The MAKE IT Podcast

Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs
  • 5.0 (101)
  • FILM INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Papillon (Butterfly) | How Oil Paint Animation Brings Holocaust Memory to Life

    11H AGO

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

    2D AGO

    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

  3. MAR 20

    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

    1h 58m
  4. The Devil Is Busy | Inside America's Most Controversial Healthcare Documentary (Film Review)

    MAR 19

    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
  5. SUMMARIES - Teri Ritter - Behind Closed Doors: How the Creative World Actually Functions

    MAR 17

    SUMMARIES - Teri Ritter - Behind Closed Doors: How the Creative World Actually Functions

    Hello, Hello! In this episode, Alex and Allison discuss the unexpected career pivot of Toronto talent agent Teri Ritter, who transitioned from a 30-year career in corporate accounting to managing actors. Inspired by her daughter Maya's success in film, Ritter applied her strategic planning skills to build a profitable roster. They highlight the importance of professionalism in the industry, the risks of a poor digital footprint, and the strategic timing of joining unions. They also touch on the challenges of representing child actors and the evolving roles within the agency, exemplified by Maya's return to the industry as an agent. The conversation underscores the balance between artistic talent and business strategy in the entertainment industry. We also talk about: • The myth that talent alone guarantees success in the entertainment industry • How digital footprints can permanently derail acting careers decades later • Strategic timing for union membership and why joining too early can be career suicide • The toxic dynamics of pushy stage parents and child actors • Maya Ritter's full-circle journey from child star to talent agent People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: Teri Ritter (Toronto Talent Agent) Ritter Talent Agency Maya Ritter (Child actor turned agent) Amy Hines Hines Management Mike Lummis (Agent) ACTRA (Canadian actors' union) Julia Roberts Molly Ringwald Toronto Casting Community 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

    22 min
  6. 431 - Amy Hill - How to Survive Toxic Film Sets, Staying Employed in Hollywood for Decades, and the Value of Saying Yes

    MAR 6

    431 - Amy Hill - How to Survive Toxic Film Sets, Staying Employed in Hollywood for Decades, and the Value of Saying Yes

    This episode is brought to you by Factor. No prep, no cooking. Just dietitian-approved, chef-prepared meals delivered to your door and ready to eat in 2 minutes. Go to https://factormeals.com/makeit50off and use the code MAKEIT50OFF to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year. This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good 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 today and get 50% off Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeit Hello, Hello!  In this episode, veteran character actress Amy Hill shares her incredible journey from growing up in a Finnish-Japanese household in Deadwood, South Dakota, to building a prolific career spanning over 230 television and film credits. Hill discusses her breakthrough roles, including the beloved grandmother in "All American Girl" and her current work on Amazon Prime's "Ballard," while emphasizing the power of saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities throughout her decades-long career. The conversation reveals how her multicultural background and improv training shaped her approach to acting, from voice work to memorable roles in shows like "Just Add Magic" and films such as "50 First Dates." We also talk about: • The challenges of being an Asian American actor in Hollywood and finding representation on screen • Her experiences on toxic film and TV sets, including working with difficult personalities • The importance of professionalism, preparation, and building genuine relationships in the industry • Voice acting career development and the transition from San Francisco theater to Hollywood • Current projects include "Ballard" Season 2 and the upcoming film "Flowers para los Muertos." People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Deadwood, South Dakota Seattle, Washington San Francisco, California Tokyo, Japan Nashville, Tennessee Gaithersburg, Maryland Honolulu, Hawaii Merida, Yucatan, Mexico Carnegie Mellon University Asian American Theater Company (San Francisco) Philippine Airlines The Gong Show All American Girl (TV show) Just Add Magic (TV show) Ballard (Amazon Prime series) Bosch (TV series) I Love Lucy Golden Girls Nancy Kwan Betty White Marie Osmond Craig Ferguson Mike Myers Maggie Q Yolonda Ross Margaret Cho Téa Leoni Mark Roberts Holland Taylor The Naked Truth (TV show) Cat in the Hat (film) 50 First Dates (film) Lilo and Stitch (animated film) King of the Hill (animated series) Everything Everywhere All at Once (film) The Brutalist (film) Anora (film) Sinners (film) Birdman (film) Nomadland (film) Anna May Wong The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong (1951 TV series) DuMont Television Network Amy Hill Actor website Instagram: Amy Hill 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

    1h 38m
  7. If I Had Legs I'd Kick You - Rose Byrne's Career-Defining Performance

    MAR 5

    If I Had Legs I'd Kick You - Rose Byrne's Career-Defining Performance

    WHAT IS FILM BRIEF? Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking. BRIEF: In this brief, host Nick explores Mary Bronstein's psychological drama "If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You," starring Rose Byrne in a raw portrayal of mental health struggles and emotional collapse. The film defies traditional narrative structures, instead offering an intimate look at a woman whose world slowly fractures under invisible pressures. Through Bronstein's unconventional storytelling approach, the movie forces viewers to confront discomfort and develop empathy for those experiencing quiet psychological crises. TAKEAWAYS: • Mary Bronstein's filmmaking approach and her previous work "Yeast" (2008) • Rose Byrne's dramatic departure from her typical comedic roles • The film's festival circuit premiere on October 10, 2025, and its critical reception • How the ambiguous title serves as a metaphor for helplessness and lost agency • The importance of cinema that prioritizes understanding over entertainment MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You (2025) Mary Bronstein Rose Byrne Yeast (2008) Bridesmaids Neighbors Star Wars Dead Poets Society "Mastering Film Marketing: A Filmmaker's Guide to Crafting Impactful Marketing Campaigns for Independent Films" 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://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    9 min
  8. SUMMARIES - Derek Estlin Purvis - How to Finance Your Film Without Begging for Cash (3-Pillar Method Revealed)

    MAR 3

    SUMMARIES - Derek Estlin Purvis - How to Finance Your Film Without Begging for Cash (3-Pillar Method Revealed)

    Hello, Hello! In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness unpack a masterclass interview with independent filmmaker Derek Estlin Purvis, exploring the hidden mechanics of film financing and the entrepreneurial strategies behind successful indie filmmaking. They dive deep into Derek's three-pillar funding framework using equity, debt, and soft money, while examining his "skyscraper approach" to pre-selling films before production begins. The discussion reveals how Derek's early experiences on the set of "On Golden Pond" and his chance encounter with a Paramount executive shaped his revolutionary approach to filmmaking as extreme problem-solving. We also talk about: • Derek's career journey from bartending in New Orleans to working with major studios • The "59-cent pencil" philosophy of finding simple solutions to complex filmmaking problems • Creative problem-solving examples from Star Trek and MTV music videos • The Sistine Chapel metric for measuring artistic success and cultural impact • The evolving media landscape and how data is becoming the true commodity in entertainment People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: Derek Estlin Purvis (filmmaker, producer, writer, director) The Kids Are All Right The 10 Savage Lands - The Ballad of Davy Crockett On Golden Pond Henry Fonda Mike Basik (finance banker/mentor) Paramount Pictures Star Trek reboot (JJ Abrams) Michelangelo Sistine Chapel Raging Bull Forrest Gump Oculus New Orleans, LA New Hampshire MTV Golden Globe Awards 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

    21 min
See All (507)

5
out of 5
101 Ratings

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
    507
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Bonsai Creative Enterprises, LLC 2026
  • Show Website
    The MAKE IT Podcast

You Might Also Like