This episode is brought to you by the new Insta360 X5 Camera. To get a free invisible selfie stick with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "makeit", available for the first 30 standard package purchases only.

Hello, Hello!

In this episode we welcome Emma Tonner, co-founder of Galatea and Chief Innovation Officer at Inkitt, to discuss her innovative approach to digital storytelling and content creation. Emma shares insights into her platform's unique method of discovering and developing writing talent, transforming stories into global franchises across books, audiobooks, and TV series. The conversation explores the intersection of technology, storytelling, and creative development, highlighting the potential for new writers to break into the entertainment industry.

We also talk about:

• The psychological appeal of anti-hero characters in storytelling

• The role of AI in writing and content creation

• Challenges and opportunities in modern publishing

• The importance of reader feedback in story development

• Strategies for writers to improve their craft and gain recognition

Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned:

• Emma Tonner

• Galatea

• Inkitt

• Insta360 X5 Camera

• Cotton Bureau

• Grammarly

• Game of Thrones

• Dexter

• The Queen's Gambit

• Gossip Girl

• Saban Theater (LA)

• Shogun (TV series)

• John Adams (mini-series)

• ChatGPT

• MAKE IT on Instagram

• MAKE IT on TikTok

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

Subscribe to our newsletter at www.bonsai.film/subscribe

Hello, Hello!

Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #07

Summaries take some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condense them down to 10 (or so) minutes of pure listening pleasure.

Summaries are hosted by our digital interns, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness, and are designed to give you, our valued listeners, just the information you need from each guest. It's a new short-form concept for a fast-paced world. It's the answer to the two-hour podcast you want to listen to but never have the time for.

Each new episode of Summaries will be published right here, on the MAKE IT feed. We think you'll love it as much as we do—now, on to the show.

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Alex and Allison summarize our previously released episode with Emil Gallardo, Director of the HBO Oscar Qualifying short film 1,2,3 All Eyes on Me. So, who is Emil Gallardo?

Emil Gallardo is an Oscar-qualifying Mexican-American writer-director, a 2020 HBO Directing Fellow, the recipient of Panavision's Future Filmmaker award and one of the Austin Film Festival's twenty-five screenwriters to watch in 2021. Years before any accolades though, Emil's first dues were paid as a PA on softcore porn sets. From there, he remained in the AD department but moved to working on a variety of fully-clothed independent and studio productions.

It wasn't until several years later that Emil began writing and directing. His most recent film, 1, 2, 3, All Eyes on Me, about a crisis that engulfs an elementary school, deeply resonated with audiences and juries alike. It qualified for the 2021 Oscars, won HollyShorts' Grand Prix award, a Jury Award at AFF, and was nominated for a John Singleton Impact Award which recognizes storytellers who give a voice to the underrepresented and inspire change through filmmaking. 1, 2, 3, All Eyes on Me was acquired by HBO and is now available to watch.

With all of his work, Emil strives to tell unforgettable stories that stand out for their authenticity and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Asylum, the debut feature film he's developing about the injustices migrant children endure, is no exception. His latest work is the forthcoming film SubURB.

Enjoy and follow Emil on Instagram here, and check out his film 1, 2, 3, All Eyes on Me here.

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

Subscribe to our newsletter at www.bonsai.film/subscribe

Hello, Hello!

This episode is brought to you by the new Insta360 X5 Camera. To get a free invisible selfie stick with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "makeit", available for the first 30 standard package purchases only.

In this episode of the MAKE IT Podcast, we welcome Brad Starks, a filmmaker and photographer based in Maui, Hawaii. Brad shares his journey from fashion photography to creating the TV series "Moku Moku," which aims to authentically represent Hawaiian culture and community. The conversation explores filmmaking, cultural representation, creativity, and the meaning of success in the entertainment industry.

We also talk about:

• The challenges of maintaining authenticity in storytelling

• The importance of networking and supporting fellow creatives

• Balancing cultural significance with profitability in independent filmmaking

• The impact of streaming services and algorithms on content creation

• Personal stories of inspiration and perseverance in creative careers

Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned:

• Insta 360 X5 camera

• Laulima Studios

• Moku Moku TV series

• Cotton Bureau

• The MAKE IT Podcast Bookstore

• "When Did I Know I Was Black" (Chris Haley's book of poetry)

• Hawaiian Airlines

• Production Beast

• Actors Access

• Matsumoto Shave Ice

• Zippy's Restaurant

• Foodland

• Hallmark

• Lifetime

• White Lotus

• Nicole Miller

• Elite Models

• Channel 5 (CBS affiliate in Hawaii)

• Relativity Studio

• NXIVM Cult

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

Subscribe to our newsletter at www.bonsai.film/subscribe

Hello, Hello!

Welcome to SUMMARIES, Episode #06

Summaries take some of our best long-form interviews (and even some unpublished ones) and condense them down to 10 (or so) minutes of pure listening pleasure.

Summaries are hosted by our digital interns, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness, and are designed to give you, our valued listeners, just the information you need from each guest. It's a new short-form concept for a fast-paced world. It's the answer to the two-hour podcast you want to listen to but never have the time for.

Each new episode of Summaries will be published right here, on the MAKE IT feed. We think you'll love it as much as we do—now, on to the show.

---

Alex and Allison summarize our previously released episode with Jeff Clanagan, founder of Code Black films and President and Chief distribution Officer of Kevin Hart's company Hartbeat Entertainment.

So, who is Jeff Clanagan?

Clanagan got his start in the 1980s promoting hip hop concerts for artists like NWA and Run DMC. He discusses the entrepreneurial spirit needed to break into the business as a young promoter. This led to opportunities working with pioneering labels like No Limit Films.

As the founder of No Limit, Clanagan was instrumental in creating the direct-to-video business model that opened new revenue streams for independent films. He also discusses promoting the first national comedy tours and developing specialized retail sections for genres not previously seen in stores.

Now running companies like Code Black Films and Kevin Hart's Heartbeat Entertainment, Clanagan emphasizes doing research to understand industries from a business perspective.

Enjoy and follow Jeff on Instagram here, and check out his website here.

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

Subscribe to our newsletter at www.bonsai.film/subscribe

Hello, Hello!

In this episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we welcome actress and producer Shanti Lowry to discuss her journey in independent filmmaking. Shanti shares insights about her first feature film, "Persona," a thriller that explores the experiences of women of color in challenging circumstances. The conversation delves into the complexities of film production, personal identity, cultural experiences, and the challenges of independent filmmaking.

We also talk about:

• The evolution of dance in popular culture and music videos

• Experiences of mixed-race and biracial individuals navigating cultural identity

• The impact of stereotypes and racism in personal and professional spaces

• The role of creativity and authenticity in artistic pursuits

• Strategies for supporting and uplifting marginalized communities

Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned:

• Shanti Lowry

• Nicholas Buggs

• Christopher Barkley

• Gravitas (film distributor)

• PERSONA (film)

• Bounce TV

• BET

• Michael Jackson

• Madonna

• Halle Berry

• Tia and Tamera Mowry

• Omar Gooding

• Cuba Gooding Jr.

• Earth, Wind and Fire

• NSYNC

• Bentley Kyle Evans

• Rob Marshall

• Vincent Paterson

• Network of Time (website)

• MAKE IT x Cotton Bureau (merchandise site)

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

Subscribe to our newsletter at www.bonsai.film/subscribe