This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeit

Hello, Hello! 

In this episode, hosts Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs dive into current events ranging from recent political incidents to Kanye West's public apology, before exploring the massive success of the Michael Jackson biopic and what it reveals about Hollywood's "interest tent pole" strategy. They discuss how studios now greenlight films based on search trends and IP rather than storytelling merit, and examine the challenges facing independent filmmakers in today's market. The conversation concludes with insights from indie filmmakers Nick Corirossi and Armen Weitzman about their comedy "The Napa Boys" and how Hollywood has commoditized nostalgia at the expense of genuine storytelling.

We also talk about:

• The difference between what audiences want (horror) versus what they need (comedy) based on audience polling

• How modern filmmaking has lost essential storytelling elements that create lasting nostalgia

• The rise of "interest media" and how search algorithms influence film production decisions

• Why physical newsletters and tangible media create deeper fan connections than digital alternatives

• The challenge of maintaining artistic integrity while pursuing commercial success in independent filmmaking

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:

People:

Nick Corirossi

Armen Weitzman

Kanye West / Ye

Joe Jackson

Taylor Swift

Jay Leno

Dana White

Joe Rogan

Tucker Carlson

Dick Gregory

Nia Long

Jaafar Jackson

Cheryl Hines

Henry Martínez 

BC (Brian Comer, Cards and Capes)

Nick Barnes

Nate Bargatze

Danielle Vega

Andrew Schulz

Companies, Platforms & Organizations:

Panini (trading cards)

Magnolia Pictures  

Lionsgate  

Netflix

A24

USPS.

Wall Street Journal

Sundance Film Festival 

Cannes Film Festival 

TIFF 

White House Secret Service

US Congress 

IMAX 

Dolby

Podcasts, Shows & Internal Series:

Mistakes in the Making (series on the MAKE IT Podcast)

Films, TV, IP & Characters:

The Napa Boys  

Michael (biopic)  

Project Hail Mary  

Enemy Mine  

Adult Interference

Tár  

Oppenheimer 

The Passion of the Christ  

Ghost  

Super Troopers  

American Pie  

Buffy the Vampire Slayer  

He-Man: Masters of the Universe  

Rambo  

RoboCop  

The Goonies  

Stand by Me  

The Princess Bride  

Snow White (2025 Disney remake)  

Cruella De Vil  

The Wicked Witch of the West  

Thanos 

Street Fighter II  

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (concert film)

Albums, Music & Artists:

 

Kanye West – "Bully" 

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Yeezus

Books & Concepts:

Mastering Film Marketing (ebook) 

Project Hail Mary (novel)

The Hero's Journey (Joseph Campbell)

Documentaries & Upcoming Projects:

Age of Disclosure 

Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day 

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey

Games & Game-Based IP:

 

Resident Evil 

Five Nights at Freddy's 

Backrooms (A24 film) 

Backrooms (liminal-space concept) 

Exit 8

Concepts, Themes & Cultural References:

White House Correspondents' Dinner

DC Sniper

Serenity Prayer

Seinfeld – "Serenity Now"

MeToo Movement

Tourette Syndrome

The Manosphere

Overton Window

Four-quadrant film 

Interest tentpoles — Chris's coined concept

Liner notes

MAKE IT Shop

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?

Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.

BRIEF:

In this Film Brief, Nick explores a young Black man's journey through his Oakland neighborhood to a barbershop. The episode examines how this student film showcased Coogler's early mastery of visual storytelling and cultural representation, serving as a foundation for his later acclaimed works. Through detailed analysis, Buggs demonstrates how "Locks" proves that meaningful filmmaking doesn't require massive budgets, just precision, intention, and authentic storytelling.

TAKEAWAYS:

• The power of symbolism and visual narrative in short films

• How limited resources can strengthen rather than weaken a film's impact

• The importance of short films as training grounds for emerging filmmakers

• Community support and collaboration in independent filmmaking

• The connection between early student work and future Hollywood success

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Ryan Coogler (director)

Locks (2009)

Oakland, California

University of Southern California

Fruitvale Station (2013)

Creed

Black Panther

Sundance Film Festival

Sundance Grand Jury Prize

Sundance Audience Award

Ebook: "Mastering Film Marketing"

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: www.themakeitpodcast.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore filmmaker Robert Broadhurst's dramatic career pivot from directing high-end luxury commercials for brands like Armani and Yeezy to creating minimalist, confrontational cinema designed to expose audience biases. They examine how his film "An Occurrence at Arvern" functions as a psychological Rorschach test, forcing viewers to confront their own internalized assumptions about race in America. The discussion reveals how cultural timing and geography dramatically affected the film's reception, transforming it from "pointless" to "essential" without changing a single frame.

We also talk about:

• Broadhurst's unconventional journey from suburban Connecticut to Columbia University MFA to commercial success

• His technical background in editing and how it shaped his visual storytelling approach

• The ethical boundaries he maintained during production, including refusing funding to ensure proper representation

• His philosophy on surviving as an artist in capitalist systems like New York City

• The role of physical movement in creative problem-solving and breakthrough moments

People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:

Robert Broadhurst

Change the Narrative with JD Fuller (YouTube)

JD Fuller

Curtiss Cook Jr.

Charles Hayes IV (see note)

Quentin Tarantino

Kanye West

George Floyd

Connecticut

Chicago

Boston

East Coast

Queens, New York

Arverne, Queens (see note)

England, UK

Columbia University

Ghostbusters (1984)

An Occurrence at Arverne

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge (1962)

Armani Beauty

Adidas Y-3

Alexander Wang

Yeezy

Vimeo

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at www.shopify.com/makeit

Hello, Hello! 

In this episode, filmmaker and director Motke Dapp returns to discuss his journey from a nomadic childhood to becoming a successful commercial director and feature filmmaker. The conversation explores the realities of independent filmmaking, the importance of building a creative community, and the challenges of balancing artistic vision with commercial viability. Motke shares insights from his experience directing Another Version of You and his current work creating commercials for Whisker's Litter Robot.

We also talk about:

• The essential tools needed to start filmmaking and building a crew through community connections

• Whether independent filmmakers actually watch independent films, and the time constraints that limit viewing

• The role of celebrity and notoriety in achieving commercial success in filmmaking

• Handling conflict and collaboration on set while maintaining creative relationships

• The choice between making passion projects versus commercially viable films

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:

Micah Simms (cinematographer)

Ken Conrad (editor)

Nichole Marie Lim

Kim "Cookie" McCray

Ciciley Hoffman

Sara Antonio

Ecca Vandal

Christopher Nolan

A24

Ben Proudfoot

Another Version of You

Tangerine

Primer

Iron Lung

Sugar Glass

Schindler's List

Dunkirk

Hair Love

Inocente

DaVinci Resolve

Canon 5D Mark cameras

Red cameras

Whisker (Litter-Robot)

MTV

Kickstarter

Seed & Spark

48 Hour Film Project

Nashville 54 Hour Film Fest

Sundance Film Festival

Denver, Colorado

Nashville, Tennessee

Montana

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

Hello, Hello!

In this Mistakes in the Making, Emmy-nominated actress Danielle Vega shares her hard-learned lessons about the critical importance of preparation in entertainment careers. She candidly discusses her early mistakes in red-carpet interviews in LA, where a lack of preparation led to embarrassing moments with guests she hadn't properly researched. Vega emphasizes that these failures served as stepping stones, motivating her to approach future opportunities with better preparation and professionalism. Enjoy!

We also talk about:

• The transition from journalism education to entertainment industry work

• How acting experience doesn't automatically translate to journalism success

• The bare minimum preparation requirements for actors on set

• Using embarrassing career moments as motivation for future excellence

• The ongoing psychological impact of professional mistakes

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:

Southern Methodist University

Broadcast Journalism (major/field of study)

Los Angeles, CA

Barney & Friends

East Los High

@themsdaniv on Instagram

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Colombian American writer-director Nick Lopez discusses his journey from an international upbringing to USC film school graduate, sharing insights about his award-winning short films, including "Milk Teeth" and "Sunshine Room." He opens up about the importance of representing queer and Latin American voices in cinema, his collaborative approach to filmmaking, and his current project, "West's Neighborhood," a web series exploring racism in American suburbia. Nick also provides practical advice for aspiring filmmakers about film school, budget constraints, and the creative process.

We also talk about:

• The challenges and benefits of attending film school versus independent learning

• Building compelling short films from "outside in" rather than character-first approaches

• The democratization of content through streaming platforms and its impact on diverse storytelling

• Working with limited budgets while maintaining high production values

• The importance of sound design and practical effects in low-budget filmmaking

People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:

Nick Lopez

Tiffany Lin 

Felipe Vargas

University of Southern California (USC)

Milk Teeth

Sunshine Room

Flour Baby

Pan's Labyrinth

Guillermo del Toro

Ryan Murphy

Pose

Desperate Housewives

America's Next Top Model

Pluto TV

nicklopezfilms.com

nic.lopezz on Instagram

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

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 Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at www.shopify.com/makeit

---

Hello, Hello! 

In this episode, YouTube creator and filmmaker Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) joins us to discuss his journey from gaming content to theatrical filmmaking, particularly his successful horror film Iron Lung. The conversation explores his philosophy of continuous learning, the pivotal hospital moment that changed his career trajectory, and how he built an audience of 38+ million subscribers through authentic connection and creative risk-taking. Mark shares insights about wearing multiple filmmaking hats, the psychological pressure his crew felt making a feature film, and his experience attending the Academy Awards.

We also talk about:

• The importance of output over input when developing creative skills

• How interactive YouTube projects taught him about audience psychology

• Building crew relationships and knowing enough about each department to communicate effectively

• The stigma around video game adaptations and why many fail

• Why he'll continue making YouTube content alongside feature films

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:

DaVinci Resolve

Blackmagic Design

Iron Lung

Academy Awards

YouTube Originals

A Heist with Markiplier

In Space with Markiplier

Unus Annus

McKenna Grace

Five Nights at Freddy's

Cincinnati, OH

Milford High School

Fischbach, Germany

Final Cut Pro

Apple Motion

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

Hello, Hello!

WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?

Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.

BRIEF:

In this episode, host Nick explores "Papillon," an animated short film by Florence MIAL that tells the powerful story of Olympic swimmer Alfred Nakash, a Jewish athlete whose life was forever changed by the Holocaust. The film uses hand-painted oil-on-glass animation to create a dreamlike visual experience that flows between memories of triumph and tragedy. Through water as a storytelling metaphor, the film captures themes of memory, resilience, and the quiet power of human dignity in the face of unimaginable loss.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Florence MIAL's unique oil paint on glass animation technique that creates living, breathing artwork

• Alfred Nakash's journey from childhood fear of water to Olympic competition at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

• The impact of the Vichy Regime and the Holocaust on Nakash's life and family

• The film's success on the international festival circuit and Academy Award nomination

• How minimalist storytelling can create maximum emotional impact

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Florence Miailhe (Director)

Marie Desplechin (Co-writer)

Alfred Nakache

Constantine, Algeria

Berlin Olympics (1936)

Auschwitz concentration camp

Berlin International Film Festival

Annecy Animation Festival

Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival

Academy Awards

César Awards

Crystal Bear Award

Paint-on-glass animation technique

Ebook: "Mastering Film Marketing"

The MAKE IT Podcast

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Alex and Allison discuss actress Valerie Jane Parker's psychological toolkit for surviving the brutal entertainment industry, exploring how she built emotional armor through redefining success metrics and developing extraordinary empathy. They examine her unique upbringing with hippie-turned-pastor parents, her technical mastery of dialects, and her philosophy that struggle is mandatory for building resilience. The conversation reveals how true creatives adapt their drive across mediums, from acting in complex roles to running a bread speakeasy during the pandemic.

We also talk about:

• Her approach to auditions as personal wins rather than booking jobs

• The biological mechanisms behind vocal co-regulation and de-escalation

• Her intensive preparation methods for playing a blind character in "The Voices."

• How she transforms internet trolls through applied empathy

• The dangers of early success without struggle in creative careers

People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:

Valerie Jane Parker

Greenleaf

Nashville

The Voices

Bobby Holland

Chick-fil-A

Blockbuster Video

La Vie Bakehouse

Five Daughters Bakery

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

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 Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at www.shopify.com/makeit

---

Hello, Hello!

In this Indie Talk, we dive deep into the latest film industry developments, including Netflix's multi-million dollar acquisition of Ben Affleck's AI startup and Google's expansion into micro dramas with Range Media Partners. We explore how AI is reshaping filmmaking workflows, debate whether film festivals should include children's programming, and discuss the growing trend of vertical video content in entertainment. We also break down the recent Oscar winners, share audience poll results about preferred film genres, and offer our insights on snubs and surprises from this year's Academy Awards ceremony.

We also talk about:

• The controversy surrounding Timothy Chalamet's comments about ballet and opera being "irrelevant art forms."

• How streaming has changed music structure and incentives, paralleling changes in film content

• The disconnect between what audiences watch most (action/adventure at 65%) versus what wins awards (drama/thriller)

• International film recommendations, including "No Other Choice" as a major snub

• The future of micro dramas and whether they'll follow Quibi's failed model or succeed globally

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:

Netflix

Ben Affleck

Range Media Partners

Quibi

New York International Children's Film Festival

One Battle After Another

Sinners

Hamnet

F1

The Bride

Frankenstein

Paul Thomas Anderson

Michael B. Jordan

Jessie Buckley

Conan O'Brien

Trevor Noah

Gaithersburg, Maryland

North Carolina

South Carolina

Australia

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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