The MAKE IT Podcast

This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/products/mastering-film-marketingHello, Hello! In this episode, we sit down with legendary audience research expert Kevin Goetz, the CEO of Screen Engine, who has tested over 5,000 film and television titles for major studios over three decades. Kevin shares his journey from aspiring Broadway performer to becoming Hollywood's most trusted voice on audience testing, discussing how filmmakers can use audience feedback to enhance rather than compromise their creative vision. The conversation explores the evolution of audience expectations in the streaming era, the importance of knowing your deficits as an entrepreneur, and Kevin's philosophy on following passion over profit.We also talk about:• Kevin's childhood in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and the family dynamics that shaped his drive for success • The misconceptions filmmakers have about audience testing and how it actually enhances creative vision • How streaming platforms have changed viewer behavior, and the need for compelling cold opens • The importance of self-awareness in leadership and surrounding yourself with people better than you at specific skills • Kevin's approach to delegation, team building, and scaling a business with 320 employeesPeople, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:Screen Engine/ASIBBMG Entertainment — kevingoetz360.comHow to Score in HollywoodAudienceologyProducers Guild of AmericaAmerican CinemathequeNashville Film FestivalNews & Media ServicesGround NewsSemafor The Media LinePeopleDerek Guy (menswear writer)Joan RiversNicole KidmanCharles Roven (producer)Lauren Shuler Donner  Richard DonnerStephanie Allain Donald De Line (PGA)Ben Fritz (Wall Street Journal)Barbara JarrettBrooke ShieldsJared LetoTravis KnightFilms & TVGhostSinnersEverything Everywhere All at OnceHacks (HBO Max)Masters of the Universe (He-Man movie)Backrooms (A24)Iron LungPlaces & InstitutionsBensonhurst, BrooklynEast Brunswick, New JerseyNashville, TennesseeVanderbilt UniversityWe 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. #MAKEITwww.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/supportAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello!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 Nick explores Spider Noir, a groundbreaking superhero series that transforms Marvel mythology into a Depression-era noir meditation on aging, regret, and redemption. The show stars Nicolas Cage as Ben Reilly, a worn-down private investigator and former masked vigilante navigating the rain-soaked streets of 1930s New York. This isn't your typical superhero story—it's a slow-burn character study that prioritizes atmosphere and emotional depth over explosive action sequences.TAKEAWAYS:• Harry Bradbeer's directorial approach and the creative decision to use four different directors across eight episodes • The series' bold aesthetic choice offering both color and authentic black-and-white viewing options • How the multiverse concept allows superhero storytelling to age alongside audiences • The evolution from the animated Spider-Verse version to this more emotionally grounded live-action adaptation • Why prioritizing older heroes and mature themes represents an important shift in superhero cinemaMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Spider-NoirNicolas CageHarry Bradbeer (director)Oren Uziel (writer)Ben Reilly (character)FleabagEnola HolmesRaymond ChandlerSpider-Man: Into the Spider-VersePeter Parker1930s New YorkGreat DepressionMarvelSpider-ManEbook: "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. #MAKEITwww.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/supportAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness discuss the career of actress Danielle Vega, who transitioned from childhood stardom in "Barney and Friends" to adult success. Vega's journey is highlighted as a case study in resilience, detailing her early audition process, the demanding physical conditions for performers, and the supportive environment at Katie Studios. The conversation explores Vega's transition to adult professionalism, her humbling experiences on the red carpet, and her eventual success in roles like "East Los High" and "Chicago Med." The discussion emphasizes the importance of preparation, learning from failures, and the impact of early experiences on professional growth.We also talk about:What it meant to be a mixed‑race child actor on a 1990s non‑union set that was paradoxically safer and more protective than many mainstream productions.The brutal physical reality behind the Barney suit and how witnessing that sacrifice shaped Danielle’s understanding of professionalism and dedication.How the “illusion of competence” and the credential trap led her to repeat the same mistake at age 22 that she learned to avoid at age 9.Her return to acting with East Los High, a pioneering transmedia teen drama that secretly delivered critical sex‑ed and abuse‑prevention resources to its audience.How all of this culminated in work on network television (including Chicago Med, directed by Carl Weathers) and a “closed‑loop” career that echoes the educational mission of Barney & Friends in a more mature form.People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:Danielle Vega David Joyner (Barney suit performer)Bob West (Barney's voice)Penny Wilson (choreographer) Carl WeathersApollo Creed (fictional character)Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show Barney & Friends Barney's Sense-Sational Day East Los High Chicago Med RockyBarney (the purple dinosaur) Kim — Danielle's character on Barney & Friends; Ceci Camayo — Danielle's character on East Los HighMima & Pop Pop — Kim's fictional grandparents on Barney & FriendsSAG-AFTRA Southern Methodist University (SMU) Dallas, Texas HuluTransmedia storytelling Beginner's mind (Shoshin)Illusion of competence (Dunning–Kruger effect) Credential trap — a discussed concept, no single authoritative source Very Special EpisodeTrojan horse (as an education-delivery strategy)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. #MAKEITSubscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/supportAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://allthingsmakeit.com/collections/learnThis 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, veteran line producer Stephen Marinaccio shares his 35+ years of experience managing productions across 30+ countries, from working with James Cameron to developing Line Budgeter, a revolutionary budgeting platform created by actual line producers. He discusses the essential skills needed for production management, the art of problem-solving on complex international shoots, and how his military upbringing shaped his detail-oriented approach to filmmaking. Stephen reveals the reality of managing multi-million dollar budgets and provides invaluable advice for aspiring production managers.We also talk about:• The development of Line Budgeter and why existing production software falls short • How to read scripts like a line producer and identify all hidden costs • The importance of communication and relationship management on set • Breaking down scenes to understand the true scope of production requirements • The role of AI in future film production and maintaining human creativityPeople, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:PeopleStephen MarinaccioJames CameronEmily Best (Seed&Spark)Sarah Childress (NPT Creative Director) NPT itself is hereEarl Woods Tiger WoodsEzekiel "Zeke" Emanuel (Rahm Emanuel's brother, author of Eat Your Ice Cream)Rob SchneiderMark Magidson (producer of Samsara)Ron Fricke (director of Samsara)Bix Beiderbecke (subject of the film Bix)Films & TV 12. Ghosts of the Abyss 13. The Abyss 14. Anora 15. The Blair Witch Project 16. Napoleon Dynamite 17. The Devil Wears Prada 18. Materialists 19. Citizen Kane 20. Cloud Atlas 21. Star Wars 22. Coming to America 23. Psycho 24. Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo 25. The Fall (2006) 26. Bix (1991) 27. Planet Earth 28. Samsara (2011) 29. Baraka (1992) 30. Marco Polo (Netflix) 31. Tom Clancy's Jack RyanMedia, Tech & Institutions 32. CBS 33. ABC News 34. Claude (and Claude Pro) 35. Gemini 36. Ableton 37. Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, etc.) 38. Line Budgeter (Stephen's platform)39. Movie Magic Budgeting 40. Final Draft 41. Kickstarter 42. Seed&Spark 43. AllThingsMakeIt.com 44. Nashville Film Festival 45. NPT (Nashville Public Television) 46. r/FilmTVBudgetingPlaces 47. San Rafael, California 48. Budapest, Hungary 49. Cambodia 50. Morocco 51. Thrilla in Manila 52. Novato, California 53. Fremont, California 54. Quad Cities / Davenport, Iowa 55. Skywalker Ranch 56. DGA Theater (part of the DGA)Wrestling & Guilds 57. WCW 58. WWE 59. WWF (World Wrestling Federation, now WWE)60. DGA – Directors Guild of America 61. PGA – Producers Guild of AmericaIndustry Roles & Concepts62. Line Producer 63. Unit Production Manager (UPM) 64. Second Unit Director 65. Executive Producer 66. Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) 67. Grip 68. Prints and Advertising (P&A) 69. Crowdfunding 70. Fiscal sponsorshipWe 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. #MAKEITwww.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/supportAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello!In this episode, AI hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore the unconventional career journey of indie filmmaker Jennica Schwartzman, examining how she built a successful multi-hyphenate creative life without sacrificing family or integrity. They discuss her rejection of traditional linear career models in favor of a fluid, chapter-based approach that integrates multiple roles as actor, producer, writer, and parent. The conversation reveals how her background as a pastor's kid shaped her performance skills and fearless approach to grassroots filmmaking.We also talk about:• How growing up in the 1990s evangelical church culture provided unexpected creative training • Practical strategies for making film sets parent-friendly through structural changes • The psychology of grassroots fundraising and community relationship building • Why filmmakers should never waste social capital on short films • The importance of execution over talent in building trust within creative industriesPeople, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:Jennica SchwartzmanPurpose Pictures ProductionsTMDB (The Movie Database)Parker's AnchorRidge RunnersGordon Family TreeXPK Podcast (Ex-Pastor-Kids, co-hosted with brother Marc Hampson)Movie Baking: The Indie Work-At-Home-Parent FilmmakerBehind the ScreensDCLAPromise KeepersFayetteville Travel CenterKickstarterWe 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. #MAKEITSubscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/supportAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy