- 1 hour 26 minutes438 - Kevin Goetz - On Audience Testing 5,000+ Films, How He Became Hollywood's Most Powerful Audience Whisperer, and How to Use Audience Testing to Enhance Your Film (Not Destroy Your Vision)
This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/products/mastering-film-marketing
Hello, Hello!
In this episode, we sit down with legendary audience research expert Kevin Goetz, the CEO of Screen Engine, who has tested over 5,000 film and television titles for major studios over three decades. Kevin shares his journey from aspiring Broadway performer to becoming Hollywood's most trusted voice on audience testing, discussing how filmmakers can use audience feedback to enhance rather than compromise their creative vision. The conversation explores the evolution of audience expectations in the streaming era, the importance of knowing your deficits as an entrepreneur, and Kevin's philosophy on following passion over profit.
We also talk about:
• Kevin's childhood in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and the family dynamics that shaped his drive for success
• The misconceptions filmmakers have about audience testing and how it actually enhances creative vision
• How streaming platforms have changed viewer behavior, and the need for compelling cold opens
• The importance of self-awareness in leadership and surrounding yourself with people better than you at specific skills
• Kevin's approach to delegation, team building, and scaling a business with 320 employees
People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:
BBMG Entertainment — kevingoetz360.com
News & Media Services
People
Derek Guy (menswear writer)
Charles Roven (producer)
Donald De Line (PGA)
Ben Fritz (Wall Street Journal)
Barbara Jarrett
Films & TV
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Hacks (HBO Max)
Masters of the Universe (He-Man movie)
Places & Institutions
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. #MAKEIT
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy12 June 2026, 9:30 am - 11 minutes 40 secondsSpider-Noir | Is Nicolas Cage's Spider Noir the Most Vulnerable Superhero Ever Created?
Hello, Hello!
WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?
Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.
BRIEF:
In this episode, host Nick explores Spider Noir, a groundbreaking superhero series that transforms Marvel mythology into a Depression-era noir meditation on aging, regret, and redemption. The show stars Nicolas Cage as Ben Reilly, a worn-down private investigator and former masked vigilante navigating the rain-soaked streets of 1930s New York. This isn't your typical superhero story—it's a slow-burn character study that prioritizes atmosphere and emotional depth over explosive action sequences.
TAKEAWAYS:
• Harry Bradbeer's directorial approach and the creative decision to use four different directors across eight episodes
• The series' bold aesthetic choice offering both color and authentic black-and-white viewing options • How the multiverse concept allows superhero storytelling to age alongside audiences
• The evolution from the animated Spider-Verse version to this more emotionally grounded live-action adaptation
• Why prioritizing older heroes and mature themes represents an important shift in superhero cinema
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Harry Bradbeer (director)
Oren Uziel (writer)
Ben Reilly (character)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Ebook: "Mastering Film Marketing"
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. #MAKEIT
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy11 June 2026, 6:30 pm - 17 minutes 46 secondsSUMMARIES - Danielle Vega - Child Star, Emmy Nominated Actress, and the Long Game of Resilience
Hello, Hello!
In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness discuss the career of actress Danielle Vega, who transitioned from childhood stardom in "Barney and Friends" to adult success. Vega's journey is highlighted as a case study in resilience, detailing her early audition process, the demanding physical conditions for performers, and the supportive environment at Katie Studios. The conversation explores Vega's transition to adult professionalism, her humbling experiences on the red carpet, and her eventual success in roles like "East Los High" and "Chicago Med." The discussion emphasizes the importance of preparation, learning from failures, and the impact of early experiences on professional growth.
We also talk about:
- What it meant to be a mixed‑race child actor on a 1990s non‑union set that was paradoxically safer and more protective than many mainstream productions.
- The brutal physical reality behind the Barney suit and how witnessing that sacrifice shaped Danielle’s understanding of professionalism and dedication.
- How the “illusion of competence” and the credential trap led her to repeat the same mistake at age 22 that she learned to avoid at age 9.
- Her return to acting with East Los High, a pioneering transmedia teen drama that secretly delivered critical sex‑ed and abuse‑prevention resources to its audience.
- How all of this culminated in work on network television (including Chicago Med, directed by Carl Weathers) and a “closed‑loop” career that echoes the educational mission of Barney & Friends in a more mature form.
People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:
David Joyner (Barney suit performer)
Bob West (Barney's voice)
Penny Wilson (choreographer)
Apollo Creed (fictional character)
Barney (the purple dinosaur)
Kim — Danielle's character on Barney & Friends;
Ceci Camayo — Danielle's character on East Los High
Mima & Pop Pop — Kim's fictional grandparents on Barney & Friends
Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Illusion of competence (Dunning–Kruger effect)
Credential trap — a discussed concept, no single authoritative source
Trojan horse (as an education-delivery strategy)
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. #MAKEIT
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy9 June 2026, 9:30 am - 1 hour 59 minutes437 - Stephen Marinaccio DGA UPM & Line Producer - What It Really Takes to Make a $100M Film, Lessons from 80+ International Projects, and How to Budget Like a Pro
This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://allthingsmakeit.com/collections/learn
This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeit
Hello, Hello!
In this episode, veteran line producer Stephen Marinaccio shares his 35+ years of experience managing productions across 30+ countries, from working with James Cameron to developing Line Budgeter, a revolutionary budgeting platform created by actual line producers. He discusses the essential skills needed for production management, the art of problem-solving on complex international shoots, and how his military upbringing shaped his detail-oriented approach to filmmaking. Stephen reveals the reality of managing multi-million dollar budgets and provides invaluable advice for aspiring production managers.
We also talk about:
• The development of Line Budgeter and why existing production software falls short
• How to read scripts like a line producer and identify all hidden costs
• The importance of communication and relationship management on set
• Breaking down scenes to understand the true scope of production requirements
• The role of AI in future film production and maintaining human creativity
People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:
People
- Stephen Marinaccio
- James Cameron
- Emily Best (Seed&Spark)
- Sarah Childress (NPT Creative Director) NPT itself is here
- Earl Woods
- Tiger Woods
- Ezekiel "Zeke" Emanuel (Rahm Emanuel's brother, author of Eat Your Ice Cream)
- Rob Schneider
- Mark Magidson (producer of Samsara)
- Ron Fricke (director of Samsara)
- Bix Beiderbecke (subject of the film Bix)
Films & TV
13. The Abyss
14. Anora
18. Materialists
19. Citizen Kane
20. Cloud Atlas
21. Star Wars
23. Psycho
24. Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo
25. The Fall (2006)
26. Bix (1991)
27. Planet Earth
28. Samsara (2011)
29. Baraka (1992)
Media, Tech & Institutions
32. CBS
33. ABC News
34. Claude (and Claude Pro)
35. Gemini
36. Ableton
37. Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, etc.)
38. Line Budgeter (Stephen's platform)
40. Final Draft
41. Kickstarter
42. Seed&Spark
44. Nashville Film Festival
45. NPT (Nashville Public Television)
Places
49. Cambodia
50. Morocco
54. Quad Cities / Davenport, Iowa
55. Skywalker Ranch
56. DGA Theater (part of the DGA)
Wrestling & Guilds
57. WCW
58. WWE
59. WWF (World Wrestling Federation, now WWE)
60. DGA – Directors Guild of America
61. PGA – Producers Guild of America
Industry Roles & Concepts
62. Line Producer
63. Unit Production Manager (UPM)
66. Digital Imaging Technician (DIT)
67. Grip
68. Prints and Advertising (P&A)
69. Crowdfunding
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. #MAKEIT
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy29 May 2026, 9:30 am - 19 minutes 22 secondsSUMMARIES - Jennica Schwartzman - How to Build a Multi-Hyphenate Career Without Sacrificing Your Family
Hello, Hello!
In this episode, AI hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore the unconventional career journey of indie filmmaker Jennica Schwartzman, examining how she built a successful multi-hyphenate creative life without sacrificing family or integrity. They discuss her rejection of traditional linear career models in favor of a fluid, chapter-based approach that integrates multiple roles as actor, producer, writer, and parent. The conversation reveals how her background as a pastor's kid shaped her performance skills and fearless approach to grassroots filmmaking.
We also talk about:
• How growing up in the 1990s evangelical church culture provided unexpected creative training
• Practical strategies for making film sets parent-friendly through structural changes
• The psychology of grassroots fundraising and community relationship building
• Why filmmakers should never waste social capital on short films
• The importance of execution over talent in building trust within creative industries
People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:
XPK Podcast (Ex-Pastor-Kids, co-hosted with brother Marc Hampson)
Movie Baking: The Indie Work-At-Home-Parent Filmmaker
DCLA
Fayetteville Travel Center
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. #MAKEIT
Subscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy26 May 2026, 9:30 am - 1 hour 36 minutes436 - Elsa Ramo - Entertainment Lawyer & Strategist - Why Entertainment Lawyers Need to Be in LA, The Hidden Costs of Not Hiring an Entertainment Lawyer, and Creative Vision vs. Commercial Reality
This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://allthingsmakeit.com/collections/learn
Hello, Hello!
In this episode, entertainment lawyer Elsa Ramo joins us to discuss the critical role of legal strategy in filmmaking and the entertainment industry. Ramo shares her journey from printing business cards at Kinko's to becoming a trusted advisor for major studios like Imagine Entertainment and production companies working on projects with Ron Howard, Ridley Scott, and Jude Law. The conversation covers everything from contract negotiations and creative deal-making to the impact of AI on the film industry and the importance of building relationships in Hollywood.
We also talk about:
• The difference between hiring a lawyer and the cost of not hiring one for independent creators
• Whether filmmakers should hire an agent, manager, or lawyer first when starting their careers
• How AI is transforming both content creation and legal services in the entertainment industry
• The challenges of user-generated content versus traditional filmmaking in today's market
• Key decision points in the filmmaking process where creators need legal consultation
People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:
Scott Free Productions (Ridley Scott)
California Lawyers for the Arts
Chris Martin / Coldplay jumbotron incident
The Real Housewives of Orange County
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. #MAKEIT
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy15 May 2026, 11:30 am - 10 minutes 52 secondsMortal Kombat II | Why Mortal Kombat II Works (Film Review)
Hello, Hello!
WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?
Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.
BRIEF:
In this episode, host Nick dives deep into Mortal Kombat II, exploring how the sequel successfully delivers on fan expectations through authentic combat, expanded mythology, and commitment to the franchise's core identity. The discussion examines how the film embraces its video game origins rather than apologizing for them, creating a spectacle that rewards longtime fans while demonstrating the evolution of video game adaptations in modern cinema. Nick analyzes the film's approach to character development, visual design, and fight choreography as a blueprint for successful franchise filmmaking.
TAKEAWAYS:
• Karl Urban's portrayal of Johnny Cage and the character's journey from washed-up action star to genuine hero
• Martyn Ford's intimidating performance as Shao Kahn and the film's expanded character roster
• Simon McQuoid direction and how it serves the existing fanbase rather than courting new audiences
• The evolution of video game adaptations from niche entertainment to generational storytelling
• How the film's visual design embraces fantasy over realism to create authentic arcade-inspired environments
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Karl Urban (Johnny Cage)
Martyn Ford (Shao Kahn)
Simon McQuoid (director)
Jeremy Slater (screenwriter)
Ebook: "Mastering Film Marketing"
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. #MAKEIT
All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy14 May 2026, 9:30 am - 13 minutes 10 secondsSUMMARIES - Sevan Najarian - How Crowdfunding and Community Rallied to Save 'Mars'
Hello, Hello!
In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore the remarkable journey of writer, director, animator, and VFX artist Sevan Najarian, from his constrained upbringing in a strict Jehovah's Witness household in Modesto, California, to directing the crowdfunded animated feature film "Mars" for the legendary comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U Know. Through his story, we discover how limitations and community support can fuel extraordinary creative achievements, and examine the importance of human intention in an age of artificial intelligence. This deep dive reveals how a DIY spirit, honed through platforms like Channel 101, can lead to professional success while maintaining creative integrity.
We also talk about:
• The difference between SFX (practical special effects) and VFX (digital visual effects)
• Channel 101's brutal but effective feedback loop for creative development
• The toxic culture of big VFX houses versus television's constraint-driven efficiency
• How the pandemic forced the Mars project from live-action to animation
• The role of AI tools in creative work and why generative AI can't replace human intention
People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:
The Real Animated Adventures of Doc and Mharti
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. #MAKEIT
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy12 May 2026, 9:30 am - 1 hour 48 minutes435 - Kanye Deserves More Credit, Jaafar Jackson’s “Michael” Performance, “Interest Tentpoles” and a Chat with The Napa Boys, Nick Corirossi & Armen Weitzman
This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeit
Hello, Hello!
In this episode, hosts Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs dive into current events ranging from recent political incidents to Kanye West's public apology, before exploring the massive success of the Michael Jackson biopic and what it reveals about Hollywood's "interest tent pole" strategy. They discuss how studios now greenlight films based on search trends and IP rather than storytelling merit, and examine the challenges facing independent filmmakers in today's market. The conversation concludes with insights from indie filmmakers Nick Corirossi and Armen Weitzman about their comedy "The Napa Boys" and how Hollywood has commoditized nostalgia at the expense of genuine storytelling.
We also talk about:
• The difference between what audiences want (horror) versus what they need (comedy) based on audience polling
• How modern filmmaking has lost essential storytelling elements that create lasting nostalgia
• The rise of "interest media" and how search algorithms influence film production decisions
• Why physical newsletters and tangible media create deeper fan connections than digital alternatives
• The challenge of maintaining artistic integrity while pursuing commercial success in independent filmmaking
People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:
People:
BC (Brian Comer, Cards and Capes)
Companies, Platforms & Organizations:
USPS.
Podcasts, Shows & Internal Series:
Mistakes in the Making (series on the MAKE IT Podcast)
Films, TV, IP & Characters:
He-Man: Masters of the Universe
Snow White (2025 Disney remake)
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (concert film)
Albums, Music & Artists:
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Books & Concepts:
Mastering Film Marketing (ebook)
The Hero's Journey (Joseph Campbell)
Documentaries & Upcoming Projects:
Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey
Games & Game-Based IP:
Backrooms (liminal-space concept)
Concepts, Themes & Cultural References:
White House Correspondents' Dinner
Interest tentpoles — Chris's coined concept
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. #MAKEIT
All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy1 May 2026, 9:30 am - 7 minutes 38 secondsLOCKS by Ryan Coogler (Movie Review)
WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?
Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.
BRIEF:
In this Film Brief, Nick explores a young Black man's journey through his Oakland neighborhood to a barbershop. The episode examines how this student film showcased Coogler's early mastery of visual storytelling and cultural representation, serving as a foundation for his later acclaimed works. Through detailed analysis, Buggs demonstrates how "Locks" proves that meaningful filmmaking doesn't require massive budgets, just precision, intention, and authentic storytelling.
TAKEAWAYS:
• The power of symbolism and visual narrative in short films
• How limited resources can strengthen rather than weaken a film's impact
• The importance of short films as training grounds for emerging filmmakers
• Community support and collaboration in independent filmmaking
• The connection between early student work and future Hollywood success
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
University of Southern California
Ebook: "Mastering Film Marketing"
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. #MAKEIT
All Links: www.themakeitpodcast.com
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy29 April 2026, 9:30 am - 18 minutes 3 secondsSUMMARIES - Robert Broadhurst - The Ethics of White Filmmakers Addressing Race: Boundaries and Responsibility
Hello, Hello!
In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore filmmaker Robert Broadhurst's dramatic career pivot from directing high-end luxury commercials for brands like Armani and Yeezy to creating minimalist, confrontational cinema designed to expose audience biases. They examine how his film "An Occurrence at Arvern" functions as a psychological Rorschach test, forcing viewers to confront their own internalized assumptions about race in America. The discussion reveals how cultural timing and geography dramatically affected the film's reception, transforming it from "pointless" to "essential" without changing a single frame.
We also talk about:
• Broadhurst's unconventional journey from suburban Connecticut to Columbia University MFA to commercial success
• His technical background in editing and how it shaped his visual storytelling approach
• The ethical boundaries he maintained during production, including refusing funding to ensure proper representation
• His philosophy on surviving as an artist in capitalist systems like New York City
• The role of physical movement in creative problem-solving and breakthrough moments
People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:
Change the Narrative with JD Fuller (YouTube)
Charles Hayes IV (see note)
Arverne, Queens (see note)
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge (1962)
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. #MAKEIT
All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy28 April 2026, 5:25 pm - More Episodes? Get the App