The MAKE IT Podcast

Hello, Hello! In this episode. We trace Alex Ferrari’s path from street-level hustling to independent filmmaking and spiritual media. His story highlights the difference between trading personal labor for income and building scalable platforms. We also explore how setbacks, skepticism, and creative constraints shaped his work and purpose.We also talk about:Ferrari’s grandmother watching his first street-corner sale from inside a bank, and his later weekend garage sales in Florida.How his wife helped interrupt his small-scale retail hustle and refocus him on filmmaking.Ferrari’s two-year retreat from the industry, sorting comic books for an eBay business with a friend.The discussion’s advice about festival laurels, saturated streaming markets, and the business side of independent film.Ferrari’s interest in Paramahansa Yogananda and conversations about spiritual legacy, consciousness, and the soul.Products, software, websites, people, and places mentionedPeopleAlex FerrariShannon LeeBruce LeeDr. Eve Marjorie WoollacottParamahansa YoganandaAlex’s ProjectsShooting for the MobOn the Corner of Ego and DesireIndie Film HustleNext Level SoulMAKE ITThe MAKE IT PodcastSummariesPlatforms, Services & ToolsGameStopAmazoneBaySkypeNetflixHuluDistribberiPhone1080p pocket cameraARRI AlexaPlaces & OrganizationsJamaica, QueensFloridaFull Sail UniversityLos AngelesSpagoThe IvySundance Film FestivalPark City, UtahLos Angeles TimesHollywood VideoOther ReferencesCafé BusteloMaxwell HouseVHS DVD2008 financial crisisBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academyCheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEITThis episode includes AI-generated content.

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. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeitThis episode is brought to you by MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year! Hello, Hello! In this episode. the fellas are back to chop it up about a wide variety of topics! We explore how a proposed federal film incentive could affect independent production budgets and U.S. filmmaking. We debate AI contract provisions, the shrinking of acting opportunities, and the creative impact of studio consolidation. We also discuss mental health, television storytelling, and what to watch for Halloween. Enjoy! We also talk about:Why introverts may find meaningful conversations energizing, even after a busy week.Nick's critique of Vision Quest and its rapid, comic-book-style storytelling.Why the new A Different World feels different from the original to Nick, and why he still welcomes the cast’s opportunity.The importance of asking friends directly whether they are okay, especially during a period of social and technological change.Halloween picks ranging from Whalefall and The Sixth Sense to Gremlins, plus the our thoughts on horror built through story rather than gore.People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:PeopleAdam Schiff Mark MaxeyChris GreeneNichole Marie Lim Sean AstinRJ MitteSacha Baron Cohen / Ali GSydney SweeneyAaron SorkinKadeem HardisonDominic HoffmanTom CruiseArnold SchwarzeneggerEddie MurphyOrganizations & CompaniesAnthropicSAG-AFTRAWGAThe New York TimesIFCSkydanceGEICOProgressiveLiberty MutualFilms & TelevisionE.T. the Extra-TerrestrialThe Hunger GamesPulp FictionDigger John CarterHoward the DuckNorbitThe Only Living Pickpocket in New YorkTilly NorwoodWandaVisionVision QuestA Different World / Hillman College WhalefallThe Sixth SenseSin CityGremlinsThe Amityville HorrorFriday the 13thA Nightmare on Elm StreetHellraiserHalloweenThe TerminatorPredatorAlienRequiem for a DreamBad Boys: Ride or Die mother!Products & PlatformsClaude Pro RiversideStoryblocksPlacesGeorgiaKentuckyLouisianaNew MexicoNew HampshireNew JerseyLegislation & IndustryH.R. 10582 — Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization ActFilm production incentives in the USSAG-AFTRA contracts WGA contractsParamount Skydance / Warner Bros.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academyCheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

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. #MAKEIThttps://themakeitpodcast.store/newsletterHello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore Lee Abrams’ path from a teenage radio enthusiast to a media innovator who challenged conventional formats. The conversation explains how audience observation, creative judgment, and careful programming helped build passionate fans. It also considers whether his approach can reshape television news and remain distinctive in an age of AI-generated media.We also talk about:How a WQAM summer job exposed Abrams to radio operations and the frustrations of AM Top 40.His callback-card research and the principle that data should verify creative choices rather than originate them.The difference between users and fans, and why sequencing turns content into programming.XM’s 89 studios, 2.5 million-song library, and the story of blues programmer Bill Wax meeting B.B. King.Abrams’ Tribune Company experience, AFDI, the creative batting average, and the challenge of making News Fix credible and compelling.People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:PeopleLee AbramsBuzz BennettHenry FordChris SquireJon Anderson Bill WaxB.B. KingTed NugentBarbra StreisandStanley KubrickProjects & OrganizationsOriginal MAKE IT episode with Lee Abrams (2021) CelebrityAccessNewsFix XM Satellite RadioTribune CompanyWQAMWLSYesThe OnionConcepts & TechnologyAlbum-oriented rock (AOR)AM radio / FM radioIBM serversSpotifyAI-generated contentPlaces & Cultural ReferencesThe MidwestMetallicaChicago Symphony Orchestra2001: A Space OdysseySgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club BandAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academyCheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

This episode is brought to you by http://storyblocks.com/makeit! Storyblocks is a 100% human-made stock media library that’s essential for creators with millions of professionally curated assets — footage, music, sound effects, templates, and images. Everything is pre-licensed and ready to use under one subscription.Head to http://storyblocks.com/makeit to access the human-made stock media library that’s essential to our workflow. For a limited time, get 15% OFF any annual plan!This episode is brought to you by MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year! Hello, Hello! In this episode, filmmaker and former performer https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0317364/?ref_=fn_t_2 explains how he made his documentary https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21876766/?ref_=nm_knf_t_2. He shares stories of first responders, civilians, Flight 93, the boat lift, and rare footage from the Pentagon. The conversation also explores creative careers, rejection, film school, entrepreneurship, and what it means to MAKE IT.We also talk about:- The personal stories behind the documentary, including Will Jimeno’s rescue, the “Man in the Red Bandana,” and Lauren Grankolus’s voicemail.- Michael’s journey from theater and television to building Geier Productions after losing his real-estate business in the 2008 crash.- Lessons from Wounded Heroes, including Michael’s search for treatments that help people living with post-traumatic stress.- The “Praise You” video, the Torrance Community Dancers, Spike Jonze’s Richard Koufey persona, and the group’s three MTV Video Music Awards.- Michael’s advice on versatility, business skills, collaboration, learning by doing, and staying grounded through career setbacks.People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:People — Show & Familyhttps://www.gierproductions.com/Terri GierPeople — 9/11https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_JimenoScott Strauss (NYPD ESU)Sgt. John McLoughlinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Airlines_Flight_93 & Jack Grandcolashttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welles_Crowther https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jules_and_G%C3%A9d%C3%A9on_NaudetPavel Hlavahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfgang_StaehleJude KochPeople — Performers & Filmmakershttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_Hineshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Jonze https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sofia_Coppolahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Ford_Coppolahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Newtonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elton_Johnhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deidre_Hallhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louie_Andersonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Galifianakishttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Sinise https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Pennhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Nolanhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000759/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Damonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Cagehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Shorthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_MaddenPeople — Other Public Figureshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burt_Reynoldshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clint_Eastwoodhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Pitthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Cruisehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Anistonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Claude_Van_Dammehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vin_Dieselhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Hiltonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_Paulhttps://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/netflixs-untold-series-to-drop-new-documentary-on-the-daejon-love49ers-scandal-040722923.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orson_Welleshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Hitchcockhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevie_Ray_Vaughanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Van_Halenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Claptonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Framptonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Rockhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminemhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricky_Martinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_SmithGroups & Charactershttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praise_Youhttps://www.gunsnroses.com/https://korn.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keeping_Up_with_the_Kardashianshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_to_Americahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiminy_Glick Projectshttps://heroismandresiliency.com/https://filmfreeway.com/WoundedHeroeshttps://www.gierproductions.com/healing-heroes https://www.gierproductions.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torrance_Riseshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praise_Youhttps://www.themakeitpodcast.com/TV & Filmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Beach_(TV_series)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Days_of_Our_Liveshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baskets_(TV_series)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tombstone_(film)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Matrixhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bourne_Identity_(2002_film)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33764258/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academyCheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

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. #MAKEIThttps://themakeitpodcast.store/newsletterHello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness explore Julius Ritter’s evolution from biracial child and working actor to independent writer-director. The conversation examines permissionless work, zero-budget filmmaking, creative solitude, and the search for timeless artistic themes. It is essential listening for filmmakers who want to build original work without waiting for industry approval.We also talk about:How being labeled can lead an artist to invent new worlds and identities.Why Ritter paused Sock and Buskin to pursue a $100,000 GoFundMe.The relationship between casting debates, colorism, representation, and working artists’ livelihoods.Why internet slang can date a screenplay while universal themes remain accessible.How solitude prepares a creative blueprint before collaboration brings it to life.People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:PeopleJulius Charles Ritter (also on TMDB)Terry JinglesRob ReinerQuentin TarantinoWilliam ShakespeareSoulja BoyActing CreditsGap (Gap Kids)CSI: Crime Scene InvestigationLike Mike Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life The Master of Disguise His Own FilmsSock & Buskin Sock and Buskin Film Fund (GoFundMe)Mr. MiseryAmericana, White SheetsWhat Did Deborah Do? Organizations & PlatformsFord ModelsGoFundMeMammoth Film FestivalReferences & PlacesLooney TunesSock and buskin HollywoodLos AngelesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-make-it-podcast--7516419/support.We’re humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work, and your support makes it all possible. If you want to go deeper, join the MAKE IT Academy. Members get 200+ courses on screenwriting, acting, producing, directing, and film financing, plus members-only perks, discounts, and a bi-weekly newsletter with exclusive grants and film programs. Memberships start at $9.99/month, and you can gift one to a fellow filmmaker.Join here: https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academyCheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT