425 - Michael Mendelsohn - Financier and Producer of True Romance, Reservoir Dogs, Lord of War, and The Matrix on Making Cinema: Lessons from Hollywood’s Top Indie Financier
DEC 12, 2025117 MIN
425 - Michael Mendelsohn - Financier and Producer of True Romance, Reservoir Dogs, Lord of War, and The Matrix on Making Cinema: Lessons from Hollywood’s Top Indie Financier
DEC 12, 2025117 MIN
Description
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 notion.com/makeit to support your work and ours!This episode is brought to you by Surfshark VPN. Go to surfshark.com/makeit or use code makeit at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!"This episode is brought to you by Gusto. Save time with automated tools built right in: offer letters, onboarding materials, direct deposit, and don’t pay a cent until you run your first payroll. Go to www.gusto.com/makeit, and get three months free when you run your first payroll. Hello, Hello!In this episode, we welcome film producer Michael Mendelsohn ("Lord of War," "Air Force One," “Reservoir Dogs,” and "The Matrix.”) to the Make It Podcast. The conversation explores Mendelsohn's expansive career—including recent projects, Dream Quill and California Scheming, and his dedication to training the next generation of filmmakers—while delving into shifts within the movie industry. Listeners also get personal stories from the guests and hosts, and a behind-the-scenes look at cinema’s evolving landscapeWe also talk about:The impact of family background and immigration on creative ambition and career journeys.The transformation of audience viewing habits due to streaming services and subscriptions.Favorite cheat day meals, musical preferences, and rapid-fire personal anecdotes.The role of naming, legacy, and values within the arts and entertainment industries.Fun fact segments, including the influence of classic films like The Wizard of Oz and unique film-watching challenges (e.g., watching with Pink Floyd's The Wall).People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:Surfshark VPNNotion (software)Michael Mendelsohn (guest, producer)James McAvoy (actor, director)Alex Prager (director)Quentin Tarantino (director)Sean Evans ("Hot Ones" host)Johnny Carson (late night host, mentioned)Lawrence Bender (producer, mentioned)Soho House (Nashville)Urban Market (Franklin)Toronto Film FestivalNashville, TN (city)Franklin, TN (city)Paramount (studio)Warner Brothers (studio)Sony (studio)Miramax (studio)Lord of WarAir Force OneThe MatrixWhat Women WantTrue RomanceReservoir DogsDream QuillCalifornia SchemingThe HurricanePulp FictionThe Princess BrideLast King of ScotlandTop GunMission ImpossibleBatmanSupermanWonder WomanWilliam Goldman (author of The Princess Bride)Iocaine powder (fictional poison from The Princess Bride)Gusto (payroll and HR software)Patriot PicturesUnion Patriot CapitalPatriot Pictures InstagramHerban Market (Franklin, TN)Honey’s Kettle (Culver City, LA)Apollo CapitalEgyptian TheaterToronto Film FestivalPink Floyd (The Wall album)The GodfatherWhat Women WantRed SparrowNikitaWhen Harry Met SallyThe Other Side of the WindApocalypse NowOut of AfricaPlatoonRobin Hood: Men in TightsThe FugitiveBlack Barbie (Documentary)Palm SpringsMegalopolisMagic MikeChocolate CityWild PitchLittle MermaidThe Professional/LeonBattlefield EarthJay LenoJimmy KimmelKeanu ReevesJohn TravoltaAvi AradJoel SilverWachowski siblingsFrancis Ford CoppolaChris EvansBill MurrayTaylor SheridanMel GibsonAlex PragerMark RowanMax (director of Palm Springs)Mitch (Bill Murray collaborator)Prince MGM Lion (film intro)Culver City, CASanta Clarita, CAOcala, FLWillem DafoeSusan SarandonBETParamountCanal Plus (France)BBCWe 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