The MAKE IT Podcast

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

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. #18 - SUMMARIES | Kali Bailey - How to Rebrand Yourself from Crew Member to Director

    5H AGO

    #18 - SUMMARIES | Kali Bailey - How to Rebrand Yourself from Crew Member to Director

    Hello, Hello! In this episode, we dive deep into filmmaker Kali Bailey's unconventional path to the director's chair, exploring what she calls the "Swiss Army Knife approach" - mastering every job on set before directing. The conversation reveals both the advantages and dangerous pitfalls of being too competent at jobs you don't actually want, including the psychological challenge of rebranding yourself in an industry that loves to keep you in familiar boxes. From her defining moment watching Lord of the Rings at 14 to her viral Harry Potter fan film, Kali's story illustrates the complex balance between building comprehensive skills and avoiding the "curse of competence." We also talk about: • The specific technical language that gives directors credibility with crew members • Advanced editing techniques, including avoiding "ping pong editing" and focusing on reactions • Aaron Sorkin's "marble slab" approach to overcoming writer's block • Strategic decisions about film distribution: festivals versus direct-to-audience platforms • Navigating identity as a gay filmmaker in conservative markets People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:  Kali Bailey (filmmaker) The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Sam Gamgee Frodo Disney Plus Nissan Netflix "A Week Away" (Netflix musical) Bill Zahn (Pixar character artist) Aaron Sorkin "The Wasp" (short film) "Neville Longbottom and the Black Witch" (Harry Potter fan film) Sundance Tribeca (film festival) Southern Baptist Church George Lucas Star Wars Marvel Opal diffusion gel Source Episode: https://redcircle.com/shows/e5ef7af1-b154-4271-a463-fee78baaca9e/ep/d26a987a-560d-4b72-adac-dd907d9992ef 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    14 min
  2. Yelena Popovic: What Does It Mean To Make It?

    4D AGO

    Yelena Popovic: What Does It Mean To Make It?

    Hello, Hello! In this segment, we wrap up our conversation with filmmaker Yelena Popovic, writer-director of the upcoming film "Moses: The Black Movie." The discussion concludes with a thoughtful exploration of what it means to "make it" in the film industry and life in general. Yelena shares her perspective on success, defining it as finding peace and contentment while continuing the process of becoming. We also talk about: • Yelena's definition of "making it" as an exit strategy versus personal fulfillment • The concept of arriving at peace and contentment in one's career • The importance of continuous growth and the process of becoming • Yelena's approach to social media and personal branding • The upcoming theatrical release of "Moses The Black." Mentioned in this episode:  Yelena Popovic (filmmaker) "Moses The Black" (film) Omar Epps (actor) Wiz Khalifa (executive producer) Quavo (executive producer) 50 Cent (executive producer) Yelena's 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://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    5 min
  3. Clear The Set: Why Yelena Hates The Wolf of Wall Street

    5D AGO

    Clear The Set: Why Yelena Hates The Wolf of Wall Street

    Hello, Hello! In this Clear the Set, filmmaker Yelena Popovic joins us for our "Clear the Set" rapid-fire Q&A segment, sharing her top three films, including "Empty" by Sydney Lumet, "The Asphalt Jungle" by John Huston, and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." She discusses films she's embarrassed not to have seen, movies everyone loves that she hates, and her go-to McDonald's cheat meal order. The conversation takes interesting turns as both host and guest bond over their perspectives on film criticism and life philosophy. We also talk about: • Classic cinema and the pressure to have seen "canon" films like Tarkovsky's work • Why "The Wolf of Wall Street" failed as a cautionary tale • Script quality issues in popular Hollywood films • The balance between healthy living and enjoying life's pleasures • Personal anecdotes about late-night fast food binges Mentioned:  The Mirror The Asphalt Jungle One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest The Wolf of Wall Street The Aviator The Departed Citizen Kane The Godfather On Golden Pond The Princess Bride Sydney Lumet John Huston Tarkovsky Leonardo DiCaprio Jordan Belfort Dom DeLuise McDonald's Krystals White Castle 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    12 min
  4. Filmmaker Q&A: How Wiz Khalifa and 50 Cent Backed a Saint's Story

    6D AGO

    Filmmaker Q&A: How Wiz Khalifa and 50 Cent Backed a Saint's Story

    Hello, Hello! In this Filmmaker Q&A, filmmaker Yelena Popovic discusses her latest film "Moses the Black," which transforms the ancient story of a 4th-century Egyptian saint into a modern-day Chicago gangster narrative. She shares her journey of working closely with West Side Chicago community members, including former gang leaders, to create an authentic portrayal of urban transformation and redemption. The conversation explores the challenges of adapting religious stories for contemporary audiences while maintaining artistic integrity and avoiding preachy storytelling. We also talk about: • The creative breakthrough moment in Greece that led to setting the story in present-day Chicago • Working with community consultants like Reginald Hakeem Berry Sr., a former gang leader turned community advocate • The casting process and why she fought to keep Corey Hendrix in his role against industry pressure • Collaboration with hip-hop artists like Wiz Khalifa, 50 Cent, and Quavo as executive producers and cast members • The disconnect between authentic storytelling and industry expectations in modern entertainment Mentioned:  Moses the Black Man of God Yelena Popovic (filmmaker) Omar Epps (actor) Corey Hendrix (actor) Wiz Khalifa 50 Cent Quavo Reginald Hakeem Berry Sr. West Side Chicago Pulaski Road and Madison Greece Egypt Saint Moses the Black (4th-century saint) Dostoevsky Tupac Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Miley Cyrus Vanderbilt Hospital 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    26 min
  5. Audience Polls: From Jihad to Jesus - Exploring Faith as Film Antagonist

    FEB 10

    Audience Polls: From Jihad to Jesus - Exploring Faith as Film Antagonist

    Hello, Hello! In this Audience Polls, we talk about faith-based films, revealing surprising results about how audiences perceive movies differently when protagonists versus antagonists have faith-based motivations. Filmmaker Yelena Popovic discusses the challenges of creating authentic faith-based cinema and shares insights from her film about St. Moses the Black. The conversation explores the difference between movies about religion, faith-based films, and art that genuinely uplifts audiences. We also talk about: • The poll results show 77% consider films faith-based when protagonists act on faith, but only 26% when antagonists do • Hollywood's narrow definition of faith-based films requiring divine intervention as a plot device • Yelena's struggle to get her film accepted by both faith-based and secular studios • The distinction between authentic spiritual storytelling and propaganda • How true faith is tested in difficult situations rather than proclaimed in comfort Mentioned: Yelena Popovic (filmmaker) St. Moses the Black (film/historical figure) Conclave (film) The Passion of the Christ (film) Deus ex machina (storytelling concept) 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    13 min
  6. Story Is King: The Miracle Hurricane - How Divine Intervention Saved a Film Production

    FEB 10

    Story Is King: The Miracle Hurricane - How Divine Intervention Saved a Film Production

    Hello, Hello! In this Story Is King segment, filmmaker Yelena Popovic shares her incredible journey from war-torn Yugoslavia to Hollywood, discussing her transition from fashion modeling to filmmaking and the miraculous events surrounding her hit film "Man of God." She opens up about overcoming 18 years of immigration struggles, single motherhood, and the dark moments that nearly ended her career before finding success at age 50. Yelena also recounts extraordinary miracles that occurred during production, including a supernatural weather event that saved her film from disaster. We also talk about:  • Growing up in Yugoslavia during the Communist era and leaving home at 16½ during wartime • The challenges of being an immigrant actress with an accent in Hollywood • Her father's persecution for refusing to join the Communist Party, which inspired her first film • The transition from modeling to acting to writing and finally directing • Her philosophy on humility, faith, and loving your enemies as keys to success Products, Software, Websites, People, or Places Mentioned:  Yugo automobile Belgrade, Serbia (formerly Yugoslavia) Milan, Italy Los Angeles New York Greece Playhouse West acting school Canon 7D camera "Man of God" film "Moses the Black" (latest project starring Omar Epps) Saint Nectarios Archangel Michael Aegina island Athens Peloponnese Turkey (ancient Chonae) Elias Potter (producer/husband) COVID-19 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    28 min
  7. 429 - Yelena Popovic - "Moses the Black” Writer & Director on She Mixed How Hip-Hop and Orthodox Christianity and Why 50 Cent and Omar Epps Believed in Her

    FEB 6

    429 - Yelena Popovic - "Moses the Black” Writer & Director on She Mixed How Hip-Hop and Orthodox Christianity and Why 50 Cent and Omar Epps Believed in Her

    This episode is brought to you by Factor. No prep, no cooking. Just dietitian-approved, chef-prepared meals delivered to your door and ready to eat in 2 minutes. Go to https://factormeals.com/makeit50off and use the code MAKEIT50OFF to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year. This episode is brought to you by The Film Tech Program at Columbia State Community College. ENROLLMENT begins each fall semester. But space is limited to 20 students each year. So, apply now. For more information, reach out to David Smith, FCT Program Director at 615-790-4410 or email him at David.Smith@ColumbiaState.edu www.ColumbiaState.edu/FCT Hello, Hello!  In this episode, filmmaker Yelena Popovic shares her incredible journey from Serbian fashion model to acclaimed director of "Man of God" and "Moses the Black." She opens up about experiencing miracles while filming, including a supernatural weather event that saved her production, and discusses how faith and humility guide her storytelling approach. The conversation explores her unique ability to tell authentic stories about redemption while working closely with communities to ensure truthful representation. We also talk about: • The challenges of the film industry and overcoming 18 years of immigration struggles  • Her collaboration with Omar Epps, 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa, and Quavo on "Moses the Black."  • The difference between faith-based films and movies that inspire faith  • Working with Chicago's West Side community to tell authentic gang redemption stories  • The creative process of adapting a 4th-century saint's story for modern audiences People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Factor (meal delivery sponsor)  Columbia State Film Crew Technology (sponsor)  "Man of God" "Moses the Black" "Conclave" "Passion of the Christ" "The Wolf of Wall Street" "The Departed" "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" "8½" "Asphalt Jungle" Omar Epps 50 Cent Wiz Khalifa Quavo Corey Hendrix Saint Nektarios Saint Moses the Black Reginald Kimberly Sr. Belgrade Serbia Yugoslavia Chicago's West Side Greece Egina Island Playhouse West Sidney Lumet John Huston Andrei Tarkovsky Fyodor Dostoyevsky Canon 7D camera McDonald's Krystal burgers Yugo 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 28m
  8. SINNERS | Folklore, Horror, Rhythm & Blues (Movie Review)

    FEB 5

    SINNERS | Folklore, Horror, Rhythm & Blues (Movie Review)

    WHAT IS FILM BRIEF? Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking. BRIEF: In this episode, host Nicholas Buggs explores Ryan Coogler's atmospheric horror film "Sinners," starring Michael B. Jordan as twin characters in a vampire story deeply rooted in southern traditions and ancestral memory. The film uses horror as a cultural delivery system, focusing on atmosphere and folklore rather than jump scares, with exceptional technical craftsmanship in production design, music, and visual storytelling. Coogler demonstrates how genre filmmaking can serve as a powerful vessel for exploring identity, heritage, and cultural inheritance. TAKEAWAYS: • Michael B. Jordan's grounded performance as the southern twin characters and the supporting work of Haley Steinfeld and Wunmi Mosaku • The film's technical mastery, including production design, wardrobe, hair and makeup, and period-accurate set decoration • The fusion of blues, spirituals, and atmospheric tension in the score and soundtrack that serves as the film's emotional backbone • Critical reception praising the film's confidence and craft while noting some limitations in character depth • The importance of intention, authenticity, and honoring cultural roots in genre filmmaking MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ryan Coogler (director) Michael B. Jordan (lead actor) Hailee Steinfeld (actress) Wunmi Mosaku (actress) Sinners Fruitvale Station Creed Black Panther American South Ultra Panavision IMAX 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: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    6 min
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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
    491
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Bonsai Creative Enterprises, LLC 2026
  • Show Website
    The MAKE IT Podcast

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