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 dive into indie gems, massive blockbusters, cinema history, and everything in between. If you love movies and want more than polite chit-chat, this is your spot. Stay Inspired, Chris + Nick

  1. 436 - Elsa Ramo - Entertainment Lawyer & Strategist - Why Entertainment Lawyers Need to Be in LA, The Hidden Costs of Not Hiring an Entertainment Lawyer, and Creative Vision vs. Commercial Reality

    MAY 15

    436 - Elsa Ramo - Entertainment Lawyer & Strategist - Why Entertainment Lawyers Need to Be in LA, The Hidden Costs of Not Hiring an Entertainment Lawyer, and Creative Vision vs. Commercial Reality

    This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://allthingsmakeit.com/collections/learn Hello, Hello!  In this episode, entertainment lawyer Elsa Ramo joins us to discuss the critical role of legal strategy in filmmaking and the entertainment industry. Ramo shares her journey from printing business cards at Kinko's to becoming a trusted advisor for major studios like Imagine Entertainment and production companies working on projects with Ron Howard, Ridley Scott, and Jude Law. The conversation covers everything from contract negotiations and creative deal-making to the impact of AI on the film industry and the importance of building relationships in Hollywood. We also talk about: • The difference between hiring a lawyer and the cost of not hiring one for independent creators • Whether filmmakers should hire an agent, manager, or lawyer first when starting their careers • How AI is transforming both content creation and legal services in the entertainment industry • The challenges of user-generated content versus traditional filmmaking in today's market • Key decision points in the filmmaking process where creators need legal consultation People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Imagine Entertainment Ron Howard Scott Free Productions (Ridley Scott) Universal Studios back lot Max (HBO Max) Cartoon Network California Lawyers for the Arts Film Independent Sundance Film Festival Cannes Film Festival Marina del Rey LA East Side vs. West Side Lisa Frank TMZ Dianna Russini & Mike Vrabel Chris Martin / Coldplay jumbotron incident Don's Plum Father's Office The Counter In-N-Out Burger The Real Housewives of Orange County Ramo Law PC 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 36m
  2. Mortal Kombat II | Why Mortal Kombat II Works (Film Review)

    MAY 14

    Mortal Kombat II | Why Mortal Kombat II Works (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, host Nick dives deep into Mortal Kombat II, exploring how the sequel successfully delivers on fan expectations through authentic combat, expanded mythology, and commitment to the franchise's core identity. The discussion examines how the film embraces its video game origins rather than apologizing for them, creating a spectacle that rewards longtime fans while demonstrating the evolution of video game adaptations in modern cinema. Nick analyzes the film's approach to character development, visual design, and fight choreography as a blueprint for successful franchise filmmaking. TAKEAWAYS: • Karl Urban's portrayal of Johnny Cage and the character's journey from washed-up action star to genuine hero • Martyn Ford's intimidating performance as Shao Kahn and the film's expanded character roster • Simon McQuoid direction and how it serves the existing fanbase rather than courting new audiences • The evolution of video game adaptations from niche entertainment to generational storytelling • How the film's visual design embraces fantasy over realism to create authentic arcade-inspired environments MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Mortal Kombat II Karl Urban (Johnny Cage) Martyn Ford (Shao Kahn) Simon McQuoid (director) Jeremy Slater (screenwriter) Ed Boon John Tobias Liu Kang Sonya Blade Jax Raiden Scorpion Kitana Jade Baraka Sindel Quan Chi Noob Saibot 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

    11 min
  3. SUMMARIES - Sevan Najarian - How Crowdfunding and Community Rallied to Save 'Mars'

    MAY 12

    SUMMARIES - Sevan Najarian - How Crowdfunding and Community Rallied to Save 'Mars'

    Hello, Hello! In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore the remarkable journey of writer, director, animator, and VFX artist Sevan Najarian, from his constrained upbringing in a strict Jehovah's Witness household in Modesto, California, to directing the crowdfunded animated feature film "Mars" for the legendary comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U Know. Through his story, we discover how limitations and community support can fuel extraordinary creative achievements, and examine the importance of human intention in an age of artificial intelligence. This deep dive reveals how a DIY spirit, honed through platforms like Channel 101, can lead to professional success while maintaining creative integrity. We also talk about: • The difference between SFX (practical special effects) and VFX (digital visual effects) • Channel 101's brutal but effective feedback loop for creative development • The toxic culture of big VFX houses versus television's constraint-driven efficiency • How the pandemic forced the Mars project from live-action to animation • The role of AI tools in creative work and why generative AI can't replace human intention People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: Sevan Najarian The Whitest Kids U' Know Trevor Moore Zach Cregger Sam Brown Timmy Williams Darren Trumeter Channel 101 Dan Harmon Rob Schrab Justin Roiland Modesto Junior College George Lucas Adobe After Effects Midnight Kid Studios Hotel St. George, Brooklyn Mars (animated film) Tribeca Film Festival Claude The Real Animated Adventures of Doc and Mharti Barbarian 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

    13 min
  4. 435 - Kanye Deserves More Credit, Jaafar Jackson’s “Michael” Performance, “Interest Tentpoles” and a Chat with The Napa Boys, Nick Corirossi & Armen Weitzman

    MAY 1

    435 - Kanye Deserves More Credit, Jaafar Jackson’s “Michael” Performance, “Interest Tentpoles” and a Chat with The Napa Boys, Nick Corirossi & Armen Weitzman

    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 Hello, Hello!  In this episode, hosts Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs dive into current events ranging from recent political incidents to Kanye West's public apology, before exploring the massive success of the Michael Jackson biopic and what it reveals about Hollywood's "interest tent pole" strategy. They discuss how studios now greenlight films based on search trends and IP rather than storytelling merit, and examine the challenges facing independent filmmakers in today's market. The conversation concludes with insights from indie filmmakers Nick Corirossi and Armen Weitzman about their comedy "The Napa Boys" and how Hollywood has commoditized nostalgia at the expense of genuine storytelling. We also talk about: • The difference between what audiences want (horror) versus what they need (comedy) based on audience polling • How modern filmmaking has lost essential storytelling elements that create lasting nostalgia • The rise of "interest media" and how search algorithms influence film production decisions • Why physical newsletters and tangible media create deeper fan connections than digital alternatives • The challenge of maintaining artistic integrity while pursuing commercial success in independent filmmaking People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: People: Nick Corirossi Armen Weitzman Kanye West / Ye Joe Jackson Taylor Swift Jay Leno Dana White Joe Rogan Tucker Carlson Dick Gregory Nia Long Jaafar Jackson Cheryl Hines Henry Martínez  BC (Brian Comer, Cards and Capes) Nick Barnes Nate Bargatze Danielle Vega Andrew Schulz Companies, Platforms & Organizations: Panini (trading cards) Magnolia Pictures   Lionsgate   Netflix A24 USPS. Wall Street Journal Sundance Film Festival  Cannes Film Festival  TIFF  White House Secret Service US Congress  IMAX  Dolby Podcasts, Shows & Internal Series: Mistakes in the Making (series on the MAKE IT Podcast) Films, TV, IP & Characters: The Napa Boys   Michael (biopic)   Project Hail Mary   Enemy Mine   Adult Interference Tár   Oppenheimer  The Passion of the Christ   Ghost   Super Troopers   American Pie   Buffy the Vampire Slayer   He-Man: Masters of the Universe   Rambo   RoboCop   The Goonies   Stand by Me   The Princess Bride   Snow White (2025 Disney remake)   Cruella De Vil   The Wicked Witch of the West   Thanos  Street Fighter II   Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (concert film) Albums, Music & Artists:   Kanye West – "Bully"  My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Yeezus Books & Concepts: Mastering Film Marketing (ebook)  Project Hail Mary (novel) The Hero's Journey (Joseph Campbell) Documentaries & Upcoming Projects: Age of Disclosure  Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day  Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Games & Game-Based IP:   Resident Evil  Five Nights at Freddy's  Backrooms (A24 film)  Backrooms (liminal-space concept)  Exit 8 Concepts, Themes & Cultural References: White House Correspondents' Dinner DC Sniper Serenity Prayer Seinfeld – "Serenity Now" MeToo Movement Tourette Syndrome The Manosphere Overton Window Four-quadrant film  Interest tentpoles — Chris's coined concept Liner notes MAKE IT Shop 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 48m
  5. LOCKS by Ryan Coogler (Movie Review)

    APR 29

    LOCKS by Ryan Coogler (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 Film Brief, Nick explores a young Black man's journey through his Oakland neighborhood to a barbershop. The episode examines how this student film showcased Coogler's early mastery of visual storytelling and cultural representation, serving as a foundation for his later acclaimed works. Through detailed analysis, Buggs demonstrates how "Locks" proves that meaningful filmmaking doesn't require massive budgets, just precision, intention, and authentic storytelling. TAKEAWAYS: • The power of symbolism and visual narrative in short films • How limited resources can strengthen rather than weaken a film's impact • The importance of short films as training grounds for emerging filmmakers • Community support and collaboration in independent filmmaking • The connection between early student work and future Hollywood success MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ryan Coogler (director) Locks (2009) Oakland, California University of Southern California Fruitvale Station (2013) Creed Black Panther Sundance Film Festival Sundance Grand Jury Prize Sundance Audience Award 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: www.themakeitpodcast.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    8 min
  6. SUMMARIES - Robert Broadhurst - The Ethics of White Filmmakers Addressing Race: Boundaries and Responsibility

    APR 28

    SUMMARIES - Robert Broadhurst - The Ethics of White Filmmakers Addressing Race: Boundaries and Responsibility

    Hello, Hello! In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore filmmaker Robert Broadhurst's dramatic career pivot from directing high-end luxury commercials for brands like Armani and Yeezy to creating minimalist, confrontational cinema designed to expose audience biases. They examine how his film "An Occurrence at Arvern" functions as a psychological Rorschach test, forcing viewers to confront their own internalized assumptions about race in America. The discussion reveals how cultural timing and geography dramatically affected the film's reception, transforming it from "pointless" to "essential" without changing a single frame. We also talk about: • Broadhurst's unconventional journey from suburban Connecticut to Columbia University MFA to commercial success • His technical background in editing and how it shaped his visual storytelling approach • The ethical boundaries he maintained during production, including refusing funding to ensure proper representation • His philosophy on surviving as an artist in capitalist systems like New York City • The role of physical movement in creative problem-solving and breakthrough moments People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: Robert Broadhurst Change the Narrative with JD Fuller (YouTube) JD Fuller Curtiss Cook Jr. Charles Hayes IV (see note) Quentin Tarantino Kanye West George Floyd Connecticut Chicago Boston East Coast Queens, New York Arverne, Queens (see note) England, UK Columbia University Ghostbusters (1984) An Occurrence at Arverne An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge (1962) Armani Beauty Adidas Y-3 Alexander Wang Yeezy Vimeo 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

    18 min
  7. 434 - Filmmaker Motke Dapp - How He Built a Crew with $500, What It Really Takes to Direct Films, and How to Handle Creative Conflict and Compromise on Your Film Set

    APR 17

    434 - Filmmaker Motke Dapp - How He Built a Crew with $500, What It Really Takes to Direct Films, and How to Handle Creative Conflict and Compromise on Your Film Set

    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 episode, filmmaker and director Motke Dapp returns to discuss his journey from a nomadic childhood to becoming a successful commercial director and feature filmmaker. The conversation explores the realities of independent filmmaking, the importance of building a creative community, and the challenges of balancing artistic vision with commercial viability. Motke shares insights from his experience directing Another Version of You and his current work creating commercials for Whisker's Litter Robot. We also talk about: • The essential tools needed to start filmmaking and building a crew through community connections • Whether independent filmmakers actually watch independent films, and the time constraints that limit viewing • The role of celebrity and notoriety in achieving commercial success in filmmaking • Handling conflict and collaboration on set while maintaining creative relationships • The choice between making passion projects versus commercially viable films People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Micah Simms (cinematographer) Ken Conrad (editor) Nichole Marie Lim Kim "Cookie" McCray Ciciley Hoffman Sara Antonio Ecca Vandal Christopher Nolan A24 Ben Proudfoot Another Version of You Tangerine Primer Iron Lung Sugar Glass Schindler's List Dunkirk Hair Love Inocente DaVinci Resolve Canon 5D Mark cameras Red cameras Whisker (Litter-Robot) MTV Kickstarter Seed & Spark 48 Hour Film Project Nashville 54 Hour Film Fest Sundance Film Festival Denver, Colorado Nashville, Tennessee Montana 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

    2h 17m
  8. Mistakes In The Making w/ Emmy-nominated Actress Danielle Vega - How to Turn Your Biggest Career Mistakes into Stepping Stones Toward Success

    APR 15

    Mistakes In The Making w/ Emmy-nominated Actress Danielle Vega - How to Turn Your Biggest Career Mistakes into Stepping Stones Toward Success

    Hello, Hello! In this Mistakes in the Making, Emmy-nominated actress Danielle Vega shares her hard-learned lessons about the critical importance of preparation in entertainment careers. She candidly discusses her early mistakes in red-carpet interviews in LA, where a lack of preparation led to embarrassing moments with guests she hadn't properly researched. Vega emphasizes that these failures served as stepping stones, motivating her to approach future opportunities with better preparation and professionalism. Enjoy! We also talk about: • The transition from journalism education to entertainment industry work • How acting experience doesn't automatically translate to journalism success • The bare minimum preparation requirements for actors on set • Using embarrassing career moments as motivation for future excellence • The ongoing psychological impact of professional mistakes People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Southern Methodist University Broadcast Journalism (major/field of study) Los Angeles, CA Barney & Friends East Los High @themsdaniv on 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://themakeitpodcast.store Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    5 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 dive into indie gems, massive blockbusters, cinema history, and everything in between. If you love movies and want more than polite chit-chat, this is your spot. Stay Inspired, Chris + Nick

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    516
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Bonsai Creative Enterprises, LLC 2026
  • Show Website
    The MAKE IT Podcast