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 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

  1. LOCKS by Ryan Coogler (Movie Review)

    1 DAY AGO

    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 through his Oakland neighborhood to a barbershop. The episode examines how this student film showcased Coogler's early mastery of visual storytelling and cultural representation, serving as a foundation for his later acclaimed works. Through detailed analysis, Buggs demonstrates how "Locks" proves that meaningful filmmaking doesn't require massive budgets, just precision, intention, and authentic storytelling. TAKEAWAYS: • The power of symbolism and visual narrative in short films • How limited resources can strengthen rather than weaken a film's impact • The importance of short films as training grounds for emerging filmmakers • Community support and collaboration in independent filmmaking • The connection between early student work and future Hollywood success MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ryan Coogler (director) Locks (2009) Oakland, California University of Southern California Fruitvale Station (2013) Creed Black Panther Sundance Film Festival Sundance Grand Jury Prize Sundance Audience Award 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 All Links: www.themakeitpodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    8 min
  2. SUMMARIES - Robert Broadhurst - The Ethics of White Filmmakers Addressing Race: Boundaries and Responsibility

    2 DAYS AGO

    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 viewers to confront their own internalized assumptions about race in America. The discussion reveals how cultural timing and geography dramatically affected the film's reception, transforming it from "pointless" to "essential" without changing a single frame. We also talk about: • Broadhurst's unconventional journey from suburban Connecticut to Columbia University MFA to commercial success • His technical background in editing and how it shaped his visual storytelling approach • The ethical boundaries he maintained during production, including refusing funding to ensure proper representation • His philosophy on surviving as an artist in capitalist systems like New York City • The role of physical movement in creative problem-solving and breakthrough moments People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: Robert Broadhurst Change the Narrative with JD Fuller (YouTube) JD Fuller Curtiss Cook Jr. Charles Hayes IV (see note) Quentin Tarantino Kanye West George Floyd Connecticut Chicago Boston East Coast Queens, New York Arverne, Queens (see note) England, UK Columbia University Ghostbusters (1984) An Occurrence at Arverne An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge (1962) Armani Beauty Adidas Y-3 Alexander Wang Yeezy Vimeo 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

    18 min
  3. 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

    17 APR

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

    15 APR

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

    14 APR

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    513
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Bonsai Creative Enterprises, LLC 2026
  • Show Website
    The MAKE IT Podcast

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