The MAKE IT Podcast

Chris Barkley & Nick Buggs

We are lifelong friends, movie lovers, and producers of three feature films. We are on a mission to share insights and emcee unfiltered conversations with pros across the film world. New episodes every two Fridays. Watch on YouTube, listen on Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Stay Inspired, Chris + Nick Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.

  1. 1d ago

    450: Anggun on Turning Down James Bond, Starting Over From Zero & Joining Reacher Season 4

    This episode is brought to you by http://storyblocks.com/makeit! Storyblocks is a 100% human-made stock media library that’s essential for creators with millions of professionally curated assets — footage, music, sound effects, templates, and images. Everything is pre-licensed and ready to use under one subscription. Head to http://storyblocks.com/makeit to access the human-made stock media library that’s essential to our workflow. For a limited time, get 15% OFF any annual plan! This episode is brought to you by MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year!  Hello, Hello!  In this episode, international singer, songwriter, and actor https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anggun joins us to discuss the risks and rewards of rebuilding a creative career across countries and art forms. She shares how she moved from Indonesian stardom to a new life in Europe, then prepared to take on acting through study and a willingness to begin again. The conversation explores film craft, creative resilience, kindness at work, favorite movies, and Anggun’s definition of a life well lived. We also talk about: - Anggun performing at the Indonesia–Thailand ASEAN final and seeing Indonesia win on penalties. - Chris’s story about persuading his German uncle to visit the United States after his uncle worried action movies reflected everyday life. - Anggun’s experience living in Paris for decades, returning to Indonesia, and navigating her French citizenship. - Her appreciation for food, including Indonesian chicken dishes and durian, whose strong smell contrasts with its prized flavor. - And, our recommendations and reactions to https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11995650/?ref_=fn_t_1, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14905854/?ref_=fn_t_1 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517268/?ref_=fn_t_1, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15398776/?ref_=fn_t_1, and https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0027572/?ref_=fn_t_1. People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anggun https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi_Dja https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Ritchson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosie_O%27Donnell https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bond https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halle_Berry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Yeoh https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Lee https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Statham https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mads_Mikkelsen https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Bullock https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvester_Stallone https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owen_Wilson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Pattinson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Scorsese https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Nolan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Fincher https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%A9dric_Klapisch https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susanne_Bier  Anggun’s Work https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_on_the_Sahara https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reacher_(TV_series) (as Amisha Hoth) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31382021/?ref_=fn_t_1 (Para Perasuk) Films, TV & Music https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Equalizer_(film) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourne_(franchise) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Game_(1997_film) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Royal_Tenenbaums https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantastic_Mr._Fox_(film) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie_(film) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15398776/ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14905854/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lobster https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogma_(film) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_Box_(film) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ_Superstar https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11995650/?ref_=fn_t_1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Hard https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Transporter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_and_the_Pirates https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart-Shaped_Box https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Reacher Platforms, Brands & Organizations https://www.storyblocks.com/makeit https://www.sundance.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia%27s_Got_Talent https://eurovision.tv/ https://www.disney.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilith_Fair https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASEAN_Championship https://www.mlssoccer.com/ https://www.nashvillesc.com/ https://www.chelseafc.com/ Places https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakarta https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States Other https://olala-cafe.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durian Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support. We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs.  Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker. Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

    450: Anggun on Turning Down James Bond, Starting Over From Zero & Joining Reacher Season 4
  2. 4d ago ·  Bonus

    SUMMARIES | Alex Ferrari: A Mobster’s $20M Offer, Indie Film Hustle, and Next Level Soul

    Hello, Hello!  In this episode. We trace Alex Ferrari’s path from street-level hustling to independent filmmaking and spiritual media. His story highlights the difference between trading personal labor for income and building scalable platforms. We also explore how setbacks, skepticism, and creative constraints shaped his work and purpose. We also talk about: Ferrari’s grandmother watching his first street-corner sale from inside a bank, and his later weekend garage sales in Florida.How his wife helped interrupt his small-scale retail hustle and refocus him on filmmaking.Ferrari’s two-year retreat from the industry, sorting comic books for an eBay business with a friend.The discussion’s advice about festival laurels, saturated streaming markets, and the business side of independent film.Ferrari’s interest in Paramahansa Yogananda and conversations about spiritual legacy, consciousness, and the soul.Products, software, websites, people, and places mentioned People Alex Ferrari Shannon Lee Bruce Lee Dr. Eve Marjorie Woollacott Paramahansa Yogananda Alex’s Projects Shooting for the Mob On the Corner of Ego and Desire Indie Film Hustle Next Level Soul MAKE IT The MAKE IT Podcast Summaries Platforms, Services & Tools GameStop Amazon eBay Skype Netflix Hulu Distribber iPhone 1080p pocket camera ARRI Alexa Places & Organizations Jamaica, Queens Florida Full Sail University Los Angeles Spago The Ivy Sundance Film Festival Park City, Utah Los Angeles Times Hollywood Video Other References Café Bustelo Maxwell House VHS  DVD 2008 financial crisis Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support. We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs.  Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker. Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT This episode includes AI-generated content.

    SUMMARIES | Alex Ferrari: A Mobster’s $20M Offer, Indie Film Hustle, and Next Level Soul
  3. Oct 30

    449 - Why Streamers Won’t Look at Your $100K Movie, New Federal Film Tax Credit Explained: How Indie Films Get 30% Back, and Does SAG-AFTRA’

    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 MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year!  Hello, Hello! In this episode. the fellas are back to chop it up about a wide variety of topics! We explore how a proposed federal film incentive could affect independent production budgets and U.S. filmmaking. We debate AI contract provisions, the shrinking of acting opportunities, and the creative impact of studio consolidation. We also discuss mental health, television storytelling, and what to watch for Halloween. Enjoy! We also talk about:Why introverts may find meaningful conversations energizing, even after a busy week.Nick's critique of Vision Quest and its rapid, comic-book-style storytelling.Why the new A Different World feels different from the original to Nick, and why he still welcomes the cast’s opportunity.The importance of asking friends directly whether they are okay, especially during a period of social and technological change.Halloween picks ranging from Whalefall and The Sixth Sense to Gremlins, plus the our thoughts on horror built through story rather than gore. People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:PeopleAdam Schiff Mark MaxeyChris GreeneNichole Marie Lim Sean AstinRJ MitteSacha Baron Cohen / Ali GSydney SweeneyAaron SorkinKadeem HardisonDominic HoffmanTom CruiseArnold SchwarzeneggerEddie Murphy Organizations & CompaniesAnthropicSAG-AFTRAWGAThe New York TimesIFCSkydanceGEICOProgressiveLiberty Mutual Films & TelevisionE.T. the Extra-TerrestrialThe Hunger GamesPulp FictionDigger John CarterHoward the DuckNorbitThe Only Living Pickpocket in New YorkTilly NorwoodWandaVisionVision QuestA Different World / Hillman College WhalefallThe Sixth SenseSin CityGremlinsThe Amityville HorrorFriday the 13thA Nightmare on Elm StreetHellraiserHalloweenThe TerminatorPredatorAlienRequiem for a DreamBad Boys: Ride or Die mother! Products & PlatformsClaude Pro RiversideStoryblocks PlacesGeorgiaKentuckyLouisianaNew MexicoNew HampshireNew Jersey Legislation & IndustryH.R. 10582 — Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization ActFilm production incentives in the USSAG-AFTRA contracts WGA contractsParamount Skydance / Warner Bros. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support. We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs.  Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker. Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

    449 - Why Streamers Won’t Look at Your $100K Movie, New Federal Film Tax Credit Explained: How Indie Films Get 30% Back, and Does SAG-AFTRA’
  4. Oct 27

    SUMMARIES - Lee Abrams - Why Fans Reject Safe Media And Human Taste Beats the Algorithm

    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. #MAKEIThttps://themakeitpodcast.store/newsletter Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore Lee Abrams’ path from a teenage radio enthusiast to a media innovator who challenged conventional formats. The conversation explains how audience observation, creative judgment, and careful programming helped build passionate fans. It also considers whether his approach can reshape television news and remain distinctive in an age of AI-generated media. We also talk about:How a WQAM summer job exposed Abrams to radio operations and the frustrations of AM Top 40.His callback-card research and the principle that data should verify creative choices rather than originate them.The difference between users and fans, and why sequencing turns content into programming.XM’s 89 studios, 2.5 million-song library, and the story of blues programmer Bill Wax meeting B.B. King.Abrams’ Tribune Company experience, AFDI, the creative batting average, and the challenge of making News Fix credible and compelling. People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:PeopleLee AbramsBuzz BennettHenry FordChris SquireJon Anderson Bill WaxB.B. KingTed NugentBarbra StreisandStanley Kubrick Projects & OrganizationsOriginal MAKE IT episode with Lee Abrams (2021) CelebrityAccessNewsFix XM Satellite RadioTribune CompanyWQAMWLSYesThe Onion Concepts & TechnologyAlbum-oriented rock (AOR)AM radio / FM radioIBM serversSpotifyAI-generated content Places & Cultural ReferencesThe MidwestMetallicaChicago Symphony Orchestra2001: A Space OdysseySgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support. We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs.  Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker. Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

    SUMMARIES - Lee Abrams - Why Fans Reject Safe Media And Human Taste Beats the Algorithm
  5. Oct 16

    448 - 25 Years After 9/11: The Doc Narrated by Gary Sinise | Michael Gier on Losing Everything and Starting Over at 40

    This episode is brought to you by http://storyblocks.com/makeit! Storyblocks is a 100% human-made stock media library that’s essential for creators with millions of professionally curated assets — footage, music, sound effects, templates, and images. Everything is pre-licensed and ready to use under one subscription.Head to http://storyblocks.com/makeit to access the human-made stock media library that’s essential to our workflow. For a limited time, get 15% OFF any annual plan! This episode is brought to you by MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year!  Hello, Hello! In this episode, filmmaker and former performer https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0317364/?ref_=fn_t_2 explains how he made his documentary https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21876766/?ref_=nm_knf_t_2. He shares stories of first responders, civilians, Flight 93, the boat lift, and rare footage from the Pentagon. The conversation also explores creative careers, rejection, film school, entrepreneurship, and what it means to MAKE IT. We also talk about: - The personal stories behind the documentary, including Will Jimeno’s rescue, the “Man in the Red Bandana,” and Lauren Grankolus’s voicemail. - Michael’s journey from theater and television to building Geier Productions after losing his real-estate business in the 2008 crash. - Lessons from Wounded Heroes, including Michael’s search for treatments that help people living with post-traumatic stress. - The “Praise You” video, the Torrance Community Dancers, Spike Jonze’s Richard Koufey persona, and the group’s three MTV Video Music Awards. - Michael’s advice on versatility, business skills, collaboration, learning by doing, and staying grounded through career setbacks. People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:People — Show & Familyhttps://www.gierproductions.com/Terri Gier People — 9/11https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_JimenoScott Strauss (NYPD ESU)Sgt. John McLoughlinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Airlines_Flight_93 & Jack Grandcolashttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welles_Crowther https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jules_and_G%C3%A9d%C3%A9on_NaudetPavel Hlavahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfgang_StaehleJude Koch People — Performers & Filmmakershttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_Hineshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Jonze https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sofia_Coppolahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Ford_Coppolahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Newtonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elton_Johnhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deidre_Hallhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louie_Andersonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Galifianakishttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Sinise https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Pennhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Nolanhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000759/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Damonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Cagehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Shorthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Madden People — Other Public Figureshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burt_Reynoldshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clint_Eastwoodhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Pitthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Cruisehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Anistonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Claude_Van_Dammehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vin_Dieselhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Hiltonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_Paulhttps://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/netflixs-untold-series-to-drop-new-documentary-on-the-daejon-love49ers-scandal-040722923.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orson_Welleshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Hitchcockhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevie_Ray_Vaughanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Van_Halenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Claptonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Framptonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Rockhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminemhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricky_Martinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Smith Groups & Charactershttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praise_Youhttps://www.gunsnroses.com/https://korn.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keeping_Up_with_the_Kardashianshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_to_Americahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiminy_Glick  Projectshttps://heroismandresiliency.com/https://filmfreeway.com/WoundedHeroeshttps://www.gierproductions.com/healing-heroes https://www.gierproductions.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torrance_Riseshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praise_Youhttps://www.themakeitpodcast.com/ TV & Filmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Beach_(TV_series)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Days_of_Our_Liveshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baskets_(TV_series)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tombstone_(film)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Matrixhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bourne_Identity_(2002_film)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33764258/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support. We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs.  Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker. Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

    448 - 25 Years After 9/11: The Doc Narrated by Gary Sinise | Michael Gier on Losing Everything and Starting Over at 40
  6. Oct 13

    SUMMARIES - Julius Ritter - The Permissionless Revolution & When Zero Dollars Isn’t Zero Vision

    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. #MAKEIThttps://themakeitpodcast.store/newsletter Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore Julius Ritter’s evolution from biracial child and working actor to independent writer-director. The conversation examines permissionless work, zero-budget filmmaking, creative solitude, and the search for timeless artistic themes. It is essential listening for filmmakers who want to build original work without waiting for industry approval. We also talk about:How being labeled can lead an artist to invent new worlds and identities.Why Ritter paused Sock and Buskin to pursue a $100,000 GoFundMe.The relationship between casting debates, colorism, representation, and working artists’ livelihoods.Why internet slang can date a screenplay while universal themes remain accessible.How solitude prepares a creative blueprint before collaboration brings it to life. People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:PeopleJulius Charles Ritter (also on TMDB)Terry JinglesRob ReinerQuentin TarantinoWilliam ShakespeareSoulja BoyActing CreditsGap (Gap Kids)CSI: Crime Scene InvestigationLike Mike Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life The Master of Disguise His Own FilmsSock & Buskin Sock and Buskin Film Fund (GoFundMe)Mr. MiseryAmericana, White SheetsWhat Did Deborah Do? Organizations & PlatformsFord ModelsGoFundMeMammoth Film FestivalReferences & PlacesLooney TunesSock and buskin HollywoodLos Angeles Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support. We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs.  Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker. Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

    SUMMARIES - Julius Ritter - The Permissionless Revolution & When Zero Dollars Isn’t Zero Vision
  7. Oct 9 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode: 48 Hour Film Project Winner Allison Alonzo on How to Make a Film in 48 Hours

    This episode is brought to you by MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year!  Hello, Hello! In this episode, Allison Alonso explains how she led her first 48 Hour Film Project as a director and won with Falling Short. She breaks down the competition’s strict rules, the creative decisions behind the film, and the practical realities of making a short film in 48 hours. The conversation also explores filmmaking careers, crew leadership, food on set, film influences, and what it means to make it. We also talk about:How the 48 Hour Film Project assigns the same prop, required phrase, and character details to every team.Why Allison chose fantasy over dystopia/utopia and how the team made a tomato work at a gas station location.The importance of feeding a crew, from Mexican bowls at lunch to Hunts Brothers pizza at 2 a.m.How a production team can protect a story’s twist by listening to actors and department heads during shooting.Why Allison sees the project as a return to film after taking a job at Vanderbilt University for stability, health insurance, paid time off, and a break from the industry. People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:Falling Short Raiders of the Lost ArkE.T. the Extra-TerrestrialEternal Sunshine of the Spotless MindJawsShort CircuitNapoleon DynamiteBarbieTenetThe Green KnightBlack KnightComing to America Food & BrandsHunt Brothers PizzaDomino’sGabby’s Burgers & FriesEmmy SquaredBig MacSupericaPizookie  PeopleAllison AlonzoEmElise KnappMartin LawrenceSteven SpielbergJordan ChateauConnor BaconSeth ShepardJones KolbinskiJake GilbertMariah KramerAlfonso RibeiroTia A. Smith SchoolsVanderbilt UniversityBelmont UniversityCarnegie Mellon University Film Events & OrganizationsNashville Film Festival48 Hour Film Project — NashvilleFilmapaloozaPoint of VU Film Festival (POVU) — Vanderbilt’s student festival Places & VenuesDallas, TexasBurbank, CaliforniaMexico CityZanies NashvilleThe GulchGreen HillsFlamingo Cocktail ClubCledis 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. #MAKEIThttps://themakeitpodcast.store/newsletter Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support. We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs.  Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker. Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

    Bonus Episode: 48 Hour Film Project Winner Allison Alonzo on How to Make a Film in 48 Hours
  8. Oct 2

    447 - What Money Can’t Fix on a Film Set, Why People Need People, and Creative Sets, AI, and Staying Weird - Nichole Marie Lim

    This episode is brought to you by MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year!  Hello, Hello! In this episode, we speak with Nashville filmmaker Nicole Marie Lim about building a career across makeup, writing, producing, and directing. Nicole explains how supportive relationships, practical set skills, and respectful leadership shape better creative work. The conversation also examines AI, vertical video, mid-budget filmmaking, actor chemistry, and what it means to make it without losing the joy of creating. We also talk about:How makeup artists can prepare for their first professional set.Why continuity, schedules, and department-specific language matter.The limits of glamour, fame, and money in filmmaking.Why directors should trust department heads and communicate according to individual needs.How chemistry reads can reveal unexpected casting choices. People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:PeopleNichole Marie Lim (also IMDb) Joy ToddDavid LimMichelle LimJohn AugustCraig MazinJim HensonJ.K. SimmonsBrad PittDavid AyerStephen NorringtonTim BurtonChristopher NolanZendayaRobert PattinsonMilla JovovichViola Davis Brands & ProductsMy Kit CoRCMA MakeupSenna CosmeticsListerineAltoids Her ProjectsCheckmate, The Way Back Down, Mom Cult, American Quilt Contest FilmsHolland (2025)BladeThe League of Extraordinary GentlemenThe MigrantMarie AntoinetteAmélieRomeo + Juliet The Sound of MusicThe Expendables 2SinnersThe 'BurbsPoor ThingsThe OdysseyOppenheimerGrizzly ManJawsAlienA Week Away Places & InstitutionsNashvilleOhioNew YorkAmsterdamMumbaiNashville Film FestivalFrist Art Museum MAKE ITMake It AcademyMastering Film Marketing (e-book)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. #MAKEITwww.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support. We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs.  Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker. Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

    447 - What Money Can’t Fix on a Film Set, Why People Need People, and Creative Sets, AI, and Staying Weird - Nichole Marie Lim
5
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100 Ratings

About

We are lifelong friends, movie lovers, and producers of three feature films. We are on a mission to share insights and emcee unfiltered conversations with pros across the film world. New episodes every two Fridays. Watch on YouTube, listen on Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Stay Inspired, Chris + Nick Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.

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