The MAKE IT Podcast

Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs
The MAKE IT Podcast

The MAKE IT podcast salutes the Indie Film Creative. Join us weekly for candid conversations with seasoned pros, offering advice, knowledge, and industry insights to fast-track the journey for aspiring film professionals. Discover inspiration and guidance tailored for your cinematic path. Enjoy the journey? Dive deeper at www.themakeitpodcast.com and follow us on Instagram and X @_makeitpodcast.

  1. 413 - Greta Quispe - Keys To Being Cast in American Fiction, Matlock, and Tyler Perry's Next Big Thing

    JUN 27

    413 - Greta Quispe - Keys To Being Cast in American Fiction, Matlock, and Tyler Perry's Next Big Thing

    This episode is brought to you by IDEO U. Equip yourself with repeatable, practical frameworks developed by IDEO, empowering your organization to continuously innovate and confidently navigate future challenges. For a limited time, IDEO U is offering our listeners 15% OFF SITEWIDE! Go to www.IDEOU.com/MAKEIT for 15% OFF today.  This episode is also brought to you by Bzigo. Bzigo Iris—your smart home mosquito detector. Bzigo Iris is a cutting-edge device that uses computer vision and AI to detect, track, and pinpoint mosquitoes in real-time. Take back your nights with Bzigo. Go to www.bzigo.com/discount/BUZZ10 and use the code BUZZ10 to save 10% off. Hello, Hello!  In this episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we welcome Greta Quispe, an accomplished actress with roles in shows like Matlock and New Amsterdam and films like American Fiction. Greta shares her inspiring journey from a challenging background in Brooklyn to working with notable actors like Kathy Bates and appearing in Tyler Perry's upcoming series "Divorced Sistas". The conversation explores her experiences in acting, the importance of perseverance, and what it truly means to "make it" in the entertainment industry. We also talk about: • The nuances of acting techniques and the challenges of different performance styles • Insights into the casting and audition process for actors • Strategies for aspiring actors to break into the entertainment industry • The role of social work in understanding character development • Memorable moments and lessons learned from working with established actors People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: • IDEO U • Bzigo Iris • MAKE IT shop at Cotton Bureau • MAKE IT x Beacons.ai • Tyler Perry Studios • Backstage Magazine • Actors Access • Casting Networks • Matlock • New Amsterdam • American Fiction • Salma Hayek • Kathy Bates • Denis Leary • Philip Seymour Hoffman • Tom Hanks • Julia Roberts • Denzel Washington • Ethan Hawke • Stephen King • R.L. Stein • Jeff Kinney • Judy Blume Sponsors: IDEO UBzigoColumbia State Community College Film Crew Tech Program 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

    1h 43m
  2. #08 - SUMMARIES | Paula Landry: The Future of Film Distribution and Unconventional Paths in Filmmaking

    JUN 20

    #08 - SUMMARIES | Paula Landry: The Future of Film Distribution and Unconventional Paths in Filmmaking

    Hello, Hello! Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #08 Summaries take some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condense them down to 10 (or so) minutes of pure listening pleasure.  Summaries are hosted by our digital interns, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness, and are designed to give you, our valued listeners, just the information you need from each guest. It's a new short-form concept for a fast-paced world. It's the answer to the two-hour podcast you want to listen to but never have the time for. Each new episode of Summaries will be published right here, on the MAKE IT feed. We think you'll love it as much as we do—now, on to the show. --- Alex and Allison summarize our previously released episode with Paula Landry, Executive Producer of the forthcoming film The Naked Winemaker. So, who is Paula Landry? Paula is s Producing Fellowship Winner of the BlackMagic Film Collective, a Member of the Disney Creative Talent Development & Inclusion Program, Winner of the Austin Film Festival 2nd Rounder, and a Semi-Finalist in the Made in NY New York Writers Program Fellowship, Paula Landry is an award-winning Film Producer & Writer based in New York who believes that storytelling eliminates loneliness and changes the world! She makes movies and videos for the coolest companies and individuals, stemming from her eclectic career combining writing, filmmaking, and music training.    She’s frequently hired to produce movies and branded content, generate budgets, and write scripts and movie business plans. Landry authors filmmaking books such as The Business of FILM with Stephen Greenwald; Scheduling and Budgeting Your Film; and Applying Entrepreneurship to the Arts; among others. As an educator, she guides creators-entrepreneurs to launch their business venture and serves as the Board Co-Vice President of the PANO NETWORK, a filmmaking nonprofit striving to uplift gender-marginalized filmmakers. Enjoy and follow Paula on Instagram here, and check out his website here.  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

    15 min
  3. 412 - Will Parrinello & Majo Calderon - Water for Life: Documenting Hope in a Changing World

    JUN 13

    412 - Will Parrinello & Majo Calderon - Water for Life: Documenting Hope in a Changing World

    This episode is brought to you by Factor meals. No prep, no cooking. Just dietitian-approved, chef-prepared meals delivered to your door and ready to eat in 2 minutes. Go to factormeals.com/MAKEIT50OFF. Use the code MAKEIT50OFF to get 50% off your order plus free shipping! Hello, Hello!  In this episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, hosts Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs welcome documentary filmmakers Will Parrinello and Majo Calderon to discuss their film "Water for Life" and their experiences in documentary filmmaking. The conversation explores the challenges of creating impactful documentaries, fundraising strategies, and the importance of storytelling in addressing social and environmental issues. Will and Majo share insights into their collaborative process, the emotional journey of making documentaries, and their commitment to highlighting stories of positive change. Since its world premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival, where the film received the Documentary Audience Award, the film has been Shortlisted for Best Feature Documentary at the 40th IDA (International Documentary Awards). Additional awards: Grand Jury Prize for Best Film at Isla Verde Cuba Greenpeace Award for Best Environmental Documentary at SiciliAmbiente Film Festival Italy Courage Award at Red Nation International Film Festival in Los Angeles Cubavisión International Spirit of Collaboration Award at the Havana Festival of New Latin American Cinema We also talk about: • The evolution of documentary filmmaking and funding challenges • Mental health and emotional resilience in documentary production • The importance of community and collaboration in creative projects • Strategies for raising funds and sustaining a career in documentary filmmaking • The role of documentaries in raising awareness about global environmental and social issues People, Products, and Places Mentioned: • Guests: Will Parrinello, Majo Calderon • Filmmakers: Jane Goodall, Wangari Maathai, Diego Luna, Leela Downs Organizations:  - PBS - Bullfrog Films - Amnesty International - RFK Center - American Himalayan Foundation - Goldman Environmental Prize Films/Documentaries: - "Kerouac" - "Water for Life" - "An Inconvenient Truth" People Referenced: - Bernard Osher - Dalai Lama - Michael Tucker - Jill Eikenberry Websites: - mvfg.com - majocalderon.com - pbs.org Locations: - Chile - Big Sur - Tibet - Mexico City Sponsors: - Factor Meals 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

    2h 17m
  4. 411 - Emma Tonner, Co-Founder of Galatea on How AI and Tech Are Rewriting the Creative Playbook, The $10 Billion Revolution in Digital Content, and Turning Readers into Bestselling Authors in 3.5 Years

    MAY 30

    411 - Emma Tonner, Co-Founder of Galatea on How AI and Tech Are Rewriting the Creative Playbook, The $10 Billion Revolution in Digital Content, and Turning Readers into Bestselling Authors in 3.5 Years

    This episode is brought to you by the new Insta360 X5 Camera. To get a free invisible selfie stick with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "makeit", available for the first 30 standard package purchases only. Hello, Hello!  In this episode we welcome Emma Tonner, co-founder of Galatea and Chief Innovation Officer at Inkitt, to discuss her innovative approach to digital storytelling and content creation. Emma shares insights into her platform's unique method of discovering and developing writing talent, transforming stories into global franchises across books, audiobooks, and TV series. The conversation explores the intersection of technology, storytelling, and creative development, highlighting the potential for new writers to break into the entertainment industry. We also talk about: • The psychological appeal of anti-hero characters in storytelling • The role of AI in writing and content creation • Challenges and opportunities in modern publishing • The importance of reader feedback in story development • Strategies for writers to improve their craft and gain recognition Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned:   • Emma Tonner • Galatea • Inkitt • Insta360 X5 Camera • Cotton Bureau • Grammarly • Game of Thrones • Dexter • The Queen's Gambit • Gossip Girl • Saban Theater (LA) • Shogun (TV series) • John Adams (mini-series) • ChatGPT • MAKE IT on Instagram • MAKE IT on TikTok 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 Subscribe to our newsletter at www.bonsai.film/subscribe 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 43m
  5. 410 - Dominic Hoffman - A Guide to Artistic Survival, Keys to Developing Discipline as a Creative, and An Actor's Perspective on Hollywood's Hidden Challenges

    MAY 16

    410 - Dominic Hoffman - A Guide to Artistic Survival, Keys to Developing Discipline as a Creative, and An Actor's Perspective on Hollywood's Hidden Challenges

    This episode is brought to you by Factor Meals. Eating well has never been this easy: just heat up and enjoy, giving you more time to do what you want. Get started at https://factormeals.com/makeit50off and use code MAKEIT50OFF to get 50% off plus FREE shipping on your first box. Enjoy!  Hello, Hello!  In this episode, we welcome multi-talented artist Dominic Hoffman, who shares his remarkable journey through acting, writing, directing, and audiobook narration. Hoffman opens up about his experiences in the entertainment industry, from his early days on "Different World" to his recent projects and upcoming book "Late Rehearsals". The conversation spans topics ranging from code-switching and artistic discipline to the nuances of success in creative fields. We also talk about: • The challenges of being an actor and maintaining artistic integrity • Navigating racial dynamics in the entertainment industry • The importance of discipline and continuous improvement in one's craft • Personal experiences with code-switching and cultural identity • The evolving landscape of storytelling across different mediums Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned:   Factor Meals Cotton Bureau The MAKE IT Podcast Bookstore MAKE IT Link-In-Bio @ Beacons.ai Dominic Hoffman Chris Barkley Nicholas Buggs Anthony Mackey Denzel Washington Kobe Bryant Luther Vandross David Mamet Shia LaBeouf James McBride Tyler Perry Joe Morton Val Kilmer Clint Eastwood John Wayne Ralph Ellison Simon Vance A Different World Hangin' with Mr. Cooper Jamie Foxx Show Black Panther Crash Tombstone Unforgiven Gone with the Wind The Wizard of Oz Late Rehearsals (Dominic Hoffman's book) James (by Percival Everett) Dante's Inferno Audible Awards Audio File Earphone Awards Venice, California UC Santa Cruz 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 Subscribe to our newsletter at www.bonsai.film/subscribe 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

    2h 16m
  6. #07 - SUMMARIES | Emil Gallardo: From Tech to Film: Immigrant Stories, Universal Truths and Navigating Filmmaking

    MAY 9

    #07 - SUMMARIES | Emil Gallardo: From Tech to Film: Immigrant Stories, Universal Truths and Navigating Filmmaking

    Hello, Hello! Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #07 Summaries take some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condense them down to 10 (or so) minutes of pure listening pleasure.  Summaries are hosted by our digital interns, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness, and are designed to give you, our valued listeners, just the information you need from each guest. It's a new short-form concept for a fast-paced world. It's the answer to the two-hour podcast you want to listen to but never have the time for. Each new episode of Summaries will be published right here, on the MAKE IT feed. We think you'll love it as much as we do—now, on to the show. --- Alex and Allison summarize our previously released episode with Emil Gallardo, Director of the HBO Oscar Qualifying short film 1,2,3 All Eyes on Me. So, who is Emil Gallardo? Emil Gallardo is an Oscar-qualifying Mexican-American writer-director, a 2020 HBO Directing Fellow, the recipient of Panavision's Future Filmmaker award and one of the Austin Film Festival's twenty-five screenwriters to watch in 2021. Years before any accolades though, Emil's first dues were paid as a PA on softcore porn sets. From there, he remained in the AD department but moved to working on a variety of fully-clothed independent and studio productions. It wasn't until several years later that Emil began writing and directing. His most recent film, 1, 2, 3, All Eyes on Me, about a crisis that engulfs an elementary school, deeply resonated with audiences and juries alike. It qualified for the 2021 Oscars, won HollyShorts' Grand Prix award, a Jury Award at AFF, and was nominated for a John Singleton Impact Award which recognizes storytellers who give a voice to the underrepresented and inspire change through filmmaking. 1, 2, 3, All Eyes on Me was acquired by HBO and is now available to watch. With all of his work, Emil strives to tell unforgettable stories that stand out for their authenticity and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Asylum, the debut feature film he's developing about the injustices migrant children endure, is no exception. His latest work is the forthcoming film SubURB. Enjoy and follow Emil on Instagram here, and check out his film 1, 2, 3, All Eyes on Me here.  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 Subscribe to our newsletter at www.bonsai.film/subscribe 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

    16 min
  7. 409 - Brad Starks - Producer of Hawaiian TV Series Moku Moku on Hawaii's Indie Film Scene and How to Build a Sustainable Creative Career

    MAY 2

    409 - Brad Starks - Producer of Hawaiian TV Series Moku Moku on Hawaii's Indie Film Scene and How to Build a Sustainable Creative Career

    Hello, Hello!  This episode is brought to you by the new Insta360 X5 Camera. To get a free invisible selfie stick with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "makeit", available for the first 30 standard package purchases only. In this episode of the MAKE IT Podcast, we welcome Brad Starks, a filmmaker and photographer based in Maui, Hawaii. Brad shares his journey from fashion photography to creating the TV series "Moku Moku," which aims to authentically represent Hawaiian culture and community. The conversation explores filmmaking, cultural representation, creativity, and the meaning of success in the entertainment industry. We also talk about: • The challenges of maintaining authenticity in storytelling • The importance of networking and supporting fellow creatives • Balancing cultural significance with profitability in independent filmmaking • The impact of streaming services and algorithms on content creation • Personal stories of inspiration and perseverance in creative careers Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned: • Insta 360 X5 camera • Laulima Studios • Moku Moku TV series • Cotton Bureau • The MAKE IT Podcast Bookstore • "When Did I Know I Was Black" (Chris Haley's book of poetry) • Hawaiian Airlines • Production Beast • Actors Access • Matsumoto Shave Ice • Zippy's Restaurant • Foodland • Hallmark • Lifetime • White Lotus • Nicole Miller • Elite Models • Channel 5 (CBS affiliate in Hawaii) • Relativity Studio • NXIVM Cult 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 Subscribe to our newsletter at www.bonsai.film/subscribe 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

    2h 13m
  8. #06 - SUMMARIES | Jeff Clanagan: AI, Writers, and the Future of Storytelling in Hollywood

    APR 25

    #06 - SUMMARIES | Jeff Clanagan: AI, Writers, and the Future of Storytelling in Hollywood

    Hello, Hello! Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #06 Summaries take some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condense them down to 10 (or so) minutes of pure listening pleasure.  Summaries are hosted by our digital interns, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness, and are designed to give you, our valued listeners, just the information you need from each guest. It's a new short-form concept for a fast-paced world. It's the answer to the two-hour podcast you want to listen to but never have the time for. Each new episode of Summaries will be published right here, on the MAKE IT feed. We think you'll love it as much as we do—now, on to the show. --- Alex and Allison summarize our previously released episode with Jeff Clanagan, founder of Code Black films and President and Chief distribution Officer of Kevin Hart's company Hartbeat Entertainment. So, who is Jeff Clanagan? Clanagan got his start in the 1980s promoting hip hop concerts for artists like NWA and Run DMC. He discusses the entrepreneurial spirit needed to break into the business as a young promoter. This led to opportunities working with pioneering labels like No Limit Films. As the founder of No Limit, Clanagan was instrumental in creating the direct-to-video business model that opened new revenue streams for independent films. He also discusses promoting the first national comedy tours and developing specialized retail sections for genres not previously seen in stores. Now running companies like Code Black Films and Kevin Hart's Heartbeat Entertainment, Clanagan emphasizes doing research to understand industries from a business perspective. Enjoy and follow Jeff on Instagram here, and check out his website here.  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 Subscribe to our newsletter at www.bonsai.film/subscribe 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
5
out of 5
100 Ratings

About

The MAKE IT podcast salutes the Indie Film Creative. Join us weekly for candid conversations with seasoned pros, offering advice, knowledge, and industry insights to fast-track the journey for aspiring film professionals. Discover inspiration and guidance tailored for your cinematic path. Enjoy the journey? Dive deeper at www.themakeitpodcast.com and follow us on Instagram and X @_makeitpodcast.

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