The Make It Podcast

The Make It Podcast MAKE IT explores the filmmaking journeys of creatives across the film industry.

10/03/2025

Balancing Art, Money, and Meaning as a Filmmaker | Writer, Director Jonathan Bowen

In this episode, filmmaker Jonathan Bowen shares his journey from running fan sites to directing movies set in Las Vegas, revealing the real-life challenges and rewards of independent film.

0:00:00 Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome
0:01:11 Researching Jonathan Bowen’s Career
0:01:36 Housekeeping and Studio Banter
0:02:34 Previous Episode Correction: Michael Mann vs. Michael Madsen
0:04:07 PG County Film Festival Announcement
0:04:34 Main Interview Kickoff: Jonathan Bowen’s Notable Works
0:05:36 Amy Allison Fans: Inspiration and Origins
0:06:48 Upcoming Projects and Mockumentary Tease
0:08:20 Fan Sites and Unexpected Fan Mail
0:09:32 Missed Opportunities and The Comic Shop Introduction
0:10:09 The Comic Shop: Personal and Artistic Inspiration
0:12:28 The Courage to Tell Personal Stories
0:13:32 Songwriting, Impact, and Creative Ownership
0:14:44 Diagnosing Behaviors in Modern Culture
0:15:08 Building a Corporate Video Production Company
0:18:25 Creative Limitations in Brand Work vs. Indie Filmmaking
0:19:22 The Filmmaker’s “Lightning Rod” Moment
0:23:08 Custom Lego Lightsaber Reveal
0:24:37 Engaged Audiences at the Nashville Film Festival
0:26:11 Life Advice: “To Thine Own Self Be True”
0:27:15 Audience Poll: Discovering Indie Films
0:29:03 YouTube Critics and Indie Film Discovery
0:30:34 Industry Sources and Film Discovery
0:31:25 Rerunning Polls and Indie Film Marketing
0:32:58 Bundling Indie and Mainstream Film Promotion
0:34:27 Personal Branding and Director Marketing Challenges
0:35:24 Sponsor Segment: Insta360 Go Ultra and Gusto
0:40:45 Filmmaker Q&A: The Comic Shop and the Indie Journey
0:42:28 Standing Out Without a Studio Marketing Machine
0:46:47 Balancing Financial Sustainability and Creative Vision
0:49:10 Daily Creative Habits and Perseverance
0:52:13 Building a Loyal Audience and Community
0:56:37 Growing a Niche Instagram Following
0:57:31 The “1000 True Fans” Concept
1:00:38 Following Directors and Film Marketing Impact
1:03:24 Product Marketing Parallels: Razors and Film
1:04:09 Local Impact: Films and the Las Vegas Community
1:06:50 Encouraging Passion at Any Age
1:08:07 Comic Book Covers from The Comic Shop
1:09:00 Las Vegas Film Trivia Segment
1:13:07 Las Vegas Shakedown: First Film Shot Entirely in Las Vegas
1:15:19 El Rancho Vegas Hotel and Trivia Reactions
1:17:24 Filling Gaps in Film Knowledge
1:18:44 Comedic Voice Segment
1:20:29 Clear the Set: Favorite Films and Confessions
1:23:00 Disliked Popular Films and Awards Discussion
1:25:49 Stanley Cup vs. Oscar: Jonathan’s Choice
1:28:26 Creative Fulfillment vs. Wealth
1:29:50 Where to Find Jonathan Bowen’s Films
1:31:26 Audio Quality Across Streaming Platforms
1:33:56 Defining “Making It” as a Filmmaker
1:34:29 Episode Wrap-Up and Final Credo

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All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast

09/27/2025

True innovation isn’t about asking for faster horses 🐎—it’s about imagining what no one else sees.

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09/27/2025

Great stories live on the fine line between unique and strange—filmmaking is all about finding that balance. 🎬

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09/27/2025

Your story matters most when it’s shared with the community that believes in it. 💯

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09/27/2025

How well do you know car history? 🚗👀 The first independent U.S. automaker might surprise you…

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09/26/2025

It's more about the story you're telling than the fanfare you get for making a documentary.

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09/22/2025

Power of the Underdog: Classic Cars and Indie Films | Joe Ligo (), Documentarian

In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of creating an independent movie, exploring the real-world challenges and triumphs behind the acclaimed documentary "The Last Independent Automaker." The conversation uncovers how resourceful film funding, creative partnerships, and leveraging platforms like PBS and YouTube can help indie filmmakers reach wider audiences.

Watch The Last Independent Automaker: https://www.youtube.com/

0:00:00 Introduction to the podcast, hosts, and guest Joe Ligo
0:01:02 Joe Ligo’s background, name pronunciation, and audience engagement
0:02:12 Announcements about film festivals and community involvement
0:05:00 Joe introduces "The Last Independent Automaker" documentary and its AMC focus
0:07:32 Discussion on AMC cars’ cultural perception and parallels to film reception
0:12:17 Teaser for Joe’s next documentary project and thoughts on storytelling
0:13:31 Joe’s upbringing, entry into car culture, and meeting co-producer Pat Foster
0:16:03 The personal meaning of cars and insights from industry interviews
0:18:21 Remembering Vince Gerace and the importance of preserving stories
0:22:20 The value of context in car design and making the documentary accessible
0:24:11 Joe’s farm upbringing and its influence on his work ethic
0:25:27 Post-production challenges and editing for documentary storytelling
0:31:12 Audience poll on iconic 1960s cars and generational shifts in car culture
0:42:01 Transition to filmmaker Q&A and parallels between auto and film industries
0:44:01 Distribution strategies for indie filmmakers and building an audience
0:49:25 Budgeting, creative financing, and community support for indie films
0:54:22 Leveraging technology, affordable gear, and ethical filmmaking considerations
1:03:13 Differentiation, unique voice, and the role of community in filmmaking
1:13:20 Trivia about the first independent automaker in the US and early car companies
1:23:32 Personal stories about car ownership and AMC enthusiast culture
1:41:04 Producing DVDs in the digital age and nostalgia for physical media
1:45:21 Where to find Joe Ligo’s work online and building a documentary community
1:47:26 Reflections on what it means to “make it” as a filmmaker
1:51:40 Closing remarks, calls to action, and podcast sign-off

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09/22/2025

Now Playing: Joe Ligo and The Last Independent Automaker

09/16/2025

Chris loves when R&B and Pop songs don't have to go blue to get attention. It's not only the Kpop Demons songs, but Kehlani achieves this on her hit "Folded," too.

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09/16/2025

Maybe Chris is telling a tall tale... what do you believe?

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09/16/2025

The luxury of an Or**sm?! Speak for yourself, Chris! LOL. We promised there'd be more.

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09/16/2025

What if KPop started with when they went there in the late 90s and showed them what American R&B soul sounded like?? Anyway, we're into it.

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