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The MAKE IT Podcast

Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs

MAKE IT is the film podcast that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process. We dive into indie gems, massive blockbusters, cinema history, and everything in between. If you love movies and want more than polite chit-chat, this is your spot.

Stay Inspired, Chris + Nick

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  • Today · 1 hr 34 min

    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/makeit 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.com Hello, Hello! In this episode, Isabel Hagen joins us to discuss her work as a comedian, filmmaker, and classically trained violist. She explains how her freelance music career inspired the feature film On a String, which premiered at Tribeca and won Best Screenplay in the U.S. Narrative Competition. The conversation also explores comedy in the age of clips, creative persistence, protecting real people in fiction, film criticism, artistic identity, and what it means to make it. We also talk about: Turning experiences from weddings, funerals, and private music gigs into heightened comedic characters and situations. Why live comedy benefits from audiences putting their phones away while performers test unfinished material. Isabel’s process for becoming a stronger comedian through open mics, recordings, repeated performance, and daily review. The creative lessons she draws from Paul Thomas Anderson, including the scale of One Battle After Another and the score of Phantom Thread. How nostalgia, streaming overload, and the paradox of choice influence how audiences rewatch their favorite movies. People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: People Isabel Hagen (isabelhagen.com) Brandon Tamburri William Primrose Paul Thomas Anderson Maria Bamford Marina Abramović Lana Del Rey Films & TV On a String The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon One Battle After Another Phantom Thread Happiness The Omen The Parent Trap Goodfellas Challengers Saltburn It's a Wonderful Life The Princess Bride Ferris Bueller's Day Off The NeverEnding Story The Dukes of Hazzard Companies & Organizations Joke Zero Tribeca Film Festival The Juilliard School NBC Symphony Orchestra Hollywood Walk of Fame Nashville Film Festival Substack Soho House Music Guns N' Roses "Welcome to the Jungle" Food & Places LaGuardia Airport Seattle 7th Street Burger Shake Shack Beecher's Handmade Cheese The Capital Grille MAKE IT Make It Academy Mastering Film Marketing (e-book) 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. #MAKEIT www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • Wednesday · 11 min

    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 documentary about the tennis champion whose name became attached to one of the world’s most recognizable sneakers. The film moves from athletic achievement and fashion history to Stan Smith’s friendship with Arthur Ashe, humanitarian work, and commitment to players’ rights. The conversation ultimately asks what kind of signature each person leaves behind when fame and branding are stripped away. TAKEAWAYS: Smith’s rise from Southern California and USC tennis to former world number one. His 1971 U.S. Open victory, 1972 Wimbledon victory, five U.S. Open titles across singles and doubles, and eight championship Davis Cup teams. The open era of professional tennis and the movement for greater player control. Smith’s 1973 Wimbledon boycott after Nikola Pilic was suspended. The sneaker’s adoption by musicians, artists, designers, and fashion communities. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Film Who Is Stan Smith? Danny Lee Rebecca Halpern People Stan Smith Arthur Ashe John McEnroe Darryl "DMC" McDaniels Pharrell Williams Niki Pilić Products & Brands Adidas Stan Smith Run-DMC Institutions & Events University of Southern California US Open Wimbledon Davis Cup Ebook: "Mastering Film Marketing" The MAKE IT Podcast 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 us, or leaving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT All Links: www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • Tuesday · 20 min

    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. #MAKEIT Subscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Hello, Hello! In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the world of filmmaker and Scientist, Alexis Gambis. He explains how a background in molecular biology can serve as a foundation for filmmaking rather than be an abandoned career. The conversation explores the Science New Wave, a movement that combines rigorous science with emotional storytelling, culture, and personal identity. It also examines CRISPR, de-extinction, creative practice, and the infrastructure needed to bring hybrid science films to audiences. We also talk about: The patience and observation skills Gambis developed while studying fruit flies. His father’s shift from engineering to painting and the role of family history in his films. The resistance Gambis encountered from both biology and film communities. Spike Lee’s mentorship and the fruit-fly drawing displayed beside a photo of Patrick Ewing. The Symbiosis initiative’s one-week collaborations between scientists and filmmakers. People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: Alexis Gambis Spike Lee James Franco Jessica Chastain Tenoch Huerta Kurt Andersen Thomas Hunt Morgan Films & Projects The Fly Room (2014) Son of Monarchs (2020/21) The Next Jaguar Disposable The Color of Time Institutions & Platforms The Rockefeller University NYU Tisch School of the Arts Columbia University Labocine Imagine Science Films Science New Wave — Labocine Sundance Film Festival Alfred P. Sloan Prize Science & Concepts Symbiosis CRISPR Cas9 Thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) Woolly mammoth Asian elephant Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • September 4 · 1 hr 23 min

    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.com Hello, Hello! In this episode, we dive deep into the cultural and philosophical battle between physical ownership and the digital future, using Sony's elimination of physical game discs and Xbox's pro-physical media stance as a launching point for a wide-ranging conversation about what we lose when we lose the tangible things we love. We pay heartfelt tribute to recently lost icons — including Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, Peter Cullen, Hayden Panettiere, and Michael Wright — reflecting on how physical artifacts, authentic storytelling, and genuine human connection define lasting legacies. We also cover upcoming film releases, fall film festival Oscar buzz, the Nashville Film Festival, and celebrate our milestone of 300K YouTube subscribers. We also talk about: The generational nostalgia crisis — what happens when the next generation's cultural touchstones are memes instead of physical media, Saturday morning cartoons, or vinyl records, and why that loss of human connection to art matters The University of Michigan's decision to eliminate grades in response to students using AI to complete coursework for them, and what that means for the future of education and creativity The Tennessee Titans' underwhelming $10,000 charity gesture for former star Chris Johnson (CJ2K), who was diagnosed with ALS, contrasted with Dolly Parton's 330-million-book donation legacy and what "real" philanthropy looks like The upcoming Netflix reboot of A Different World, why Kadeem Hardison's involvement gives fans hope, and what the show must get right to honor the original's legacy of hope, pride, and HBCU culture The "infoist" philosophy described in Yuval Noah Harari's 21 Lessons for the 21st Century and how it explains why tech companies are relentlessly pushing toward a fully digital, ownership-free world People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Products / Software / Technology PlayStation Xbox Spotify / Apple Music iTunes Netflix HP Funko Atari 2600 Sega Genesis ChatGPT Flock Safety Films / Shows / Music Mastering Film Marketing (ebook) On a String Black Zombie Anthony Bourdain Digger (Tom Cruise) A Different World Bel-Air Good Times The Five Heartbeats Blonde "Jolene" "Coat of Many Colors" "9 to 5" "I Will Always Love You" Boys Don't Cry (Frank Ocean magazine) — Blonde page The Rocky Horror Picture Show Annie The Transformers Smosh "Chocolate Rain" Charlie Bit My Finger Iron Lung Obsession Backrooms Peter Frampton 21 Lessons for the 21st Century Sapiens People Dolly Parton Tim Curry Peter Cullen Hayden Panettiere Michael Wright Chris Johnson (CJ2K) Frank Ocean Whitney Houston Elvis Presley Porter Wagoner Eminem Steve Jobs Yuval Noah Harari Kadeem Hardison Markiplier Kane Parsons Curry Barker Isabel Hagen Anthony Padilla & Ian Hecox Tay Zonday Paul Kuharsky Bill Cosby Places / Events / Organizations Nashville Film Festival Nashville, Tennessee Dollywood Telluride Film Festival New York Film Festival Venice Film Festival TIFF Sundance Film Festival Tribeca Film Festival HBCUs University of Michigan Make It Academy themakeitpodcast.com Target 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. #MAKEIT www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • September 1 · 23 min

    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. #MAKEIT Subscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Hello, Hello! In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the remarkable career of Jeffrey Pittle, a senior creative director, animator, and self-described "agent of transformation" who has spent over two decades working with industry giants like Disney, Universal, Warner Bros., and Nickelodeon. Drawing from the original MAKE IT interview, they unpack the audacious, humble, and often painful journey of a creative professional who built a unicorn skill set by refusing to stay in any single lane. From knocking on a comic legend's front door as a teenager to producing an Oscar-nominated Holocaust animated short, Jeff's story is a masterclass in surviving — and thriving — in the unpredictable business of creativity. We also talk about: How Jeffrey's childhood obsession with '70s Disney films, Jim Henson's Muppets, and the original Star Wars at a drive-in theater planted the seeds of his creative identity and gave him the cognitive leap to realize that making art was an actual, payable profession The critical balance between audacity and humility in a creative career — why having the ego to knock on a legend's door means nothing without the willingness to sit in a freezing car all night just to hold a parking spot for a film crane The dangers of tying your creative work to a proprietary tech platform, illustrated by the heartbreaking story of a technically stunning Chaka Khan music video that was locked away forever when the startup behind it went bankrupt Jeffrey's sharp critique of modern art schools, which excel at teaching technical craft but consistently fail to equip young creatives with the business skills — invoicing, taxes, pricing their time — needed to survive as professionals The philosophical paradox that closes the episode: if a masterpiece is created but legally sealed away from the public forever, does it still have value — or does the true worth of creativity lie entirely in how the process of making it transforms the artist? People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: Jeffrey Pittle Will Eisner Bill Murray Caroll Spinney Chaka Khan Jim Krupa (NY puppet company) Daniel Alcheh Leonardo da Vinci Isaac Newton Steven Spielberg Films & Shows Pete's Dragon Winnie the Pooh Star Wars (1977) Scrooged (1988) Eureeka's Castle Deal or No Deal Wipeout The Tattooed Torah Companies & Organizations Nickelodeon Universal Pictures Nick Jr. School of Visual Arts QB (vertical video startup) Quibi Fish Eggs (Venice, CA) USC Shoah Foundation 11 Dollar Bill Platforms & Tools Adobe After Effects Fitbit Google Images MTV Places South Florida Boca Raton, Florida New York City Queens, New York Venice, California Los Angeles, California Moscow, Russia Concepts & Awards Eisner Awards Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film Motion capture Chroma key (green screen) Steampunk Jack of all trades, master of none Star Trek vs. Star Wars Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • August 21 · 1 hr 23 min

    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/makeit 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.com Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris & Papa Bear sit down with filmmaker Oscar Boyson to discuss his directorial debut, Our Hero, Balthazar, a provocative and critically talked-about indie film that has been called the most controversial movie of the year. Oscar shares how his unconventional path — from competitive freestyle skier in Maine to Craigslist hire at the Neistat Brothers' studio — shaped him into the filmmaker he is today. The conversation spans filmmaking craft, the dangers of AI dependency, the power of perseverance over ideas, and what it truly means to get an independent film in front of audiences. We also talk about: The thematic parallels between Our Hero, Balthazar, and the 1995 indie classic Kids, including how both films straddle the line between being cautionary tales for parents and romanticized adventures for younger viewers The growing role of AI tools like ChatGPT in everyday decision-making, and whether over-reliance on AI is creating a generation that can no longer think or fail independently — including the concept of "Gellman Amnesia" as a lens for understanding AI's credibility problem The social media "validation machine" phenomenon, how algorithms reinforce existing beliefs and behaviors, and what that means for youth culture, mental health, and even real-world violence The importance of perseverance over ideas in the creative process, drawing on Casey Neistat's famous motto — "Ideas are common, perseverance is rare" — and how Oscar applied that philosophy to his own career and filmmaking journey The practical and ethical considerations of using firearms and blank-firing weapons on an indie film set in the post-Rust era, including the critical role of a professional armorer and the creative reasoning behind using blanks for actor authenticity People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: People Oscar Boyson Casey Neistat Van Neistat Ricky Camilleri Nate DeYoung Josh & Benny Safdie Greta Gerwig Noah Baumbach Tom Sachs Frank Gehry Asa Butterfield Jaeden Martell Stephen Phelps Christopher Messina Lena Dunham Sam Lisenco Harmony Korine Rosario Dawson Chloë Sevigny Roger Ebert Gene Siskel Oscar Hammerstein II Oscar Micheaux Oscar Isaac Oscar Levant Dick Gregory MrBeast Jordan Gallant (composer) Spike Lee Spike Jonze David Fincher Gaspar Noé Andrew Tate Big Mike (Oscar’s father) Elise (Oscar’s sister) Films Our Hero, Balthazar Kids (1995) Frances Ha Good Time Heaven Knows What Adolescence The Odyssey Boogie Nights Trainspotting Taxi Driver Straw Dogs (1971) Jour de fête The Last Temptation of Christ Irréversible Ex Machina A Most Violent Year Lady Be Good (1941) State Fair (1945) TV Shows The Neistat Brothers Platforms, Websites & Tools ChatGPT / OpenAI Craigslist Vimeo The Wayback Machine Digital Cinema Package (DCP) Art House Convergence Places Williams Center Nashville, Tennessee Maryland Lower Antioch / Woodbine — Nashville neighborhoods Maine New York City North Texas Hawaii Tribeca Festival Nashville Film Festival Belcourt Theatre Regal Opry Mills Products & Brands Tesla Supercharger Tesla app Canon EOS 5D Mark II Chick-fil-A Concepts & References Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect Parasocial relationships The Covenant School shooting Nineteen Eighty-Four Stoneman Douglas / Parkland Four-walling “Ideas are common, perseverance is rare” — Casey Neistat motto “Movies are empathy machines” — Roger Ebert 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. #MAKEIT www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • August 19 · 14 min

    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 in a Barbie film, and how a visionary filmmaker, a bold creative pivot, and a brilliant marketing strategy transformed a seemingly doomed IP into one of the highest-grossing films in history. This conversation is a masterclass in intellectual humility, the limits of data, and the power of creative conviction. We also talk about: How Kevin's proprietary "capability testing technique" works — measuring awareness, interest, intensity, and format preference — and why even well-executed research has its limits when creative transformation hasn't yet occurred The behind-the-scenes story of how Greta Gerwig pitched her vision for Barbie in a New York brownstone, describing the film as existing "somewhere between a stiletto and a Birkenstock," and how that single creative framing changed everything Why two previous Barbie film attempts — one with Anne Hathaway and one with Amy Schumer — never made it to production, and what pattern Kevin saw that made him skeptical a third attempt would succeed How Barbie's marketing team turned the color pink into a full visual language and cultural movement, driving audiences to theaters dressed in Pepto-Bismol pink and making the film a genuine zeitgeist moment How this pivotal mistake reshaped Kevin's approach to advising clients, leading him to offer a new kind of hope to filmmakers and studios working with IP or projects that appear to have limited audience potential on paper People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: People Kevin Goetz Robbie Brenner Margot Robbie Tom Ackerley Greta Gerwig Noah Baumbach Ryan Gosling America Ferrera Issa Rae Anne Hathaway Amy Schumer Companies & Organizations Screen Engine/ASI Mattel Simon & Schuster Films & Franchises Barbie (2023) Dallas Buyers Club Fast & Furious franchise List of Barbie films Books Audienceology How to Score in Hollywood Podcasts Don't Kill the Messenger Mattel IP Referenced Barbie Hot Wheels Websites & Social Media KevinGoetz360.com 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. #MAKEIT All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • August 18 · 20 min

    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 storyteller, and how that same constraint-driven mindset led him to make an Emmy-winning short film about one of history's most overlooked genocides. From designing a feature film specifically for visually impaired audiences to using a cheap VR gaming puck to replicate Hollywood-grade camera tracking, Nathaniel's story is a masterclass in turning obstacles into innovation. We also talk about: How Nathaniel's Cambodian refugee background and his family's adoption of American names shaped his identity and creative drive The psychological science behind why cognitive constraints — like missing audio — can actually hardwire the brain to become a more powerful problem-solving storyteller The concept of inclusive design in filmmaking and how designing for marginalized audiences (such as the visually impaired) can unintentionally produce a richer, more atmospheric experience for all audiences The culture and output of Full Sail University as a 24/7 creative incubator, and how its high-pressure environment produced 140 graduates who worked on Oscar-nominated films in a single year A forward-looking philosophical question about the future of filmmaking: as AI, LED walls, and game engines make visual perfection cheap and ubiquitous, will audiences eventually crave the imperfection of practical, physical effects just to feel something authentically human? People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: People Nathaniel Nuon Jordan Ladd Valerie Jane Parker Films & Projects Residue The Voices Shows Referenced Mister Ed John Wick Marvel Cinematic Universe Organizations & Companies Nuon Films 3rd Realm Creations Full Sail University Technology & Products HTC Vive Tracker LED walls / virtual production RED ARRI Alexa DSLR cameras Viagra (sildenafil) Uber Historical Events & Concepts *Operation Menu Khmer Rouge Audio description Parallax *This was actually a US Air Force operation, not a CIA operation — Strategic Air Command B-52 strikes authorized by Nixon and Kissinger (1969–70), kept secret from Congress. The CIA did run separate covert programs in Cambodia, including training Cambodian irregulars, which is the premise Residue actually dramatizes. 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. #MAKEIT Subscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • August 12 · 1 hr 12 min

    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/makeit 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.com Hello, Hello! In this episode, we sit down with three legendary voice actors from the animated series X-Men '97 — Lenore Zann (Rogue), JP Karliak (Morph), and Adrian Hough (Nightcrawler) — to discuss Season 2 of the hit Disney+ show, the craft of voice acting, and the personal journeys that have shaped each of their careers. The trio shares candid reflections on preserving character continuity across decades, the challenges facing working voice actors in an AI-driven industry, and how their art intersects with social justice, environmental advocacy, and political engagement. From cheat day meals to what it truly means to "MAKE IT," this conversation is as heartfelt as it is illuminating. We also talk about: The origins of Rogue's iconic catchphrase "sugar" and how it became part of Lenore Zann's everyday speech, blurring the line between character and performer The nostalgia for the 1990s circulating on social media, and why JP Karliak believes humans were never biologically designed to process the volume of information we consume today via the internet The very real threat of AI voice cloning in the animation industry, including Adrian Hough's discovery of unauthorized voice copies of his characters Nightcrawler and Haytham Kenway, and what that means for workhorse voice actors The role the COVID-19 pandemic played in reviving interest in X-Men: The Animated Series on Disney+, and how that surge in viewership likely led directly to the creation of X-Men '97 Each guest's deep personal commitment to causes beyond entertainment, including environmental advocacy for old-growth forests (Adrian), LGBTQIA+ voice actor support and nonpartisan voter engagement (JP), and social/political justice work rooted in Lenore's 12-year career as a Canadian politician People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: X-Men '97 X-Men: The Animated Series Disney+ Revival Peacock Audible / Amazon Star Wars: Visions My Life with the Walter Boys Marvel Mash-Up Bob Trevino Likes It Our Hero Balthazar Holy Days Breaker Morant Mephisto The Ruling Class The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith Picnic at Hanging Rock My Brilliant Career Storm Hawks The Boss Baby CoComelon Yo Gabba Gabba! Bluey The Joy Luck Club The Aussie Six People Lenore Zann JP Karliak Adrian Hough Tracie Laymon Ted Welch Oscar Boyson Nat Boltt Miriam Margolyes Jacki Weaver Judy Davis Sam Neill Edward Woodward Jack Thompson Bryan Brown Peter O'Toole Anthony Hopkins / Hannibal Lecter Ian McKellen Patrick Stewart Tom Kenny / SpongeBob Chris Rock Ella Fitzgerald Marilyn Monroe Neil Gaiman / The Graveyard Book David Letterman / Jennifer Aniston Characters X-Force X-Factor Polaris Jubilee / Sunspot Graydon Creed Carol Danvers / Ms. Marvel Mystique / Destiny Bishop Gambit / Remy LeBeau Poison Ivy Haytham Kenway Organizations, Tools & Books Queer Box Nerds Vote Nashville Film Festival Postly Canva Riverside A Rogue's Tale Lilith Fair MTV Video Music Awards Cocoanut Grove Places Vancouver Island Calgary London, UK Montreal Paris New York / Off-Broadway Wisconsin Hollywood Social Media Adrian Hough JP Karliak @queerboxacademy nerdsvote.com / @nerdsvote @LenoreZann (Instagram) / @ZannLenore (X) 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. #MAKEIT www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • August 7 · 1 hr 46 min

    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.com Hello, 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 live from the foot of Mount Fuji. Jesse worked on Up, Toy Story 3, and Toy Story 4 before a mass layoff ended that run and pushed him into building his own studio. He's using AI as a tool, not a replacement, to make original animated films for audiences the industry keeps overlooking — including his short film Roar, which Whoopi Goldberg picked for the Tribeca Film Festival. We also talk about: The creative culture at Pixar and what makes it impossible to replicate — including how directors would skip watching their own films in theaters to study the audience's reactions instead The global divide on AI in animation, from China's breakneck adoption of the technology to Japan's philosophical hesitation around whether AI can carry the "soul" of an artist's vision The economic fragility of the animation business model, including the trend of outsourcing animation overseas and how AI might offer a path to reclaiming domestic production jobs The importance of traditional art training as the essential foundation before any aspiring animator or filmmaker touches AI tools — and why skipping that foundation produces hollow, soulless content The passionate debate around AI's role in filmmaking, including the social policing happening on different platforms, copyright and trademark risks when using AI-generated imagery, and the distinction between using AI to accelerate creativity versus allowing it to replace it entirely People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: People Jesse Weglein John Lasseter Steve Jobs Ed Catmull Pete Docter Frank Oz Andrew Stanton Whoopi Goldberg Phil Tippett Tim McLaughlin John McCarthy Akira Kurosawa Hayao Miyazaki Fritz Lang Toshiro Mifune Lionel Messi Ray Kurzweil Isaac Asimov Dario Amodei Sam Altman Brian Adler Barbara Lowenstein Films & Shows Up Toy Story 3 Toy Story 4 Toy Story 5 The Incredibles ROAR Shine (Illuminai Studios) The Color Purple Metropolis (1927) Seven Samurai High and Low The Wind Rises Spirited Away Rashomon Red Beard Starship Troopers Jumpin' Jack Flash Sister Act A.I. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Day The Boy and the Heron The Odyssey Companies & Organizations Pixar Animation Studios ILLUMINAI Studios Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) Google DeepMind Tribeca Film Festival Texas A&M Visualization Anthropic OpenAI / ChatGPT Apple Technicolor Nashville Film Festival WGA Software & Technology Maya Presto (Pixar's proprietary tool) Photoshop Suno Ray tracing / render farm Websites & Social Media illuminaistudios.com nashvillefilmfestival.org Books & Products Mastering Film Marketing (ebook) Make It Academy Up Lego Set Luxo Jr. Places Emeryville, California Lake Kawaguchi / Mount Fuji Tokyo, Japan San Francisco, California Lucas Building/Steve Jobs Building Dartmouth College / Dartmouth workshop, 1956 Other References The Dan Patrick Show The View 2026 FIFA World Cup NBA Playoffs WHALE 52 — Suite For Man, Boy, And Whale Dear Upstairs Neighbors Joseph McCarthy / McCarthyism 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. #MAKEIT www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • August 4 · 21 min

    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 arbitrary rules. Drawing from a wide-ranging interview hosted by Chris, he unpacks how Christine transformed her fear of failure into a powerful, service-driven approach to storytelling that flips the traditional power dynamic of the audition room on its head. From her early tap dancing days and her grandfather Sterling's love of classic movie musicals to her unconventional college path, her manager's game-changing advice, and her expanding work as a producer and director, this episode offers a masterclass in building a creative career on your own terms. We also talk about: How Christine's grandfather Sterling — a hulking, ex-military man who secretly loved classic movie musicals — introduced her to films like Meet Me in St. Louis and Gene Kelly and Judy Garland, fundamentally shaping her belief that performance is communal storytelling, not ego-driven spectacle Why Christine chose to attend the University of Arizona on a singing and vocal jazz scholarship rather than audition for prestigious conservatories like Juilliard or Carnegie Mellon, and how she made a calculated pivot to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater to fill a critical gap in her training How severe creative constraints on low-budget indie sets — such as having only one hour left at a location to capture a crucial, emotionally exhausting scene — can actually serve as a psychological gift by forcing actors entirely into the present moment and bypassing the internal critic The fascinating physiological mechanics behind Christine's on-set habit of performing classical vocal warm-ups right before the director calls action — including how stretching the jaw and engaging the vocal cords stimulates the vagus nerve to calm the parasympathetic nervous system Christine's expanding work behind the camera, including producing and directing experimental comedy shorts with friends, such as one brilliantly titled Finding the Asshole, as a way to tell stories on her own terms without waiting for permission from industry gatekeepers People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: People Christine Woods (actress) Sterling Woods (Christine's grandfather) Eric Emery (Christine's first LA manager) Joe Sill Gene Kelly Judy Garland Billy Corgan Frank Ocean Shows, Films & Projects Hello Ladies FlashForward The Walking Dead Meet Me in St. Louis Stray Finding the Asshole — experimental comedy short Schools & Programs University of Arizona Juilliard Carnegie Mellon Social Media @TrickyBear (Christine Woods' Instagram) Bands / Artists The Smashing Pumpkins Frank Ocean Places Lake Forest, California 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. #MAKEIT Subscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • July 24 · 1 hr 57 min

    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-marketing Hello, 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 shoutout to Carlton Adkins and the Enlightenment Film Academy's standing-room-only student film screening in Nashville. We dive deep into the evolving box office landscape, dissecting why certain legacy IP films are underperforming while YouTube-lore-driven films like Backrooms are shattering A24 records, and what that means for the future of indie filmmaking. We close with a rich discussion on George Lucas's comments about AI and audience testing, the Warner Bros./Paramount merger controversy, and a passionate defense of the theatrical experience as a community-building institution. We also talk about: The cultural and historical significance of the deaths of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and Medgar Evers in the 1960s, and how their simultaneous loss effectively ended a generation of Black empowerment leadership The nostalgia and community value of Blockbuster Video, including employee perks, the tactile VHS experience, and how video rental stores created a unique social ecosystem that streaming has failed to replicate The philosophical tension between George Lucas's belief in pure artistic storytelling and Kevin Goetz's data-informed audience testing approach, and what each means for the future of cinema The proposed Warner Bros./Paramount merger, the protests and petitions against it, what it could mean for creative competition and content diversity, and parallels to Disney's acquisition of Marvel and Star Wars The complicated cultural conversation around celebrities and public figures in the internet age, and how total transparency disabuses audiences of the idea that their heroes are perfect or infallible People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: People James Baldwin Malcolm X Martin Luther King Jr. Medgar Evers Jesse Jackson Al Sharpton John Lewis Dick Gregory T.D. Jakes Ray Charles Stevie Wonder Tom Holland Zendaya Tobey Maguire Tom Hardy Tom Brady Carlton Adkins Kane Parsons Markiplier Kevin Goetz George Lucas Steve Jobs R. Kelly Jean-Claude Van Damme Jason Momoa Bruce Willis Viggo Mortensen Ed Harris William Hurt John Hurt David Cronenberg Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Samuel L. Jackson Bill Maher Martin Scorsese Kiefer Sutherland Kevin Bacon Christopher Reeve Josh Plasse Tom McCullough (PB's childhood friend) Nicholas Galitzine Sam Harris Charlamagne tha God Immortal Technique Chris Ferguson Arnold Schwarzenegger Films & Documentaries I Am Not Your Negro Backrooms Longlegs The Invite The Odyssey Spider-Man: No Way Home The Fifth Element 12 Monkeys Moana (live action) Moana 2 Toy Story 5 Toy Story 3 Superman Supergirl The Mandalorian and Grogu Barbie Everything Everywhere All at Once A History of Violence Inception Iron Lung John Wick Flatliners Fatliners (NSFW) Masters of the Universe Snakes on a Plane Mad Men Be Kind Rewind Heavy Metal Another Version of You Companies & Organizations A24 Warner Bros. Paramount / Skydance Disney Marvel Pixar Netflix Oddfellows Pictures — THR profile National Action Network Enlightenment Film Academy Nashville Film Festival Letterboxd Blockbuster Video Music Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out Places Belcourt Theatre Oakland, CA South Korea Washington, D.C. Jamaica / Caribbean Websites & Platforms The MAKE IT Podcast Letterboxd NashvilleFilmFestival.org Products & Miscellaneous Callwood Family Distillery (Caribbean) Mastering Film Marketing Make It Academy VHS / DVD / Blu-ray IMAX Dolby Disney Movie Club 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. #MAKEIT www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • July 21 · 20 min

    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 in direct opposition to the industry's notorious "whiplash method" of emotional terrorism, and examine how her three core pillars of acting craft — staying human on camera, accessing emotional life, and rigorous script analysis — create self-sufficient, sustainable artists. Drawing parallels far beyond the world of acting, this conversation serves as a masterclass in career self-awareness, psychological safety in creative environments, and the relentless tenacity required to survive in any subjective, competitive industry. We also talk about: Why getting a talent agent too early can permanently damage an actor's reputation with casting directors and how Caroline advises building craft first before seeking representation The fascinating story of student Matt Williams, whose romantic performances lacked emotional depth because he had never been in love — and how Caroline's unconventional homework assignment (to go fall in love) led him to eventually get married The brutal reality of casting subjectivity, illustrated through a heartbreaking story of a highly talented student who auditioned flawlessly for David Fincher's Mindhunter but lost the role to someone Caroline felt was objectively less impressive on screen The role of tenacity over pure talent in sustaining a creative career, exemplified by former student Alan Powell, who wrote, produced, and starred in a film that reached number four on Netflix The mystical and deeply personal story of Martha, an 80-year-old Episcopalian woman with the ability to see auras, whose unprompted words to Caroline at a crossroads moment gave her the validation she needed to trust her instincts and pursue teaching People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: People Caroline Locorriere Matt Williams Alan Powell Missy (Caroline's mother) Martha (Episcopalian aura reader) Toni Morrison Shelley Duvall Bear Bryant Nick Saban Meryl Streep David Fincher Konstantin Stanislavski Shows / Films Mindhunter The Shining Institutions / Places Nashville Acting Studio Belmont University Ohio State University Platforms Netflix Concepts / Methods The Whiplash Method Sunk Cost Fallacy "The three pillars of acting craft" — Caroline's framework "Camera appropriateness" Active listening/listening labs 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. #MAKEIT Subscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • July 10 · 42 min

    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/makeit 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 Hello, Hello! In this episode, Nick flies solo — without co-host Chris Barkley or Producer Papa Bear, who are both traveling in Italy — to discuss acclaimed independent filmmaker and producer Oscar Boyson and his feature directorial debut, Our Hero Balthazar, a darkly comedic psychological drama that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Nick shares his visceral, gut-punch reaction to watching the film, unpacking how its unflinching portrayal of online culture, performative activism, masculinity, and gun violence caught him completely off guard and forced him to confront uncomfortable realities facing young people in modern America. The episode weaves together Nick's personal reflections on the film, audience poll results about social media, Gen Z viewing habit data, filmmaker quotes from Oscar Boyson, and a closing definition of success borrowed from Matt Damon. We also talk about: How Our Hero Balthazar uses dark comedy and social satire to hold a mirror up to the uncomfortable realities of young people navigating social media, identity, and belonging Nick's personal Instagram algorithm experiment — and what it revealed about how social media can trap users in a cycle of consuming the same content repeatedly, potentially shaping their identity Gen Z viewing habits data from Deloitte's Digital Media Trends Study (2025–2026), including how much more time Gen Z spends on social platforms versus traditional TV and movies Why going to the theater is increasingly becoming an event-driven, culturally shared experience — and what independent filmmakers must do to get young audiences off their couches and into seats Matt Damon's definition of success — "all we have as the people making it is the love of the doing it" — and how that philosophy connects directly to the spirit of the MAKE IT Podcast People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: People Oscar Boyson Noah Baumbach The Safdie Brothers Ricky Camilleri Jaeden Martell Noah Centineo Asa Butterfield Chris Bauer Matt Damon Claire Huxtable Films & TV Our Hero Balthazar Frances Ha Uncut Gems Street Fighter Festivals & Events Tribeca Film Festival Platforms & Social Media Letterboxd Postly.ai Canva Riverside.fm Research & Studies Deloitte Digital Media Trends Fandango Moviegoing Study Organizations Water.org (Matt Damon's charity) 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. #MAKEIT www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • July 8 · 9 min

    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 anticipated return of Pixar's beloved franchise directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Kenna Harris, exploring how the film tackles the timely and thought-provoking theme of childhood imagination in a screen-saturated world. The episode examines how Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the gang face their most contemporary challenge yet — competing with a tablet named Lily Pad that promises endless digital entertainment — while unpacking the film's deeper philosophical questions about identity, connection, and what it means to truly grow up. Nicholas reflects on the emotional resonance of experiencing the film in a theater alongside family and community, ultimately framing Toy Story 5 as a love letter to imagination, collaboration, and the irreplaceable power of human connection. TAKEAWAYS: The directorial pairing of Andrew Stanton and Kenna Harris, and how their distinct backgrounds shape the film's artistic and emotional vision The symbolic role of the Lily Pad tablet as a representation of digital culture's competition with imaginative play, rather than a traditional villain The identity crisis sparked by an army of Buzz Lightyear action figures, and how the film uses their existence to explore what truly makes a person — or a toy — special Jessie's expanded emotional arc as she steps into the center of the story, discovering that leadership is about becoming who others need you to be The film's connection to Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey framework, and how Toy Story 5 quietly argues that no hero — and no healing — happens in isolation MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Films / Projects Toy Story 5 Toy Story (original) Toy Story 4 Finding Nemo WALL-E Ciao Alberto People Andrew Stanton Kenna Harris Randy Newman Joseph Campbell Characters Woody Buzz Lightyear Jessie Bonnie Technology / Products (Fictional) Lilypad (the tablet, voiced by Greta Lee) Organizations / Brands Pixar Ebook: "Mastering Film Marketing" The MAKE IT Podcast 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 us, or leaving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • July 7 · 22 min

    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 how Josh's philosophy of film as "a window in a tunnel" shapes not only his creative vision but also the production company he co-founded with his wife, Keturah, and how advice from his idol Jim Jarmusch permanently redirected his career. The episode serves as a masterclass for any creative — filmmaker, writer, or entrepreneur — wrestling with the timeless tension between authentic artistic expression and the brutal financial realities of independent creation. We also talk about: The stark philosophical and structural differences between the European taxpayer-funded film system and the commercially driven American Hollywood machine, and what those differences mean for artistic freedom The profound influence of old-school New York stop-motion animator and punk rock musician Jim Starace on Josh's creative DNA and his lifelong rejection of "selling out" The psychological and professional whiplash filmmakers experience when they transition from the creative grind of making an independent film to the cutthroat business reality of festival circuit sales and distribution pitching The radical democratization of filmmaking technology, including a local filmmaker named Kd Amond who shot an entire feature-length horror film called Faye using only an iPhone 8, and what that means for the "I don't have the right equipment" excuse Josh's deeply humble personal philosophy of holding up a mirror to society rather than preaching — including his decision to spend four straight days shooting raw documentary footage in the aftermath of a Nashville tornado without any commercial agenda People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: People Josh Bishop Jim Starace Jim Jarmusch Keturah Bishop Tomi Fujiyama Morgan Spurlock Elijah Wood Stefan Pokorny Anthony Bourdain Kd Amond Martin Scorsese Bands & Music Puny Human Norman Bates & The Showerheads — limited web presence; best found via Discogs The Ramones Films & Projects Down by Law Coffee and Cigarettes Made in Japan The Dwarvenaut Destination Fantastic Faye Companies, Organizations & Platforms A Window in a Tunnel Grand Ole Opry South by Southwest (SXSW) Dwarven Forge Kickstarter Dungeons & Dragons Legion M iPhone 8 Cotton Bureau Places Iceland Netherlands (Holland) Belgium New York City 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. #MAKEIT Subscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • June 26 · 1 hr 48 min

    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/makeit 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 Hello, Hello! In this episode, we welcome back Daril Fannin, founder and CEO of Kino Studios, to celebrate the major milestone of his horror film Undertone being acquired by A24 and its theatrical run, which generated over $9 million in opening weekend box office on a $500,000 budget. Daril shares the journey of bringing Undertone from the Fantasia International Film Festival to Sundance and ultimately to wide release, while discussing A24's unique and authentic marketing approach that helped the film connect with audiences in a meaningful way. The conversation also dives deep into the independent film ecosystem, the economics of filmmaking, the role of social media and AI tools in modern content creation, and what it truly means to "make it" in Hollywood. We also talk about: The debate around Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic and how much critical scores actually influence moviegoers' choices, including an audience poll revealing that 56% of viewers say critics don't influence their decisions at all The viral social media post by an art director on the film Obsession, who expressed frustration about her low pay despite the film's massive financial success, and what that reveals about systemic economic inequity in the independent film industry The rise of Neuralink and the broader philosophical conversation about AI integration into human life, including comparisons to Brave New World, social media data harvesting, and the future of human creativity and autonomy Why horror is the new comedy in 2026, and how films like Undertone, Obsession, Iron Lung, and Backrooms are proving that audience-first, word-of-mouth driven indie horror is the most viable path for independent filmmakers today The power of resilience in the creative journey, with Daril sharing personal reflections on bouncing back from failure, surrounding yourself with the right people, and the importance of not sharing your biggest ambitions with those who can't understand the artist's path People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Platforms, Tools & Services Claude / Claude Pro (Anthropic) Cowork (Claude's agentic desktop app) Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic IMDb Letterboxd Neuralink Gemini Collection Account Management Agreement (CAMA) FilmChain Films Undertone (Kino Studios / A24) Obsession (Curry Barker) Iron Lung Backrooms (Kane Parsons / A24) The Matrix Raiders of the Lost Ark Gladiator Dumb and Dumber The Mask Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Malcolm & Marie High School Musical Sinners Oppenheimer Hamnet The Deer Hunter Nuremberg (Russell Crowe) Wedding Crashers Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episodes I–III) Creed III Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania How to Train Your Dragon (2025) Black Phone 2 Regretting You Avengers: Endgame Spider-Man: No Way Home Project Hail Mary The Terminator Weapons (Zach Cregger) The Drama (Zendaya / Robert Pattinson) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Meet Joe Black People — Industry & Public Figures Daril Fannin (Kino CEO) Ian Tuason (director of Undertone) (see note) Nina Kiri (lead, Undertone) Rick Rubin Rainer Maria Rilke Jordan Peele Markiplier Curry Barker (Obsession) Kane Parsons (Backrooms) Sally Choi (art director, Obsession) Kevin Goetz Jim Carrey Mason Thames Zendaya Robert Pattinson Hayden Christensen Russell Crowe Harrison Ford Brad Pitt Tom Cruise Jonathan Majors Forest Whitaker Tyler Perry Ben Stiller Will Ferrell Adam Sandler Steve Martin Siskel and Ebert Peter Travers Lon Harris Cinema Joe Christopher Nolan Elon Musk Mark Zuckerberg Dick Gregory Kevin Hart Show Team (internal — no public links) Joey "Bags" von Haeger Books The Creative Act: A Way of Being (Rick Rubin) Brave New World (Aldous Huxley) Nineteen Eighty-Four (George Orwell) The Crossroads of Should and Must (Elle Luna) Companies & Organizations Kino Studios A24 Neon Blumhouse Village Roadshow Orion Pictures Artists Equity (see note) Anthropic DGA SAG-AFTRA IATSE Rolling Stone Fantasia International Film Festival Sundance Film Festival SXSW Alamo Drafthouse Cannes Film Festival 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. #MAKEIT www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • June 23 · 24 min

    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 films like Wonder Woman, Avengers: Endgame, and Fantastic Beasts gave her the technical foundation to create an independently produced short film so polished that Hollywood executives assumed it was a multi-million dollar studio production. The conversation broadens into a sweeping philosophical examination of how digital technology — from augmented reality and deepfakes to social media algorithms and genetic manipulation — is fundamentally reshaping human connection, perception, and society itself. We also talk about: The psychological toll of spending over a decade executing someone else's creative vision as a pre-visualization artist, and how that frustration became the fuel for Magali's creative pivot into independent filmmaking The deliberate design philosophy behind the robot Max in This Time Away — specifically, why giving a futuristic robot the texture and finish of a 1970s kitchen appliance was a calculated psychological choice rooted in the uncanny valley theory The structural and cultural differences between the French and British film industries, including how France's government-subsidized CNC system creates institutional bureaucracy, while the UK's scarcity of funding forces a passionate, grassroots DIY filmmaking culture The concept of a "water bottle tour" in Hollywood — the grueling marathon of studio meetings that newly signed talent must endure, which functions less as a pitch session and more as a high-stakes personality and temperament audit The piano chord metaphor shared by Chris Barkley in the original interview, which equates the musical necessity of space between notes to the human need for distance and breathing room in relationships, and how modern technology's relentless drive to eliminate friction may be destroying the beautiful music of genuine human connection People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: People Magali Barbe (filmmaker/VFX artist) David Heyman (producer) Timothy Spall (stars in This Time Away) Tom Cruise (deepfake example) Films & Projects Strange Beasts (her viral short) This Time Away (her second short) Wonder Woman (previs) Kingsman: The Golden Circle (previs) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (previs) Avengers: Endgame (previs) WALL-E (robot design reference) Companies, Organizations & Platforms Vimeo 20th Century Studios (formerly 20th Century Fox) United Talent Agency (UTA) CNC (Centre National du Cinéma) Silicon Valley Concepts & Technologies Pre-visualization (Previz) Augmented Reality (AR) The Uncanny Valley Deepfakes CRISPR Bully Whippets (myostatin / double-muscling) The Marketplace of Ideas "Move Fast and Break Things" Water Bottle Tour — industry-ritual slang for a series of back-to-back Studio meetings The Piano / F♯ and F♮ Metaphor — Chris Barkley's original analogy about conflict when one note (or person) smothers another 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. #MAKEIT Subscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • June 12 · 1 hr 26 min

    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-marketing Hello, 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 aspiring Broadway performer to becoming Hollywood's most trusted voice on audience testing, discussing how filmmakers can use audience feedback to enhance rather than compromise their creative vision. The conversation explores the evolution of audience expectations in the streaming era, the importance of knowing your deficits as an entrepreneur, and Kevin's philosophy on following passion over profit. We also talk about: • Kevin's childhood in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and the family dynamics that shaped his drive for success • The misconceptions filmmakers have about audience testing and how it actually enhances creative vision • How streaming platforms have changed viewer behavior, and the need for compelling cold opens • The importance of self-awareness in leadership and surrounding yourself with people better than you at specific skills • Kevin's approach to delegation, team building, and scaling a business with 320 employees People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Screen Engine/ASI BBMG Entertainment — kevingoetz360.com How to Score in Hollywood Audienceology Producers Guild of America American Cinematheque Nashville Film Festival News & Media Services Ground News Semafor The Media Line People Derek Guy (menswear writer) Joan Rivers Nicole Kidman Charles Roven (producer) Lauren Shuler Donner Richard Donner Stephanie Allain Donald De Line (PGA) Ben Fritz (Wall Street Journal) Barbara Jarrett Brooke Shields Jared Leto Travis Knight Films & TV Ghost Sinners Everything Everywhere All at Once Hacks (HBO Max) Masters of the Universe (He-Man movie) Backrooms (A24) Iron Lung Places & Institutions Bensonhurst, Brooklyn East Brunswick, New Jersey Nashville, Tennessee Vanderbilt University 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. #MAKEIT www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  • June 11 · 11 min

    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 groundbreaking superhero series that transforms Marvel mythology into a Depression-era noir meditation on aging, regret, and redemption. The show stars Nicolas Cage as Ben Reilly, a worn-down private investigator and former masked vigilante navigating the rain-soaked streets of 1930s New York. This isn't your typical superhero story—it's a slow-burn character study that prioritizes atmosphere and emotional depth over explosive action sequences. TAKEAWAYS: • Harry Bradbeer's directorial approach and the creative decision to use four different directors across eight episodes • The series' bold aesthetic choice offering both color and authentic black-and-white viewing options • How the multiverse concept allows superhero storytelling to age alongside audiences • The evolution from the animated Spider-Verse version to this more emotionally grounded live-action adaptation • Why prioritizing older heroes and mature themes represents an important shift in superhero cinema MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Spider-Noir Nicolas Cage Harry Bradbeer (director) Oren Uziel (writer) Ben Reilly (character) Fleabag Enola Holmes Raymond Chandler Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Peter Parker 1930s New York Great Depression Marvel Spider-Man Ebook: "Mastering Film Marketing" 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. #MAKEIT www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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