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The MAKE IT Podcast

The MAKE IT Podcast

By: Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs
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Summary

MAKE IT is the film podcast that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process. We dive into indie gems, massive blockbusters, cinema history, and everything in between. If you love movies and want more than polite chit-chat, this is your spot.

Stay Inspired, Chris + Nick

Copyright Bonsai Creative Enterprises, LLC 2026
Art Economics Entertainment & Performing Arts Leadership Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales Personal Development Personal Finance Personal Success Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 435 - Kanye Deserves More Credit, Jaafar Jackson’s “Michael” Performance, “Interest Tentpoles” and a Chat with The Napa Boys, Nick Corirossi & Armen Weitzman
    May 1 2026
    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/makeitHello, 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 filmmakingPeople, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:People:Nick CorirossiArmen WeitzmanKanye West / YeJoe JacksonTaylor SwiftJay LenoDana WhiteJoe RoganTucker CarlsonDick GregoryNia LongJaafar JacksonCheryl HinesHenry Martínez BC (Brian Comer, Cards and Capes)Nick BarnesNate BargatzeDanielle VegaAndrew SchulzCompanies, Platforms & Organizations:Panini (trading cards)Magnolia Pictures Lionsgate NetflixA24USPS.Wall Street JournalSundance Film Festival Cannes Film Festival TIFF White House Secret ServiceUS Congress IMAX DolbyPodcasts, Shows & Internal Series:Mistakes in the Making (series on the MAKE IT Podcast)Films, TV, IP & Characters:The Napa Boys Michael (biopic) Project Hail Mary Enemy Mine Adult InterferenceTár Oppenheimer The Passion of the Christ Ghost Super Troopers American Pie Buffy the Vampire Slayer He-Man: Masters of the Universe Rambo RoboCop The Goonies Stand by Me The Princess Bride Snow White (2025 Disney remake) Cruella De Vil The Wicked Witch of the West Thanos Street Fighter II Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (concert film)Albums, Music & Artists: Kanye West – "Bully" My Beautiful Dark Twisted FantasyYeezusBooks & Concepts:Mastering Film Marketing (ebook) Project Hail Mary (novel)The Hero's Journey (Joseph Campbell)Documentaries & Upcoming Projects:Age of Disclosure Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day Christopher Nolan's The OdysseyGames & Game-Based IP: Resident Evil Five Nights at Freddy's Backrooms (A24 film) Backrooms (liminal-space concept) Exit 8Concepts, Themes & Cultural References:White House Correspondents' DinnerDC SniperSerenity PrayerSeinfeld – "Serenity Now"MeToo MovementTourette SyndromeThe ManosphereOverton WindowFour-quadrant film Interest tentpoles — Chris's coined conceptLiner notesMAKE IT ShopWe 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. #MAKEITAll Links: https://themakeitpodcast.storeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    1 hr and 48 mins
  • LOCKS by Ryan Coogler (Movie Review)
    Apr 29 2026

    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:

    Ryan Coogler (director)

    Locks (2009)

    Oakland, California

    University of Southern California

    Fruitvale Station (2013)

    Creed

    Black Panther

    Sundance Film Festival

    Sundance Grand Jury Prize

    Sundance Audience Award

    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



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

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    8 mins
  • SUMMARIES - Robert Broadhurst - The Ethics of White Filmmakers Addressing Race: Boundaries and Responsibility
    Apr 28 2026

    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:

    Robert Broadhurst

    Change the Narrative with JD Fuller (YouTube)

    JD Fuller

    Curtiss Cook Jr.

    Charles Hayes IV (see note)

    Quentin Tarantino

    Kanye West

    George Floyd

    Connecticut

    Chicago

    Boston

    East Coast

    Queens, New York

    Arverne, Queens (see note)

    England, UK

    Columbia University

    Ghostbusters (1984)

    An Occurrence at Arverne

    An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge (1962)

    Armani Beauty

    Adidas Y-3

    Alexander Wang

    Yeezy

    Vimeo


    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



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

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
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