Episode Details

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. Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off your first three months of Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeit

This episode is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto is online payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. It’s all-in-one, remote-friendly, and incredibly easy to use—so you can pay, hire, onboard, and support your team from anywhere. Try Gusto today at gusto.com/makeit, and get three months free when you run your first payroll. 

Hello, Hello! 

In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of the film and entertainment industry, spotlighting the rise of vertical micro-dramas and questioning the true meaning behind headline metrics like "market value" and "audience excitement." They challenge traditional production and distribution models, explore marketing costs and streaming ROI for independent filmmakers, and examine the shift of audience attention—and star power—from Hollywood to social platforms. Along the way, the hosts offer candid advice for creators navigating these industry changes and reflect on how personal branding, marketing, and resilience contribute to ongoing creative careers.

We also talk about:

• The history and impact of vertical video platforms, with a quiz on which app first pioneered vertical video shorts.
• A candid, humorous discussion about generational differences in content consumption and the evolving definition of "stars."
• The challenges and nuances of film financing, including crowdfunding, family support, and strategies for paying back investors or supporters.
• Reflections on the cultural and social implications of social media, from platforms' impact on children to trust in e-commerce.
• Personal asides and trivia about movies, actors, and the process of finding correct titles and show names under pressure.

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:

Claude Pro (Anthropic’s AI model)

Gusto (payroll and HR software)

GitHub

JIRA

HubSpot

Notion

Google Workspace

Galatea (vertical micro-drama platform)

Quibi (short-lived streaming platform)

Tubi (streaming platform)

Roku Channel

Indiegogo (crowdfunding platform)

Vine

Periscope

Musically (predecessor to TikTok)

BetterHelp (referenced as a sponsor)