The MAKE IT Podcast

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris and Nick talk about the upcoming Nashville Film Festival, the recent Sundance Film Festival host city announcement, and the Make It Podcast reaching a major milestone of 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. They also discuss the legacy of the late James Earl Jones, analyze box office trends, and dive into audience reception of Disney live-action remakes. We also tal...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris and Nick talk about Director Mike Day's transition from accounting to producing and directing, his work on major Hollywood films, and the challenges of managing film budgets. They discuss Mike's directing style and influences, as well as the marketing strategy for his latest film "Clawfoot." The conversation also includes insights from polls on...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris has a conversation with acclaimed film and television producer Gale Anne Hurd . Hurd discusses her storied career, including her start working for legendary producer Roger Corman, her breakout success producing The Terminator, and her influential work on iconic projects like Aliens and The Walking Dead. Throughout the conversation, Hurd shares valuable insights...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris and Nick discuss the challenges facing the animation industry as it grapples with the potential impact of AI and Warner Brothers' $8.5 billion investment in Nevada, which is contingent on a film tax credit incentive bill. We also talk about: - The phenomenon of sequel fatigue and Hollywood's reliance on franchises - The importance of marketing in the su...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris has a conversation with Linda Nelson, the CEO and co-founder of Indie Rights, a leading independent film distribution company. They discuss Linda's journey from a small town in upstate New York to becoming a pioneer in the indie film distribution space, including her experiences with the NSYNC concert film, the challenges of making independent films, and th...

Hello, Hello!  In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with documentary filmmakers John Kirby and Libby Handros. They discuss their 25-year partnership and their upcoming documentary film cycle "Four Died Trying," which explores the major assassinations of the 1960s. The conversation covers topics such as state involvement in these assassinations, the lack of transparency around the investiga...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris Barkley and writer Jason McConnell revisit MAKE IT episode #248, "Indie Film Investment From A to Z - EVERYTHING You Need To Know Before You Wire Funds." They discuss the popularity of the original episode, the chemistry between the hosts, and the unique perspective it provided on investing in indie films from a producer's point of view. The convers...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Producer Chris Barkley and Writer Jason McConnell discuss the ins and outs of investing in independent films. They cover topics such as the importance of good judgment, risk management, and negotiation strategies for investors. They also dive into the key factors to consider when evaluating film investment opportunities, including understanding the filmmakers' vi...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with producer, author, entrepreneur, and activist Dr. Christian Gregory. They discuss Gregory's work building sustainable consumer brands through his company 3E and continuing the legacy of his father, comedian and activist Dick Gregory. Christian shares stories from his childhood and lessons learned from his father about health, the environme...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with entertainment lawyer Joshua Lastine. They discuss the current state of the film industry and how private equity investment has impacted storytelling. Joshua provides insight into his work representing indie filmmakers and navigating contracts in Hollywood. He emphasizes the importance of proper legal protections for independent creators. We a...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with documentary filmmaker Sav Rogers and producer Alex Schmider about identity, trauma, and inclusion in filmmaking. They discuss Sav's documentary "Chasing Chasing Amy" and the challenges of representation in Hollywood. Sav and Alex also share their perspectives on building communities outside of traditional systems. We also talk abo...

Hello, Hello! In this special bonus episode, Chris and Nick host a webinar with filmmaker and educator John Fitzgerald. Jon Fitzgerald shared his expertise on advancing your filmmaking career through festivals, pitches, and working with gatekeepers. Chris and Nick provided additional insights from their experiences in the film industry. We also talk about: Strategies for networking and following u...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with filmmaker and festival director Jon Fitzgerald. They discuss Jon's career path from filmmaker to festival director, his advocacy work helping other filmmakers, and his efforts to leverage film for social change. Jon shares insights from his experiences running festivals, making documentaries, and advising other creatives. We also talk abo...

Hello, Hello! On this episode of the MAKE IT podcast, Chris and Nick discuss their passion for filmmaking and creativity. They explore questions of love and doubt, barriers to creative expression, and industry insights. The hosts also analyze characters from GI Joe, power dynamics in Hollywood, and the appreciation of artists at film festivals. We also talk about: - Political views expressed at co...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris talks with Actor Sara Antonio. They discuss her acting journey and experiences in television and film, sharing insights into scene study techniques, audition strategies, and mental wellness in the industry. Sara also reflects on memorable roles and working alongside icons like Louis Gossett Jr., offering advice he imparted to younger performers.   We also tal...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with filmmaker Nathan Rigaud. Nathan shares his background and experience in filmmaking, including working on sets and creating his own animated content. They discuss challenges in the indie film industry and the importance of proper planning, collaboration, and starting small. The group also explores early underwater filmmaking and personal exp...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, Chris and Nick discuss the current state of film, television, and streaming content. They delve into topics around content overload, authenticity, influencer personas, and actors' early roles. The hosts also play a trivia game, guessing actors' first feature films and providing film recommendations.   We also talk about:   The impact...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, we have a conversation with Cinematographer Micah Simms. Chris interviews Micah about his career journey and experiences working in commercials and films. They discuss Micah's passion for the craft of Cinematography and his collaborative work with Directors like Motke Dapp.   We also talk about: - Techniques for lighting and shooting scenes effectively   - Chal...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with filmmakers Dexter Strong Buell and Derek Mindler about their experiences in the indie film space, including Dexter's recent short film " The South Shore " and Derek's work as a cinematographer. They also discuss challenges in filmmaking and education, using new technology like 360 videos for location scouting, and an upcomin...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris has a conversation with Jason Padgitt, Executive Director of the Nashville Film Festival. They discuss Jason's role and responsibilities at NaFF, the film selection process, balancing industry and artistic interests, and the future of AI in filmmaking. Enjoy this insightful conversation about the inner workings of a major independent film festival.   We a...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Angus Benfield about his career as an Actor, Producer, Writer and Director and his upcoming film "The Keeper" which tackles the important issue of veteran suicide. They discuss Angus' process for bringing real stories to the screen, finding financing for independent films, and keeping creative energy as a filmmaker. Chris and Ni...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Daril Fannin and Austin Worrell from Kino Studios . They discuss challenges in the film industry and opportunities for new models to empower creators through technology. Daril and Austin share their experiences and explain their mission to build efficient tools through Kino Studios to help filmmakers launch globally and connect with audienc...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Actor, Writer, and Producer Jordan Charles about his film project "Brothers in Arms," which explores themes of family, redemption, and the impact of war through two brothers separated at a young age. Jordan shares how his own family history influenced the film and informed his perspective as an artist.   Chris and Nick provide insig...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Adam Schartoff, the host of the long-running podcast Film Wax Radio. They discuss Adam's experience maintaining a podcast for over 790 episodes and the challenges of keeping enthusiasm and motivation over many years. They also debate strategies for film festival juries and screeners, the importance of festivals for filmmakers, and wheth...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, we are joined by filmmaking partners Nicholas Mihm and Rostam Zafari. They discuss their filmmaking partnership, their new documentary 'Bubjan,' their nonprofit work promoting Iranian culture, and future projects exploring physician burnout through animation and entrepreneurship through documentary storytelling.   We also talk about:    Nicholas Mihm shares...