The MAKE IT Podcast

Hello! This week on the podcast co-hosts and Bonsai Creative co-founders Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs talk about Korber Lenker's web series Morse Code and how he leverages his brand to expand the show audience, and we expose the "business within a business" that exists within Independent Film distribution and purchasing.  To learn more about Bonsai Creative, go to https://bonsai.fi...

"Don't hate the audition process. Do the work, create the character. [The part] was either yours or it wasn't yours." - Sara Antonio  Hello! This week we have a conversation with actress Sara Antonio. Sara talks about not hating on the audition process, how to create multiple characters, and how she and late actress Brittany Belland met. Enjoy!  Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love   Enjoy...

Hello! In this conversation, Chris & Nick talk about the 19-year-old filmmaking phenom Phillip Youmans and how his success relates to minding his brand and the brand of his cast.    Enjoy!  Find out more about Chris and Nick at www.bonsai.film .   #MAKEIT   Links: Burning Cane (film) Phillip Youmans (director) Tribeca Film Festival (film) Wendell Pierce (actor) Sara Antonio (actress) Motke Dap...

"The number one thing, way more important than talent, is persistence." - Korby Lenker  This week we talk with musician, writer, actor, and producer Korby Lenker. Korby is a heavy-touring, award-winning singer-songwriter, a published author, and creator and star of a new scripted web-series named Morse Code that can be viewed on Vimeo. Episode 4 premieres on May 23rd, 2019. Listen+Subscrib...

This week I bring in Nick Buggs, co-founder of Bonsai Creative as my Podcast co-host to expound upon the topic of creating a winning pitch deck and prospectus for your film. For those that hope to gain the attention of investors and top collaborators, we provide actionable advice on how to build your investor talk tracks and pitch decks. Also, full disclosure this episode has some audio modulation...

“If all you see is the frame and the light, you’re not a Director. You can’t be a Director if you don’t know how actors work.” - Nathan Edwards⠀⠀⠀   On this episode, we have a conversation with Producer and Director Nathan Edwards (@MrNathanEdwards on social). We talk about understanding actors and improv as a means to better direct and produce, the keys to shooting political ads versus commercial...

Hello Bonsai Creatives! Chris here, and this week I'm out of town, so I thought I'd provide you all with a mid-week motivational "bump" be rebroadcasting one our most inspiring episodes (and one of my favorite episodes), our conversation with actor Brandon Hirsch.  Enjoy, and we'll be back with a new episode this week!  "Bonsai" Chris    Links: Instagram Twitter IMDb At...

"Filmmakers are too quick to jump over their own communities and forget that there are hundreds, to thousands, to hundreds of thousands of people that they have access to that could help them recoup their money." - Nick Buggs   On the week's episode, MAKE IT Podcast host Chris Barkley has a conversation with Bonsai Creative Co-Founder and Advisory Producer, Nick Buggs. We discuss wheth...

“Go after one thing and do it and don’t feel like you’re wasting your time if it doesn’t work out in the end.” - Lesley Powers⠀⠀ On this episode, we have a conversation with Filmmaker Lesley Powers (@lmpowers15 on IG and LesleyPowers15 on Twitter). We talk about managing multiple skill sets, how to manage actors on set, and her love of Sex and the City. Enjoy!  Lesley Powers is a narrative filmmak...

"You've gotta get your ass in the chair." - Priscilla Wise On this episode, we have a conversation with writer Priscilla Wise. Priscilla is a creative, a problem solving, mentoring, analyzing, data junkie, who enjoys applying these strengths in multiple areas. She's currently working on a new book, Wise Screenwriting – A Start-up Guide, is currently engaged with six television proj...

“It’s okay not to know something, as long as you’re willing to ask.” - Dycee Wildman   On this week’s episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we have a conversation with Director and Writer Dycee Wildman (@diceydycee). We chat about how to start a film festival, why she loves horror film, making art with intention, and much more. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love   Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach ou...

“There was a care in how clothes used to be made that no longer exists with fast fashion.” - Ciciley Hoffman On this week’s episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we have a conversation with Costume Designer and stylist Ciciley Hoffman (@cicileyhoffman). We chat about why vintage style is better than modern style, teaching a class on Tori Amos, why being a Cat Lady doesn’t mean you hate dogs, and much mo...

“Hollywood is the largest gated community in the world.” - Shannan E. Johnson On this week’s episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we have a conversation with script editor Shannan E. Johnson (@theprofessionalpen). We chat about growing up in rural Texas, the importance of being supported for who you are, and building up the courage to take big risks. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love   Enjoy! Questio...

On this week’s episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we have a conversation with Editor Wes Powers (@wesslesprouts). We chat about what it means to be married to another creative, how to prepare for a move to Los Angeles, and the pros and cons of lunch with David Fincher & Eminem. Wes Powers is an editor/producer living in Los Angeles.  He has experience in many areas in the post world including, Sh...

“Even when you feel like you did a bad audition, make them tell you why (it was bad).” - Christine Woods ⠀ On this week’s episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we have a conversation with actress and singer Christine Woods (@trickybear). We chat about what to do after an audition, the right way to get a nickname, the importance of forgetting all the rules to find your true process, and what made Johnny...

“I learned how important close relationships and friendships are because this business is chock-full of negativity, and comparison, and ambition -- so many things that can topple you.” - Stefanie Black  On this week’s episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we have a conversation with actress and writer, Stefanie Black (@blackski21 on IG, @thestefblack on Twitter). We talk about how to navigate the up&#39...

On this week’s episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we have a conversation with actor Dean Shortland, (@deanshortland everywhere). We talk about growing up in Australia, performing in highly religious environments, and doing what it takes to get to your best life.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love   Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at htt...

"Produce where you are. Creativity isn't bottled up in some location. There isn't a secret elixir that can only be found in [Los Angeles]" - Ryan Hartsock In this week's episode, we chat with Producer Ryan Hartsock about how to approach filmmaking from outside of the Hollywood bubble and why it's important to produce where you are.  www.bonsai.film/makeit Listen+Subscribe+R...

“In today’s world, spending all of your budget on one project is not smart.” - Logen Christopher ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ On this week’s episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we have a conversation with Filmmaker Logen Christopher, (@logenctv on #Insta and #Twitter).   Logen Christopher is an award-winning Director/Cinematographer based in Nashville, TN, and founder of media Production Company Stormlight Pictures LLC....

"If you have the means to make something, give it a shot and learn." - Drew Maynard  On this week's episode, we have a conversation with Director and Writer Drew Maynard. Drew Maynard is a Nashville-based filmmaker who has written, directed, produced, and edited a number of short films, including 2017 SXSW Film Festival selection "The Saurus" and Nashville Film Festival award-w...

“What are you willing to invest, in something that may not have an [immediate] return?” - Joshua Bermudez ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ On this week’s episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we have a conversation with Actor, Joshua Bermudez (@theincomparablejosh) on #Insta and @SaintGenesius on #Twitter).   Joshua Bermudez is an actor living in Los Angeles, California. He's the first member of his family to attend colle...

"You aren't influenced later in life, you're inspired." - Matthew Hankins Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Santa Chris here, Bonsai Chris is tending to his bonsai tree, which is in desperate need of a trimming. Last night, I was filling Bonsai Chris' stocking with small squares of organic, paleo friendly, non-chocolate-chocolate-covered cashew-butters when I noticed that som...

“Our job is to make people realize the truth, but also give them the courage to change the narrative.” - Chris Greene On this week’s episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we have a conversation with Actor and Filmmaker, Chris Greene (@actorchrisgreene on #Insta and @itschrisgreene on #Twitter).   With over 15 years of experience, Chris has appeared in commercials,   feature films, and television shows w...

“People like the idea of being an artist more than the idea of practicing and becoming the absolute best.” - Matt Williams ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ On this week’s episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, we have a conversation with award-winning Actor, Matt Williams (@mattwilliamsinc).⠀⠀⠀⠀ In 2015, Matt starred in the award-winning short film,   'Everyday Yeti' written and directed by Motke Dapp, in which he was...

On the show today we have Screenwriter, Amanda Bermudez. Amanda J. Bermudez is an award-winning writer and filmmaker. Her past works include The Face of the Earth, Hunt, and an adaptation of W.H. Auden’s The Sea and the Mirror.  She is a National Merit Scholar, recipient of the Jameson Prize, a Writer’s Digest National Award Winner, nominee for the Spotlight Culture & Heritage Award, winner of...