
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Hello, Hello!
Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #13
Summaries take some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condense them down to 10 (or so) minutes of pure listening pleasure.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 Frances Lebar (formerly Frances Hernandez), Emmy-Winning Production Designer (Spider-Man: No Way Home, Ahsoka, Next Goal Wins). So, who is Frances Lebar?
Frances Lynn Lebar is an Emmy‑winning production designer, art director, and creative director, currently based in Los Angeles. Originally hailing from North Carolina, she grew up immersed in nature and imaginative play—building forts, drawing, and writing stories—which laid the foundation for her visual storytelling career.
As a member of the Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800), Lebar brings her design sensibility to both film/TV and commercial work. Her credits include high‑profile titles such as Ahsoka, Spider‑Man: No Way Home, Next Goal Wins, and MONARCH: Legacy of Monsters, showcasing her versatility across genres.
Lebar’s approach blends conceptual imagination with hands‑on environmental design—whether she’s constructing a futuristic set, shaping immersive broadcast spaces, or leading creative direction on a commercial project. Her early fascination with narrative‑driven space and form continues to inform her work today.
Enjoy and follow Frances 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
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 delve into the evolving landscape of the film and entertainment industry, spotlighting the rise of vertical micro-dramas and questioning the true meaning behind headline metrics like "market value" and "audience excitement." They challenge traditional production and distribution models, explore marketing costs and streaming ROI for independent filmmakers, and examine the shift of audience attention—and star power—from Hollywood to social platforms. Along the way, the hosts offer candid advice for creators navigating these industry changes and reflect on how personal branding, marketing, and resilience contribute to ongoing creative careers.
We also talk about:
People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:
Claude Pro (Anthropic’s AI model)
Gusto (payroll and HR software)
GitHub
JIRA
HubSpot
Notion
Google Workspace
Galatea (vertical micro-drama platform)
Quibi (short-lived streaming platform)
Tubi (streaming platform)
Roku Channel
Indiegogo (crowdfunding platform)
Vine
Periscope
Musically (predecessor to TikTok)
BetterHelp (referenced as a sponsor)
“The Wrap” (entertainment news website)
Poor Things (movie)
Wicked for Good (TV/film title)
Stranger Things (Netflix series)
Landman (TV series)
Superman
Tron
Wednesday (Netflix Show)
The Fantastic Four
The Black Phone 2
Welcome to Derry (various movie and TV titles)
Ariana Grande
Cynthia Erivo
Mark Ruffalo
Emma Stone
Jared Leto
Margot Robbie
Dwayne Johnson (The Rock)
Reggie Roby
Andrew Tate
Aiden Ross
Kai Cenat
Druski
Kevin Hart
Shaquille O’Neal
Wes Anderson
Yorgos Lanthimos
Emma Toner (Galatea)
Tristan Harris (The Social Dilemma)
Miami Dolphins (as NFL/football team location)
“Task” show with Mark Ruffalo
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
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:
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
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.
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
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:
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
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
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:
People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:
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
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:
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
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:
People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:
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
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
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…
Stay Inspired, Chris + Nick

23 Listeners

1,159 Listeners