The MAKE IT Podcast

Hello, Hello!

In this Story Is King segment, filmmaker Yelena Popovic shares her incredible journey from war-torn Yugoslavia to Hollywood, discussing her transition from fashion modeling to filmmaking and the miraculous events surrounding her hit film "Man of God." She opens up about overcoming 18 years of immigration struggles, single motherhood, and the dark moments that nearly ended her career before finding success at age 50. Yelena also recounts extraordinary miracles that occurred during production, including a supernatural weather event that saved her film from disaster.

We also talk about:

• Growing up in Yugoslavia during the Communist era and leaving home at 16½ during wartime

• The challenges of being an immigrant actress with an accent in Hollywood

• Her father's persecution for refusing to join the Communist Party, which inspired her first film

• The transition from modeling to acting to writing and finally directing

• Her philosophy on humility, faith, and loving your enemies as keys to success

Products, Software, Websites, People, or Places Mentioned:

Yugo automobile

Belgrade, Serbia (formerly Yugoslavia)

Milan, Italy

Los Angeles

New York

Greece

Playhouse West acting school

Canon 7D camera

"Man of God" film

"Moses the Black" (latest project starring Omar Epps)

Saint Nectarios

Archangel Michael

Aegina island

Athens

Peloponnese

Turkey (ancient Chonae)

Elias Potter (producer/husband)

COVID-19

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

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This episode is brought to you by Factor. No prep, no cooking. Just dietitian-approved, chef-prepared meals delivered to your door and ready to eat in 2 minutes.

Go to https://factormeals.com/makeit50off and use the code MAKEIT50OFF to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year.

This episode is brought to you by The Film Tech Program at Columbia State Community College. ENROLLMENT begins each fall semester. But space is limited to 20 students each year. So, apply now. For more information, reach out to David Smith, FCT Program Director at 615-790-4410 or email him at [email protected]

www.ColumbiaState.edu/FCT

Hello, Hello! 

In this episode, filmmaker Yelena Popovic shares her incredible journey from Serbian fashion model to acclaimed director of "Man of God" and "Moses the Black." She opens up about experiencing miracles while filming, including a supernatural weather event that saved her production, and discusses how faith and humility guide her storytelling approach. The conversation explores her unique ability to tell authentic stories about redemption while working closely with communities to ensure truthful representation.

We also talk about:

• The challenges of the film industry and overcoming 18 years of immigration struggles 

• Her collaboration with Omar Epps, 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa, and Quavo on "Moses the Black." 

• The difference between faith-based films and movies that inspire faith 

• Working with Chicago's West Side community to tell authentic gang redemption stories 

• The creative process of adapting a 4th-century saint's story for modern audiences

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:

Factor (meal delivery sponsor) 

Columbia State Film Crew Technology (sponsor) 

"Man of God"

"Moses the Black"

"Conclave"

"Passion of the Christ"

"The Wolf of Wall Street"

"The Departed"

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"

"8½"

"Asphalt Jungle"

Omar Epps

50 Cent

Wiz Khalifa

Quavo

Corey Hendrix

Saint Nektarios

Saint Moses the Black

Reginald Kimberly Sr.

Belgrade

Serbia

Yugoslavia

Chicago's West Side

Greece

Egina Island

Playhouse West

Sidney Lumet

John Huston

Andrei Tarkovsky

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Canon 7D camera

McDonald's

Krystal burgers

Yugo

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

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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 Nicholas Buggs explores Ryan Coogler's atmospheric horror film "Sinners," starring Michael B. Jordan as twin characters in a vampire story deeply rooted in southern traditions and ancestral memory. The film uses horror as a cultural delivery system, focusing on atmosphere and folklore rather than jump scares, with exceptional technical craftsmanship in production design, music, and visual storytelling. Coogler demonstrates how genre filmmaking can serve as a powerful vessel for exploring identity, heritage, and cultural inheritance.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Michael B. Jordan's grounded performance as the southern twin characters and the supporting work of Haley Steinfeld and Wunmi Mosaku

• The film's technical mastery, including production design, wardrobe, hair and makeup, and period-accurate set decoration

• The fusion of blues, spirituals, and atmospheric tension in the score and soundtrack that serves as the film's emotional backbone

• Critical reception praising the film's confidence and craft while noting some limitations in character depth

• The importance of intention, authenticity, and honoring cultural roots in genre filmmaking

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Ryan Coogler (director)

Michael B. Jordan (lead actor)

Hailee Steinfeld (actress)

Wunmi Mosaku (actress)

Sinners

Fruitvale Station

Creed

Black Panther

American South

Ultra Panavision

IMAX

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: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast

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Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the unconventional career journey of Tim Duggan, a filmmaker, photographer, and entrepreneur who went from failing flight school to becoming a successful creative entrepreneur. They explore his transition from technical perfection to meaningful artistic inquiry, his revolutionary "farmer mentality" approach to freelance business, and his philosophy on documenting raw human nature through projects ranging from intimate music sessions to controversial anthropological documentaries. The conversation reveals how Tim built a sustainable creative career by focusing on relationship-building, embracing imperfection, and always asking "why" instead of just "how."

We also talk about:

• The impact of social media and mobile technology on photography composition and artistic vision 

• Tim's "rule of three" theory for getting hired in the opaque creative marketplace 

• How TikTok is democratizing video editing skills among younger generations 

• The philosophy behind Gems on VHS and creating authentic, memory-like content 

• Tim's documentary work exploring the psychological contradictions in controversial subjects like cockfighting

People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:

5Folds Creative (agency)

Gems on VHS (YouTube channel)

Anthony Simpkins (Tim's business partner)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

CMOS vs CCD sensors

Bayer patterns

Tennessee Walking Men project

Tim’s Instagram

Source Episode: https://redcircle.com/shows/e5ef7af1-b154-4271-a463-fee78baaca9e

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

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, we conclude our conversation with filmmaker Emma Parks, who becomes the first guest of 2026 to answer their signature question about what it means to "make it." Emma defines making it as being in a position to create the films you want to make and give performances that tell the stories you want to share with the world, emphasizing that while it takes time and work, the fulfillment of doing what you love and creating meaningful art is what truly constitutes success. The hosts praise Emma's early start and dedication to her craft, predicting that her consistent trajectory will lead to what appears to be overnight success but is actually the result of years of dedication since childhood.

We also talk about:

• Emma's philosophy on success and fulfillment in filmmaking

• Advice about starting early in creative careers

• The trajectory of long-term success versus overnight success perception

• Emma's current and upcoming film projects

• The importance of creating art that makes a difference

Mentioned in this Episode: 

Instagram (@emma_l_parks_)

Film Shortage (YouTube channel/platform)

"Dirty Towel" (Emma's short film)

"The Short Game" (Emma's upcoming feature film)

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

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Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Emma Parks joins us to "Clear the Set" where she shares her top three films including Almost Famous, Good Will Hunting, and The Way Way Back. The conversation reveals her embarrassing admission of never having seen The Godfather despite watching an entire TV series about its making. Emma also discusses her complicated relationship with Coraline, which terrified her as a child but she recently rewatched and appreciated as an adult.

We also talk about:

• The psychology of watchlists and why putting movies on them means you'll never watch them

• The importance of buying physical media to fully appreciate classic films through extras and commentary

• Emma's elaborate cheat day eating patterns that cycle between savory and sweet foods

• Hidden design elements in famous logos like FedEx, Baskin-Robbins, and Wendy's

• Career comparisons between soccer legend Mia Hamm and actress Sydney Sweeney

Mentioned In this Episode: 

Almost Famous

Good Will Hunting

The Way Way Back

One Battle After Another

Dead Poets Society

Patch Adams

The Godfather

Scarface

Avatar

Coraline

Ratatouille

The Housemaid

Miles Teller

Robin Williams

Mia Hamm

Sydney Sweeney

Alex Morgan

Hope Solo

Randy's Donuts

Auntie Anne's

Olive Garden

Baskin-Robbins

FedEx Logo

Wendy's Logo

Dolby

IMAX

UHD 4K

The Making of The Godfather (with Miles Teller)

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

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode,we dive into our popular "Things We Should Know" segment with Producer Papa Bear at the helm. The conversation centers around a fascinating trivia question about the only person in history to win both an Olympic gold medal and an Oscar, which leads to an engaging discussion about sports and entertainment achievements. Guest Emma Parks shares her impressive background as a gold medal winner at the World Maccabiah Games, often called the Jewish Olympics.

We also talk about:

• Emma Parks' soccer career and her gold medal win at the 2017 World Maccabiah Games

• The World Maccabiah Games as the second largest sporting event in the world • Various celebrity guesses including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Jenner, and OJ Simpson

• Kobe Bryant's Oscar win for "Dear Basketball" animated short film

• Mitch Gaylord's five Maccabiah Games gold medals and Olympic gymnastics achievements

Mentioned In This Episode: 

Emma Parks (guest and gold medalist)

World Maccabiah Games (Israel)

Kobe Bryant

"Dear Basketball" (2017 animated short film)

Glen Keane (Disney animator)

Kevin Nealon

Mr. Subliminal (Saturday Night Live)

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner

Richard Roundtree

OJ Simpson

Adam Sandler

Mitch Gaylord

Chris O'Donnell

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

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

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, filmmaker and actress Emma Parks join us for an engaging Filmmaker Q&A session. The conversation explores Emma's experiences making her coming-of-age dramedy short film "Dirty Towel," which tackles themes of sexual shame and empowerment while examining the universal struggle of owning personal decisions against parental expectations. Emma shares insights about her creative process, the collaborative filmmaking experience, and the challenges of breaking into the industry after film school.

We also talk about:

• How filmmaking mistakes, particularly forgotten lines during acting, can create more authentic and natural moments on screen

• The myth that scripts are ever truly finished, as they continue evolving through pre-production, filming, and post-production phases

• The influence of Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous" on Emma's filmmaking approach and her love for coming-of-age storytelling

• What film schools should teach but don't - specifically the bridge between artistry and industry, including fundraising, networking, and career development

• The hard truths about filmmaking, including the challenges of script development and the importance of asking for advice rather than money when building industry relationships

Mentioned in this episode: 

Emma Parks (filmmaker/actress)

Callie Carpinteri (director of "Dirty Towel")

Laura Coover (actress)"Dirty Towel" (short film)"

Almost Famous" by Cameron Crowe

"Forrest Gump"

"The Princess Bride"

"All Light Will End" (film)"

The Green Mile"

Tisch School of the Arts (NYU)

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

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

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, we dive into Audience Poll results about preferred film release formats, revealing that 62% of viewers favor streaming exclusives over theatrical releases. The conversation explores why streaming has become the dominant preference, examining factors like rising theater costs, mobile viewing habits, and accessibility issues. The discussion also covers potential solutions for revitalizing the theatrical experience through improved subscription models and enhanced perks.

We also talk about:

• The prohibitive cost of movie theater tickets and concessions

• How mobile device viewing is changing content consumption habits

• The failure of MoviePass and current theater subscription services

• Why theater chains aren't effectively promoting their existing membership programs

• The dramatic difference between IMAX and regular theatrical experiences

Mentioned in the Episode:

IMAX theaters

MoviePass

AMC A-List subscription service

Regal theaters

Sam's Club

Costco

"Dune" movie

TD Jakes

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

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

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, filmmaker Emma Parks discusses her journey from creating the award-winning short film "Dirty Towel" during her senior year of college to developing it into a feature-length project. Emma shares her experience premiering at Tribeca Film Festival and the challenges of raising funds for her upcoming feature film, where she'll be writing, producing, and acting. The conversation explores the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the importance of creating your own opportunities in the entertainment industry.

We also talk about: 

• Growing up in a prank-loving household and pulling off the ultimate Christmas prank involving a fake "anthropology rock"

• The challenge of wearing multiple hats as a filmmaker - writing, producing, directing, and acting

• Why young filmmakers should take control of their careers instead of waiting for opportunities

• The phenomenon of audiences becoming "bored with greatness" when it comes to legends like Meryl Streep and Steven Spielberg

• Building collaborative relationships and making content with friends who share your creative passion

Mentioned in this episode: 

Tribeca Film Festival

"Dirty Towel" (short film)

David Parks

Greta Gerwig

Reese Witherspoon

Margot Robbie

Meryl Streep

Knives Out film series

Jennifer Lawrence

Steven Spielberg

Eminem

Jay-Z

Charlemagne tha God

Tom Brady

Michael Jordan

"The Last Dance" documentary

Anthropologie

Ultra-Low SAG budget filmmaking

International pre-sales

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

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

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