GateCrashers Pod

Cat and Makayla

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. 6D AGO

    [episode]30 and Flirty- All Things SAG-AFTRA/AMPTP Negotiation, the LA Vertical Drama Market, and some Reddit Questions

    In today’s THIRTIETH (!!!) episode, Cat and Makayla hit some hot topics and current events, including Makayla’s takeaways from the LA Vertical Drama Market, the proposed SAG/AMPTP agreement, some discourse from Reddit, and as always, an anecdote or two. 🌐 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

    1h 7m

  2. MAY 12

    Thriving in Hollywood: Building Work with your Community with Phillip Smithey

    What does it really take to break into Hollywood when the odds (and the gatekeepers) are stacked against you? This week, we sit down with actor, writer, and creative force Philip AJ Smithey to talk about the reality behind building a career in entertainment. From navigating your early career (and a new market) to building a community that creates its own opportunities, Philip shares the mindset shifts, resilience, and sometimes a parking ticket or two that helped shape his journey. We dive into:✨ Turning rejection into momentum✨ Building confidence in an unpredictable industry✨ Why community is everything for creatives✨ Funding projects and making things happen independently✨ The power behind The Collaborative✨ Balancing ambition, creativity, and self-care Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, artist, or someone chasing a dream outside the system, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice about forging your own path — and refusing to wait for permission. Today's Guest: Philip SmitheyIG: @philipsmitheyTikTok: @philipajsmitheyYouTube:LowBudgetShenanigansGrabBagComedy The Collaborative:The-Collaborative.proThe-Collaborative.net Hollywood Casting Studio:HollywoodCastingStudio.com 🌐 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

    1h 3m

  3. MAY 5

    From Silence to Cinema: Upgrade Your Sound, Upgrade Your Story with Dave Chick

    In today’s episode, we sit down with  sound designer and composer, Dave Chick! Dave shares his journey from music school to film sound, the art of sound design in filmmaking, and how sound transforms a film. We’ll hear about his approach to collaboration, managing creative differences, and balancing versatility with specialization- his being in the horror comedy space . Discover the nuances of film scoring, the importance of relationships, and how to navigate a creative career in today's evolving landscape.  Connect with Dave: davechick.ca  🌐 Connect 🎬 Production ⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/foxandsiren.productions⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Makayla: ⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/iammakaylamcintosh⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Cat: ⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/catyudaintea⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Makayla’s Substack: ⁠⁠⁠https://rebelwaves.substack.com⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Cat’s Substack: ⁠⁠⁠https://catyudain.substack.com⁠⁠⁠ 📩 Email: ⁠⁠⁠foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://Dgsound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound

    1h 4m

  4. APR 28

    Why You Should Bet on Yourself: One Year Check-In Since SeriesFest

    Should you just write the damn thing?This week on GateCrashers, we are reunited in LA for a meeting about our project, The Mercy Cage. We are finally back together in person since last year's SeriesFest (!!). We sit down to rehash where we started and where we are going.In today’s episode, we reflect on the wild ride of collaboration versus solo writing. How bouncing ideas off of each other not only fuels our creativity but also holds us accountable. We tackle decision fatigue together, and help one another get unstuck.Plus, we share the importance of protecting intellectual property in an industry where ideas can easily get tangled. Still figuring this out, but it feels good to share the journey with you all! Read more in our novel, The Mercy Cage:  https://open.substack.com/pub/sirenmakayla/p/prologue-the-mercy-cage?r=21niib&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web 🌐 Connect 🎬 Production ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/foxandsiren.productions⁠⁠ 📸 Makayla: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/iammakaylamcintosh⁠⁠ 📸 Cat: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/catyudaintea⁠⁠ 📰 Makayla’s Substack: ⁠⁠https://rebelwaves.substack.com⁠⁠ 📰 Cat’s Substack: ⁠⁠https://catyudain.substack.com⁠⁠ 📩 Email: ⁠⁠foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com⁠⁠ GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://Dgsound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound

    33 min

  5. APR 21

    Krista Gano on Pitching Smarter, Not Spending Harder

    In this episode of Gatecrashers, we sit down with Krista Gano to break down what it really takes to pitch smarter, develop stronger scripts, and survive (and thrive) in today’s rapidly shifting entertainment industry. With a deep-rooted background in Hollywood—working alongside top-tier talent and shaping projects from the ground up—Krista brings invaluable insight into how creators can cut through the noise. From her early experiences to her current work guiding writers and filmmakers, she unpacks the real cost of weak development—and how getting the right feedback before pre-production can save you time, money, and creative burnout. We dive into the evolving power dynamic of the industry, where development is increasingly shifting into the hands of producers and creators rather than studios. Krista shares actionable strategies for crafting clear, compelling pitches, reducing friction in storytelling, and building projects that are both creatively strong and market-aware. She also brings her experience coaching creators at SeriesFest’s Pitch-A-Thon and on the road, offering a front-row perspective on what makes a pitch actually land in competitive, real-world settings. Plus, we explore: Why simplicity and clarity win in pitchingThe critical role of feedback and script consultingHow AI is impacting development and productionThe rise of vertical content—and why cinematic quality still mattersBuilding healthy, collaborative sets in a high-pressure industryHow to target audiences without losing your voiceIf you’re a filmmaker, writer, or creator looking to sharpen your pitch, protect your budget, and take control of your development process—this episode is your blueprint. 🎧 Gatecrashers is all about breaking the rules, bypassing the gatekeepers, and building the career you want—on your terms. 🎧 Guest: Krista Gano PITCHING WORKBOOK: https://www.workingartistgroup.com/pitch-ready-workbook Christa Gayno's Website - https://workingartistgroup.com/This Is How My Brain Works Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-how-my-brain-works/id1541234567 Series Fest - https://seriesfest.com 🌐 Connect 🎬 Production ⁠https://instagram.com/foxandsiren.productions⁠ 📸 Makayla: ⁠https://instagram.com/iammakaylamcintosh⁠ 📸 Cat: ⁠https://instagram.com/catyudaintea⁠ 📰 Makayla’s Substack: ⁠https://rebelwaves.substack.com⁠ 📰 Cat’s Substack: ⁠https://catyudain.substack.com⁠ 📩 Email: ⁠foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com⁠ GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://Dgsound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound

    59 min

  6. APR 14

    Champion Your Community: The Heart of Iron Family & the Vision of Hindsight Film Festival

    What does it mean to truly champion your community—and tell stories that matter? In this episode of Gatecrashers, we sit down with filmmaker Pat Longstreth, founder of the Hindsight Film Festival, to explore the power of storytelling that starts at home and ripples outward. From building a film festival backed by legendary documentarian Ken Burns to creating his deeply moving documentary Iron Family, Pat is redefining what it means to amplify voices that are often overlooked. Iron Family follows the creative life of Jazmine Faries, a young artist with Down syndrome, as she transforms her imagination into original theatrical productions staged by her family. The film is intimate, uplifting, and a testament to the power of self-expression, independence, and unwavering support. We dive into: How Pat chooses the subjects for his documentariesThe collaborative process behind telling deeply personal storiesThe inspiration behind launching the Hindsight Film FestivalWhy Iron Family is a film that stays with you long after it endsAnd what it really takes to champion your community—without waiting for permissionThis conversation is a reminder that the most powerful stories aren’t always the loudest—they’re the ones built with care, trust, and heart.  Iron Family is now available on streaming platforms. Learn more about the Hindsight Film Festival: https://www.hindsightfilmfestival.com/ Follow Gatecrashers for more conversations with filmmakers and creatives who are breaking rules, building their own doors, and telling the stories that need to be told. 🎧 Guest: Pat LongstrethWebsite: http://patricklongstreth.com/Iron Family: https://ironfamilyfilm.com/ 🎬 More from Pat:The Day That Shook Georgia (Trailer): https://vimeo.com/702605491The Life of Bill Baggs (Trailer): https://vimeo.com/525125922 Hindsight Film Festival: ⁠https://www.hindsightfilmfestival.com/⁠                             https://www.youtube.com/@HindsightFilmFestival   www.instagram.com/hindsightfilmfestival 🌐 Connect🎬 Production: https://instagram.com/foxandsiren.productions📸 Makayla: https://instagram.com/iammakaylamcintosh📸 Cat: https://instagram.com/catyudaintea📰 Makayla’s Substack: https://rebelwaves.substack.com📰 Cat’s Substack: https://catyudain.substack.com📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://Dgsound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound

    48 min

  7. APR 7

    Lessons Learned! And Industry Hot Takes

    Ever sent an email you wish you could take back? We’ve all been there- hitting send before the edit is done, sharing BTS too early, communication mishaps happen. That doesn't make it less embarassing. Today, Cat and Makayla yap about lessons learned the hard way, with some spicy industry hot takes along for the ride. 🌐 Connect🎬 Production: https://instagram.com/foxandsiren.productions📸 Makayla: https://instagram.com/iammakaylamcintosh📸 Cat: https://instagram.com/catyudaintea📰 Makayla’s Substack: https://rebelwaves.substack.com📰 Cat’s Substack: https://catyudain.substack.com📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://Dgsound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound

    26 min

  8. MAR 31

    Green-light Yourself: How Isabel Dréan got 5 Scripts Produced in 18 Months

    What if the fastest way into the film industry right now… isn’t through the traditional system at all? This week on Gatecrashers, we sit down with Isabel Dréan - screenwriter, director, producer, and digital visionary — whose career is a masterclass in reinvention. From her early days acting and directing in Montreal, to writing horror and psychological thrillers, to becoming a go-to writer for Christmas films (with five produced scripts in just 18 months), Isabel has consistently stayed ahead of where the industry is going — not where it’s been. And now? She’s at the forefront of one of the biggest shifts in entertainment: vertical series. With her series The Blind Bride of the Scarred Mafia Boss hitting #1 on VIGLOO, Isabel breaks down why vertical storytelling isn’t a downgrade — it’s a global expansion. We get into the real opportunities for writers and creators right now, how these projects are getting financed and produced at lightning speed, and why you don’t need an agent to start working in this space. We also dive into: How Isabel pivoted genres — and why it changed everythingWriting commercially without losing your voiceThe structure of addictive, bingeable vertical episodesWhat platforms are actually looking forWhy speed and volume are becoming superpowers for writersWhere the money is flowing globally (and how to tap in)How to shift your mindset to "Green-light" Plus, Isabel shares insights from her work mentoring writers around the world, her global network THE HUB, and what it really takes to become a “produce-ready” creator in today’s industry. If you’ve been waiting for permission to break in — this is it. Follow Gatecrashers for more conversations with rule-breakers, system disruptors, and creators building careers on their own terms. 🎧 Guest: Isabel DréanWebsite: https://www.isabeldrean.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabeldrean/IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3956465/ 🌐 Connect🎬 Production: https://instagram.com/foxandsiren.productions📸 Makayla: https://instagram.com/iammakaylamcintosh📸 Cat: https://instagram.com/catyudaintea📰 Makayla’s Substack: https://rebelwaves.substack.com📰 Cat’s Substack: https://catyudain.substack.com📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://Dgsound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound

    1 hr
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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
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cat and Makayla
  • Show Website
    GateCrashers Pod