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  • 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 Storyblocks! 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 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 Michael Gier explains how he made his documentary The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11: From Tragedy to Triumph. 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 & Family

    Michael Gier

    Terri Gier


    People — 9/11

    Will Jimeno

    Scott Strauss (NYPD ESU)

    Sgt. John McLoughlin

    Lauren Grandcolas & Jack Grandcolas

    Welles Crowther 

    Jules and Gédéon Naudet

    Pavel Hlava

    Wolfgang Staehle

    Jude Koch


    People — Performers & Filmmakers

    Gregory Hines

    Spike Jonze 

    Sofia Coppola

    Francis Ford Coppola

    Wayne Newton

    Elton John

    Deidre Hall

    Louie Anderson

    Zach Galifianakis

    Gary Sinise 

    Sean Penn

    Christopher Nolan

    Paul Thomas Anderson

    Matt Damon

    Nicolas Cage

    Martin Short

    John Madden


    People — Other Public Figures

    Burt Reynolds

    Clint Eastwood

    Brad Pitt

    Tom Cruise

    Jennifer Aniston

    Jean-Claude Van Damme

    Vin Diesel

    Paris Hilton

    Jake Paul

    Daejon Love

    Orson Welles

    Alfred Hitchcock

    Stevie Ray Vaughan

    Eddie Van Halen

    Eric Clapton

    Peter Frampton

    Chris Rock

    Eminem

    Ricky Martin

    Will Smith


    Groups & Characters

    Torrance Community Dancers

    Guns N’ Roses

    Korn

    The Kardashians

    Prince Akeem

    Jiminy Glick 


    Projects

    The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11: From Tragedy to Triumph

    Wounded Heroes

    Healing the Heroes of 9-11 

    Gier Productions

    Torrance Rises

    Fatboy Slim — “Praise You”

    Make It Academy


    TV & Film

    Sunset Beach

    Days of Our Lives

    Baskets

    The Princess Bride

    Tombstone

    The Matrix

    The Bourne Identity

    The Odyssey

    Avatar

    The Brutalist

    One Battle After Another

    Mystic River

    Wild Wild West

    Coming to America


    Places

    San Diego

    Balboa Park 

    Hollywood 

    Torrance

    Coronado

    Beverly Hills

    Malibu

    New York City

    Manhattan 

    World Trade Center

    The Pentagon

    US Capitol

    Hudson River

    Las Vegas

    Nashville

    San Francisco

    Japan

    Australia

    Scotland

    Ireland

    Paris

    Brno

    Stuttgart

    Lamb’s Players Theatre

    Aladdin Hotel

    Metropolitan Opera House

    TCL Chinese Theatre

    Vanderbilt University

    Harvard

    Zamunda (fictional)


    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

    https://themakeitpodcast.store/newsletter



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    1 hr 50 min
  • 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. #MAKEIT

    https://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:

    People

    Julius Charles Ritter (also on TMDB)

    Terry Jingles

    Rob Reiner

    Quentin Tarantino

    William Shakespeare

    Soulja Boy

    Acting Credits

    Gap (Gap Kids)

    CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

    Like Mike 

    Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life 

    The Master of Disguise 

    His Own Films

    Sock & Buskin 

    Sock and Buskin Film Fund (GoFundMe)

    Mr. Misery

    Americana, White Sheets

    What Did Deborah Do? 

    Organizations & Platforms

    Ford Models

    GoFundMe

    Mammoth Film Festival

    References & Places

    Looney Tunes

    Sock and buskin 

    Hollywood

    Los Angeles



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    16 min
  • 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 Ark

    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

    Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

    Jaws

    Short Circuit

    Napoleon Dynamite

    Barbie

    Tenet

    The Green Knight

    Black Knight

    Coming to America


    Food & Brands

    Hunt Brothers Pizza

    Domino’s

    Gabby’s Burgers & Fries

    Emmy Squared

    Big Mac

    Superica

    Pizookie 


    People

    Allison Alonzo

    EmElise Knapp

    Martin Lawrence

    Steven Spielberg

    Jordan Chateau

    Connor Bacon

    Seth Shepard

    Jones Kolbinski

    Jake Gilbert

    Mariah Kramer

    Alfonso Ribeiro

    Tia A. Smith


    Schools

    Vanderbilt University

    Belmont University

    Carnegie Mellon University


    Film Events & Organizations

    Nashville Film Festival

    48 Hour Film Project — Nashville

    Filmapalooza

    Point of VU Film Festival (POVU) — Vanderbilt’s student festival


    Places & Venues

    Dallas, Texas

    Burbank, California

    Mexico City

    Zanies Nashville

    The Gulch

    Green Hills

    Flamingo Cocktail Club

    Cledis


    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

    https://themakeitpodcast.store/newsletter



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    43 min
  • 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:

    People

    Nichole Marie Lim (also IMDb) 

    Joy Todd

    David Lim

    Michelle Lim

    John August

    Craig Mazin

    Jim Henson

    J.K. Simmons

    Brad Pitt

    David Ayer

    Stephen Norrington

    Tim Burton

    Christopher Nolan

    Zendaya

    Robert Pattinson

    Milla Jovovich

    Viola Davis


    Brands & Products

    My Kit Co

    RCMA Makeup

    Senna Cosmetics

    Listerine

    Altoids


    Her Projects

    Checkmate, The Way Back Down, Mom Cult, American Quilt Contest


    Films

    Holland (2025)

    Blade

    The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

    The Migrant

    Marie Antoinette

    Amélie

    Romeo + Juliet 

    The Sound of Music

    The Expendables 2

    Sinners

    The 'Burbs

    Poor Things

    The Odyssey

    Oppenheimer

    Grizzly Man

    Jaws

    Alien

    A Week Away


    Places & Institutions

    Nashville

    Ohio

    New York

    Amsterdam

    Mumbai

    Nashville Film Festival

    Frist Art Museum


    MAKE IT

    Make It Academy

    Mastering 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. #MAKEIT

    www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support



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    1 hr 55 min
  • SUMMARIES - Keith McDaniel - How he made "The Clinton 12," Cast James Earl Jones, and Why Local Beats Bigger

    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

    Subscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support


    Hello, Hello!

    In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness examine Keith McDaniel’s path from singer, designer, and scriptwriter to documentary filmmaker and community leader. They explore how he learned filmmaking without formal training, documented complex Tennessee history, and built a sustainable local film festival. The conversation also connects creative independence with health, discipline, and the possibility that starting late can mean starting prepared.


    We also talk about:

    • How a poor first documentary can still reveal the right creative medium.
    • Why interviewing original Oakridgers preserved primary historical testimony.
    • How James Earl Jones added credibility and distribution power to The Clinton 12.
    • Why Keith treated 40 film festivals as research laboratories rather than applause tours.
    • How the seven-day shootout created audience ownership through participation.


    People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:

    Keith McDaniel (also IMDb)

    James Earl Jones 

    Ken Burns


    Films & Projects

    The Clinton 12 

    Secret City: The Oak Ridge Story 

    The Belmont Reasons


    Companies & Organizations

    Secret City Films

    Secret City Film Festival 

    Knoxville Film Festival

    Dogwood Arts

    Discovery

    Jupiter Entertainment

    eBay

    Motel 6


    Places

    Oak Ridge, Tennessee

    Roane County, Tennessee

    Knoxville, Tennessee

    Regal Downtown West Cinema 8


    History & Concepts

    Brown v. Board of Education

    Manhattan Project

    VHS

    Slow-carb diet



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    22 min
  • 446 - Isabel Hagen on Making 'On a String', Winning Tribeca, Cancel Culture, and Surviving Stand‑Up

    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 our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/products/mastering-film-marketing. Use the Discount code: NASHFILM20 for 20% off EVERYTHING at themakeitpodcast.com


    Hello, Hello! 

    In this episode, Isabel Hagen joins us to discuss her work as a comedian, filmmaker, and classically trained violist. She explains how her freelance music career inspired the feature film On a String, which premiered at Tribeca and won Best Screenplay in the U.S. Narrative Competition. The conversation also explores comedy in the age of clips, creative persistence, protecting real people in fiction, film criticism, artistic identity, and what it means to make it.


    We also talk about:

    • Turning experiences from weddings, funerals, and private music gigs into heightened comedic characters and situations.
    • Why live comedy benefits from audiences putting their phones away while performers test unfinished material.
    • Isabel’s process for becoming a stronger comedian through open mics, recordings, repeated performance, and daily review.
    • The creative lessons she draws from Paul Thomas Anderson, including the scale of One Battle After Another and the score of Phantom Thread.
    • How nostalgia, streaming overload, and the paradox of choice influence how audiences rewatch their favorite movies.


    People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:


    People

    Isabel Hagen (isabelhagen.com)

    Brandon Tamburri 

    William Primrose

    Paul Thomas Anderson

    Maria Bamford

    Marina Abramović

    Lana Del Rey


    Films & TV

    On a String

    The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

    One Battle After Another

    Phantom Thread

    Happiness

    The Omen

    The Parent Trap 

    Goodfellas

    Challengers

    Saltburn

    It's a Wonderful Life

    The Princess Bride

    Ferris Bueller's Day Off

    The NeverEnding Story

    The Dukes of Hazzard


    Companies & Organizations

    Joke Zero

    Tribeca Film Festival

    The Juilliard School

    NBC Symphony Orchestra

    Hollywood Walk of Fame

    Nashville Film Festival

    Substack

    Soho House


    Music

    Guns N' Roses

    "Welcome to the Jungle"


    Food & Places

    LaGuardia Airport

    Seattle

    7th Street Burger

    Shake Shack

    Beecher's Handmade Cheese 

    The Capital Grille


    MAKE IT

    Make It Academy

    Mastering Film Marketing (e-book)


    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

    www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support



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    1 hr 35 min
  • Film Brief - Who Is Stan Smith? - The Man Behind the Three Stripes

    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, Nick reviews Who Is Stan Smith?, Danny Lee’s documentary about the tennis champion whose name became attached to one of the world’s most recognizable sneakers. The film moves from athletic achievement and fashion history to Stan Smith’s friendship with Arthur Ashe, humanitarian work, and commitment to players’ rights. The conversation ultimately asks what kind of signature each person leaves behind when fame and branding are stripped away.


    TAKEAWAYS:

    • Smith’s rise from Southern California and USC tennis to former world number one.
    • His 1971 U.S. Open victory, 1972 Wimbledon victory, five U.S. Open titles across singles and doubles, and eight championship Davis Cup teams.
    • The open era of professional tennis and the movement for greater player control.
    • Smith’s 1973 Wimbledon boycott after Nikola Pilic was suspended.
    • The sneaker’s adoption by musicians, artists, designers, and fashion communities.


    MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

    The Film

    Who Is Stan Smith?

    Danny Lee

    Rebecca Halpern


    People

    Stan Smith

    Arthur Ashe

    John McEnroe

    Darryl "DMC" McDaniels

    Pharrell Williams

    Niki Pilić 


    Products & Brands

    Adidas Stan Smith

    Run-DMC


    Institutions & Events

    University of Southern California

    US Open

    Wimbledon

    Davis Cup

    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 us, or leaving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT


    All Links: www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support



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    12 min
  • SUMMARIES - Alexis Gambis - CRISPR, Cinema, and Identity—The Human Story of Science

    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

    Subscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support


    Hello, Hello!

    In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the world of filmmaker and Scientist, Alexis Gambis. He explains how a background in molecular biology can serve as a foundation for filmmaking rather than be an abandoned career. The conversation explores the Science New Wave, a movement that combines rigorous science with emotional storytelling, culture, and personal identity. It also examines CRISPR, de-extinction, creative practice, and the infrastructure needed to bring hybrid science films to audiences.


    We also talk about:

    • The patience and observation skills Gambis developed while studying fruit flies.
    • His father’s shift from engineering to painting and the role of family history in his films.
    • The resistance Gambis encountered from both biology and film communities.
    • Spike Lee’s mentorship and the fruit-fly drawing displayed beside a photo of Patrick Ewing.
    • The Symbiosis initiative’s one-week collaborations between scientists and filmmakers.


    People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:

    Alexis Gambis 

    Spike Lee

    James Franco

    Jessica Chastain

    Tenoch Huerta 

    Kurt Andersen

    Thomas Hunt Morgan


    Films & Projects

    The Fly Room (2014)

    Son of Monarchs (2020/21)

    The Next Jaguar 

    Disposable 

    The Color of Time 


    Institutions & Platforms

    The Rockefeller University

    NYU Tisch School of the Arts

    Columbia University

    Labocine

    Imagine Science Films

    Science New Wave — Labocine

    Sundance Film Festival

    Alfred P. Sloan Prize


    Science & Concepts

    Symbiosis

    CRISPR

    Cas9

    Thylacine (Tasmanian tiger)

    Woolly mammoth

    Asian elephant



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    21 min
  • 445 - Indie Talk - The Death of Physical Media, Infoist Religion, Fall Film Festivals, AI in Education, and Reaching 300K Subscribers

    This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/products/mastering-film-marketing. Use the Discount code: NASHFILM20 for 20% off EVERYTHING at themakeitpodcast.com


    Hello, Hello! 

    In this episode, we dive deep into the cultural and philosophical battle between physical ownership and the digital future, using Sony's elimination of physical game discs and Xbox's pro-physical media stance as a launching point for a wide-ranging conversation about what we lose when we lose the tangible things we love. We pay heartfelt tribute to recently lost icons — including Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, Peter Cullen, Hayden Panettiere, and Michael Wright — reflecting on how physical artifacts, authentic storytelling, and genuine human connection define lasting legacies. We also cover upcoming film releases, fall film festival Oscar buzz, the Nashville Film Festival, and celebrate our milestone of 300K YouTube subscribers.


    We also talk about:

    • The generational nostalgia crisis — what happens when the next generation's cultural touchstones are memes instead of physical media, Saturday morning cartoons, or vinyl records, and why that loss of human connection to art matters
    • The University of Michigan's decision to eliminate grades in response to students using AI to complete coursework for them, and what that means for the future of education and creativity
    • The Tennessee Titans' underwhelming $10,000 charity gesture for former star Chris Johnson (CJ2K), who was diagnosed with ALS, contrasted with Dolly Parton's 330-million-book donation legacy and what "real" philanthropy looks like
    • The upcoming Netflix reboot of A Different World, why Kadeem Hardison's involvement gives fans hope, and what the show must get right to honor the original's legacy of hope, pride, and HBCU culture
    • The "infoist" philosophy described in Yuval Noah Harari's 21 Lessons for the 21st Century and how it explains why tech companies are relentlessly pushing toward a fully digital, ownership-free world


    People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:

    Products / Software / Technology

    PlayStation

    Xbox

    Spotify / Apple Music

    iTunes

    Netflix

    HP

    Funko

    Atari 2600

    Sega Genesis

    ChatGPT

    Flock Safety


    Films / Shows / Music

    Mastering Film Marketing (ebook)

    On a String

    Black Zombie

    Anthony Bourdain

    Digger (Tom Cruise)

    A Different World

    Bel-Air

    Good Times

    The Five Heartbeats

    Blonde

    "Jolene"

    "Coat of Many Colors"

    "9 to 5"

    "I Will Always Love You"

    Boys Don't Cry (Frank Ocean magazine) — Blonde page

    The Rocky Horror Picture Show

    Annie

    The Transformers

    Smosh

    "Chocolate Rain"

    Charlie Bit My Finger

    Iron Lung

    Obsession

    Backrooms

    Peter Frampton

    21 Lessons for the 21st Century

    Sapiens


    People

    Dolly Parton

    Tim Curry

    Peter Cullen

    Hayden Panettiere

    Michael Wright

    Chris Johnson (CJ2K)

    Frank Ocean

    Whitney Houston

    Elvis Presley

    Porter Wagoner

    Eminem

    Steve Jobs

    Yuval Noah Harari

    Kadeem Hardison

    Markiplier

    Kane Parsons

    Curry Barker

    Isabel Hagen

    Anthony Padilla & Ian Hecox

    Tay Zonday

    Paul Kuharsky

    Bill Cosby


    Places / Events / Organizations

    Nashville Film Festival

    Nashville, Tennessee

    Dollywood

    Telluride Film Festival

    New York Film Festival

    Venice Film Festival

    TIFF

    Sundance Film Festival

    Tribeca Film Festival

    HBCUs

    University of Michigan

    Make It Academy

    themakeitpodcast.com

    Target



    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

    www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support



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    1 hr 24 min
  • SUMMARIES - Jeffrey Pittle - Why Art Is Never Finished, The Secret Lost Chaka Khan Video, and How Serving the Work Builds a Lasting Creative Legacy

    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

    Subscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support


    Hello, Hello!

    In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the remarkable career of Jeffrey Pittle, a senior creative director, animator, and self-described "agent of transformation" who has spent over two decades working with industry giants like Disney, Universal, Warner Bros., and Nickelodeon. Drawing from the original MAKE IT interview, they unpack the audacious, humble, and often painful journey of a creative professional who built a unicorn skill set by refusing to stay in any single lane. From knocking on a comic legend's front door as a teenager to producing an Oscar-nominated Holocaust animated short, Jeff's story is a masterclass in surviving — and thriving — in the unpredictable business of creativity.


    We also talk about:

    • How Jeffrey's childhood obsession with '70s Disney films, Jim Henson's Muppets, and the original Star Wars at a drive-in theater planted the seeds of his creative identity and gave him the cognitive leap to realize that making art was an actual, payable profession
    • The critical balance between audacity and humility in a creative career — why having the ego to knock on a legend's door means nothing without the willingness to sit in a freezing car all night just to hold a parking spot for a film crane
    • The dangers of tying your creative work to a proprietary tech platform, illustrated by the heartbreaking story of a technically stunning Chaka Khan music video that was locked away forever when the startup behind it went bankrupt
    • Jeffrey's sharp critique of modern art schools, which excel at teaching technical craft but consistently fail to equip young creatives with the business skills — invoicing, taxes, pricing their time — needed to survive as professionals
    • The philosophical paradox that closes the episode: if a masterpiece is created but legally sealed away from the public forever, does it still have value — or does the true worth of creativity lie entirely in how the process of making it transforms the artist?


    People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:

    Jeffrey Pittle

    Will Eisner

    Bill Murray

    Caroll Spinney 

    Chaka Khan

    Jim Krupa (NY puppet company)

    Daniel Alcheh 

    Leonardo da Vinci 

    Isaac Newton

    Steven Spielberg


    Films & Shows

    Pete's Dragon 

    Winnie the Pooh

    Star Wars (1977)

    Scrooged (1988)

    Eureeka's Castle 

    Deal or No Deal

    Wipeout

    The Tattooed Torah


    Companies & Organizations

    Nickelodeon

    Universal Pictures

    Nick Jr.

    School of Visual Arts

    QB (vertical video startup)

    Quibi

    Fish Eggs (Venice, CA)

    USC Shoah Foundation

    11 Dollar Bill 


    Platforms & Tools

    Adobe After Effects

    Fitbit

    Google Images

    MTV


    Places

    South Florida

    Boca Raton, Florida

    New York City

    Queens, New York

    Venice, California

    Los Angeles, California

    Moscow, Russia


    Concepts & Awards

    Eisner Awards

    Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film 

    Motion capture

    Chroma key (green screen)

    Steampunk

    Jack of all trades, master of none

    Star Trek vs. Star Wars




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    24 min

About The MAKE IT Podcast

From the publisher's feed

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…

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