The MAKE IT Podcast

Hello, Hello!     In this episode, we have a conversation with Director Janlatae' Mullins. We talk about the incredible lengths she went through to pitch Dawson’s Creek, why being seen as a minority creator is so important, how she overcame suicidal thoughts and depression to pursue her filmmaking dreams, and how she identified procrastination as a form of Imposter Syndrome, and her new educat...

Hello, Hello!   In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, Writer Sandrene Mathews shares an experience in which she lost her confidence and then her job. Enjoy!   Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love   Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative   Love Indie Film? Love the MAKE IT Podcast? Become a True Fan!   www.bonsai.film/...

Hello, Hello!   This episode brings you a special panel conversation from the recent SWIFT Summit Conference hosted by Women In Film and Television. Chris joins executive and creative panelists Ken Carpenter, Stuart Bishop, Dave Moody, and Andy Van Roon to discuss a variety of topics concerning pitching your project, the future of distribution, and how to get funding.    Moderated by Valerie Conne...

Hello, Hello!   In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick explores and expounds on the wisdom of actor Joshua Noble . If change is a constant, it's not about who we are but who we are willing to be. Enjoy!   Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love   Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative   Love Indie Film? Love the MAKE...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, we have a conversation with Director and Actor, Sam Brooks. We talk about the tools he uses to book high-profile roles, being a good scene reader, serving the story instead of his ego, why he hasn’t joined SAG, and how he got the name “Pillsbury Flowboy.” Enjoy!   Follow Sam: Instagram IMDb Fear Street: Part Two – 1978 (film) Stargirl (tv series) These Streets We H...

Hello, Hello!   In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick expounds on the confession and wisdom of Actor & Director Matt Williams. Nick talks about how to mitigate the feast and famine swings while living and working the creative life. Enjoy!   Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love   Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreat...

Hello, Hello!   In this Indie Talk, Chris and Nick talk about the diminishing effects of caffeine during the creative flow state, when and if artists should play the race/gender/sex/nationality card, and how facial recognition company Kairos and production company Legendary Pictures aim to make better films using advanced AI. Enjoy!   Legendary Pictures and AI screenings (article) Kairos (AI compa...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Writer & Actor Joshua Noble talks about his early career experience of putting all of his eggs in one basket and how that taught him to take a diversified approach to his creative work. Enjoy! Follow Joshua   Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love   Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, we have a conversation with Director Traci Hays. We talk about her latest feature film ‘Tangled’ streaming on Passionflix now, how she overcame childhood health and learning issues to pursue filmmaking, the benefits of career coaching, overcoming barriers as a female in the film industry, the role women play in holding other women back, how to find a mentor, and so...

Hello, Hello!   In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick borrows wisdom from Writer and Director, Kali Bailey to deep dive into the mindset of positivity. Enjoy!     “Never underestimate the importance of a good attitude, it’s part of a skill set that’s really important.” - Kali Bailey   Follow Kail Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki (book)   Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love   Questions or Comment...

Hello, Hello! (Hello)   In this episode, Chris and Nick follow up on Chris' massive films to watch list, discuss why 'Power Of The Dog' didn't win Best Picture, the coming creative explosion of 2022/23, why 'Drive My Car' was the best movie of 2021, how to protect your screenplay (or not to), the importance of hiring an entertainment lawyer, and how to keep your rights in a...

Hello, Hello! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick expounds upon the wisdom of Producer David Perry. He covers the concepts of Pathos, Ethos, Logos, Branding, and Marketing. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative Love Indie Film? Love the MAKE IT Podcast? Become a True Fan!...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with Producer, Media Futurist, and Executive Director of the New Media Film Festival, Susan Johnston.  We talk about the importance of being kind and being on time, what makes the New Media Film Festival different than other festivals, the potential and literal aftermath of IP and Trademark theft, algorithm use in streaming services, NFT's...

Hello, Hello!  In this episode, Film and Television writer AJ Bermudez bravely shares her experiences with envy and her learned understanding of deploying her "empathy muscle." Enjoy! Follow AJ Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative Love Indie Film? Love the MAKE IT Podcast? Bec...

Hello, Hello!   Chris and Nick are back to answer your burning questions in this episode! We talk about what it takes to land a streaming deal with a mini-major or a major streamer, what rights to fight for during contract negotiation, and if diversity in film is still a problem. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the...

Hello, Hello! In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, we hear from Actor Dean Shortland (Best Laid Plans, The Vanished, Nashville). He lets us see behind the curtain into the layers of insecurities all actors must feel. Dean reminds us to trust ourselves, trust that the Casting Director wants us in the role, and bring what's uniquely you to every audition. Enjoy! Follow Dean Listen+Subscrib...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with Filmmaker and Executive Director of the Bend Film Festival, Todd Looby. We talk about the advantages of submitting and attending the Bend Film Festival, why Bend, Oregon is America’s best-kept secret, Improv as a catalyst to the creative life, the cross-section of engineering and artistry, and his feature films ‘Lefty,’ ‘Son of None,’ and...

Hello, Hello! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick deconstructs the following piece of wisdom from Director and Writer Motke Dapp , “Part of what we have to do as Independent Filmmakers is to find ways to support each other.” Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative Love Indi...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with the Founder and Executive Director of the AV Film Festival (formerly the Alexander Valley Film Festival). We talk about Sean Baker, why we can and can't forgive others and ourselves, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, how artists channel pain to make great art, and how love became the deciding factor in her life’s biggest decisions, “thin privil...

Hello, Hello! In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, we hear from   Costume Designer and Wardrobe Stylist, Ciciley Hoffman. Ciciley recounts a moment in her career in which she didn't set the correct expectations on set due to questioning her talent. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr....

Hello, Hello! In this special episode, Chris and Nick give their one-of-a-kind take on the Will Smith and Chris Rock Academy Awards confrontation, a situation we are terming “The Slap Heard ‘Round The World.” Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative Love Indie Film? Love the MAKE I...

Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with the Director of Photography and Director Rick Page. We talk about his first editing hack, the harmony between Cinematography, Lighting, and Production Design, what NBC executives got wrong about 'Brooklyn 99,' the polar roles of rabid fans in entertainment, where to cut corners on a budget (and where not to), the importance of join...

Hello, Hello! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick expounds on the insights of Writer and VP of Operations at Worldwide Stages, Priscilla Wise. Employ the " five-minute " rule if you want to get started as a writer or move past a creative block. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr...

Hello, Hello!   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ After a short hiatus, Chris and Nick are back with a new edition of Indie Talk. In this conversation, we cover Academy Award nominees, what stance the film industry should take going forward on oppressive regimes like China, North Korea, and Russia, and why making a short film before you jump into feature films could save you millions of dollars, years of lost time, and s...

Hello, Indie Film Creatives! In this edition of Mistakes In The Making , we hear from Actor and Filmmaker Stefanie Black. She details a casting competition from her past that could have gone better if she only believed she was worth all the attention and work offered to her. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web a...