The MAKE IT Podcast

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, cultu...

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 Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #05 Summaries take some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condense them down to 10 (or so) minutes of pure listening pleasure.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 ne...

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 storytellin...

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...

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 Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #4 Summaries take some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condense them down to 10 (or so) minutes of pure listening pleasure.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...

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 d...

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 Weeke...

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, under...

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 emph...

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 significanc...

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...

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 Bra...

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&#3...

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...

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 cl...

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 t...

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 Jou...

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...

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 sh...

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 navigati...

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...

Hello, Hello!  In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with actress Katherine Ro about her journey in the entertainment industry, balancing career and family life, and the challenges of voice acting versus traditional acting. They also discuss the importance of independent film festivals, the skills required for stunt work, and insights from industry professionals. The conversation covers a range of...

Hello, Hello!  In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with filmmakers Aaron Irons and Josh Croft about their experiences at the Defy Film Festival, their independent horror films "Chest" and "Jeffrey's Hell," and their overall approach to low-budget, authentic filmmaking. The conversation covers the importance of community, resourcefulness, and staying true to one's creative...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris and Nick talk to David "D. Bird" Birdsall, the co-founder of the White Collar Rhymes Discord community. They discuss D. Bird's experience organizing a music project that brought together internet friends from around the world to create The Last Mixtape album and documentary in a mansion in Austin, Texas. The conversation covers the challenges of fil...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Director and Cinematographer Tiffany Murray about her experiences working in the film industry directing, shooting, and trying her hand at producing. They discuss her recent film, 2 Lives in Pittsburgh , and the challenges of independent filmmaking. The conversation also explores issues of inclusivity in the workplace and how to foster respec...