Hello, Hello!

In this episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we welcome actress and producer Shanti Lowry to discuss her journey in independent filmmaking. Shanti shares insights about her first feature film, "Persona," a thriller that explores the experiences of women of color in challenging circumstances. The conversation delves into the complexities of film production, personal identity, cultural experiences, and the challenges of independent filmmaking.

We also talk about:

• The evolution of dance in popular culture and music videos

• Experiences of mixed-race and biracial individuals navigating cultural identity

• The impact of stereotypes and racism in personal and professional spaces

• The role of creativity and authenticity in artistic pursuits

• Strategies for supporting and uplifting marginalized communities

Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned:

• Shanti Lowry

• Nicholas Buggs

• Christopher Barkley

• Gravitas (film distributor)

• PERSONA (film)

• Bounce TV

• BET

• Michael Jackson

• Madonna

• Halle Berry

• Tia and Tamera Mowry

• Omar Gooding

• Cuba Gooding Jr.

• Earth, Wind and Fire

• NSYNC

• Bentley Kyle Evans

• Rob Marshall

• Vincent Paterson

• Network of Time (website)

• MAKE IT x Cotton Bureau (merchandise site)

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

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Hello, Hello!

Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #05

Summaries take some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condense them down to 10 (or so) minutes of pure listening pleasure.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 Sophie Holland, Casting Director of The Gorge, The Witcher, and Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice. So, who is Sophie Holland?

Working predominantly in high-end TV/ Film/ Theatre productions worldwide with hugely successful shows like The Witcher, Young Wallander, and the deeply loved and heavily-watched TV shows- The Peripheral, Wednesday, and The Witcher: Blood Origin. Recently, Sophie worked as a casting director for the hit films The Gorge and Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice. 

Enjoy and follow Sophie on Instagram here, and check out her 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

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello!

In this episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, Director, Producer, and Writer Adam Schomer dives deep into the world of documentary filmmaking, focusing on his latest documentary, "Selling Superman." The conversation explores themes of comic book collecting, family dynamics, and personal growth, with Schomer sharing insights into his filmmaking philosophy and approach to storytelling. Through a candid and engaging discussion, the episode reveals the power of documentaries to uncover deeper human experiences and challenge societal perceptions.

We also talk about:

• The therapeutic potential of comic book collecting

• Navigating legal challenges in documentary filmmaking

• The importance of meditation and inner peace

• Balancing creative vision with investor expectations

• The definition of personal success and happiness

Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned:

• Adam Schomer

• Darren Watts (documentary subject)

• Superman

• Christopher Reeve

• Selling Superman documentary

• Selling Superman on Amazon Prime

• Comic Con San Diego

• Donaldson Group (legal firm)

• Cornell University

• Ecuador

• Singapore

• Lego Land Florida

• Midas Man (film)

• Heal (documentary)

• The Highest Pass (documentary)

• i2i Productions (production company)

• Sattva (meditation app)

• Cotton Bureau (MAKE IT apparel)

• Fortress of Solitude

• Marvel and DC Comics

• Street Fighter

• X-Men

• Batman

• Wolverine

• Spider-Man

• Professor X

• Doctor Strange

• Daredevil

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, the hosts discuss the art of giving good notes to screenwriters, the challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, and the evolution of black representation in media. They also share their predictions for the upcoming Academy Awards.

We also talk about:

• The importance of understanding the intended audience and resources available when giving notes

• The dilution of DEI initiatives and the need to balance meritocracy with creating opportunities

• The impact of media on social perceptions of race and the challenges of defining a "black movie."

• The historical context of black representation in media, including "Amos and Andy" and Tyler Perry's work

• The challenges faced by independent filmmakers and the resources available, such as the Columbia State Community College's Film Crew Technology Program

Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned:

Columbia State Community College Film Crew Technology Program

David Smith, the FCT program director

The feature film Midas Man

Seven feature film

Creed feature film

Black Panther feature film

Fences feature film

Sing, Sing feature film

The Brutalist feature film

Denzel Washington

Brad Pitt

Whoopi Goldberg

Angelina Jolie

Demi Moore

Amos and Andy

Tyler Perry's Madea films

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

Hello, Hello!

Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #4

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 Christian Gregory, the Co-Founder of 3EEnergy and Son of Comedian and Activist Dick Gregory. So, who is Christian Gregory?

Christian Gregory is the eighth child of Dick and Lillian Gregory. Born in Chicago, he was raised on a 1,000 acre farm in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where the pastoral setting and lifelong lessons in wellness spurred his interest in physiology and the mind-body connection. After graduating from Morgan State University, he earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Atlanta. Dr. Gregory practiced in Washington for twenty-five years, caring for DC natives, leading entertainment figures, and friends in the movement, including Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Betty Shabazz, Dorothy Height, Cicely Tyson, and Stevie Wonder. When Dick Gregory decided to resume an active speaking and entertainment schedule, he became his father’s manager.

Together they formed Dick Gregory Media, Inc. in 2015. Dr. Gregory’s unique combined experiences in patient care and entertainment management fostered the desire to develop the linkages between activism, communication, the performing arts, and physical well-being. To that end, he established Tower Hill Farm Health & Wellness, 3E MISSION, and Tower Hill Entertainment.

Since his passing in 2017, Christian Gregory has managed his father’s estate and intellectual property, and has successfully guided the development of other projects on his father’s life, including the stage play TURN ME LOOSE and the film THE ONE AND ONLY DICK GREGORY.

Enjoy and follow Christian on Instagram here, and watch all his work 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

Hello, Hello! 

In this episode, filmmaker Fr3deR1ck Taylor discusses his journey as a Black documentarian, the challenges of the film industry, and the importance of embracing one's African heritage. 

We also talk about:

- The power of film to drive social change and the responsibility of filmmakers

- The impact of social media and technology on the entertainment industry

- The need for more diverse representation and support for Black artists

- The Driving Miss Daisy story and how it impacted Fr3deR1ck's career

- The Emmy process and how to advocate for yourself as a filmmaker

- The three key things Fr3deR1ck would teach a new documentary filmmaker

Products, software, websites, people or places mentioned:

- Indie Insights newsletter

- Bonsai Creative

- Justina Kelley 

- Sarah Jean Kelley

- Tomorrow Pictures

- Counter History's Rock Hill

- If Cities Could Dance

- After the Fall, HIV Grows Up

- Boxing Chicks

- Pre-Existing Freedom

- PBS

- BBC

- Emory University

- Magellan

- Christopher Columbus

- Neil deGrasse Tyson

- Cornel West

- Steve McQueen

- Guillermo del Toro

- Parasite

- Wonder Woman

- Iron Man

- The Breakfast Club

- Driving Miss Daisy

- Morgan Freeman

- Jessica Tandy

- Dan Aykroyd

- Georgia State University

- Dr. K Back

- Roku

- Amazon

- Elon Musk

- Twitter

- Anita Bryant

- Clarence Thomas

- Thurgood Marshall

- Yarde

- 1, 2, 3 All Eyes on Me

- Hafele-Keating Test

- Gordon Parks

- Wynton Marcellus

- Motown

- Robert Johnson

- BET

- Tyler Perry Studios

- Disney

- Lizzo

- Nicki Minaj

- Missy Elliott

- Queen Latifah

- Rapsody

- Aretha Franklin

- The Beatles

- Little Richard

- Strait of Magellan

- Richard Pryor

- Dick Gregory

- Tim Tebow

- Chad McClarnon

- Breakfast Club

- John Hughes

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, veteran Hollywood marketing executive Jim Fredrick shares his fascinating journey from shipping clerk to top trailer editor and marketing strategist. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes world of promoting both blockbuster and independent films, offering invaluable insights for aspiring filmmakers. Fredrick also discusses his new book Opening Weekend, which provides a backstage pass to the marketing strategies behind both box office hits and flops.

We also talk about:

• The pressure of marketing $200 million films vs. $2 million films
• The role of data, research, and creative intuition in marketing decisions
• The evolution of movie trailers and the importance of music
• Designing effective movie posters, especially for independent films
• The value of authenticity and following your passions in career development
• All new Audience Polls
• All new Things We Should Know
• An all new Filmmaker Q&A

Products, software, websites, people or places mentioned:

- Jim Fredrick's book "Opening Weekend"

- Interlink Trailers

- Castle Rock Films

- WarnerBros.

- Sony Screen Gems

- Chapman University

- The Perfect Storm

- The Patriot

- The Color Purple

- Eyes Wide Shut

- Shawshank Redemption

- Kraven the Hunter

- LEGO

- Adult Interference (movie)

- Harry Potter Franchise

- Drew Struzan (poster artist)

- Nils Granlund (advertising manager)

- The Winter Garden Theater

- The Pleasure Seekers (Broadway musical)

- Rip-O-Matic Trailers

- Jim Fredrick's website

- Cotton Bureau

- Apple Podcasts

- Spotify

- YouTube

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, we welcome Filmmaker and Vanderbilt University Film School Director, Mariah Kramer. Mariah discusses her work, including a PBS-premiered documentary and a new short fiction film. She co-founded the Uptilt Film Festival and the Point of Vu Student Film Festival at Vanderbilt University, where she teaches. The conversation touches on the importance of networking, understanding camera and editing basics, and the challenges of funding and distribution in documentary filmmaking. They also discuss the significance of Vanderbilt alumni who have won Academy Awards, including Delbert Mann for "Marty" and Tom Schulman for "Dead Poets Society."

The discussion focused on entry-level jobs for film school graduates, emphasizing the importance of trying diverse roles to find one's passion. It highlighted the value of being a PA or working in a mailroom to gain industry experience. The conversation also covered the benefits of volunteering at film festivals and being a background actor. The Point of Vu Student Film Festival, happening on February 15, was detailed, including its mission to bring together students from nine schools in Middle Tennessee. The festival will screen 24 films, with categories for fiction, non-fiction, and alternative. Mariah Kramer shared her perspective on fulfillment, value, and flexibility in the film industry.

We also talk about:

• The challenges of measuring camaraderie and building a sense of community among students
• The role of film festivals in providing networking opportunities and showcasing student work
• The potential impact of PBS funding cuts on documentary filmmakers
• The value of entry-level jobs like being a PA or working in a mail room for film school graduates
• All new Audience Polls
• All new Things We Should Know
• An all new Filmmaker Q&A
• NEW SEGMENT: "Bullets"

Products, software, websites, people or places mentioned:

- Vanderbilt University

- Belmont University

- Belcourt Theater

- Uptilt Film Festival

- Point of Vu Student Film Festival

- Claudia Raschke

- Roger Deakins

- Delbert Mann

- Tom Schulman

- "Marty"

- "Dead Poets Society"

- Abercrombie & Fitch

- MasterChef Junior

- Cotton Bureau

- Apple Podcasts

- Spotify

- YouTube

- Premiere Pro

- Final Cut

- Avid

- DaVinci Resolve

- Canon

- Sony Cameras

- Gerber Baby

- Ed McMahon

- Johnny Carson

- Marv Albert

- Vanderbilt University Library

- Battle Ground Academy

- Julien Baker

- Scared Rabbit Records

- MTSU

- Zach Liff

- Cummins Station

- The Gulch (Nashville)

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

Hello, Hello!

Jon Fitzgerald discusses his first film, "Self Portrait," produced in 1994, where his biggest mistake was casting friends who provided key locations.

This led to subpar performances, particularly from a young actress in a pivotal scene. The film didn't make Sundance and this failure led to the creation of Slamdance, an alternative to Sundance that Jon Co-Founded.

Jon emphasizes the importance of casting talent over friends. He now focuses on socially relevant films and supports impact campaigns, directing filmmakers to his website and book for more information.

https://www.causepictures.com

Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts from this Mistake In the Making:

• Jon Fitzgerald discusses his first film, "Self Portrait," which he directed and produced in 1994, and the biggest mistake he made: casting friends.
• He explains how one of his cast members, who had no screen credits, provided access to a nursing home and a castle, which he incorporated into the script.
• Jon highlights the challenges he faced with the lead character's sister, a young girl who couldn't deliver the required performance from a hospital bed.
• He reflects on the limitations of his budget and the inability to reshoot the scene due to financial constraints and lack of access to the location.
• Despite the film's shortcomings, it played in a few festivals, but didn't make it into Sundance. This led to the creation of Slamdance, an alternative to Sundance, which supported emerging filmmakers.
• Jon shares his experience with his next project, "The Highest Pass," where he learned to scrap a character who wasn't charismatic on camera, emphasizing the importance of casting talent over favoritism.
• He advises filmmakers to avoid casting friends and family unless they are truly talented, and to take advantage of opportunities to cast SAG actors, even on low budgets.
• Jon concludes by sharing his current work, focusing on stories with social relevance or impact, and directing filmmakers to his website and book for more information.

Products, software, websites, people or places mentioned:

- Self Portrait (Jon Fitzgerald's first film)

- El Mariachi (by Robert Rodriguez)

- Sundance Film Festival

- Slamdance Film Festival

- The Highest Pass (Jon Fitzgerald's documentary film)

- Netflix

- Cause Pictures (Jon Fitzgerald's website)

- Filmmaking for Change (Jon Fitzgerald's book)

- Jon Fitzgerald

Check out our full conversation with Jon 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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Kaia Alexander, the founder and CEO of the Entertainment Business School, joins the MAKE IT Podcast to discuss the importance of building a "wolf pack" in the film industry, the value of film school, and the role of a career coach for filmmakers. Kaia shares insights from her own experiences as a development executive and mentor, highlighting the significance of confidence, professionalism, and the business side of the creative process.

Key Topics Covered:

• Kaia’s background as a development executive and her mentorship by comedian Gary Shandling
• The concept of a "wolf pack" and its importance in the film industry
• The advantages filmmakers should bring to the table, including film school degrees, real-world experience, and curiosity
• The role of development executives and what they look for in projects
• Bridging the gap between creativity and professionalism as a filmmaker

Products, software, websites, people, and places mentioned in the podcast:

- Entertainment Business School

- Kaia Alexander

- "Written in the Ashes" (Kaia's award-winning novel)

- Hollywood Wolf Pack podcast

- Gary Shandling

- Roy London

- Sharon Stone

- Brad Pitt

- Antioch University

- Chris Haley and his book "When Did I Know I Was Black?"

- MAKE IT x Cotton Bureau (Tees, Hoodies, Hats, and Crewnecks)

- Indie Insights Newsletter

- Chris's Blue Sky (social media platform)

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