The MAKE IT Podcast

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Indie Talk,   Chris and Nick are back with a wide-ranging conversation! We talk about:   The long-tail of the brand-less hat movement The consequences of taking too much advice and sharing the vision Writers are starting to use AI to work faster and get better   What should studios and networks pay for an AI-assisted piece of creative   How Apple Vision Pro mig...

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Indie Talk, we bring on special guest Christopher Everett. He’s a Documentarian and the Artistic Director of the Southern Documentary Fund. We talk about:     The Wilmington, NC Massacre of 1898 Northern shipper’s roles in Slavery His documentary ‘ Wilmington On Fire ’ (Parts 1 and 2) Using Guerrilla marketing to ROI his films The filmmaker benefits from the So...

Hello, Hello!     In this episode, we have a conversation with Emmy-Nominated Filmmaker and Best-Selling Author Tiffany Shlain (@tiffanyshlain on Instagram). We talk about:     The invention of the “Failures Bio” Using constraints as a lever for creating your best work   How to thrive creatively in a recession   AI fears and the fault in short-selling humans   Why she sold the Webby awards   Enjoy...

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, we learn from Writer and Filmmaker Matt Williams. He expounds upon:   The consequences of taking too much input from others   How difficult it is to regain your artistic vision once you lose it   The critical importance of developing a concise vision for your work - day one The trap of not receiving advice from qualified people   Enjoy!...

Hello, Hello!     In this episode, we have a conversation with Sophie Holland, Casting Director for the breakout shows The Witcher , Wednesday , and the upcoming hit Heads of State (starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas,   Idris Elba, and Jack Quaid). We talk about:     Casting The Witcher and Wednesday Jenna Ortega ’s rise to stardom Why has acting become such a desired career in the current generation...

Hello, Hello!     In this episode, we have a conversation with Jeff Clanagan, Founder of CodeBlack and President & Chief Distribution Officer of Hartbeat, Kevin Hart's entertainment and production company. We talk about:     His opinions on the WGA Strike Why he doesn't want his kids to work in entertainment His concerns regarding AI in the Film & TV Industry Working with Kevin Har...

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick expounds upon the wisdom of Michael McCray , Founder of the Whistleblower Summit and Film Festival. He reminds us to be intentional by defining our core values.     Enjoy!   The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film and Television, Nashville (a 501(c)(3) non-profit or...

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Indie Talk, we invite guest host Lance Clark, Filmmaker, and Huntington University Ph. D. Professor of Digital Media and Film to the podcast. We talk about:     His Films Wayfaring Stranger and Patterns The heartbreaking and surprising story of how he cast Stephen Baldwin   The difference between Faith-based and Faith-aligned film Things We Should Know with Pro...

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick expounds upon the wisdom of award-winning actress Florencia Lozano to share an essential point on perspective — and urges us as creatives to never forget that we get to do this . Enjoy!     The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film and Television, Nashville (a 501(c)(...

Hello, Hello!     In this episode, we have a conversation with Actor, Writer, and Producer Josh Plasse (@joshplasse on Instagram). We talk about:     How he almost died during his pilgrimage to Los Angeles   Why he gave up potential careers in the military and football to pursue acting   When an actor should question their talent or approach His film The Resurrection of Charles Mason How to build...

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick invite Filmmakers Kyler Wilson and Natalie Ruffino Wilson to the conversation. They talk about:     Shooting and funding their film Best Laid Plans The fairness of IMDb scoring   Their decision to hire a sales agent instead of going straight to a distributor The new era of the self-tape actor How they met each other and the challenge...

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, we learn from Talent Agent extraordinaire Kim “Cookie” McCray. She expounds upon:   Feeling the need to work twice as hard as her male counterparts   Realizing she needs work-life balance   Not believing in mistakes or regret — but understanding the feeling   How America’s culture creates and rewards workaholics     Enjoy!     The MAKE I...

Hello, Hello!     In this episode, we have a conversation with Vanzil Burke, CEO and Founder of Burke Management.   We talk about:   His movies and shows: Karen , Cocaine Sisters , and Heaux Phase Why he quit his Tech job to pursue a career in film When to look for a talent manager and why a hands-on manager is best His number one rule about investors in his films     And much more… Enjoy!     The...

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick talk about:   Why people are dropping their streaming subscriptions HBO’s curious brand change to MAX   The best filmmaker mindset for ROI Culture Check: Why it’s so difficult to turn down parts in the Indie Film Community     And much more… Enjoy!   The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is...

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, we hear from Filmmaker and Actor Rasheed Stephens.   Rasheed talks about a time he was forced into Directing, and things went poorly -- at first. Then, he found the confidence, faith, and courage to do what needed to be done. Enjoy!    Follow Rasheed: https://www.instagram.com/stephensrasheed_/   The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, we have a conversation with Indie Rights CEO Linda Nelson.   We talk about: Distribution Contract Terms With Indie Rights How To Market Your Film   Why Your Film Isn’t The Brand (You’re The Brand) How Her Film Shifted Became The First Ever Film To Stream On Amazon   How She Overcame Resistance Leaving The Banking World And Entering The Film Industry The Best Style...

Hello, Hello!   In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick talk to the finalists of the 54 Film Fest Festival.   We talk about: The rules of the 54 Film Fest   The pressure of post (and how to overcome it) The themes and inspirations for their films How the 54 can improve   The finalists' best advice for future 54 Film Fest filmmakers (and creatives in general) And much more… enjoy!     The...

Hello, Hello!    In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick borrows wisdom from Emmy award-winning Production Designer and Art Director Frances Hernandez . Her guidance to creatives in Film is to "speak life," which Nick breaks down into three parts: Speak words of encouragement  Speak words of appreciation Speaking the truth   Enjoy!   The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of...

Hello, Hello!     In this episode, we have a conversation with Executive Producer and Co-Founder of Riverside Entertainment, Brian Loschiavo. We talk about:   His incredible documentary Bluebird Songwriting for the hit series Nashville   How he took advantage of his opportunities at ABC and Disney   His path from skateboarding to filmmaking How he helped build Riverside Entertainment   Being a wor...

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Indie Talk, we welcome a special guest, Actor Ali Alsaleh. We talk about the following:   Ariana DeBose’s rap @ the BAFTAs and why people are too hard on her     Our Oscar predictions: Everything Everywhere All At Once vs. TAR     Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, and his misunderstanding of how polls work   What Ali thinks about only casting ethnic actors for e...

Hello, Hello!    In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, we hear from brilliant Director Kali Bailey. Kali expounded on a time in her career when she thought her colleague's advice was more about usurping her vision and creativity than staying on budget and having her best interests at heart. Enjoy! #MAKEIT    The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, whic...

328 - Brandon Rhiness, Screenwriter And Filmmaker - Making Horror On A Budget, How To Get Paid Selling A Screenplay, and The Democratization Of Filmmaking   Hello, Hello!   In this episode of the MAKE IT Podcast, we have a conversation with Screenwriter and Filmmaker, Brandon Rhiness. We cover the following:     How he sold his first screenplay His tips, tools, and methods for raising capital Why...

Hello, Hello!    In this edition of Industry Insights, borrowing from Calgary International Film Festival Director Brian Owens, Nick walks us through the steps to consider before embarking on a fight that could affect your career. Enjoy!    The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film and Television, Nashville (a 501(c)(3) non-pro...

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick discuss the following:   The Potential WGA Strike (And Why It Might Be A Nothing-Burger)   Pros and Cons Of Unions   Hollywood Accounting     The Complexity Of The Upcoming Streaming Contract Negotiations     Why Intellectual Property Is The Best Play For Indie Filmmakers       Why Everyone Should Love Vin Diesel (Even If They Don’t L...

Hello, Hello (and Happy Valentines Day)!   In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, we hear from Episodic Writer Priscilla Wise. Priscilla expounds on her experience with being unprepared for film industry opportunities and how she learned to overcome that through self-reflection and honesty. Enjoy!     The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsor...