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The MAKE IT Podcast

The MAKE IT Podcast

By: Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs
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The MAKE IT podcast salutes the Indie Film Creative. Join us weekly for candid conversations with seasoned pros, offering advice, knowledge, and industry insights to fast-track the journey for aspiring film professionals. Discover inspiration and guidance tailored for your cinematic path. Enjoy the journey? Dive deeper at www.themakeitpodcast.com and follow us on Instagram and X @_makeitpodcast.

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Episodes
  • Film Brief Episode 01: Hedda

    Film Brief Episode 01: Hedda
    Nov 3 2025

    Hello, Hello!


    NEW PODCAST SERIES ALERT: 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 — HEDDA:

    In this episode, we explore the intricate layers of Nia DaCosta's film 'Hedda,' a reimagining of Ibsen's classic play set in a 1950s English country estate. We delve into the film's themes of power, desire, and societal constraints, as well as the bold performances by Tessa Thompson and Nina Haas. Join us as we discuss how DaCosta's creative choices transform a known narrative into a compelling modern tale.


    Takeaways


    • Nia DaCosta's 'Hedda' is a reimagining of Ibsen's classic play set in 1950s England.
    • The film explores themes of power, desire, and societal constraints.
    • Tessa Thompson delivers a nuanced performance as the titular character, Hedda.
    • Nina Haas plays Eileen, a character who brings intellectual fire and wounded pride.
    • The film's setting and cinematography create a labyrinthine atmosphere of tension and intrigue.
    • DaCosta's adaptation includes themes of race, queerness, and class.
    • The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is available on Prime Video.
    • Critics praise the film's strong performances and thematic depth.
    • 'Hedda' serves as a case study in transforming creative constraints into advantages.
    • The film encourages indie filmmakers to explore big ideas with limited resources.



    Chapters


    • 00:00:00 Introduction to 'Hedda'
    • 00:00:00 Themes of Power and Desire
    • 00:00:00 Tessa Thompson's Performance
    • 00:00:00 Nia DaCosta's Creative Choices
    • 00:00:00 Film's Setting and Cinematography
    • 00:00:00 Critics' Reception and Indie Filmmaking Lessons



    Mentioned in this Episode


    • Tessa Thompson
    • Nia DaCosta
    • Nina Haas
    • Imogen Poots
    • Henrik Ibsen
    • Sean Bobbitt
    • Toronto International Film Festival
    • Amazon Prime Video
    • Downton Abbey
    • Candyman (2021)
    • The Marvels (2023)
    • 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



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    8 mins
  • 422 - David Parks - Producer of “The Short Game” - How to Tell Neurodiverse Stories, Mastering Distribution and Marketing, and the Birth of the New Indie Producer

    422 - David Parks - Producer of “The Short Game” - How to Tell Neurodiverse Stories, Mastering Distribution and Marketing, and the Birth of the New Indie Producer
    Oct 31 2025
    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. Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off your first three months of Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeitThis episode is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto is online payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. It’s all-in-one, remote-friendly, and incredibly easy to use—so you can pay, hire, onboard, and support your team from anywhere. Try Gusto today at gusto.com/makeit, and get three months free when you run your first payroll. ---Hello, Hello! In this episode, we sit down with Producer and Director David Parks to dive deep into the journey of Indie filmmaking, the making of his feature film The Short Game, and the realities of bringing authentic neurodiverse stories to the screen. Through thoughtful discussion and entertaining anecdotes, the conversation unpacks the balance between creative vision and analytical decision-making, handling post-production setbacks, and the importance of continuous learning in the film industry. From distribution strategies to heartfelt family stories, this episode delivers both inspiration and practical wisdom for filmmakers and film lovers alike. We also talk about:The role of Executive Producers and how their contributions go far beyond financial support, including resources and creative insight.The challenges and ingenuity behind filming sports scenes, especially on a tight indie budget, including iPhone cinematography tricks.Funny and formative prank stories shared by the hosts and guests, highlighting family dynamics and growing up.The evolution of golf in cinema, including a new Things We Should Know about the very first golf movies ever made.Favorite cheat day meals, with a spotlight on iconic Chicago deep dish pizza and the unique food culture of Adams Morgan in Washington, DC.People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:The Short Game (feature film)Full Cup (documentary)Dirty Towel (short film)Spring FeverWest of BroadwayCitizen KaneRockyRaiders of the Lost ArkOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s NestThe StingSpaceballsHome AloneTin CupCaddyshackThe Legend of Bagger VanceBarbieHeimer (referenced rollout)Blazing SaddlesSuper TroopersDavid ParksKevin Ross (editor)Frank Sansa (writer/producer)Emma Parks (actress/filmmaker)Lori Flori Lawrence (screenwriter)Larry BoatrightJordan ChristensenEllen Gusenberg KentDan HagelBob CostasAiden AlexanderBen KriegerMartin MaxeyJay DuplassThe Safdie BrothersThe Russo BrothersAaron SchneiderTom HanksJonathan BoeingRiovilleAdams Morgan (DC)Sherman TXBristol CTAnnapolisHuntland TNUSC Film SchoolSyracuse UniversityNewhouse SchoolPeter Stark Producing Program (USC)Wharton Business SchoolIE Business SchoolNBC SportsProducers Guild AssociationGoogle WorkspaceOtter.aiClaude Pro (Anthropic)Gusto (payroll app)GitHubJIRAHubSpotNotionLou Malnati’s (Chicago pizza)Jumbo Slice (Adams Morgan)Armands PizzaHomeless World Cup (soccer event)Chocolate MartiniWe 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://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcastSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    2 hrs and 34 mins
  • #12 - SUMMARIES | Mark Maxey: Rule of Thirds Financing and Purpose-Driven Producing

    #12 - SUMMARIES | Mark Maxey: Rule of Thirds Financing and Purpose-Driven Producing
    Oct 24 2025
    Hello, Hello!Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #12Summaries take some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condense them down to 10 (or so) minutes of pure listening pleasure. Summaries are hosted by our AI interns, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness, and are designed to give you, our valued listeners, just the information you need from each guest. It's a new short-form concept for a fast-paced world. It's the answer to the two-hour podcast you want to listen to but never have the time for.Each new episode of Summaries will be published right here, on the MAKE IT feed. We think you'll love it as much as we do—now, on to the show.---Alex and Allison summarize our previously released episode with Mark Maxey, Producer (Up To Stuff, Words of War, Rare Objects, PTSD911). So, who is Mark Maxey?Mark Maxey is an Emmy award-winning producer and executive at Rolling Pictures - a motion picture company in Burbank delivering development, packaging, production and editorial services for film and television.Recent productions include the political thriller Words of War with Sean Penn and starring Jason Isaacs, Ciarán Hinds, Ben Miles, Maxine Peake, directed by James Strong; Space Oddity directed by Kyra Sedgwick and starring Kevin Bacon, Alexandra Shipp, Kyle Allen and Carrie Preston; Mayim Bialik's directorial debut As They Made Us starring Dustin Hoffman, Candice Bergen, Dianna Agron, and Simon Helberg; Rare Objects directed by and starring Katie Holmes with Alan Cumming, Julia Mayorga and Derek Luke; and the documentary film Up to Snuff which Maxey wrote, directed and produced, featuring Aaron Sorkin, Martin Sheen, Tom Arnold, Timothy Busfield, Ed Asner, Lawrence O'Donnell, and W.G. Snuffy Walden. Executive producer credits include The Kill Room starring Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman and Maya Hawke, directed by Nicol Paone.Maxey's work in television includes producing critically acclaimed programs such as American Valor, The Honors: A Salute to American Heroes, National Memorial Day Parade, and On Stage at the Kennedy Center with the late Marvin Hamlisch. His work has been seen on ABC, CBS, CNN, Discovery, FOX, MSNBC, MTV, NBC, and PBS.Maxey has served on the national board of directors of the Producers Guild of America, co-chairs PGA Capital, and is a national member of the Television Academy. Maxey is co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Washington West Film Festival, the only film festival to donate 100% of box office proceeds to help at-risk youth and families in need. Maxey serves on the boards of Women in Film & Video, Artistic Fuel Foundation, and the Rock & Roll for Children Foundation benefiting families fighting pediatric cancer at the Children's Inn at the National Institutes of Health.Enjoy and follow Mark on Instagram here. 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. #MAKEITAll Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcastSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    13 mins
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