This episode is brought to you by IDEO U. Equip yourself with repeatable, practical frameworks developed by IDEO, empowering your organization to continuously innovate and confidently navigate future challenges. For a limited time, IDEO U is offering our listeners 15% OFF SITEWIDE! Go to www.IDEOU.com/MAKEIT for 15% OFF today. This episode is also brought to you by Bzigo. Bzigo Iris—your smart home mosquito detector. Bzigo Iris is a cutting-edge device that uses computer vision and AI to detect,...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 43 min
Hello, Hello! Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #08 Summaries take some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condense them down to 10 (or so) minutes of pure listening pleasure.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 ...
Jun 20, 2025•15 min
This episode is brought to you by Factor meals. No prep, no cooking. Just dietitian-approved, chef-prepared meals delivered to your door and ready to eat in 2 minutes. Go to factormeals.com/MAKEIT50OFF . Use the code MAKEIT50OFF to get 50% off your order plus free shipping! Hello, Hello! In this episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, hosts Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs welcome documentary filmmakers Will Parrinello and Majo Calderon to discuss their film "Water for Life" and their experiences in doc...
Jun 13, 2025•2 hr 17 min
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 disc...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 43 min
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 experie...
May 16, 2025•2 hr 16 min
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 ...
May 09, 2025•16 min
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 Ha...
May 02, 2025•2 hr 13 min
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 ...
Apr 25, 2025•13 min
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...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 52 min
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 ...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 47 min
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 ...
Mar 28, 2025•15 min
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 deepe...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 28 min
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 opportunitie...
Mar 07, 2025•2 hr 13 min
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 b...
Feb 28, 2025•18 min
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 Fr3...
Feb 21, 2025•2 hr 27 min
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 flo...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 57 min
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 fi...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 40 min
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 imp...
Jan 31, 2025•8 min
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 ...
Jan 24, 2025•2 hr 10 min
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 t...
Jan 17, 2025•18 min
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 ...
Jan 11, 2025•1 hr 57 min
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, nec...
Jan 03, 2025•13 min
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...
Dec 27, 2024•14 min
Hello, Hello! Happy Holidays from Chris, Nick, Papa Bear, Intern Sam, and the team at MAKE IT! In this episode, the MAKE IT crew discuss their favorite moments from 2024 in a Holiday Season "clip show." Including one showcasing a heated debate between the hosts about the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef, and another highlighting a discussion about representation in Hollywood. We also share clips that discuss : - The importance of authentic representation in media and the need to push Hollywood to b...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 54 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Mistakes In the Making, filmmaker Natalie Ruffino Wilson shares her experience navigating the challenges of a volunteer film project that went awry. Joined by her husband and filmmaking partner, Kyler Wilson , Natalie recounts the lessons she learned about the importance of clear communication, setting boundaries, and protecting one's creative vision, even in the face of unexpected obstacles. The conversation delves into Natalie's initial excitement about being i...
Dec 13, 2024•15 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with director, producer, and filmmaker Rich Hull. Rich discusses his 30-year career in media and entertainment, including his work as a film producer and the creation of the largest Spanish-language streaming service, VIX. The conversation delves into Rich's latest project, a documentary film titled Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey , which he co-produced with Chris Pratt. We explore the unique role of combat chaplains, the challenges...
Dec 06, 2024•2 hr
Hello, Hello! In this Mistakes In the Making, Kyler Wilson,Director, Writer, and Co-founder of Outside Our Means (Production Company) discuss the importance of having a contract when working with others in the creative industry, even with friends and family, and share a personal experience where not having a contract led to issues on a project. Summary: Kyler emphasizes the importance of having a contract when working with others, even friends and family, to protect your work and relationships H...
Nov 29, 2024•17 min
Hello, Hello! Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #1 Summaries takes some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condenses them to down to 10 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 ...
Nov 22, 2024•12 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with plus-size influencer and NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) brand ambassador Phaith Montoya. They discuss strategies for overcoming rejection, the importance of building resilience and support systems, misconceptions about plus-size models, and the impact of social media and influencers. Phaith shares her personal experiences navigating challenges and the role of plus-size models in changing beauty standards. We also talk about: Pha...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Writer, Director, and Producer Coke Daniels . They discuss Daniels' journey into filmmaking, from his early days in the hip-hop industry to his transition into directing independent films. Daniels shares insights on the importance of mentorship, the challenges of urban filmmaking, and the inspiration behind his latest film, The Waterboy z . We Also Talk About: Daniels discusses his start in the music industry as part of the hip-hop group Ma...
Nov 08, 2024•2 hr 12 min
