Hello, Hello! 

In this episode. We trace Alex Ferrari’s path from street-level hustling to independent filmmaking and spiritual media. His story highlights the difference between trading personal labor for income and building scalable platforms. We also explore how setbacks, skepticism, and creative constraints shaped his work and purpose.

We also talk about:

• Ferrari’s grandmother watching his first street-corner sale from inside a bank, and his later weekend garage sales in Florida.
• How his wife helped interrupt his small-scale retail hustle and refocus him on filmmaking.
• Ferrari’s two-year retreat from the industry, sorting comic books for an eBay business with a friend.
• The discussion’s advice about festival laurels, saturated streaming markets, and the business side of independent film.
• Ferrari’s interest in Paramahansa Yogananda and conversations about spiritual legacy, consciousness, and the soul.

Products, software, websites, people, and places mentioned

People
Alex Ferrari
Shannon Lee
Bruce Lee
Dr. Eve Marjorie Woollacott
Paramahansa Yogananda

Alex’s Projects
Shooting for the Mob
On the Corner of Ego and Desire
Indie Film Hustle
Next Level Soul

MAKE IT
The MAKE IT Podcast
Summaries

Platforms, Services & Tools
GameStop
Amazon
eBay
Skype
Netflix
Hulu
Distribber
iPhone
1080p pocket camera
ARRI Alexa

Places & Organizations
Jamaica, Queens
Florida
Full Sail University
Los Angeles
Spago
The Ivy
Sundance Film Festival
Park City, Utah
Los Angeles Times
Hollywood Video

Other References
Café Bustelo
Maxwell House
VHS 
DVD
2008 financial crisis





Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.

We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. 

Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.
Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy

Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

This episode includes AI-generated content.

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
This episode is brought to you by MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year! 
Hello, Hello! In this episode. the fellas are back to chop it up about a wide variety of topics! We explore how a proposed federal film incentive could affect independent production budgets and U.S. filmmaking. We debate AI contract provisions, the shrinking of acting opportunities, and the creative impact of studio consolidation. We also discuss mental health, television storytelling, and what to watch for Halloween. Enjoy!
We also talk about:

• Why introverts may find meaningful conversations energizing, even after a busy week.
• Nick's critique of Vision Quest and its rapid, comic-book-style storytelling.
• Why the new A Different World feels different from the original to Nick, and why he still welcomes the cast’s opportunity.
• The importance of asking friends directly whether they are okay, especially during a period of social and technological change.
• Halloween picks ranging from Whalefall and The Sixth Sense to Gremlins, plus the our thoughts on horror built through story rather than gore.

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:PeopleAdam Schiff Mark MaxeyChris GreeneNichole Marie Lim Sean AstinRJ MitteSacha Baron Cohen / Ali GSydney SweeneyAaron SorkinKadeem HardisonDominic HoffmanTom CruiseArnold SchwarzeneggerEddie Murphy
Organizations & CompaniesAnthropicSAG-AFTRAWGAThe New York TimesIFCSkydanceGEICOProgressiveLiberty Mutual
Films & TelevisionE.T. the Extra-TerrestrialThe Hunger GamesPulp FictionDigger John CarterHoward the DuckNorbitThe Only Living Pickpocket in New YorkTilly NorwoodWandaVisionVision QuestA Different World / Hillman College WhalefallThe Sixth SenseSin CityGremlinsThe Amityville HorrorFriday the 13thA Nightmare on Elm StreetHellraiserHalloweenThe TerminatorPredatorAlienRequiem for a DreamBad Boys: Ride or Die mother!
Products & PlatformsClaude Pro RiversideStoryblocks
PlacesGeorgiaKentuckyLouisianaNew MexicoNew HampshireNew Jersey
Legislation & IndustryH.R. 10582 — Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization ActFilm production incentives in the USSAG-AFTRA contracts WGA contractsParamount Skydance / Warner Bros.

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.

We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. 

Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.
Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy

Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

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. #MAKEIThttps://themakeitpodcast.store/newsletter
Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore Lee Abrams’ path from a teenage radio enthusiast to a media innovator who challenged conventional formats. The conversation explains how audience observation, creative judgment, and careful programming helped build passionate fans. It also considers whether his approach can reshape television news and remain distinctive in an age of AI-generated media.
We also talk about:

• How a WQAM summer job exposed Abrams to radio operations and the frustrations of AM Top 40.
• His callback-card research and the principle that data should verify creative choices rather than originate them.
• The difference between users and fans, and why sequencing turns content into programming.
• XM’s 89 studios, 2.5 million-song library, and the story of blues programmer Bill Wax meeting B.B. King.
• Abrams’ Tribune Company experience, AFDI, the creative batting average, and the challenge of making News Fix credible and compelling.

People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:PeopleLee AbramsBuzz BennettHenry FordChris SquireJon Anderson Bill WaxB.B. KingTed NugentBarbra StreisandStanley Kubrick
Projects & OrganizationsOriginal MAKE IT episode with Lee Abrams (2021) CelebrityAccessNewsFix XM Satellite RadioTribune CompanyWQAMWLSYesThe Onion
Concepts & TechnologyAlbum-oriented rock (AOR)AM radio / FM radioIBM serversSpotifyAI-generated content
Places & Cultural ReferencesThe MidwestMetallicaChicago Symphony Orchestra2001: A Space OdysseySgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.

We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. 

Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.
Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy

Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

This episode is brought to you by http://storyblocks.com/makeit! Storyblocks is a 100% human-made stock media library that’s essential for creators with millions of professionally curated assets — footage, music, sound effects, templates, and images. Everything is pre-licensed and ready to use under one subscription.Head to http://storyblocks.com/makeit to access the human-made stock media library that’s essential to our workflow. For a limited time, get 15% OFF any annual plan!
This episode is brought to you by MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year! 
Hello, Hello! In this episode, filmmaker and former performer https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0317364/?ref_=fn_t_2 explains how he made his documentary https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21876766/?ref_=nm_knf_t_2. He shares stories of first responders, civilians, Flight 93, the boat lift, and rare footage from the Pentagon. The conversation also explores creative careers, rejection, film school, entrepreneurship, and what it means to MAKE IT.
We also talk about:
- The personal stories behind the documentary, including Will Jimeno’s rescue, the “Man in the Red Bandana,” and Lauren Grankolus’s voicemail.
- Michael’s journey from theater and television to building Geier Productions after losing his real-estate business in the 2008 crash.
- Lessons from Wounded Heroes, including Michael’s search for treatments that help people living with post-traumatic stress.
- The “Praise You” video, the Torrance Community Dancers, Spike Jonze’s Richard Koufey persona, and the group’s three MTV Video Music Awards.
- Michael’s advice on versatility, business skills, collaboration, learning by doing, and staying grounded through career setbacks.

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:People — Show & Familyhttps://www.gierproductions.com/Terri Gier
People — 9/11https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_JimenoScott Strauss (NYPD ESU)Sgt. John McLoughlinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Airlines_Flight_93 & Jack Grandcolashttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welles_Crowther https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jules_and_G%C3%A9d%C3%A9on_NaudetPavel Hlavahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfgang_StaehleJude Koch
People — Performers & Filmmakershttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_Hineshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Jonze https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sofia_Coppolahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Ford_Coppolahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Newtonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elton_Johnhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deidre_Hallhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louie_Andersonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Galifianakishttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Sinise https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Pennhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Nolanhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000759/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Damonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Cagehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Shorthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Madden
People — Other Public Figureshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burt_Reynoldshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clint_Eastwoodhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Pitthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Cruisehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Anistonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Claude_Van_Dammehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vin_Dieselhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Hiltonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_Paulhttps://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/netflixs-untold-series-to-drop-new-documentary-on-the-daejon-love49ers-scandal-040722923.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orson_Welleshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Hitchcockhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevie_Ray_Vaughanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Van_Halenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Claptonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Framptonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Rockhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminemhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricky_Martinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Smith
Groups & Charactershttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praise_Youhttps://www.gunsnroses.com/https://korn.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keeping_Up_with_the_Kardashianshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_to_Americahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiminy_Glick 
Projectshttps://heroismandresiliency.com/https://filmfreeway.com/WoundedHeroeshttps://www.gierproductions.com/healing-heroes https://www.gierproductions.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torrance_Riseshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praise_Youhttps://www.themakeitpodcast.com/
TV & Filmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Beach_(TV_series)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Days_of_Our_Liveshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baskets_(TV_series)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tombstone_(film)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Matrixhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bourne_Identity_(2002_film)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33764258/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.

We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. 

Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.
Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy

Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

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. #MAKEIThttps://themakeitpodcast.store/newsletter
Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore Julius Ritter’s evolution from biracial child and working actor to independent writer-director. The conversation examines permissionless work, zero-budget filmmaking, creative solitude, and the search for timeless artistic themes. It is essential listening for filmmakers who want to build original work without waiting for industry approval.
We also talk about:

• How being labeled can lead an artist to invent new worlds and identities.
• Why Ritter paused Sock and Buskin to pursue a $100,000 GoFundMe.
• The relationship between casting debates, colorism, representation, and working artists’ livelihoods.
• Why internet slang can date a screenplay while universal themes remain accessible.
• How solitude prepares a creative blueprint before collaboration brings it to life.

People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:PeopleJulius Charles Ritter (also on TMDB)Terry JinglesRob ReinerQuentin TarantinoWilliam ShakespeareSoulja BoyActing CreditsGap (Gap Kids)CSI: Crime Scene InvestigationLike Mike Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life The Master of Disguise His Own FilmsSock & Buskin Sock and Buskin Film Fund (GoFundMe)Mr. MiseryAmericana, White SheetsWhat Did Deborah Do? Organizations & PlatformsFord ModelsGoFundMeMammoth Film FestivalReferences & PlacesLooney TunesSock and buskin HollywoodLos Angeles

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.

We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. 

Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.
Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy

Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

This episode is brought to you by MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year! 
Hello, Hello! In this episode, Allison Alonso explains how she led her first 48 Hour Film Project as a director and won with Falling Short. She breaks down the competition’s strict rules, the creative decisions behind the film, and the practical realities of making a short film in 48 hours. The conversation also explores filmmaking careers, crew leadership, food on set, film influences, and what it means to make it.
We also talk about:

• How the 48 Hour Film Project assigns the same prop, required phrase, and character details to every team.
• Why Allison chose fantasy over dystopia/utopia and how the team made a tomato work at a gas station location.
• The importance of feeding a crew, from Mexican bowls at lunch to Hunts Brothers pizza at 2 a.m.
• How a production team can protect a story’s twist by listening to actors and department heads during shooting.
• Why Allison sees the project as a return to film after taking a job at Vanderbilt University for stability, health insurance, paid time off, and a break from the industry.

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:Falling Short Raiders of the Lost ArkE.T. the Extra-TerrestrialEternal Sunshine of the Spotless MindJawsShort CircuitNapoleon DynamiteBarbieTenetThe Green KnightBlack KnightComing to America
Food & BrandsHunt Brothers PizzaDomino’sGabby’s Burgers & FriesEmmy SquaredBig MacSupericaPizookie 
PeopleAllison AlonzoEmElise KnappMartin LawrenceSteven SpielbergJordan ChateauConnor BaconSeth ShepardJones KolbinskiJake GilbertMariah KramerAlfonso RibeiroTia A. Smith
SchoolsVanderbilt UniversityBelmont UniversityCarnegie Mellon University
Film Events & OrganizationsNashville Film Festival48 Hour Film Project — NashvilleFilmapaloozaPoint of VU Film Festival (POVU) — Vanderbilt’s student festival
Places & VenuesDallas, TexasBurbank, CaliforniaMexico CityZanies NashvilleThe GulchGreen HillsFlamingo Cocktail ClubCledis
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. #MAKEIThttps://themakeitpodcast.store/newsletter

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.

We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. 

Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.
Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy

Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

This episode is brought to you by MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year! 
Hello, Hello! In this episode, we speak with Nashville filmmaker Nicole Marie Lim about building a career across makeup, writing, producing, and directing. Nicole explains how supportive relationships, practical set skills, and respectful leadership shape better creative work. The conversation also examines AI, vertical video, mid-budget filmmaking, actor chemistry, and what it means to make it without losing the joy of creating.
We also talk about:

• How makeup artists can prepare for their first professional set.
• Why continuity, schedules, and department-specific language matter.
• The limits of glamour, fame, and money in filmmaking.
• Why directors should trust department heads and communicate according to individual needs.
• How chemistry reads can reveal unexpected casting choices.

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:PeopleNichole Marie Lim (also IMDb) Joy ToddDavid LimMichelle LimJohn AugustCraig MazinJim HensonJ.K. SimmonsBrad PittDavid AyerStephen NorringtonTim BurtonChristopher NolanZendayaRobert PattinsonMilla JovovichViola Davis
Brands & ProductsMy Kit CoRCMA MakeupSenna CosmeticsListerineAltoids
Her ProjectsCheckmate, The Way Back Down, Mom Cult, American Quilt Contest
FilmsHolland (2025)BladeThe League of Extraordinary GentlemenThe MigrantMarie AntoinetteAmélieRomeo + Juliet The Sound of MusicThe Expendables 2SinnersThe 'BurbsPoor ThingsThe OdysseyOppenheimerGrizzly ManJawsAlienA Week Away
Places & InstitutionsNashvilleOhioNew YorkAmsterdamMumbaiNashville Film FestivalFrist Art Museum
MAKE ITMake It AcademyMastering Film Marketing (e-book)The MAKE IT Podcast
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. #MAKEITwww.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.

We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. 

Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.
Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy

Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

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. #MAKEITSubscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support
Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness examine Keith McDaniel’s path from singer, designer, and scriptwriter to documentary filmmaker and community leader. They explore how he learned filmmaking without formal training, documented complex Tennessee history, and built a sustainable local film festival. The conversation also connects creative independence with health, discipline, and the possibility that starting late can mean starting prepared.
We also talk about:

• How a poor first documentary can still reveal the right creative medium.
• Why interviewing original Oakridgers preserved primary historical testimony.
• How James Earl Jones added credibility and distribution power to The Clinton 12.
• Why Keith treated 40 film festivals as research laboratories rather than applause tours.
• How the seven-day shootout created audience ownership through participation.

People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:Keith McDaniel (also IMDb)James Earl Jones Ken Burns
Films & ProjectsThe Clinton 12 Secret City: The Oak Ridge Story The Belmont Reasons
Companies & OrganizationsSecret City FilmsSecret City Film Festival Knoxville Film FestivalDogwood ArtsDiscoveryJupiter EntertainmenteBayMotel 6
PlacesOak Ridge, TennesseeRoane County, TennesseeKnoxville, TennesseeRegal Downtown West Cinema 8
History & ConceptsBrown v. Board of EducationManhattan ProjectVHSSlow-carb diet

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.

We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. 

Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.
Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy

Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

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/makeitThis episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/products/mastering-film-marketing. Use the Discount code: NASHFILM20 for 20% off EVERYTHING at themakeitpodcast.com
Hello, Hello! In this episode, Isabel Hagen joins us to discuss her work as a comedian, filmmaker, and classically trained violist. She explains how her freelance music career inspired the feature film On a String, which premiered at Tribeca and won Best Screenplay in the U.S. Narrative Competition. The conversation also explores comedy in the age of clips, creative persistence, protecting real people in fiction, film criticism, artistic identity, and what it means to make it.
We also talk about:

• Turning experiences from weddings, funerals, and private music gigs into heightened comedic characters and situations.
• Why live comedy benefits from audiences putting their phones away while performers test unfinished material.
• Isabel’s process for becoming a stronger comedian through open mics, recordings, repeated performance, and daily review.
• The creative lessons she draws from Paul Thomas Anderson, including the scale of One Battle After Another and the score of Phantom Thread.
• How nostalgia, streaming overload, and the paradox of choice influence how audiences rewatch their favorite movies.

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:
PeopleIsabel Hagen (isabelhagen.com)Brandon Tamburri William PrimrosePaul Thomas AndersonMaria BamfordMarina AbramovićLana Del Rey
Films & TVOn a StringThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonOne Battle After AnotherPhantom ThreadHappinessThe OmenThe Parent Trap GoodfellasChallengersSaltburnIt's a Wonderful LifeThe Princess BrideFerris Bueller's Day OffThe NeverEnding StoryThe Dukes of Hazzard
Companies & OrganizationsJoke ZeroTribeca Film FestivalThe Juilliard SchoolNBC Symphony OrchestraHollywood Walk of FameNashville Film FestivalSubstackSoho House
MusicGuns N' Roses"Welcome to the Jungle"
Food & PlacesLaGuardia AirportSeattle7th Street BurgerShake ShackBeecher's Handmade Cheese The Capital Grille
MAKE ITMake It AcademyMastering Film Marketing (e-book)
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. #MAKEITwww.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.

We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. 

Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.
Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy

Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

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, Nick reviews Who Is Stan Smith?, Danny Lee’s documentary about the tennis champion whose name became attached to one of the world’s most recognizable sneakers. The film moves from athletic achievement and fashion history to Stan Smith’s friendship with Arthur Ashe, humanitarian work, and commitment to players’ rights. The conversation ultimately asks what kind of signature each person leaves behind when fame and branding are stripped away.
TAKEAWAYS:

• Smith’s rise from Southern California and USC tennis to former world number one.
• His 1971 U.S. Open victory, 1972 Wimbledon victory, five U.S. Open titles across singles and doubles, and eight championship Davis Cup teams.
• The open era of professional tennis and the movement for greater player control.
• Smith’s 1973 Wimbledon boycott after Nikola Pilic was suspended.
• The sneaker’s adoption by musicians, artists, designers, and fashion communities.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The FilmWho Is Stan Smith?Danny LeeRebecca Halpern
PeopleStan SmithArthur AsheJohn McEnroeDarryl "DMC" McDanielsPharrell WilliamsNiki Pilić 
Products & BrandsAdidas Stan SmithRun-DMC
Institutions & EventsUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUS OpenWimbledonDavis CupEbook: "Mastering Film Marketing"The MAKE IT Podcast
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 us, or leaving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT
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We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. 

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Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

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. #MAKEITSubscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/support
Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the world of filmmaker and Scientist, Alexis Gambis. He explains how a background in molecular biology can serve as a foundation for filmmaking rather than be an abandoned career. The conversation explores the Science New Wave, a movement that combines rigorous science with emotional storytelling, culture, and personal identity. It also examines CRISPR, de-extinction, creative practice, and the infrastructure needed to bring hybrid science films to audiences.
We also talk about:

• The patience and observation skills Gambis developed while studying fruit flies.
• His father’s shift from engineering to painting and the role of family history in his films.
• The resistance Gambis encountered from both biology and film communities.
• Spike Lee’s mentorship and the fruit-fly drawing displayed beside a photo of Patrick Ewing.
• The Symbiosis initiative’s one-week collaborations between scientists and filmmakers.

People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:Alexis Gambis Spike LeeJames FrancoJessica ChastainTenoch Huerta Kurt AndersenThomas Hunt Morgan
Films & ProjectsThe Fly Room (2014)Son of Monarchs (2020/21)The Next Jaguar Disposable The Color of Time 
Institutions & PlatformsThe Rockefeller UniversityNYU Tisch School of the ArtsColumbia UniversityLabocineImagine Science FilmsScience New Wave — LabocineSundance Film FestivalAlfred P. Sloan Prize
Science & ConceptsSymbiosisCRISPRCas9Thylacine (Tasmanian tiger)Woolly mammothAsian elephant

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.

We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. 

Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.
Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy

Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT