The MAKE IT Podcast

On this week's episode, we turn the tables on ourselves and answer the questions we usually ask of our guests. We answer questions on favorite resources, teaching someone to be a capable Executive Producer, and what business and creative mistakes we see filmmakers backing into without realizing it. Enjoy!  To learn more about Bonsai visit,  https://bonsai.film Questions or Suggestions? Email u...

On this episode, we have a conversation with the dynamic film Producing duo, Brian and Jake Jalbert, known affectionately as the Jalbert Brothers. We talk about making a feature film for $5K and under, the pros and cons of self-distribution, and the nature of spirits and ghosts. Enjoy!  To learn more about The Jalbert Brothers and Bonsai Creative, visit https://bonsai.film/makeit .   #MAKEIT   Lin...

On this week's episode, we take some of the best pieces of advice, tips, tricks, tactics, and teaching from our previous conversations to arm you with the tools to do your best work now and in the future.  This episode includes clips from: Ryan Hartsock, Award-Winning Producer Dean Shortland, Actor (Dynasty, Nashville) Chris Greene, Actor (Atlanta, Queen of the South, Birth of a Nation) Shanna...

On this week's episode, Chris Barkley and Nick Buggs share their experiences from the feature film pitch room at this year's Film-Com conference and breakdown the keys to a successful pitch. Enjoy!    To learn more about Chris & Nick visit https://bonsai.film   Have questions? Email us at contact@bonsai.film     #MAKEIT   Links: Film-Com KD Amond (filmmaker) Ex Machina (filmmaker) Her...

“The best thing you can do for yourself is not to be limited by what you have, but to just go and make it.” - Jacquie Phillips On this week's episode, we have a conversation with Director, Jacquie Phillips. We talk about the importance of networking, making the jump from tech to film, FOMO, and lessons learned from William H. Macy. Enjoy!   Jacquie is a Director and Producer based in Los Angel...

“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 exact process, and what made Johnny...

"Your character needs to have a reason for being in the story and interacting with other people." - Sandrene Mathews  On this week's episode, we have a conversation with Assistant Director Sandrene Mathews. We talk about why she created a web-series, what she looks for as a script reader and screener, and the difference between seasoned creatives and beginners. Listen+Subscribe+Rate =...

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...