The MAKE IT Podcast

This episode is brought to you by the new Insta360 X5 Camera. To get a free invisible selfie stick with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "makeit", available for the first 30 standard package purchases only.

Hello, Hello! 

In this episode we welcome Emma Tonner, co-founder of Galatea and Chief Innovation Officer at Inkitt, to discuss her innovative approach to digital storytelling and content creation. Emma shares insights into her platform's unique method of discovering and developing writing talent, transforming stories into global franchises across books, audiobooks, and TV series. The conversation explores the intersection of technology, storytelling, and creative development, highlighting the potential for new writers to break into the entertainment industry.

We also talk about:

• The psychological appeal of anti-hero characters in storytelling

• The role of AI in writing and content creation

• Challenges and opportunities in modern publishing

• The importance of reader feedback in story development

• Strategies for writers to improve their craft and gain recognition

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

 

• Emma Tonner

• Galatea

• Inkitt

• Insta360 X5 Camera

• Cotton Bureau

• Grammarly

• Game of Thrones

• Dexter

• The Queen's Gambit

• Gossip Girl

• Saban Theater (LA)

• Shogun (TV series)

• John Adams (mini-series)

• ChatGPT

• MAKE IT on Instagram

• MAKE IT on TikTok

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

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

This episode is brought to you by Factor Meals. Eating well has never been this easy: just heat up and enjoy, giving you more time to do what you want. Get started at https://factormeals.com/makeit50off and use code MAKEIT50OFF to get 50% off plus FREE shipping on your first box. Enjoy! 

Hello, Hello! 

In this episode, we welcome multi-talented artist Dominic Hoffman, who shares his remarkable journey through acting, writing, directing, and audiobook narration. Hoffman opens up about his experiences in the entertainment industry, from his early days on "Different World" to his recent projects and upcoming book "Late Rehearsals". The conversation spans topics ranging from code-switching and artistic discipline to the nuances of success in creative fields.

We also talk about:

• The challenges of being an actor and maintaining artistic integrity

• Navigating racial dynamics in the entertainment industry

• The importance of discipline and continuous improvement in one's craft

• Personal experiences with code-switching and cultural identity

• The evolving landscape of storytelling across different mediums

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

 

Factor Meals

Cotton Bureau

The MAKE IT Podcast Bookstore

MAKE IT Link-In-Bio @ Beacons.ai

Dominic Hoffman

Chris Barkley

Nicholas Buggs

Anthony Mackey

Denzel Washington

Kobe Bryant

Luther Vandross

David Mamet

Shia LaBeouf

James McBride

Tyler Perry

Joe Morton

Val Kilmer

Clint Eastwood

John Wayne

Ralph Ellison

Simon Vance

A Different World

Hangin' with Mr. Cooper

Jamie Foxx Show

Black Panther

Crash

Tombstone

Unforgiven

Gone with the Wind

The Wizard of Oz

Late Rehearsals (Dominic Hoffman's book)

James (by Percival Everett)

Dante's Inferno

Audible Awards

Audio File Earphone Awards

Venice, California

UC Santa Cruz

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

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

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

Hello, Hello!

Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #07

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 Emil Gallardo, Director of the HBO Oscar Qualifying short film 1,2,3 All Eyes on Me. So, who is Emil Gallardo?

Emil Gallardo is an Oscar-qualifying Mexican-American writer-director, a 2020 HBO Directing Fellow, the recipient of Panavision's Future Filmmaker award and one of the Austin Film Festival's twenty-five screenwriters to watch in 2021. Years before any accolades though, Emil's first dues were paid as a PA on softcore porn sets. From there, he remained in the AD department but moved to working on a variety of fully-clothed independent and studio productions.

It wasn't until several years later that Emil began writing and directing. His most recent film, 1, 2, 3, All Eyes on Me, about a crisis that engulfs an elementary school, deeply resonated with audiences and juries alike. It qualified for the 2021 Oscars, won HollyShorts' Grand Prix award, a Jury Award at AFF, and was nominated for a John Singleton Impact Award which recognizes storytellers who give a voice to the underrepresented and inspire change through filmmaking. 1, 2, 3, All Eyes on Me was acquired by HBO and is now available to watch.

With all of his work, Emil strives to tell unforgettable stories that stand out for their authenticity and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Asylum, the debut feature film he's developing about the injustices migrant children endure, is no exception. His latest work is the forthcoming film SubURB.

Enjoy and follow Emil on Instagram here, and check out his film 1, 2, 3, All Eyes on Me 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

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

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

Hello, Hello! 

This episode is brought to you by the new Insta360 X5 Camera. To get a free invisible selfie stick with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "makeit", available for the first 30 standard package purchases only.

In this episode of the MAKE IT Podcast, we welcome Brad Starks, a filmmaker and photographer based in Maui, Hawaii. Brad shares his journey from fashion photography to creating the TV series "Moku Moku," which aims to authentically represent Hawaiian culture and community. The conversation explores filmmaking, cultural representation, creativity, and the meaning of success in the entertainment industry.

We also talk about:

• The challenges of maintaining authenticity in storytelling

• The importance of networking and supporting fellow creatives

• Balancing cultural significance with profitability in independent filmmaking

• The impact of streaming services and algorithms on content creation

• Personal stories of inspiration and perseverance in creative careers

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

• Insta 360 X5 camera

• Laulima Studios

• Moku Moku TV series

• Cotton Bureau

• The MAKE IT Podcast Bookstore

• "When Did I Know I Was Black" (Chris Haley's book of poetry)

• Hawaiian Airlines

• Production Beast

• Actors Access

• Matsumoto Shave Ice

• Zippy's Restaurant

• Foodland

• Hallmark

• Lifetime

• White Lotus

• Nicole Miller

• Elite Models

• Channel 5 (CBS affiliate in Hawaii)

• Relativity Studio

• NXIVM Cult

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

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

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

Hello, Hello!

Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #06

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 Jeff Clanagan, founder of Code Black films and President and Chief distribution Officer of Kevin Hart's company Hartbeat Entertainment.

So, who is Jeff Clanagan?

Clanagan got his start in the 1980s promoting hip hop concerts for artists like NWA and Run DMC. He discusses the entrepreneurial spirit needed to break into the business as a young promoter. This led to opportunities working with pioneering labels like No Limit Films.

As the founder of No Limit, Clanagan was instrumental in creating the direct-to-video business model that opened new revenue streams for independent films. He also discusses promoting the first national comedy tours and developing specialized retail sections for genres not previously seen in stores.

Now running companies like Code Black Films and Kevin Hart's Heartbeat Entertainment, Clanagan emphasizes doing research to understand industries from a business perspective.

Enjoy and follow Jeff on Instagram here, and check out his 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

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

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

Hello, Hello! 

In this episode, screenwriter Adam “Tex” Davis takes listeners on an exhilarating journey through his Hollywood career, from writing the hit movie Just Friends to creating innovative TV shows like Brain Games. Davis shares candid insights into the entertainment industry, revealing the challenges and triumphs of a successful screenwriter. With wit, wisdom, and raw honesty, he offers aspiring filmmakers a masterclass in creativity, persistence, and adapting to an ever-changing media landscape.

We also talk about:

• The evolution of Hollywood pitch culture and screenwriting opportunities

• Strategies for young writers to break into the film and television industry

• The importance of versatility and being able to pivot in creative careers

• Balancing creative vision with industry demands

• The role of personal experiences in developing compelling storytelling

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

• Ryan Reynolds

• Anna Faris

• Pharrell Williams

• Bruce Vilanch

• National Geographic Channel

• Brain Games

• Brain Child

• Who Smarted podcast

• Slaycation podcast

• Oscars.WTF

• Atomic Entertainment

• Leonardo DiCaprio

• Harvey Weinstein

• BlueSky

• ChatGPT

• Cotton Bureau (MAKE IT Store)

• SSX Tricky (video game)

• Miramax

• New Line Cinema

• Comedy Central

• NYU Film School

• Letterboxd

• Regina, Saskatchewan

• Alpine Bagel

• Staples

• EA Sports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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