The Make It Podcast

11/17/2025

How Vertical Content, Social Media, and AI are Changing Filmmaking

In this episode, Chris and Nick break down the dramatic changes shaking up the movie industry, from the billion-dollar rise of vertical videos to Hollywood’s shifting idea of what defines a “star.” We reveal why landing your film on a streaming service doesn’t guarantee financial success—and explain why most filmmakers must hustle harder than ever just to get seen.

0:00:00 — Introduction & Sponsor Message
0:00:52 — Welcome & Podcast Team Banter
0:02:16 — Setting the Scene: Halloween and Recording Context
0:03:38 — Vertical Micro Dramas: Industry Boom and Open Casting
0:04:14 — Critique of the Quibi Model and Hollywood Production
0:06:24 — Dissecting the $8 Billion Vertical Content Market
0:08:24 — Realities Versus Hype in Vertical Video Success
0:10:41 — Hollywood Gets Competitive: China’s Impact & Social Shifts
0:11:02 — Frustrations with Modern Viewing Platforms and Monetization
0:13:14 — Most Exciting TV Series: Parsing the Top 10 List
0:14:27 — Defining Audience Excitement vs. Conversation
0:17:07 — Debating “Tron” and the Impact of Marketing on Buzz
0:19:23 — Audience Poll Results: Measuring Real Interest
0:21:05 — Media Manipulation: Ariana Grande and Broader Industry Reflections
0:23:05 — The Power and Pitfalls of Marketing Hype
0:24:14 — Hollywood Stars, Cheryl Hines, and Political Image
0:26:27 — Industry Relationships, Integrity, and Public Perception
0:29:24 — Personal Choices, Careers, and Public Backlash
0:31:23 — Diet, Revolution, and Social Commentary
0:31:45 — Theatrical Decline and Star Power Shift
0:32:29 — The Importance of Movie Theaters to Film
0:35:44 — The Disintegration of Mall Culture and Community Viewing
0:38:40 — The New “Stars”: Social Media Influencers vs. Actors
0:40:20 — Threats to Craft: Creator vs. Performer in Modern Film
0:43:19 — Sponsor Messages: Claude AI and Gusto
0:48:25 — Indie Film Marketing: Costs, ROI, and Platform Payouts
0:52:33 — The Math Behind Streaming Revenue vs. Theatrical Releases
0:58:00 — Is Marketing Worth It for Indie Filmmakers?
1:01:35 — The Non-Financial Value of Filmmaking
1:04:28 — Building a Creative Career and Paying Back Supporters
1:05:40 — Auteur Cinema and Funding Opportunities
1:07:51 — Crowdfunding, Family, and the Changing Face of Film Funding
1:10:21 — The Day-Job Reality of Indie Film & Investor Definitions
1:12:56 — Transition: Audience Engagement and Entertainment Trivia
1:13:35 — Movie Name Trivia and Cast Mentions
1:15:11 — Vertical Video History: Snap, Vine, and TikTok
1:18:41 — App Evolution: From Snapchat to TikTok
1:19:41 — Short-Form Content Creation: Seven-Second Limits
1:21:09 — Keeping Kids Off Social Media: Lessons and Warnings
1:22:29 — Social Commerce and Building Trust in E-Commerce
1:24:53 — Final Thoughts: Headlines, AI, and Information Literacy
1:27:00 — Changing ROI: Hope, Hype, and Filmmaker Survival
1:28:38 — Episode Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks
1:29:58 — Where to Find the Podcast & Audience Call to Action
1:31:02 — Closing Motivation for Filmmakers

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https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast

11/02/2025

How to Build a Successful Career as a Filmmaker | TV & Film Producer David Parks

0:00:00 – Podcast Introduction and Sponsor Message
0:00:28 – Hosts’ Banter and Icebreaker
0:00:53 – Official Show Opening & Guest Introduction
0:02:21 – Welcoming David Parks & His Career Overview
0:03:22 – David’s Background: From Camera Operator to Producer
0:04:47 – Current Projects: "The Short Game" and Documentary Work
0:06:38 – Social Impact of Sports & Documentary Filmmaking
0:10:32 – David’s Early Life in DC and Move to LA
0:13:48 – How David Entered Film and TV (and Career Pivots)
0:18:31 – On Career Decisions, Regret, and Meeting Bob Costas
0:22:16 – Family, Competition, and Growing Up with Pranks
0:25:02 – Epic Family Pranks and Life Lessons
0:31:28 – Marathons, Sibling Rivalry, and Storytelling
0:33:07 – Living Boldly: No Regrets and Leaps of Faith
0:35:39 – Audience Poll: Indie Films vs. Hollywood Movies
0:38:14 – David’s Take on Studio vs. Indie Films
0:42:34 – Indie Filmmakers in Big Studios & Name Drops
0:48:52 – Sponsor Shout-Outs: Payroll and AI Tools
0:51:07 – Deep Dive: "The Short Game" Film Overview
0:56:09 – Crafting a Film: ‘Killing Your Darlings’ & Scene Choices
1:05:16 – Overcoming Post-Production Setbacks: Making Changes
1:13:14 – Budgeting, Pickup Shots, and Indie Problem-Solving
1:15:41 – iPhone Cinematography & Indie Ingenuity
1:17:56 – Value of Executive Producers Beyond Finance
1:21:31 – Achieving Picture Lock & Avoiding Fatigue
1:24:37 – Project Completion, Patience, and Reflection
1:29:03 – Shaping Distribution & Festival Strategies
1:34:39 – Marketing, Distribution, and the Producer’s Role
1:43:41 – Learning on the Job & Handling Production Challenges
1:49:19 – Golf Movie Trivia & History Segment
2:01:48 – Quickfire Q&A: Favorite Films and Embarrassing Misses
2:07:06 – Movies People Love But You Hate
2:11:32 – Favorite Cheat Day Meals & Food Culture
2:14:18 – Adams Morgan and DC Food Memories
2:18:31 – Which Heals the World: Church or Film?
2:20:32 – Faith in Film: Subtle Storytelling
2:24:48 – Where to Watch "The Short Game" and What’s Next
2:28:07 – What Does It Mean to ‘Make It’ in Film?

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10/17/2025

https://youtu.be/vle88ATa7pk?si=Yi0_bXzGCXZvnsKg

Amplifying Lost Voices: The Power of Human-Centered Narratives with Rhym Guissé

Roukya Rhym Guissé is a Los Angeles-based actor, screenwriter, and producer.

Rhym - pronounced "reem” - was born in the North African country of Algeria to an Algerian mother and a father from the West African country of Mali.

Learn more at https://www.rhymguisse.com

In this episode, filmmaker Rhym Guissé dives into the art and challenge of making movies that matter, sharing her journey across continents and cultures to i...

10/17/2025

Amplifying Lost Voices: The Power of Human-Centered Narratives with Rhym Guissé

In this episode, filmmaker Rhym Guissé dives into the art and challenge of making movies that matter, sharing her journey across continents and cultures to ignite change through film.

Learn more at https://www.rhymguisse.com

0:00:00 — Sponsor Introduction & Opening Banter
0:01:10 — Welcoming Remarks & Host Introductions
0:02:23 — Introducing Guest Filmmaker Rhym Guissé
0:03:08 — Rhym’s Filmmaking Background and Creative Passions
0:03:59 — Highlighting “Charlie’s Place” and Major Projects
0:06:41 — Navigating Multiple Creative Roles: Acting, Writing, Directing
0:08:13 — “Cart”: Concept, Themes, and International Experience
0:09:07 — Personal Roots: Algeria, Mali, and Diverse Cultural Influence
0:10:21 — Addressing Underrepresented Immigrant Stories
0:13:48 — Becoming a Storyteller: Early Inspiration and Parental Support
0:17:21 — Life Advice: Work Ethic and Creative Mindset
0:22:08 — Genre Fluidity: Directing Across Comedy, Drama, and Documentary
0:27:29 — Audience Polls: Documentary Preferences and True Crime Trends
0:29:13 — True Crime in Media: Ethics, Impact, and Representation
0:33:46 — Remaining Authentic: Story Choices Amid Industry Trends
0:43:01 — Deep Dive: Synopsis of “Charlie’s Place”
0:44:49 — Q&A: Filmmaking Ethics, Community, and Cultural Change
0:49:59 — The Role of Joy in Storytelling and Creative Sustainability
0:58:28 — Navigating Sensationalism and Building an Audience
1:05:31 — Finding and Telling Buried Stories: Ethics and Responsibility
1:12:02 — Why Stories Like “Charlie’s Place” Matter Now
1:17:05 — Film Trivia: Algerian Oscar Winners and Cinema History
1:25:26 — Top Films, Unseen Movies, and Marvel vs. DC Preferences
1:37:05 — Favorite Cheat Day Meals & Culinary Preferences
1:38:10 — Cities Better Than Paris: Personal Travel Highlights
1:40:42 — Storytelling vs. Mathematics: Foundations of a Thriving Society
1:48:00 — Social Media, Staying Connected, and Closing Thoughts
1:49:08 — Defining “Making It” in Film and Life
1:53:02 — Final Reflections, Thank Yous, and Episode Conclusion

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

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

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters.

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey.
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