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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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Emma Parks joins us to "Clear the Set" where she shares her top three films including Almost Famous, Good Will Hunting, and The Way Way Back. The conversation reveals her embarrassing admission of never having seen The Godfather despite watching an entire TV series about its making. Emma also discusses her complicated relationship with Coraline, which terrified her as a child but she recently rewatched and appreciated as an adult. We also talk about: • The psychology of watchlists and why putting movies on them means you'll never watch them • The importance of buying physical media to fully appreciate classic films through extras and commentary • Emma's elaborate cheat day eating patterns that cycle between savory and sweet foods • Hidden design elements in famous logos like FedEx, Baskin-Robbins, and Wendy's • Career comparisons between soccer legend Mia Hamm and actress Sydney Sweeney Mentioned In this Episode:  Almost Famous Good Will Hunting The Way Way Back One Battle After Another Dead Poets Society Patch Adams The Godfather Scarface Avatar Coraline Ratatouille The Housemaid Miles Teller Robin Williams Mia Hamm Sydney Sweeney Alex Morgan Hope Solo Randy's Donuts Auntie Anne's Olive Garden Baskin-Robbins FedEx Logo Wendy's Logo Dolby IMAX UHD 4K The Making of The Godfather (with Miles Teller) 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello! In this episode,we dive into our popular "Things We Should Know" segment with Producer Papa Bear at the helm. The conversation centers around a fascinating trivia question about the only person in history to win both an Olympic gold medal and an Oscar, which leads to an engaging discussion about sports and entertainment achievements. Guest Emma Parks shares her impressive background as a gold medal winner at the World Maccabiah Games, often called the Jewish Olympics. We also talk about: • Emma Parks' soccer career and her gold medal win at the 2017 World Maccabiah Games • The World Maccabiah Games as the second largest sporting event in the world • Various celebrity guesses including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Jenner, and OJ Simpson • Kobe Bryant's Oscar win for "Dear Basketball" animated short film • Mitch Gaylord's five Maccabiah Games gold medals and Olympic gymnastics achievements Mentioned In This Episode:  Emma Parks (guest and gold medalist) World Maccabiah Games (Israel) Kobe Bryant "Dear Basketball" (2017 animated short film) Glen Keane (Disney animator) Kevin Nealon Mr. Subliminal (Saturday Night Live) Arnold Schwarzenegger Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner Richard Roundtree OJ Simpson Adam Sandler Mitch Gaylord Chris O'Donnell 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello! In this episode, filmmaker and actress Emma Parks join us for an engaging Filmmaker Q&A session. The conversation explores Emma's experiences making her coming-of-age dramedy short film "Dirty Towel," which tackles themes of sexual shame and empowerment while examining the universal struggle of owning personal decisions against parental expectations. Emma shares insights about her creative process, the collaborative filmmaking experience, and the challenges of breaking into the industry after film school. We also talk about: • How filmmaking mistakes, particularly forgotten lines during acting, can create more authentic and natural moments on screen • The myth that scripts are ever truly finished, as they continue evolving through pre-production, filming, and post-production phases • The influence of Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous" on Emma's filmmaking approach and her love for coming-of-age storytelling • What film schools should teach but don't - specifically the bridge between artistry and industry, including fundraising, networking, and career development • The hard truths about filmmaking, including the challenges of script development and the importance of asking for advice rather than money when building industry relationships Mentioned in this episode:  Emma Parks (filmmaker/actress) Callie Carpinteri (director of "Dirty Towel") Laura Coover (actress)"Dirty Towel" (short film)" Almost Famous" by Cameron Crowe "Forrest Gump" "The Princess Bride" "All Light Will End" (film)" The Green Mile" Tisch School of the Arts (NYU) 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello! In this episode, we dive into Audience Poll results about preferred film release formats, revealing that 62% of viewers favor streaming exclusives over theatrical releases. The conversation explores why streaming has become the dominant preference, examining factors like rising theater costs, mobile viewing habits, and accessibility issues. The discussion also covers potential solutions for revitalizing the theatrical experience through improved subscription models and enhanced perks. We also talk about: • The prohibitive cost of movie theater tickets and concessions • How mobile device viewing is changing content consumption habits • The failure of MoviePass and current theater subscription services • Why theater chains aren't effectively promoting their existing membership programs • The dramatic difference between IMAX and regular theatrical experiences Mentioned in the Episode: IMAX theaters MoviePass AMC A-List subscription service Regal theaters Sam's Club Costco "Dune" movie TD Jakes 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello! In this episode, filmmaker Emma Parks discusses her journey from creating the award-winning short film "Dirty Towel" during her senior year of college to developing it into a feature-length project. Emma shares her experience premiering at Tribeca Film Festival and the challenges of raising funds for her upcoming feature film, where she'll be writing, producing, and acting. The conversation explores the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the importance of creating your own opportunities in the entertainment industry. We also talk about:  • Growing up in a prank-loving household and pulling off the ultimate Christmas prank involving a fake "anthropology rock" • The challenge of wearing multiple hats as a filmmaker - writing, producing, directing, and acting • Why young filmmakers should take control of their careers instead of waiting for opportunities • The phenomenon of audiences becoming "bored with greatness" when it comes to legends like Meryl Streep and Steven Spielberg • Building collaborative relationships and making content with friends who share your creative passion Mentioned in this episode:  Tribeca Film Festival "Dirty Towel" (short film) David Parks Greta Gerwig Reese Witherspoon Margot Robbie Meryl Streep Knives Out film series Jennifer Lawrence Steven Spielberg Eminem Jay-Z Charlemagne tha God Tom Brady Michael Jordan "The Last Dance" documentary Anthropologie Ultra-Low SAG budget filmmaking International pre-sales 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode is brought to you by Notion Agent, the AI that doesn’t just help with work – it finishes it. Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at www.notion.com/makeit to support your work and ours!  Hello, Hello!  In this episode, actress and filmmaker Emma Parks joins the show to discuss her award-nominated short film "Dirty Towel," which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival and has garnered over 1.1 million views on YouTube. Emma shares insights about transitioning from short films to feature development, the challenges of fundraising, and the importance of creating your own opportunities in the entertainment industry. The conversation explores her journey from NYU Tisch graduate to rising filmmaker, offering practical advice for young creatives looking to break into the industry. We also talk about: • The reality of film school versus industry preparation and what should be taught • New Year's traditions and the growing Nashville entertainment scene • Theater subscription models and the future of movie-going experiences • The collaborative nature of filmmaking and building creative relationships • Coming-of-age storytelling and addressing shame and empowerment themes People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned: NYU Tisch School of the Arts Tribeca Film Festival Film Shortage (YouTube platform) Notion and Notion Agent (sponsor) Nashville's New Year's celebration Times Square New Year's Eve AMC A-List subscription service Maccabea Games (Jewish Olympics) Almost Famous Good Will Hunting The Way Way Back Coraline Knives Out Dune The Godfather Cameron Crowe Greta Gerwig Meryl Streep Reese Witherspoon Margot Robbie Kobe Bryant Olive Garden Wendy's Baskin-Robbins Auntie Anne's 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 explores "Deep Faking Sam Altman," a documentary by filmmaker Adam Ballalo who set out to interview OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman but ended up creating an AI deepfake version when the real interview fell through. The film transforms from a straightforward tech documentary into a meta-exploration of creative failure, human-AI relationships, and the messy reality of independent filmmaking. What begins as a workaround becomes an unexpected journey into obsession, artistic vulnerability, and the blurred lines between human intention and artificial intelligence. TAKEAWAYS: Adam Bhala Lough's background as an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and his previous work on HBO and Netflix The filmmaker's journey from New York to India to commission the AI deepfake "Sambot" Critical reception and audience reactions following the film's festival circuit and theatrical release The documentary's hybrid approach combining personal essay, experiment, and traditional documentary elementsLessons for independent filmmakers about embracing failure and finding unexpected narrative directions MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO) Adam Bhala Lough (filmmaker/director) "Deep Faking Sam Altman" (documentary film) OpenAI Sambot (AI deepfake persona) NYU (New York University) HBO Netflix"Telemarketers" (2024 series) Emmy Awards South by Southwest 2025 Quad Cinema (New York City) San Francisco India Ebook: "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, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the work and philosophy of filmmaker Kd Amond, exploring how she creates feature films on micro budgets that wouldn't even cover catering on major productions. They examine her journey from small-town Louisiana to becoming a multi-hyphenate filmmaker who writes, directs, produces, and edits her own psychological thrillers and horror films. The discussion reveals specific strategies for removing creative excuses and turning limitations into marketing advantages, including her strategic use of iPhones as cinema cameras. We also talk about: • The transition from dramedy to horror filmmaking and Kd's academic approach to the genre • Specific directing techniques including the Colored Pencil Method and the importance of scene "hooks" • On-set challenges of micro-budget productions, including a harrowing drowning scene with dish soap • The partnership between Kd and actress Sarah Zanotti through their production company "AZ IF Productions" • Creating supportive, nurturing film sets that prioritize emotional safety over traditional hierarchical structures People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: Kd Amond (filmmaker) Sarah Zanotti (actress/creative partner) AZ IF Productions Five Women in the End Rattled Faye Trainspotting El Mariachi The Exorcist iPhone 8 iPhone 10 Filmic Pro app R80 Cinema Camera Robert Rodriguez Amanda Palmer Dean Shortland Emilia Clarke Livingston, Louisiana Nashville Burbank Weller whiskey Nelson's Greenbrier 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello! In this episode, we share our favorite "Things You Should Know" trivia segment from their interview with documentarian Adam Schomer, who created a film about selling a $3 million Superman comic book. Producer Papa Bear presents a layered trivia question about the first known comic book printed in America, leading to an engaging discussion that reveals surprising historical connections. The conversation showcases our signature trivia format while exploring comic book history and its unexpected ties to journalism. Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned: Adam Schomer (documentarian) The Adventures of Mr. Obadiah Oldbuck (1842) Rodolfo Töpffer (Swiss caricaturist) Brother Jonathan magazine Action Comics #1 (1938) Superman The Yellow Kid comic Popeye The Smurfs Warren G. Harding Mutual of Omaha New York London Switzerland World War I World War II 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Producer Papa Bear shares his favorite clip from the Make It Podcast featuring Dominic Hoffman, a multi-talented performer who transitioned from dancer to actor to voice actor and audiobook narrator. Hoffman delivers a deeply moving and original poem about love that explores the complex, often painful nature of romantic relationships through the metaphor of a man carrying his heart in a bag. The poem weaves together themes of love's beauty and brutality, examining how love can simultaneously elevate and devastate those who dare to experience it fully. Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned: Dominic Hoffman (dancer, actor, voice actor, audiobook narrator) 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello! In this episode, Nick shares his favorite moment from a conversation with filmmaker Brad Starks, in which they explored Brad's family history and his father's professional football career. The segment features Nicholas surprising Brad with detailed statistics about his father, Marshall "The Bull" Starks' football achievements, creating an unexpectedly emotional moment. Brad opens up about how his father's belief in him shaped his creative journey from aspiring fashion photographer to filmmaker. Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned: Brad Starks (filmmaker/guest) Marshall "The Bull" Starks (Brad's father, professional football player) New York Jets (NFL team) Central States Football League OJ Simpson Harper's Bazaar magazine GQ magazine Vogue magazine Italian Vogue magazine Pop Warner football system 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello! In this episode, screenwriter Adam Tex Davis shares a career-defining moment when Leonardo DiCaprio was reading his dark comedy script "The Garden of Eden" in real-time. Davis describes the nerve-wracking experience of getting play-by-play updates as DiCaprio read through his screenplay, culminating in a meeting request from the A-list actor. The story takes a humorous turn when Davis nearly misses his big break because of a hotel's dress code that bans shorts. Enjoy! Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned: Adam "Tex" Davis (screenwriter) Leonardo DiCaprio (actor) "Just Friends" (film) "The Garden of Eden" (screenplay/film) Leonardo DiCaprio's dad and manager Russian pirate sites PG-13 vs R-rated content 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello! In this episode, we share our favorite tropes of the year from our annual clip show! We celebrate their signature "Hello! Hello!" greeting tradition, with Producer Papa Bear joining them to reflect on recurring themes from the year. The episode showcases memorable segments, including discussions about Nicholas's name meaning, his Lego creations, and Papa Bear's challenging trivia questions. Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned: Lego/Legos Coco (Disney movie) Marilyn Monroe Sugar skulls El Rancho Hotel Hawaiian names (Kakane Omalu, Kai) Major League Soccer NBA CIA Jupiter Bruce Valance Greek language/culture Chinese calendar We are humbled by the community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters.  If you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or leaving a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy