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 Nicholas Buggs explores Ryan Coogler's atmospheric horror film "Sinners," starring Michael B. Jordan as twin characters in a vampire story deeply rooted in southern traditions and ancestral memory. The film uses horror as a cultural delivery system, focusing on atmosphere and folklore rather than jump scares, with exceptional technical craftsmanship in production design, music, and visual storytelling. Coogler demonstrates how genre filmmaking can serve as a powerful vessel for exploring identity, heritage, and cultural inheritance.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Michael B. Jordan's grounded performance as the southern twin characters and the supporting work of Haley Steinfeld and Wunmi Mosaku

• The film's technical mastery, including production design, wardrobe, hair and makeup, and period-accurate set decoration

• The fusion of blues, spirituals, and atmospheric tension in the score and soundtrack that serves as the film's emotional backbone

• Critical reception praising the film's confidence and craft while noting some limitations in character depth

• The importance of intention, authenticity, and honoring cultural roots in genre filmmaking

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Ryan Coogler (director)

Michael B. Jordan (lead actor)

Hailee Steinfeld (actress)

Wunmi Mosaku (actress)

Sinners

Fruitvale Station

Creed

Black Panther

American South

Ultra Panavision

IMAX

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://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the unconventional career journey of Tim Duggan, a filmmaker, photographer, and entrepreneur who went from failing flight school to becoming a successful creative entrepreneur. They explore his transition from technical perfection to meaningful artistic inquiry, his revolutionary "farmer mentality" approach to freelance business, and his philosophy on documenting raw human nature through projects ranging from intimate music sessions to controversial anthropological documentaries. The conversation reveals how Tim built a sustainable creative career by focusing on relationship-building, embracing imperfection, and always asking "why" instead of just "how."

We also talk about:

• The impact of social media and mobile technology on photography composition and artistic vision

• Tim's "rule of three" theory for getting hired in the opaque creative marketplace

• How TikTok is democratizing video editing skills among younger generations

• The philosophy behind Gems on VHS and creating authentic, memory-like content

• Tim's documentary work exploring the psychological contradictions in controversial subjects like cockfighting

People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:

5Folds Creative (agency)

Gems on VHS (YouTube channel)

Anthony Simpkins (Tim's business partner)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

CMOS vs CCD sensors

Bayer patterns

Tennessee Walking Men project

Tim’s Instagram

Source Episode: https://redcircle.com/shows/e5ef7af1-b154-4271-a463-fee78baaca9e

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, we conclude our conversation with filmmaker Emma Parks, who becomes the first guest of 2026 to answer their signature question about what it means to "make it." Emma defines making it as being in a position to create the films you want to make and give performances that tell the stories you want to share with the world, emphasizing that while it takes time and work, the fulfillment of doing what you love and creating meaningful art is what truly constitutes success. The hosts praise Emma's early start and dedication to her craft, predicting that her consistent trajectory will lead to what appears to be overnight success but is actually the result of years of dedication since childhood.

We also talk about:

• Emma's philosophy on success and fulfillment in filmmaking

• Advice about starting early in creative careers

• The trajectory of long-term success versus overnight success perception

• Emma's current and upcoming film projects

• The importance of creating art that makes a difference

Mentioned in this Episode:

Instagram (@emma_l_parks_)

Film Shortage (YouTube channel/platform)

"Dirty Towel" (Emma's short film)

"The Short Game" (Emma's upcoming feature film)

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://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast