The MAKE IT Podcast

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Summaries take some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condense them down to 10 (or so) minutes of pure listening pleasure.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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello, Hello!

Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #3

Summaries take some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condense them to 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 Scilla Andreen, the CEO and Founder of IndieFlix. So, who is Scilla Andreen? 

Scilla Andreen is an award-winning Producer, Director, Emmy-nominated Costume Designer, Author, CEO, and co-founder of IndieFlix Group Inc., a B2C global streaming and B2B virtual community screening service that delivers content for a purpose to schools and corporations.

Driven by her passion to help filmmakers and do good in the world with film; Scilla is growing the library currently at 4000+ titles to represent diverse voices, marginalized communities and women, Scilla also created the RPM (revenue per minute) royalty payment model to compensate filmmakers for every minute watched. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, Today, and South China Morning Post. She’s executive produced and/or directed and distributed social impact films, Nevertheless, Screenagers, Angst, LIKE, The Upstanders, Empowerment Project, and Finding Kind. Scilla is currently in production on her latest film, RACE. She is Included in Screen International’s Multichannel Women to Watch, Variety’s Women’s Impact Report, and Puget Sound Business Journal Woman of Influence. She has been a popular speaker at Sundance, Cannes, CES, SXSW, BeBold, and Women in Film. Scilla is also the Founder of IndieFlix Foundation.

Scilla is on a mission to change the world with film.

In this episode, Alex and Allison summarize a conversation with Scilla Andreen, CEO and co-founder of Indie Flicks, a film distribution platform. Andreen discusses her career trajectory, transitioning from costume design on shows like The Wonder Years to producing social-impact documentaries. She details her experiences with bullying and its influence on her work, emphasizing the power of film for racial healing and mental health awareness. Furthermore, she describes Indie Flicks' unique approach to film distribution, focusing on community engagement and providing filmmakers with marketing support. Finally, Andreen shares advice for aspiring filmmakers, stressing the importance of networking, embracing opportunities, and understanding the evolving landscape of film distribution and streaming.

Enjoy, and follow Scilla on Instagram here and watch all her 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

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

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with filmmaker Brandon Tamburri, the Director, Writer, and Producer of the indie comedy feature Plan B. Brandon shares his journey of bringing this project to life, from the challenges of raising money during the pandemic to the lessons he learned as a first-time feature film director. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including Brandon's background in stand-up comedy, the importance of having a strong business plan when pitching to investors, and the creative ways he approached casting without the help of a dedicated casting director.

Additionally, Brandon promotes his new comedy podcast, Joke Zero, which features behind-the-scenes stories and insights from the cast and crew of Plan B. The conversation concludes with Brandon emphasizing the importance of inspiring aspiring filmmakers and entrepreneurs, encouraging listeners to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams.

Key Topics Covered:

- Navigating the film industry during current events

- Brandon's journey in creating the indie comedy "Plan B"

- Lessons learned as a first-time feature film director

- Strategies for raising money and casting for an independent film

- The pros and cons of various streaming platforms

- Brandon's new comedy podcast, "Joke Zero"

- Advice for aspiring filmmakers and entrepreneurs

This episode is brought to you by DU/ER. DU/ER makes the world's most comfortable pants and denim that's incredibly durable and dynamic—you can wear them with a sport coat, snow boots, or sneakers.

Shop now at  https://shopduer.com/MAKEIT

_____________________________________________________________

This episode is brought to you by the Film Crew Tech program at Columbia State Community College. Learn what every Producer is looking for in a crew hire. The Fall cohort has only twenty openings, so act now.

Enroll at www.ColumbiaState.edu/FCT

---

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

Products/Software:

Movie Magic

Breakdown Express

Websites/Platforms:

Apple TV

Microsoft (Movies)

Google Play

Fandango at Home

YouTube TV

YouTube Movies

Joke Zero Podcast

People:

Brandon Tamburri

Ari Aster

John Heder

Jamie Lee

Tom Beringer

Shannon Elizabeth

Vernon Davis

DJ Dodd

Erika Hampson

Sigmund Lubin

Places:

Philadelphia

New Jersey

Mount Laurel

Columbia State Community College (Franklin, Tennessee)

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 edition of Mistake in the Making, Zair Montes discusses the production challenges faced during the making of the film Rumba Love. Initially, the project was planned to be shot in New York and Havana, Cuba, with funding secured for the Cuban portion. However, difficulties arose in securing additional funds for New York, leading to a two-week production halt in Cuba. Actors' schedules changed, and funding issues persisted for over a year. A key actor refused to continue, necessitating script rewrites and reshoots. A last-minute venue cancellation in New York further delayed production, requiring rescheduling and additional funding. Despite these setbacks, the film was completed and released on Showtime in 2021. Montes emphasizes the importance of having full funding and signed contracts before starting a project and reflects on the resilience required to overcome such challenges.

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

• Zair Montes reflects on the lessons learned from the production, emphasizing the importance of having full funding and signed contracts before starting.
• She advises against spreading production across multiple locations to avoid rescheduling complications.
• Despite the challenges, the film was a rewarding experience, both spiritually, financially, and professionally.
• Zair Montes promotes her company, Golden Ceiba Productions, and invites viewers to check out their projects on various platforms.

Products, software, websites, people or places mentioned:

Rumba Love (film)

New York Film Office

Cuba Film Office

Havana Film Production

Golden Ceiba Productions (Zair Montes' company)

Zair Montes (filmmaker, producer, actress)

Zair Montes - Instagram (@zairmontes, @goldenceibaproductions)

Rumba Love on Amazon

Rumba Love on Apple 

Check out our full conversation with Zair 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!

Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #2

Summaries takes some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condenses them to 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 conversation with Filmmaker Jennifer Cooney. So, who is Jennifer Cooney? 

Jennifer Cooney was raised in a small Pennsylvania town, where her earliest and closest influence was her family: a close-knit group of hardworking, leading edge, business owners with hearts of gold. From a very early age, she was an astute observer of her surroundings; no detail, grand or minute, of character or circumstance escaped her attention. She nursed her innate curiosity of the human condition with poetry, photography, psychology, and film, constantly building the mental and emotional library of understanding within her. In college, she followed her passions, studying English, Communication & Rhetorical Studies, Psychology, and Philosophy, graduating with two majors and a double minor, all with Honors. Yet, her hunger to communicate human connection, her yearning to understand the human condition, and her quest to find answers to life's perennial questions remained unsatiated. Then, in a flash of what she can only describe as a Higher Calling, she knew her most authentic truth could only be expressed through the art of film. From that day forward, she has been on a disciplined and heart-driven path of expansion and expression, all ways leading to the Divine Expression of Love, Light, and her Truest Self through her creations. HalfJack Generation is both the platform and the launching pad for her stories. Jennifer is also a four-time published poet, a still photographer, and a painter, residing in the countryside of Pennsylvania with her wife, artist JFo, and three dogs.

In this episode, Alex and Allison summarize a conversation with independent filmmaker Jennifer Cooney. They explore Cooney's concepts of "inner darkness" versus "outer darkness," and discuss her belief in the power of radical honesty and vulnerability as an antidote to the inner darkness we all carry within us. The conversation delves into the role of emotions in the creative process, Cooney's filmmaking approach, and the importance of embracing authenticity and imperfections.

Enjoy, and follow Jennifer on Instagram here and watch her film Wild Fire, 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