The MAKE IT Podcast

Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs
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MAKE IT is the film podcast that provides a behind the scenes look at the filmmaking process. We delve into indie films, blockbusters, cinema, and film history while making new friends along the way. We even offer movie reviews and movie commentary based on our own film analysis covering studio movies as well as indie films. We enjoy being a voice for the filmmaking community so we hope you'll give us a listen. Be Better. Be Creative. Be Engaged.

  1. 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

    1 DAY AGO

    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/makeit Hello, 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 a creative community, and the challenges of balancing artistic vision with commercial viability. Motke shares insights from his experience directing Another Version of You and his current work creating commercials for Whisker's Litter Robot. We also talk about: • The essential tools needed to start filmmaking and building a crew through community connections • Whether independent filmmakers actually watch independent films, and the time constraints that limit viewing • The role of celebrity and notoriety in achieving commercial success in filmmaking • Handling conflict and collaboration on set while maintaining creative relationships • The choice between making passion projects versus commercially viable films People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Micah Simms (cinematographer) Ken Conrad (editor) Nichole Marie Lim Kim "Cookie" McCray Ciciley Hoffman Sara Antonio Ecca Vandal Christopher Nolan A24 Ben Proudfoot Another Version of You Tangerine Primer Iron Lung Sugar Glass Schindler's List Dunkirk Hair Love Inocente DaVinci Resolve Canon 5D Mark cameras Red cameras Whisker (Litter-Robot) MTV Kickstarter Seed & Spark 48 Hour Film Project Nashville 54 Hour Film Fest Sundance Film Festival Denver, Colorado Nashville, Tennessee Montana 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

    2h 17m
  2. Mistakes In The Making w/ Emmy-nominated Actress Danielle Vega - How to Turn Your Biggest Career Mistakes into Stepping Stones Toward Success

    2 DAYS AGO

    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 served as stepping stones, motivating her to approach future opportunities with better preparation and professionalism. Enjoy! We also talk about: • The transition from journalism education to entertainment industry work • How acting experience doesn't automatically translate to journalism success • The bare minimum preparation requirements for actors on set • Using embarrassing career moments as motivation for future excellence • The ongoing psychological impact of professional mistakes People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Southern Methodist University Broadcast Journalism (major/field of study) Los Angeles, CA Barney & Friends East Los High @themsdaniv on Instagram 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

    5 min
  3. SUMMARIES - Nick Lopez - How He Got 12 Million Views on YouTube Crafting Memorable Short Films

    4 DAYS AGO

    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 filmmaking, and his current project, "West's Neighborhood," a web series exploring racism in American suburbia. Nick also provides practical advice for aspiring filmmakers about film school, budget constraints, and the creative process. We also talk about: • The challenges and benefits of attending film school versus independent learning • Building compelling short films from "outside in" rather than character-first approaches • The democratization of content through streaming platforms and its impact on diverse storytelling • Working with limited budgets while maintaining high production values • The importance of sound design and practical effects in low-budget filmmaking People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: Nick Lopez Tiffany Lin  Felipe Vargas University of Southern California (USC) Milk Teeth Sunshine Room Flour Baby Pan's Labyrinth Guillermo del Toro Ryan Murphy Pose Desperate Housewives America's Next Top Model Pluto TV nicklopezfilms.com nic.lopezz on Instagram 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

    24 min
  4. 433 - Mark "Markiplier" Fischbach - His Journey from YouTube Creator to "Iron Lung" Box Office Success

    3 APR

    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/makeit This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at www.shopify.com/makeit --- Hello, Hello!  In this episode, YouTube creator and filmmaker Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) joins us to discuss his journey from gaming content to theatrical filmmaking, particularly his successful horror film Iron Lung. The conversation explores his philosophy of continuous learning, the pivotal hospital moment that changed his career trajectory, and how he built an audience of 38+ million subscribers through authentic connection and creative risk-taking. Mark shares insights about wearing multiple filmmaking hats, the psychological pressure his crew felt making a feature film, and his experience attending the Academy Awards. We also talk about: • The importance of output over input when developing creative skills • How interactive YouTube projects taught him about audience psychology • Building crew relationships and knowing enough about each department to communicate effectively • The stigma around video game adaptations and why many fail • Why he'll continue making YouTube content alongside feature films People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: DaVinci Resolve Blackmagic Design Iron Lung Academy Awards YouTube Originals A Heist with Markiplier In Space with Markiplier Unus Annus McKenna Grace Five Nights at Freddy's Cincinnati, OH Milford High School Fischbach, Germany Final Cut Pro Apple Motion 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

    1hr 38min
  5. Papillon (Butterfly) | How Oil Paint Animation Brings Holocaust Memory to Life

    2 APR

    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," an animated short film by Florence MIAL that tells the powerful story of Olympic swimmer Alfred Nakash, a Jewish athlete whose life was forever changed by the Holocaust. The film uses hand-painted oil-on-glass animation to create a dreamlike visual experience that flows between memories of triumph and tragedy. Through water as a storytelling metaphor, the film captures themes of memory, resilience, and the quiet power of human dignity in the face of unimaginable loss. TAKEAWAYS: • Florence MIAL's unique oil paint on glass animation technique that creates living, breathing artwork • Alfred Nakash's journey from childhood fear of water to Olympic competition at the 1936 Berlin Olympics • The impact of the Vichy Regime and the Holocaust on Nakash's life and family • The film's success on the international festival circuit and Academy Award nomination • How minimalist storytelling can create maximum emotional impact MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Florence Miailhe (Director) Marie Desplechin (Co-writer) Alfred Nakache Constantine, Algeria Berlin Olympics (1936) Auschwitz concentration camp Berlin International Film Festival Annecy Animation Festival Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival Academy Awards César Awards Crystal Bear Award Paint-on-glass animation technique 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, 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

    8 min
  6. SUMMARIES - Valerie Jane Parker - How to Build Emotional Armor Against Constant Film Industry Rejection

    31 MAR

    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 that struggle is mandatory for building resilience. The conversation reveals how true creatives adapt their drive across mediums, from acting in complex roles to running a bread speakeasy during the pandemic. We also talk about: • Her approach to auditions as personal wins rather than booking jobs • The biological mechanisms behind vocal co-regulation and de-escalation • Her intensive preparation methods for playing a blind character in "The Voices." • How she transforms internet trolls through applied empathy • The dangers of early success without struggle in creative careers People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: Valerie Jane Parker Greenleaf Nashville The Voices Bobby Holland Chick-fil-A Blockbuster Video La Vie Bakehouse Five Daughters Bakery 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

    15 min

  7. 20 MAR

    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/makeit This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at www.shopify.com/makeit --- Hello, Hello! In this Indie Talk, we dive deep into the latest film industry developments, including Netflix's multi-million dollar acquisition of Ben Affleck's AI startup and Google's expansion into micro dramas with Range Media Partners. We explore how AI is reshaping filmmaking workflows, debate whether film festivals should include children's programming, and discuss the growing trend of vertical video content in entertainment. We also break down the recent Oscar winners, share audience poll results about preferred film genres, and offer our insights on snubs and surprises from this year's Academy Awards ceremony. We also talk about: • The controversy surrounding Timothy Chalamet's comments about ballet and opera being "irrelevant art forms." • How streaming has changed music structure and incentives, paralleling changes in film content • The disconnect between what audiences watch most (action/adventure at 65%) versus what wins awards (drama/thriller) • International film recommendations, including "No Other Choice" as a major snub • The future of micro dramas and whether they'll follow Quibi's failed model or succeed globally People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Netflix Ben Affleck Range Media Partners Quibi New York International Children's Film Festival One Battle After Another Sinners Hamnet F1 The Bride Frankenstein Paul Thomas Anderson Michael B. Jordan Jessie Buckley Conan O'Brien Trevor Noah Gaithersburg, Maryland North Carolina South Carolina Australia 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

    1hr 58min
  8. The Devil Is Busy | Inside America's Most Controversial Healthcare Documentary (Film Review)

    19 MAR

    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," a documentary that takes viewers inside America's reproductive health clinics to witness the quiet humanity of caregivers working in one of the most divisive areas of healthcare. The film, directed by Geeta Gandhir and Christolyn Hampton, uses observational storytelling to focus on the daily experiences of nurses, counselors, and staff members rather than political debates. Through its restrained approach, the documentary offers a humanizing portrait of healthcare workers who provide compassionate care in emotionally charged environments. TAKEAWAYS: • The filmmakers' deliberate choice to avoid narration and editorializing in favor of pure observation • How the documentary serves as a companion piece to reality, showing the normal rhythm of a workday • The emotional balancing act reproductive health workers must perform daily • Critical reception praising the film's simplicity and compassion over sensationalism • The broader lesson for independent filmmakers about the power of acknowledging human stories MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: "The Devil is Busy" documentary Geeta Gandhir Christolyn Hampton 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, 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

    7 min
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About

MAKE IT is the film podcast that provides a behind the scenes look at the filmmaking process. We delve into indie films, blockbusters, cinema, and film history while making new friends along the way. We even offer movie reviews and movie commentary based on our own film analysis covering studio movies as well as indie films. We enjoy being a voice for the filmmaking community so we hope you'll give us a listen. Be Better. Be Creative. Be Engaged.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    511
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Bonsai Creative Enterprises, LLC 2026
  • Show Website
    The MAKE IT Podcast
  • Provider

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