409 - Brad Starks - Creator of Hawaiian TV Series Moku Moku on Hawaii's Indie Film Scene and How to Build a Sustainable Creative Career

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. #MA