434 - Filmmaker Motke Dapp - How He Built a Crew with $500, What It Really Takes to Direct Films, and How to Handle Creative Conflict and Compromise on Your Film Set

The MAKE IT Podcast

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Hello, Hello! 


In this episode, filmmaker and director Motke Dapp returns to discuss his journey from a nomadic childhood to becoming a successful commercial director and feature filmmaker. The conversation explores the realities of independent filmmaking, the importance of building a creative community, and the challenges of balancing artistic vision with commercial viability. Motke shares insights from his experience directing Another Version of You and his current work creating commercials for Whisker's Litter Robot.


We also talk about:


• The essential tools needed to start filmmaking and building a crew through community connections

• Whether independent filmmakers actually watch independent films, and the time constraints that limit viewing

• The role of celebrity and notoriety in achieving commercial success in filmmaking

• Handling conflict and collaboration on set while maintaining creative relationships

• The choice between making passion projects versus commercially viable films


People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:


Micah Simms (cinematographer)

Ken Conrad (editor)

Nichole Marie Lim

Kim "Cookie" McCray

Ciciley Hoffman

Sara Antonio

Ecca Vandal

Christopher Nolan

A24

Ben Proudfoot

Another Version of You

Tangerine

Primer

Iron Lung

Sugar Glass

Schindler's List

Dunkirk

Hair Love

Inocente

DaVinci Resolve

Canon 5D Mark cameras

Red cameras

Whisker (Litter-Robot)

MTV

Kickstarter

Seed & Spark

48 Hour Film Project

Nashville 54 Hour Film Fest

Sundance Film Festival

Denver, Colorado

Nashville, Tennessee

Montana



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://themakeitpodcast.store



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
More description

This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at www.shopify.com/makeit


Hello, Hello! 


In this episode, filmmaker and director Motke Dapp returns to discuss his journey from a nomadic childhood to becoming a successful commercial director and feature filmmaker. The conversation explores the realities of independent filmmaking, the importance of building a creative community, and the challenges of balancing artistic vision with commercial viability. Motke shares insights from his experience directing Another Version of You and his current work creating commercials for Whisker's Litter Robot.


We also talk about:


• The essential tools needed to start filmmaking and building a crew through community connections

• Whether independent filmmakers actually watch independent films, and the time constraints that limit viewing

• The role of celebrity and notoriety in achieving commercial success in filmmaking

• Handling conflict and collaboration on set while maintaining creative relationships

• The choice between making passion projects versus commercially viable films


People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:


Micah Simms (cinematographer)

Ken Conrad (editor)

Nichole Marie Lim

Kim "Cookie" McCray

Ciciley Hoffman

Sara Antonio

Ecca Vandal

Christopher Nolan

A24

Ben Proudfoot

Another Version of You

Tangerine

Primer

Iron Lung

Sugar Glass

Schindler's List

Dunkirk

Hair Love

Inocente

DaVinci Resolve

Canon 5D Mark cameras

Red cameras

Whisker (Litter-Robot)

MTV

Kickstarter

Seed & Spark

48 Hour Film Project

Nashville 54 Hour Film Fest

Sundance Film Festival

Denver, Colorado

Nashville, Tennessee

Montana



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://themakeitpodcast.store



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2026-04-17 136 min
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