The MAKE IT Podcast

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

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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

This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at www.shopify.com/makeit

Hello, Hello! 

In this episode, filmmaker and director Motke Dapp returns to discuss his journey from a nomadic childhood to becoming a successful commercial director and feature filmmaker. The conversation explores the realities of independent filmmaking, the importance of building a creative community, and the challenges of balancing artistic vision with commercial viability. Motke shares insights from his experience directing Another Version of You and his current work creating commercials for Whisker's Litter Robot.

We also talk about:

• The essential tools needed to start filmmaking and building a crew through community connections
• Whether independent filmmakers actually watch independent films, and the time constraints that limit viewing
• The role of celebrity and notoriety in achieving commercial success in filmmaking
• Handling conflict and collaboration on set while maintaining creative relationships
• The choice between making passion projects versus commercially viable films

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:

Micah Simms (cinematographer)
Ken Conrad (editor)
Nichole Marie Lim
Kim "Cookie" McCray
Ciciley Hoffman
Sara Antonio
Ecca Vandal
Christopher Nolan
A24
Ben Proudfoot
Another Version of You
Tangerine
Primer
Iron Lung
Sugar Glass
Schindler's List
Dunkirk
Hair Love
Inocente
DaVinci Resolve
Canon 5D Mark cameras
Red cameras
Whisker (Litter-Robot)
MTV
Kickstarter
Seed & Spark
48 Hour Film Project
Nashville 54 Hour Film Fest
Sundance Film Festival
Denver, Colorado
Nashville, Tennessee
Montana

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

Hello, Hello!

In this Mistakes in the Making, Emmy-nominated actress Danielle Vega shares her hard-learned lessons about the critical importance of preparation in entertainment careers. She candidly discusses her early mistakes in red-carpet interviews in LA, where a lack of preparation led to embarrassing moments with guests she hadn't properly researched. Vega emphasizes that these failures served as stepping stones, motivating her to approach future opportunities with better preparation and professionalism. Enjoy!

We also talk about:
• The transition from journalism education to entertainment industry work
• How acting experience doesn't automatically translate to journalism success
• The bare minimum preparation requirements for actors on set
• Using embarrassing career moments as motivation for future excellence
• The ongoing psychological impact of professional mistakes

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:
Southern Methodist University
Broadcast Journalism (major/field of study)
Los Angeles, CA
Barney & Friends
East Los High
@themsdaniv on Instagram

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

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Colombian American writer-director Nick Lopez discusses his journey from an international upbringing to USC film school graduate, sharing insights about his award-winning short films, including "Milk Teeth" and "Sunshine Room." He opens up about the importance of representing queer and Latin American voices in cinema, his collaborative approach to filmmaking, and his current project, "West's Neighborhood," a web series exploring racism in American suburbia. Nick also provides practical advice for aspiring filmmakers about film school, budget constraints, and the creative process.

We also talk about:
• The challenges and benefits of attending film school versus independent learning
• Building compelling short films from "outside in" rather than character-first approaches
• The democratization of content through streaming platforms and its impact on diverse storytelling
• Working with limited budgets while maintaining high production values
• The importance of sound design and practical effects in low-budget filmmaking

People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:
Nick Lopez
Tiffany Lin 
Felipe Vargas
University of Southern California (USC)
Milk Teeth
Sunshine Room
Flour Baby
Pan's Labyrinth
Guillermo del Toro
Ryan Murphy
Pose
Desperate Housewives
America's Next Top Model
Pluto TV
nicklopezfilms.com
nic.lopezz on Instagram

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