The MAKE IT Podcast

Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs

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. Materialists: A24’s $20M Modern Day Rom-Com

    3H AGO

    Materialists: A24’s $20M Modern Day Rom-Com

    Hello, Hello! NEW PODCAST SERIES ALERT: 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 — MATERIALISTS: In this episode, we explore the intricate world of luxury dating in New York City through the lens of the film 'Materialists.' Directed by Celine Song, the film explores themes of ambition, desire, and the commodification of love, starring Dakota Johnson as a matchmaker navigating her own romantic challenges. With a backdrop of Manhattan's elite, the narrative unfolds into a critique of modern relationships and societal expectations. TAKEAWAYS: The film 'Materialists' explores the intersection of love and capitalism.Director Celine Song critiques the modern dating marketplace.Dakota Johnson's performance highlights the tension between professional success and personal fulfillment.The film uses New York City as a character to enhance its narrative.'Materialists' challenges the conventions of romantic comedies with a deeper message.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Dakota Johnson Celine Song Chris Evans Pedro Pascal New York City, Manhattan Materialists A24 Prime Video 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

    9 min
  2. Hedda | Power, Desire, and Societal Constraints

    NOV 3 · BONUS

    Hedda | Power, Desire, and Societal Constraints

    Hello, Hello! NEW PODCAST SERIES ALERT: 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 — HEDDA: In this episode, we explore the intricate layers of Nia DaCosta's film 'Hedda,' a reimagining of Ibsen's classic play set in a 1950s English country estate. We delve into the film's themes of power, desire, and societal constraints, as well as the bold performances by Tessa Thompson and Nina Haas. Join us as we discuss how DaCosta's creative choices transform a known narrative into a compelling modern tale. Takeaways Nia DaCosta's 'Hedda' is a reimagining of Ibsen's classic play set in 1950s England.The film explores themes of power, desire, and societal constraints.Tessa Thompson delivers a nuanced performance as the titular character, Hedda.Nina Haas plays Eileen, a character who brings intellectual fire and wounded pride.The film's setting and cinematography create a labyrinthine atmosphere of tension and intrigue.DaCosta's adaptation includes themes of race, queerness, and class.The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is available on Prime Video.Critics praise the film's strong performances and thematic depth.'Hedda' serves as a case study in transforming creative constraints into advantages.The film encourages indie filmmakers to explore big ideas with limited resources.Mentioned in this Episode Tessa ThompsonNia DaCostaNina HaasImogen PootsHenrik IbsenSean BobbittToronto International Film FestivalAmazon Prime VideoDownton AbbeyCandyman (2021)The Marvels (2023)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: 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

    8 min
  3. 422 - David Parks - Producer of “The Short Game” - How to Tell Neurodiverse Stories, Mastering Distribution and Marketing, and the Birth of the New Indie Producer

    OCT 31

    422 - David Parks - Producer of “The Short Game” - How to Tell Neurodiverse Stories, Mastering Distribution and Marketing, and the Birth of the New Indie Producer

    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. Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off your first three months of Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeit This episode is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto is online payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. It’s all-in-one, remote-friendly, and incredibly easy to use—so you can pay, hire, onboard, and support your team from anywhere. Try Gusto today at gusto.com/makeit, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.  --- Hello, Hello!  In this episode, we sit down with Producer and Director David Parks to dive deep into the journey of Indie filmmaking, the making of his feature film The Short Game, and the realities of bringing authentic neurodiverse stories to the screen. Through thoughtful discussion and entertaining anecdotes, the conversation unpacks the balance between creative vision and analytical decision-making, handling post-production setbacks, and the importance of continuous learning in the film industry. From distribution strategies to heartfelt family stories, this episode delivers both inspiration and practical wisdom for filmmakers and film lovers alike.  We also talk about: The role of Executive Producers and how their contributions go far beyond financial support, including resources and creative insight.The challenges and ingenuity behind filming sports scenes, especially on a tight indie budget, including iPhone cinematography tricks.Funny and formative prank stories shared by the hosts and guests, highlighting family dynamics and growing up.The evolution of golf in cinema, including a new Things We Should Know about the very first golf movies ever made.Favorite cheat day meals, with a spotlight on iconic Chicago deep dish pizza and the unique food culture of Adams Morgan in Washington, DC. People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: The Short Game (feature film) Full Cup (documentary) Dirty Towel (short film) Spring Fever West of Broadway Citizen Kane Rocky Raiders of the Lost Ark One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest The Sting Spaceballs Home Alone Tin Cup Caddyshack The Legend of Bagger Vance BarbieHeimer (referenced rollout) Blazing Saddles Super Troopers David Parks Kevin Ross (editor) Frank Sansa (writer/producer) Emma Parks (actress/filmmaker) Lori Flori Lawrence (screenwriter) Larry Boatright Jordan Christensen Ellen Gusenberg Kent Dan Hagel Bob Costas Aiden Alexander Ben Krieger Martin Maxey Jay Duplass The Safdie Brothers The Russo Brothers Aaron Schneider Tom Hanks Jonathan Boeing Rioville Adams Morgan (DC) Sherman TX Bristol CT Annapolis Huntland TN USC Film School Syracuse University Newhouse School Peter Stark Producing Program (USC) Wharton Business School IE Business School NBC Sports Producers Guild Association Google Workspace Otter.ai Claude Pro (Anthropic) Gusto (payroll app) GitHub JIRA HubSpot Notion Lou Malnati’s (Chicago pizza) Jumbo Slice (Adams Morgan) Armands Pizza Homeless World Cup (soccer event) Chocolate Martini 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 34m
  4. #12 - SUMMARIES | Mark Maxey: Rule of Thirds Financing and Purpose-Driven Producing

    OCT 24

    #12 - SUMMARIES | Mark Maxey: Rule of Thirds Financing and Purpose-Driven Producing

    Hello, Hello! Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #12 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 AI 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 Mark Maxey, Producer (Up To Stuff, Words of War, Rare Objects, PTSD911). So, who is Mark Maxey? Mark Maxey is an Emmy award-winning producer and executive at Rolling Pictures - a motion picture company in Burbank delivering development, packaging, production and editorial services for film and television. Recent productions include the political thriller Words of War with Sean Penn and starring Jason Isaacs, Ciarán Hinds, Ben Miles, Maxine Peake, directed by James Strong; Space Oddity directed by Kyra Sedgwick and starring Kevin Bacon, Alexandra Shipp, Kyle Allen and Carrie Preston; Mayim Bialik's directorial debut As They Made Us starring Dustin Hoffman, Candice Bergen, Dianna Agron, and Simon Helberg; Rare Objects directed by and starring Katie Holmes with Alan Cumming, Julia Mayorga and Derek Luke; and the documentary film Up to Snuff which Maxey wrote, directed and produced, featuring Aaron Sorkin, Martin Sheen, Tom Arnold, Timothy Busfield, Ed Asner, Lawrence O'Donnell, and W.G. Snuffy Walden. Executive producer credits include The Kill Room starring Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman and Maya Hawke, directed by Nicol Paone. Maxey's work in television includes producing critically acclaimed programs such as American Valor, The Honors: A Salute to American Heroes, National Memorial Day Parade, and On Stage at the Kennedy Center with the late Marvin Hamlisch. His work has been seen on ABC, CBS, CNN, Discovery, FOX, MSNBC, MTV, NBC, and PBS. Maxey has served on the national board of directors of the Producers Guild of America, co-chairs PGA Capital, and is a national member of the Television Academy. Maxey is co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Washington West Film Festival, the only film festival to donate 100% of box office proceeds to help at-risk youth and families in need. Maxey serves on the boards of Women in Film & Video, Artistic Fuel Foundation, and the Rock & Roll for Children Foundation benefiting families fighting pediatric cancer at the Children's Inn at the National Institutes of Health. Enjoy and follow Mark on Instagram 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

    13 min
  5. 421 - Charlie's Place Creator Rhym Guissé on The True Crime Craze, International Storytelling, Documentary Ethics, and How Podcasts & Films Preserve Marginalized Voices

    OCT 17

    421 - Charlie's Place Creator Rhym Guissé on The True Crime Craze, International Storytelling, Documentary Ethics, and How Podcasts & Films Preserve Marginalized Voices

    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. Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off your first three months of Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeit This episode is brought to you by HelloFresh. The best way to cook just got better. Go to www.HelloFresh.com/MAKEIT10FM now to get 10 Free Meals and a Free Item for life!  Hello, Hello!  In this episode, Rhym Guissé joins us to explore her journey as a multi-hyphenate creative, detailing her experiences in filmmaking and producing both narrative features and impactful documentaries. We discuss the significance of telling marginalized stories, ethical storytelling, and the community’s role in shaping resilient narratives. Through candid reflections, we offer insights into prioritizing joy, navigating the film industry, and balancing artistic integrity with audience expectations. We also talk about: Rhym’s approach to choosing which hidden histories to uncover and the ethical considerations involved.The influence of genre expectations in film and podcasting, including the challenges and benefits of crossing genres.Audience trends in documentary preferences, especially the popularity of true crime versus other genres like politics or biography.How personal upbringing, international experiences, and family expectations shape creative identity and resilience.Lighthearted chat about cheat day meals, favorite cities, and films people are ashamed not to have seen. People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Make It PodcastCharlie's PlaceRevisionist HistoryThunderboltsBlack BarbieCARTESThere Will Be BloodBattle of AlgiersZ (1969)The Piano TeacherThe MatrixParasiteRaging BullBlack PantherMenace II SocietyX-MenThe Dark KnightRhym GuisséThelma SchoonmakerCharlie FitzgeraldSarah FitzgeraldMalcolm GladwellElla FitzgeraldBillie HolidayFats DominoDaniel Day-LewisBill HaderJordan PeelePaul Thomas AndersonClaude Pro (Anthropic AI)Hello FreshPushkin NetworkCriterion ChannelIFCMyrtle Beach (South Carolina)Dakar (Senegal)AlgeriaMaliParisLouisianaLos AngelesPhiladelphiaMexico CityMontrealAmsterdamLincoln CenterLA International Shorts Film FestivalAruba 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 54m
  6. 420 - Director Jonathan Bowen on Building Community and Legacy in Las Vegas, His Film “The Comic Shop,” and the Realities of Making It in Film

    OCT 3

    420 - Director Jonathan Bowen on Building Community and Legacy in Las Vegas, His Film “The Comic Shop,” and the Realities of Making It in Film

    This episode is brought to you by Insta360, (the trailblazing camera brand renowned for its innovative 360 and action cameras) and their brand-new pocket-sized marvel, the GO Ultra 4K. Compact like an Oreo and weighing in at just 53 grams, this little powerhouse is not just designed to fit in your pocket—it's crafted to deliver stunning, super-smooth 4K footage at 60 frames per second.  And here’s a special treat for you: With your purchase of the Insta360 GO Ultra, snag a free set of Sticky Tabs, perfect for mounting your camera to everything from winter jackets to backpacks. Simply visit https://store.insta360.com and enter the promo code MAKEIT - good for the first 30 purchases only.  This episode is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto is online payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. It’s all-in-one, remote-friendly, and incredibly easy to use—so you can pay, hire, onboard, and support your team from anywhere. Try Gusto today at gusto.com/makeit, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.  Hello, Hello!  In this episode, filmmaker Jonathan Bowen joins us to share his journey from running fan sites to directing movies in Las Vegas, offering a candid look at the realities of independent film, including his feature film (streaming now), The Comic Shop. We dive into the challenges of building an authentic audience, balancing creative passion with financial sustainability, and making a lasting impact through film. We hope to provide some practical advice on grassroots marketing, community building, and the importance of staying true to your vision as a filmmaker. We also talk about: The parallels between running an indie comic shop and navigating the world of independent filmmaking.How daily creative habits and perseverance can keep your filmmaking dreams alive.The significance of audience polls and data in shaping creative and marketing decisions.The history and trivia of films shot in Las Vegas, including the first feature filmed entirely in the city.Personal stories about creative inspiration, favorite films, and the role of risk-taking in artistic careers. People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Amy Allison Fans (film) Las Vegas Shakedown (film) El Rancho Vegas Hotel (Las Vegas) Quiver (film distributor) YouTube Red Tubi (streaming/podcast platforms) PG County Film Festival (Maryland) Nashville Film Festival (Tennessee) Senior Living Tours (video production reference) Fantasy Flight Games Marvel Game of Thrones Joni Mitchell (musician) Kevin Kelly (author, “1000 True Fans”) David Fincher (director) Daniel Day-Lewis (actor) Emerald Fennell (director) Michael Mann (director) Michael Madsen (actor) Jesse Metcalf (actor) Joe Ligo (guest/episode reference) John Tucker Must Die (film) Saltburn (film) Fight Club The Game Star Wars Lou Malnati’s Chicago (deep dish pizza reference) Bakersfield, California New York City Las Vegas, Nevada Jonathan Bowen (guest) JLB Media Productions 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 37m
  7. 419 - Documentarian Joe Ligo: How to Build an Audience for Documentaries and Distribute on PBS

    SEP 19

    419 - Documentarian Joe Ligo: How to Build an Audience for Documentaries and Distribute on PBS

    This episode is brought to you by HelloFresh. The best way to cook just got better. Go to www.HelloFresh.com/MAKEIT10FM now to get 10 Free Meals and a Free Item for life!  Hello, Hello!  In this episode, we welcome documentarian Joe Ligo to discuss his acclaimed series "The Last Independent Automaker," which chronicles the rise and fall of American Motors Corporation (AMC). Joe shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of independent filmmaking, drawing parallels between the automotive and film industries, and offers practical advice for creators seeking to carve out their own niche. The conversation also explores car culture, the evolution of technology in filmmaking, and the importance of community support in bringing unique stories to life. We also talk about: The process of distributing a documentary series through public television and leveraging YouTube audiences.Creative financing strategies for indie filmmakers, including grants, crowdfunding, and fiscal sponsorship.The impact of emerging technologies like affordable cameras, drones, and AI tools on independent film production.The cultural significance of iconic cars from the 1960s and the shifting landscape of car appreciation among younger generations.Personal stories about car ownership, the sentimental value of physical media, and the challenges of producing DVDs in the digital age. People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: Auto Moments (YouTube channel)The Last Independent Automaker (documentary series)Maryland Public Television (MPT)American Public Television (APT)PBS streaming appLast Independent Auto Facebook pageAlfred P. Sloan Foundation (grant)MotorCities National Heritage Area (grant)Visit Detroit (corporate sponsor)AMC (American Motors Corporation)Pat Foster (co-producer, author)Jim Needle (co-producer)Vince Gerace (AMC designer)Jerry Myers (former AMC CEO)Daniel Wozhovits (AMC assembly line worker)Kenosha, Wisconsin (AMC factory, car show)PG County Film Festival, MarylandBowie State UniversityNash AutoHudson AutoPackardStudebakerDuryea Motor Wagon Company (first independent US automaker)Lucid AirTesla Model SHonda PrologueBlackmagic Pocket Cinema CameraRED ScarletB&HBeast GripCinema8Adobe PremiereAdobe EncoreCreative Suite 5DaVinci ResolveFinal Cut XCapCutCriterion ChannelBitmaxMichael MannTom CruiseLawrence KasdanSam GroomNeedles, CaliforniaMustangCorvette StingrayShelby GT500Pontiac GTODodge ChargerStudio GhibliSpirited AwayThe Love BugChristine (Film)GoldenEyeHeatJawsTransformersSaturn (car company)Lincoln Town CarChevy AvalanchePlymouth BreezeAMC Ambassador (cars)Snow Leopard (Mac OS) 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 53m
  8. #11 - SUMMARIES | Charla Lauriston: From Haitian Roots to Hollywood Comedy and Why Failure is the Key

    SEP 12

    #11 - SUMMARIES | Charla Lauriston: From Haitian Roots to Hollywood Comedy and Why Failure is the Key

    This episode is brought to you by HelloFresh. Go to www.hellofresh.com/MAKEIT10FM now to get 10 Free Meals + a Free Item for Life! Hello, Hello! Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #11 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 AI 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 Charla Lauriston, Writer (Grand Crew on NBC), Comedian, and Podcaster (The Werking Writer)  So, who is Charla Lauriston? Charla Lauriston is a Vancouver and Los Angeles-based comedian, writer, and director. Born in Haiti and raised on the East Coast, she’s currently a Supervising Writer/Producer for Grand Crew on NBC and has previously written for The Last OG, Ghosted, People of Earth, Hoops, and others. Her 2021 episodic short, Witchsters, is the official selection of the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival, New Filmmakers Los Angeles, and the 2021 Austin Film Festival and American Black Film Festival. Charla is the host of The Werking Writer Podcast, a career-focused show and community created for new and aspiring screenwriters. Enjoy the show, and follow Charla on Instagram 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 creative 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

    16 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.

You Might Also Like