This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://allthingsmakeit.com/collections/learnHello, Hello! In this episode, entertainment lawyer Elsa Ramo joins us to discuss the critical role of legal strategy in filmmaking and the entertainment industry. Ramo shares her journey from printing business cards at Kinko's to becoming a trusted advisor
Mortal Kombat II | Why Mortal Kombat II Works (Film Review)
Hello, Hello!WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.BRIEF:In this episode, host Nick dives deep into Mortal Kombat
SUMMARIES - Sevan Najarian - How Crowdfunding and Community Rallied to Save 'Mars'
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
435 - Kanye Deserves More Credit, Jaafar Jackson’s “Michael” Performance, “Interest Tentpoles” and a Chat with The Napa Boys, Nick Corirossi & Armen Weitzman
This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeitHello, Hello! In this episode, hosts Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs dive into current ev
LOCKS by Ryan Coogler (Movie Review)
WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.BRIEF:In this Film Brief, Nick explores a young Black man's journey thr
SUMMARIES - Robert Broadhurst - The Ethics of White Filmmakers Addressing Race: Boundaries and Responsibility
Hello, Hello!In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore filmmaker Robert Broadhurst's dramatic career pivot from directing high-end luxury commercials for brands like Armani and Yeezy to creating minimalist, confrontational cinema designed to expose audience biases. They examine how his film "An Occurrence at Arvern" functions as a psychological Rorschach test, forcing vi
434 - Filmmaker Motke Dapp - How He Built a Crew with $500, What It Really Takes to Direct Films, and How to Handle Creative Conflict and Compromise on Your Film Set
This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at www.shopify.com/makeitHello, Hello! In this episode, filmmaker and director Motke Dapp returns to discuss his journey from a nomadic childhood to becoming a successful commercial director and feature filmmaker. The conversation explores the realities of independent filmmaking, the importance of building
Mistakes In The Making w/ Emmy-nominated Actress Danielle Vega - How to Turn Your Biggest Career Mistakes into Stepping Stones Toward Success
Hello, Hello!In this Mistakes in the Making, Emmy-nominated actress Danielle Vega shares her hard-learned lessons about the critical importance of preparation in entertainment careers. She candidly discusses her early mistakes in red-carpet interviews in LA, where a lack of preparation led to embarrassing moments with guests she hadn't properly researched. Vega emphasizes that these failures s
SUMMARIES - Nick Lopez - How He Got 12 Million Views on YouTube Crafting Memorable Short Films
Hello, Hello!In this episode, Colombian American writer-director Nick Lopez discusses his journey from an international upbringing to USC film school graduate, sharing insights about his award-winning short films, including "Milk Teeth" and "Sunshine Room." He opens up about the importance of representing queer and Latin American voices in cinema, his collaborative approach to film
433 - Mark "Markiplier" Fischbach - His Journey from YouTube Creator to "Iron Lung" Box Office Success
This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeitThis episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial tod
Papillon (Butterfly) | How Oil Paint Animation Brings Holocaust Memory to Life
Hello, Hello!WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.BRIEF:In this episode, host Nick explores "Papillon,"
SUMMARIES - Valerie Jane Parker - How to Build Emotional Armor Against Constant Film Industry Rejection
Hello, Hello!In this episode, Alex and Allison discuss actress Valerie Jane Parker's psychological toolkit for surviving the brutal entertainment industry, exploring how she built emotional armor through redefining success metrics and developing extraordinary empathy. They examine her unique upbringing with hippie-turned-pastor parents, her technical mastery of dialects, and her philosophy tha
432 - Indie Talk - 2026 Oscar Snubs, Ben Affleck Controversy, and Google's Micro Drama Strategy
This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeitThis episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial tod
The Devil Is Busy | Inside America's Most Controversial Healthcare Documentary (Film Review)
Hello, Hello!WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.BRIEF:In this episode, Nick explores "The Devil is Busy,&#
SUMMARIES - Teri Ritter - Behind Closed Doors: How the Creative World Actually Functions
Hello, Hello!In this episode, Alex and Allison discuss the unexpected career pivot of Toronto talent agent Teri Ritter, who transitioned from a 30-year career in corporate accounting to managing actors. Inspired by her daughter Maya's success in film, Ritter applied her strategic planning skills to build a profitable roster. They highlight the importance of professionalism in the industry, the
431 - Amy Hill - How to Survive Toxic Film Sets, Staying Employed in Hollywood for Decades, and the Value of Saying Yes
This episode is brought to you by Factor. No prep, no cooking. Just dietitian-approved, chef-prepared meals delivered to your door and ready to eat in 2 minutes.Go to https://factormeals.com/makeit50off and use the code MAKEIT50OFF to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year.This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enou
If I Had Legs I'd Kick You - Rose Byrne's Career-Defining Performance
WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.BRIEF:In this brief, host Nick explores Mary Bronstein's psychological
SUMMARIES - Derek Estlin Purvis - How to Finance Your Film Without Begging for Cash (3-Pillar Method Revealed)
Hello, Hello!In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness unpack a masterclass interview with independent filmmaker Derek Estlin Purvis, exploring the hidden mechanics of film financing and the entrepreneurial strategies behind successful indie filmmaking. They dive deep into Derek's three-pillar funding framework using equity, debt, and soft money, while examining his "skyscraper appr
Jefferson White - What Does It Mean to Make It?
Learn more about Jefferson White here:Hello, Hello!Jefferson White discusses his evolving definition of success in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of having control over creative choices and working with people you care about. He reflects on how his goals have changed from wanting to get on a show like Yellowstone to now prioritizing creative fulfillment and collaborative en
Jefferson White - Clear the Set - Wong Kar-Wai, Foreign Films, and Nashville Hot Chicken
Learn more about Jefferson White here:Hello, Hello!Jefferson White discusses his top three films, including The Matrix Reloaded, In the Mood for Love, and three recent foreign language films that impressed him. The conversation covers his commitment to film education, particularly international cinema, and his honest admission about pretending to have seen films he hasn't watched. White also s
Jefferson White - Things We Should Know - Can You Name the Only Iowa-Born BAFTA, Oscar, Globe & Emmy Winner?
Learn more about Jefferson White here:Hello, Hello!Jefferson joins Producer Papa Bear for our "Things We Should Know" segment. The discussion reveals surprising facts about Academy Award winners from Iowa, including the remarkable achievement of Cloris Leachman as the only Iowa-born actor to win a BAFTA, Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy. The conversation features guest Jefferson White and cov
Jefferson White - Audience Polls - Jefferson White on Joaquin Phoenix, Sean Penn, and Transformative Acting
Learn more about Jefferson White here:Hello, Hello!Jefferson White joins us to discuss the art of acting, exploring how empathy plays a crucial role in bringing both villains and heroes to life on screen. We delve into audience poll results about whether movie villains deserve empathy, with 94% of listeners saying yes, and examine what makes a great actor through the lens of trying new approaches
Jefferson White - Filmmaker Q&A - What Secret Model Did Jefferson Steal from Hollywood Legends?
Learn more about Jefferson White here:Hello, Hello! Yellowstone star Jefferson White joins us for an in-depth Filmmaker Q&A about the creative process, independent filmmaking, and building a sustainable career in entertainment. White discusses his production company, Means of Productions, the philosophy behind choosing independent projects over big-budget work, and how constraints often lead t
Jefferson White - Story Is King - The Reality of a Career Actor and Creating Intimate Stories Using Thoughtful Cinematography
Learn more about Jefferson White here:Hello, Hello!In this Story Is King, Jefferson White joins the Make It Podcast to discuss his latest film, "Drink and Be Merry," a Christmas movie shot for just $60,000 in a New York dive bar. White shares insights into micro-budget filmmaking, his collaboration with director Adam Volderic, and the creative choices that gave the film its nostalgic, warm
430 - Jefferson White, (Yellowstone, Chicago PD) on How to Make a Professional-Looking Feature Film for $60K, Scratching Lottery Tickets in Film, and How Constraints Drive Creative Innovation
This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off your first three months of Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeitThis episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dol
IRON LUNG | How Markiplier Mastered Minimalist Horror Filmmaking
WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.BRIEF:In this episode, Nick dives deep into "Iron Lung," the minima
#18 - SUMMARIES | Kali Bailey - How to Rebrand Yourself from Crew Member to Director
Hello, Hello!In this episode, we dive deep into filmmaker Kali Bailey's unconventional path to the director's chair, exploring what she calls the "Swiss Army Knife approach" - mastering every job on set before directing. The conversation reveals both the advantages and dangerous pitfalls of being too competent at jobs you don't actually want, including the psychological challen
Yelena Popovic: What Does It Mean To Make It?
Hello, Hello! In this segment, we wrap up our conversation with filmmaker Yelena Popovic, writer-director of the upcoming film "Moses: The Black Movie." The discussion concludes with a thoughtful exploration of what it means to "make it" in the film industry and life in general. Yelena shares her perspective on success, defining it as finding peace and contentment while continuing
Clear The Set: Why Yelena Hates The Wolf of Wall Street
Hello, Hello!In this Clear the Set, filmmaker Yelena Popovic joins us for our "Clear the Set" rapid-fire Q&A segment, sharing her top three films, including "Empty" by Sydney Lumet, "The Asphalt Jungle" by John Huston, and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." She discusses films she's embarrassed not to have seen, movies everyone loves that she hates, and
Filmmaker Q&A: How Wiz Khalifa and 50 Cent Backed a Saint's Story
Hello, Hello!In this Filmmaker Q&A, filmmaker Yelena Popovic discusses her latest film "Moses the Black," which transforms the ancient story of a 4th-century Egyptian saint into a modern-day Chicago gangster narrative. She shares her journey of working closely with West Side Chicago community members, including former gang leaders, to create an authentic portrayal of urban transformati
Audience Polls: From Jihad to Jesus - Exploring Faith as Film Antagonist
Hello, Hello!In this Audience Polls, we talk about faith-based films, revealing surprising results about how audiences perceive movies differently when protagonists versus antagonists have faith-based motivations. Filmmaker Yelena Popovic discusses the challenges of creating authentic faith-based cinema and shares insights from her film about St. Moses the Black. The conversation explores the diff
Story Is King: The Miracle Hurricane - How Divine Intervention Saved a Film Production
Hello, Hello!In this Story Is King segment, filmmaker Yelena Popovic shares her incredible journey from war-torn Yugoslavia to Hollywood, discussing her transition from fashion modeling to filmmaking and the miraculous events surrounding her hit film "Man of God." She opens up about overcoming 18 years of immigration struggles, single motherhood, and the dark moments that nearly ended her
429 - Yelena Popovic - "Moses the Black” Writer & Director on She Mixed How Hip-Hop and Orthodox Christianity and Why 50 Cent and Omar Epps Believed in Her
This episode is brought to you by Factor. No prep, no cooking. Just dietitian-approved, chef-prepared meals delivered to your door and ready to eat in 2 minutes.Go to https://factormeals.com/makeit50off and use the code MAKEIT50OFF to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year.This episode is brought to you by The Film Tech Program at Columbia State Community College. ENROLLM
SINNERS | Folklore, Horror, Rhythm & Blues (Movie Review)
WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.BRIEF:In this episode, host Nicholas Buggs explores Ryan Coogler's atmo
#17 - SUMMARIES | Tim Duggan - How to Get Hired in Creative Fields Using the 'Rule of Three' Psychology
Hello, Hello!In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the unconventional career journey of Tim Duggan, a filmmaker, photographer, and entrepreneur who went from failing flight school to becoming a successful creative entrepreneur. They explore his transition from technical perfection to meaningful artistic inquiry, his revolutionary "farmer mentality" approach to fre
Emma Parks: What Does It Mean To Make It?
Hello, Hello!In this episode, we conclude our conversation with filmmaker Emma Parks, who becomes the first guest of 2026 to answer their signature question about what it means to "make it." Emma defines making it as being in a position to create the films you want to make and give performances that tell the stories you want to share with the world, emphasizing that while it takes time and
Clear the Set: Emma Parks on Almost Famous, Godfather Guilt, and Coraline Nightmares
Hello, Hello! In this episode, Emma Parks joins us to "Clear the Set" where she shares her top three films including Almost Famous, Good Will Hunting, and The Way Way Back. The conversation reveals her embarrassing admission of never having seen The Godfather despite watching an entire TV series about its making. Emma also discusses her complicated relationship with Coraline, which terrifi
Things We Should Know: Can You Guess the Only Person to Ever Win Olympic Gold AND an Academy Award?
Hello, Hello!In this episode,we dive into our popular "Things We Should Know" segment with Producer Papa Bear at the helm. The conversation centers around a fascinating trivia question about the only person in history to win both an Olympic gold medal and an Oscar, which leads to an engaging discussion about sports and entertainment achievements. Guest Emma Parks shares her impressive back
Filmmaker Q&A: Beyond the Classroom: What Film Schools Miss About Real-World Filmmaking
Hello, Hello!In this episode, filmmaker and actress Emma Parks join us for an engaging Filmmaker Q&A session. The conversation explores Emma's experiences making her coming-of-age dramedy short film "Dirty Towel," which tackles themes of sexual shame and empowerment while examining the universal struggle of owning personal decisions against parental expectations. Emma shares insigh
Audience Polls: Why Are 62% of Film Fans Choosing Netflix Over IMAX?
Hello, Hello!In this episode, we dive into Audience Poll results about preferred film release formats, revealing that 62% of viewers favor streaming exclusives over theatrical releases. The conversation explores why streaming has become the dominant preference, examining factors like rising theater costs, mobile viewing habits, and accessibility issues. The discussion also covers potential solutio
Story is King: Emma Parks' Filmmaking Evolution From Festival Circuit to Feature Funding
Hello, Hello!In this episode, filmmaker Emma Parks discusses her journey from creating the award-winning short film "Dirty Towel" during her senior year of college to developing it into a feature-length project. Emma shares her experience premiering at Tribeca Film Festival and the challenges of raising funds for her upcoming feature film, where she'll be writing, producing, and acting
428 - Emma Parks - "Dirty Towel" Actress & Writer - From NYU to 1.1 Million YouTube Views & Is Film School Actually Preparing You for the Real Entertainment Industry?
This episode is brought to you by Notion Agent, the AI that doesn’t just help with work – it finishes it. Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at www.notion.com/makeit to support your work and ours! Hello, Hello! In this episode, actress and filmmaker Emma Parks joins the show to discuss her award-nominated short film "Dirty Towel," which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival and has garnered o
Deepfaking Sam Altman | What Happens When You Try to Deepfake Sam Altman? (Movie Review)
WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.BRIEF:In this episode, Nick explores "Deep Faking Sam Altman," a do
#16 - SUMMARIES | Kd Amond: Perfection is the Opposite of Done: Indie Horror Filmmaking Secrets
Hello, Hello!In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the work and philosophy of filmmaker Kd Amond, exploring how she creates feature films on micro budgets that wouldn't even cover catering on major productions. They examine her journey from small-town Louisiana to becoming a multi-hyphenate filmmaker who writes, directs, produces, and edits her own psychological thril
Things We Should Know - The Secret History of America's First Comic Book
Hello, Hello!In this episode, we share our favorite "Things You Should Know" trivia segment from their interview with documentarian Adam Schomer, who created a film about selling a $3 million Superman comic book. Producer Papa Bear presents a layered trivia question about the first known comic book printed in America, leading to an engaging discussion that reveals surprising historical con
Producer Papa Bear's Favorite Clip 2025: Dominic Hoffman Reads the Best Poem of the Year
Hello, Hello!In this episode, Producer Papa Bear shares his favorite clip from the Make It Podcast featuring Dominic Hoffman, a multi-talented performer who transitioned from dancer to actor to voice actor and audiobook narrator. Hoffman delivers a deeply moving and original poem about love that explores the complex, often painful nature of romantic relationships through the metaphor of a man carr
Nick's Favorite Story 2025: The Power of Belief: How One Father Changed a Filmmaker's Life
Hello, Hello!In this episode, Nick shares his favorite moment from a conversation with filmmaker Brad Starks, in which they explored Brad's family history and his father's professional football career. The segment features Nicholas surprising Brad with detailed statistics about his father, Marshall "The Bull" Starks' football achievements, creating an unexpectedly emotional mom
Chris' Favorite Clip from 2025: What Happened When Leonardo DiCaprio Read My Script Page by Page?
Hello, Hello! In this episode, screenwriter Adam Tex Davis shares a career-defining moment when Leonardo DiCaprio was reading his dark comedy script "The Garden of Eden" in real-time. Davis describes the nerve-wracking experience of getting play-by-play updates as DiCaprio read through his screenplay, culminating in a meeting request from the A-list actor. The story takes a humorous turn w
Our Favorite Show Tropes 2025: Greetings, Backgrounds, and Bragging Rights!
Hello, Hello!In this episode, we share our favorite tropes of the year from our annual clip show! We celebrate their signature "Hello! Hello!" greeting tradition, with Producer Papa Bear joining them to reflect on recurring themes from the year. The episode showcases memorable segments, including discussions about Nicholas's name meaning, his Lego creations, and Papa Bear's challen
427 - The Annual Clip Show: Our Favorite Show Moments From 2025
This episode is brought to you by Notion Agent, the AI that doesn’t just help with work – it finishes it. Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at notion.com/makeit to support your work and ours! This episode is brought to you by Factor. No prep, no cooking. Just dietitian-approved, chef-prepared meals delivered to your door and ready to eat in 2 minutes.Go to https://factormeals.com/makeit50off and
Avatar: Fire and Ash | The Human Heart in Conflict: James Cameron's Philosophical Approach to Filmmaking (Movie Review)
WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.BRIEF:In this episode, Nick provides an in-depth film brief on "Avatar:
#15 SUMMARIES | Motke Dapp: What Kills More Independent Films Than Bad Reviews or Low Budgets?
Hello, Hello!In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of writer-director Motke Dapp as he transitioned from rock musician to novelist to filmmaker, ultimately creating his feature film "Another Version of You." The conversation reveals the brutal realities of independent film distribution and the critical difference between intentional filmmaking craft and simple content creation
Perfect Pairing: “PERSONA” Actress & Producer Shanti Lowry on Race, Art, Authenticity and Making Movies on Your Own Terms
Hello, Hello!Today, we are bringing you a Perfect Pairing. What is a Perfect Pairing? It’s a former guest who pairs perfectly with our latest guest. So today’s perfect pairing is the one and only Actress and Producer Shanti Lowry. We think she is a perfect pairing with Tia A. Smith; they are both women on the move, moving trains, each one of them doing big things in the industry. So, enjoy today’s
