GateCrashers Pod

Cat and Makayla
  • 5.0 (2)
  • TV & Film
  • Weekly

GateCrashers Pod is a rebellion against the old Hollywood playbook. Hosted by filmmakers Makayla McIntosh and Cat Yudain this series spotlights the creators who didn’t wait for permission — they broke in, built their own systems, and changed the game. From vertical dramas and indie film financing to creative survival in an industry built on gatekeeping, Gatecrashers dives into the stories, strategies, and scars behind modern filmmaking and entertainment. Real talk. Raw journeys. No gatekeepers allowed. 🎬 Gatecrashers — because the future of film belongs to the ones who kick the doors open.

  1. 4d ago

    Ahead of the Curve: How to Keep Going when the Gates Won’t Open With Rick Shepherd of Backyard Shorts

    Hollywood is changing, and independent creators are rewriting the rules.  On this episode of Gatecrashers, we sit down with actor, writer, and director Rick Shepherd to talk about his journey from New York to Los Angeles and the evolving world of vertical entertainment. From the hustle of building a creative life in New York to navigating the opportunities and challenges of vertical filmmaking, Rick breaks down what it takes to create meaningful work in an industry that’s constantly shifting. We dive into platform politics, funding and distribution challenges, the power of audience data, and why independent creators can’t afford to wait for Hollywood to give them permission. We also explore the importance of taking creative risks, embracing genre diversity, building community, and finding innovative ways to get your work in front of audiences. Whether you're an actor, filmmaker, writer, or simply curious about where entertainment is headed, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes the best way forward is to build your own door. In this episode, we discuss: Rick’s journey from New York to LA and finding his footing in the industry The opportunities and challenges of the booming vertical entertainment space Why platform decisions, funding, and distribution can make or break a project How independent creators can take control of their own careers The role of data analytics and audience engagement in shaping content Why genre diversity and understanding your audience matter The power of collaboration, community, and supporting fellow creators What the future holds for vertical storytelling and independent filmmaking  The takeaway: Don't wait for the industry to change for you. Take the risk, tell the story, find your people, and create your own opportunities. Follow Gatecrashers for more conversations with the people challenging the status quo and building what comes next. Connect with Rick Shepherd: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realrickshepherd/ Backyard Shorts: https://www.instagram.com/backyardshorts/ Dead Signal — Official Trailer: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQetsAgCeT1/  Follow Rick’s work and check out Dead Signal as we explore the future of independent filmmaking and vertical entertainment on Gatecrashers! 🌐 Connect 🎬 Production: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@foxandsiren.productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Makayla: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@iammakaylamcintosh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Cat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@catyudaintea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Makayla’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Siren Makayla Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Cat’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cat Yudain Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound //Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DGSound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dgrahamsound

  2. Oct 20

    47 Pages in 4 Days?!

    We’re BACK!  Makayla and Cat kick off Season 2 of Great Gate Crashers with summer updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and BIG creative moves. From Tribeca to the vertical drama market, they’re diving into their first microdrama, Sigil (47 pages in FOUR days?!), and why building your dream career with your friends might just be the secret sauce. New season. New stories. Same chaos. Let’s crash some gates.  🌐 Connect 🎬 Production: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@foxandsiren.productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Makayla: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@iammakaylamcintosh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Cat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@catyudaintea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Makayla’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Siren Makayla Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Cat’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cat Yudain Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound //Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DGSound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dgrahamsound

  3. Oct 13

    GateCrashers: After the Act - Slow Cinema, Berlin & Making Eight Films in Eight Years

    What happens when trust quietly begins to fracture between the people closest to us? On this episode of GateCrashers, we sit down with the creative team behind After the Act, a deeply intimate drama about love, friendship, betrayal, and the choices we make when relationships begin to unravel. Written by Ivan Malekin and directed by Sarah Jayne and Ivan Malekin, After the Act follows Sam and Mia, two writers sharing the routines of everyday life in their Berlin apartment. When a seemingly casual conversation about their friend Becca exposes a devastating betrayal, the three friends are forced to confront guilt, self-preservation, and whether love can survive the damage that has been done. We dive into the film's improvisational approach to acting and what that freedom brings to intimate storytelling, as well as the inspiration behind the film and the philosophy of slow cinema. Is there still an audience for films that take their time, sit with uncomfortable moments, and allow human behavior to unfold naturally? We also talk about the realities of making eight films in eight years, what it takes to produce work at that scale, and how the Berlin film scene has shaped the filmmakers' creative lives. Plus, we explore the differences between narrative filmmaking and documentary work following the success of Cats of Malta, and what it's like to build a creative career as a husband-and-wife filmmaking team — including where their roles overlap, where they don't, and how they navigate making films together. Sam and Mia, two writers at different stages of their careers, share the routines of daily life in Sam's Berlin apartment. But beneath the surface of their affection, tension quietly builds until a casual remark about their friend Becca reveals a devastating betrayal. Over the course of a single day and night, the three friends face the slow fracture of trust, each drawn to choices shaped by guilt, self-preservation, and the fragile hope that love might still survive the damage. Starring:Laura Petracco as MiaJacob Lefton as SamJessica Sy as Becca Written by: Ivan MalekinDirected by: Sarah Jayne & Ivan Malekin Watch After the Act on Prime:  primevideo.com/detail/0G6GW6S8V9ECVL7QKBE670QEAO?tr=gp Watch the trailer on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09xZEW42zCo IMDb:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29297421/ Rotten Tomatoes:https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/after_the_act Production Company — Nexus Production Group:https://www.instagram.com/nexus_production_group/  Connect  Production: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@foxandsiren.productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Makayla: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@iammakaylamcintosh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Cat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@catyudaintea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Makayla’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Siren Makayla Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Cat’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cat Yudain Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Email: GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound //Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DGSound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dgrahamsound  About After the Act Watch & Learn More

  4. Oct 6

    GateCrashers: Vinyl TV - Reimagining Streaming, Community & the Future of Media | Part 2

    We're back with Part 2 of our conversation with Arielle Hurst and Brett McGowan, the founders of Vinyl TV - a platform rethinking what streaming can be when you put people, community, local culture, and human creativityback at the center. In Part 1, we talked about where Vinyl TV came from, the problems with the current streaming landscape, and why the founders believe media needs more of a scene and less of an algorithm. Now we're getting into the how. Arielle and Brett take us inside some of Vinyl TV's upcoming features, including their Watch Party and City Layer, and explain how they're designing technology to create connections between viewers, creators, artists, and the places they live. We also talk about their backgrounds in tech, media, and business, the challenges of building a new media company, music licensing, the role of AI, and why Vinyl TV is intentionally focused on human-made work. And then we get nostalgic.  From vinyl records and physical media to the feeling of discovering something because a person recommended it to you, we explore what digital platforms can learn from the tactile, communal experiences of the past - and how those ideas might help create a more connected media future. This conversation ultimately comes down to a simple question: What would media look like if it were built around people instead of platforms? Arielle Hurst and Brett McGowan's backgrounds in tech, media, and businessVinyl TV's upcoming Watch Party featureThe City Layer and connecting media to the places where we liveUsing technology to strengthen local community rather than replace itThe importance of local arts, events, and artistsThe realities of building a new media startupMusic licensing and the challenges facing independent platformsAI, creativity, and why Vinyl TV wants to preserve human-made mediaWhat physical media and vinyl can teach today's digital platformsNostalgia as a tool for creating connectionSupporting filmmakers, musicians, and local creators directlyBuilding a more affordable and accessible creator ecosystemThe relationship between technology, storytelling, art, and societyVinyl TV's vision for a more human-centered media landscape Vinyl TV Submit your film — films@vinyl.tv Vinyl TV on Instagram Vinyl TV on LinkedIn Looking for something cool to do in New York? Check out One Cool Thing NYC — a weekly newsletter highlighting interesting things happening around the city, from arts and culture to events and experiences worth getting off the couch for.  Thanks for listening to GateCrashers! If you missed it, go back and listen to Part 1 of our conversation with Vinyl TV, and follow the show so you don't miss what's next.  Connect  Production: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@foxandsiren.productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Makayla: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@iammakaylamcintosh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Cat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@catyudaintea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Makayla’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Siren Makayla Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Cat’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cat Yudain Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound //Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DGSound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dgrahamsound

  5. Sep 29

    GateCrashers: Vinyl TV - Building a New Kind of Streaming Platform | Part 1

    In Part 1 of this GateCrashers conversation, we sit down with the founders of Vinyl TV, a New York-born streaming platform built around community, curation, independent creators, and local storytelling. We dig into where Vinyl TV came from, why New York is such a fundamental part of its identity, and why the founders believe the future of media may look a lot less like the giant legacy streamers—and a lot more like a vibrant, interconnected scene. We talk about the problems with today's streaming landscape, including algorithm fatigue, decision paralysis, corporate consolidation, and what gets lost when independent voices are pushed to the margins. We also explore what it means to build a platform that doesn't just distribute content, but actually creates community around it. From short films and live shows to incubator projects and completely new approaches to programming, Vinyl TV is imagining what an independent media ecosystem could look like—and bringing a little punk rock energy to the process. And this is only Part 1.  Tune in next week for Part 2, where we continue the conversation and dig even deeper into Vinyl TV's vision for the future of independent media. The origins of Vinyl TV and its distinctly New York ethos Why community and curation matter in a world of endless streaming choices What independent creators lose when media becomes increasingly consolidated The power of local storytelling and live experiences Why "decision fatigue" may be one of streaming's biggest problems Building a platform around people rather than algorithms Innovative programming ideas, from short films to stage shows Creating an incubator for independent artists and projects The idea of a "scene" versus an "ecosystem" What a punk rock ethos could look like in modern media The future of independent streaming  This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Subscribe/follow GateCrashers and come back next week for Part 2! Connect with Vinyl TV  Vinyl TV Submit your film — films@vinyl.tv Vinyl TV on Instagram Vinyl TV on LinkedIn One of the people behind Vinyl TV, Arielle Hurst, also writes One Cool Thing NYC — a weekly newsletter curating what's actually worth doing around New York City. If you're looking for something cool, weird, artsy, or very NYC to check out, give it a follow. 🌐 Connect 🎬 Production: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@foxandsiren.productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Makayla: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@iammakaylamcintosh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Cat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@catyudaintea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Makayla’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Siren Makayla Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Cat’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cat Yudain Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound //Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DGSound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dgrahamsound

  6. Jun 9

    Financing, and Luminaries, and Panels, Oh My!

    On today's SEASON FINALE episode, Cat and Makayla talk the Tribeca Storyteller Summit and fill you in on what they have going on this summer. A sincere thank you to all of you for coming along with us as we embarked on this first season. See you all in August! (Or September) 🌐 Connect 🎬 Production: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@foxandsiren.productions⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Makayla: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@iammakaylamcintosh⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Cat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@catyudaintea⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Makayla’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠Siren Makayla Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Cat’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠Cat Yudain Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📩 Email: GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound //Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠DGSound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@dgrahamsound

  7. Jun 2

    Heated Rivalry for the Girlies: A Shot At Love on Chera TV with director/writer Rachel Rose and DOP Belen Garcia

    What happens when you're the AD on a vertical series and the director gets fired mid-production? For Rachel Rose, it became the opportunity that changed everything. In this episode, Rachel Rose and cinematographer Belen Garcia share the unexpected journey that began when Rachel was forced to step into the director's chair for the first time on a vertical series. What could have been a production crisis became a defining career moment—one that helped pave the way for Rachel and Belen to create one of Chera TV's first lesbian love stories, A Shot at Love. The conversation explores how taking a chance, embracing uncertainty, and proving themselves in a rapidly growing industry opened new creative doors, including Rachel's role as co-writer on the highly rated debut series To Her Beat. From navigating the fast-paced world of vertical storytelling to championing authentic LGBTQ+ representation on screen, Rachel and Belen discuss the challenges, breakthroughs, and creative partnerships that have shaped their careers. They also dive into visual storytelling, building community within the indie film space, and why some of the biggest opportunities arrive when you're least expecting them. 🎬 In this episode:• Rachel's unexpected first directing job on a vertical series• Turning a production setback into a career breakthrough• Creating A Shot at Love for Chera TV• Bringing one of Chera's first lesbian love stories to the screen• Co-writing the hit debut series To Her Beat• The rise of vertical storytelling and micro-dramas• Director-DP collaboration and visual world-building• Building a sustainable career in independent film Sometimes the door doesn't open—you have to step through it when it suddenly appears. Learn more: 📱 Chera TV: https://www.cheratv.com 🎬 Watch the A Shot at Love trailer:https://www.instagram.com/p/DYSlhxIDDGD/ 🎥 Rachel Rose:Website: https://rachelronrose.com/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelronrose/ 📸 Belen Garcia:Website: https://www.belengg.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mabelengg/ 🌐 Connect 🎬 Production: ⁠⁠⁠@foxandsiren.productions⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Makayla: ⁠⁠⁠@iammakaylamcintosh⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Cat: ⁠⁠⁠@catyudaintea⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Makayla’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠Siren Makayla Substack⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Cat’s Substack:⁠⁠⁠Cat Yudain Substack⁠⁠⁠ 📩 Email: GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound //Website: ⁠⁠⁠DGSound.net⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@dgrahamsound

  8. May 26

    Pirates! Self-Producing and Distributing an Independent Microdrama: making Under the Crimson Sails with Julie Bruns

    Raise the flag for today’s episode of GateCrashers! Today we sit down with Actor, Writer, Producer and absolute rockstar, Julie Bruns. She shares her experience getting into the world of indie filmmaking through her role as an associate producer for Crazy Eights, (a film competition in Vancouver to put it lightly), and takes us through the journey of writing, producing, and starring in the first indie vertical microdramas- oh, and she did it on a boat. Beneath Crimson Sails is now available on multiple platforms, and she isn’t stopping there. Get ready to be inspired by today’s episode!  Julie’s Links: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/julie.bruns/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatjuliebruns Threads: https://www.threads.com/@julie.bruns Beneath Crimson Sails social media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneathcrimsonsailsvertical/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beneathcrimsonsails Threads: https://www.threads.com/@beneathcrimsonsailsvertical Link to the trailer (and to watch the show on muVpix): https://muvpix.com/watch-series/trailer-1/s-1 My Eviction playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqMWIAxVFUU&list=PLLspUw9LwTa9Wq3JWtrjWJSZ-7RNW-jmk Ada: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drhtcW4NWLw 🌐 Connect 🎬 Production: ⁠⁠@foxandsiren.productions⁠⁠ 📸 Makayla: ⁠⁠@iammakaylamcintosh⁠⁠ 📸 Cat: ⁠⁠@catyudaintea⁠⁠ 📰 Makayla’s Substack:⁠⁠Siren Makayla Substack⁠⁠ 📰 Cat’s Substack:⁠⁠Cat Yudain Substack⁠⁠ 📩 Email: GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound //Website: ⁠⁠DGSound.net⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@dgrahamsound

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

GateCrashers Pod is a rebellion against the old Hollywood playbook. Hosted by filmmakers Makayla McIntosh and Cat Yudain this series spotlights the creators who didn’t wait for permission — they broke in, built their own systems, and changed the game. From vertical dramas and indie film financing to creative survival in an industry built on gatekeeping, Gatecrashers dives into the stories, strategies, and scars behind modern filmmaking and entertainment. Real talk. Raw journeys. No gatekeepers allowed. 🎬 Gatecrashers — because the future of film belongs to the ones who kick the doors open.

Information

  • Creator
    Cat and Makayla
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cat and Makayla
  • Show Website
    GateCrashers Pod