The MAKE IT Podcast

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with filmmakers Dexter Strong Buell and Derek Mindler about their experiences in the indie film space, including Dexter's recent short film " The South Shore " and Derek's work as a cinematographer. They also discuss challenges in filmmaking and education, using new technology like 360 videos for location scouting, and an upcomin...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris has a conversation with Jason Padgitt, Executive Director of the Nashville Film Festival. They discuss Jason's role and responsibilities at NaFF, the film selection process, balancing industry and artistic interests, and the future of AI in filmmaking. Enjoy this insightful conversation about the inner workings of a major independent film festival.   We a...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Angus Benfield about his career as an Actor, Producer, Writer and Director and his upcoming film "The Keeper" which tackles the important issue of veteran suicide. They discuss Angus' process for bringing real stories to the screen, finding financing for independent films, and keeping creative energy as a filmmaker. Chris and Ni...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Daril Fannin and Austin Worrell from Kino Studios . They discuss challenges in the film industry and opportunities for new models to empower creators through technology. Daril and Austin share their experiences and explain their mission to build efficient tools through Kino Studios to help filmmakers launch globally and connect with audienc...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Actor, Writer, and Producer Jordan Charles about his film project "Brothers in Arms," which explores themes of family, redemption, and the impact of war through two brothers separated at a young age. Jordan shares how his own family history influenced the film and informed his perspective as an artist.   Chris and Nick provide insig...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Adam Schartoff, the host of the long-running podcast Film Wax Radio. They discuss Adam's experience maintaining a podcast for over 790 episodes and the challenges of keeping enthusiasm and motivation over many years. They also debate strategies for film festival juries and screeners, the importance of festivals for filmmakers, and wheth...

Hello, Hello!   In this episode, we are joined by filmmaking partners Nicholas Mihm and Rostam Zafari. They discuss their filmmaking partnership, their new documentary 'Bubjan,' their nonprofit work promoting Iranian culture, and future projects exploring physician burnout through animation and entrepreneurship through documentary storytelling.   We also talk about:    Nicholas Mihm shares...

**Warning: Early in this episode, Chris says that Charlton Heston was not in a lead role in the iconic film Ben-Hur. This is obviously insane and a short-term hallucination because Ben-Hur is one of Charlton's most iconic roles.** Apologies!     Hello, Hello!      In this episode, Chris and Nick speak with Acting Teacher and Co-Founder of JDS Actors Studio, Diane Strand. Diane shares her exten...

Hello, Hello!    A few corrections from episode 364: Charlton Heston was in Ben Hur - but not as a primary actor. He was in a scene in which he rode a horse.   Our social media handle on Instagram and X are @_makeitpodcast (not @themakeitpodcast). However, you can find us at www.themakeitpodcast.com   In this episode, Chris and Nick discuss blockchain technology and its potential applications in t...

Hello, Hello!    In this episode of The Make It Podcast Chris & Nick recapped 2023 and looked ahead to 2024. They reflected on their favorite films of the year, including BlackBerry and American Symphony, and the best guests of the year including Linda Nelson (and more). They also analyzed the implications of the New York Times lawsuit against OpenAI for copyright infringement and how it could...

Hello, Hello!   Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Chris provides a short update on episodes and content for this month and a hint at 2024. How you can continue to enjoy MAKE IT content:   Subscribe to the MAKE IT YouTube channel. Subscribe to the MAKE IT Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.bonsai.film/subscribe.   The MAKE IT podcast amplifies the v...

Hello, Hello!    In this episode of the MAKE IT Podcast we are joined by Brian Owens, Artistic Director  Calgary International Film Festival . He provides his film festival tips, advice, and insights on the MAKE IT podcast. Brian has been at the helm of some of North America's top film festivals, helping launch countless careers along the way. In this interview, Brian shares stories from his u...

Hello, Hello!    In this episode of the Make It Podcast, independent filmmaker Frank Monteleone joins Chris and Nick to talk about his company, Full Armor Films , his career, and the film industry in New Orleans and beyond.   We also talk about:   - Frank discusses starting Full Armor Films in New Orleans and how the city's film tax incentives have helped grow the local industry. - The group t...

Hello, Hello!    In this edition of the MAKE IT Podcast, Chris and Nick discuss artist Jelly Roll's inspirational acceptance speech for Best New Artist at the CMA Awards. They contemplate the ability to pivot genres throughout a career, using Darius Rucker's transition from rock to country, the SAG Strike is over (right?), Coyote Vs. Acme drama, and an all-new Things We Should Know and Cul...

Hello, Hello!    This week on The Make It Podcast, Chris and Nick discuss the success of Five Nights at Freddy's and how it was able to capitalize on existing IP in a way that worked. They also analyze Taylor Swift's deal with AMC to distribute her concert film and whether others can replicate her success. Nick provides a culture check on a controversy involving the head of HBO being caugh...

Hello, Hello!    In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris is joined by Director Roxana Baldovin . She discusses her career journey from growing up with an immigrant background in Brooklyn to directing music videos for major artists. Roxana also shares insights on navigating the unpredictable music video industry, building her skills as a director, and her transition into narrative filmmaking.   We als...

Hello, Hello!    In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick discuss their experiences at the recent Nashville Film Festival and fielding more feedback from filmmakers than in previous years. They debate filmmakers' perspectives on wanting unbiased consideration from festivals versus wanting special treatment if not accepted. Chris aims to be a voice for independent filmmakers in their commu...

Hello, Hello!    In this edition of Indie Talk, we have a conversation with the President of QYOU Media, Inc., Glenn Ginsburg. Glenn provided valuable insights into influencer marketing strategies for major studios and independent films. He outlined how his company executes large-scale social media campaigns for studios using top creators to drive awareness and engagement. The conversation offered...

Hello, Hello!    In this edition of Indie Talk we have a conversation with Writer & Director Todd Bogin.   Todd generously shared his experience writing, producing, and distributing his debut feature Hidden Exposure . He discussed his unconventional path into the industry and lessons learned around writing screenplays, attaching talent, and distribution strategies. Throughout, Todd emphasized...

Hello, Hello!    In this edition of Indie Talk, we're joined by Jennifer Cooney, Filmmaker and Director of the feature film Wild Fire.   We talk about:   Jennifer's directorial debut, Wild Fire . It's a drama about radical honesty between friends.  Writing and filming locally in Pennsylvania as an independent filmmaker Chris and Nick provide advice on building a crew with the right &#3...

Hello, Hello!   Andrea Shreeman, co-Host of The Hero Maker podcast joins the MAKE IT podcast to discuss The Hero Maker podcast  https://www.theheromakerpodcast.com/ , a true crime podcast telling the story of her friends who were murdered in college and the ripple effects it had. Andrea shares how the podcast has brought healing while exploring the case and positive reforms it may help facilitate....

Hello, Hello!   In this episode of The Make It Podcast, hosts Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs dive into the topic of social media influence and its potential downsides. They discuss two recent incidents where influencers were able to mobilize large crowds of young fans into risky or illegal situations. Chris and Nick debate the growing power of social media personalities and how it can be wielded...

Hello, Hello!     In this special edition of Indie Talk, we miss Bonsai Nick but bring on two fantastic guest hosts. Director and Producer Maggie Contreras ( https://instagram.com/maggiecontreras ) and Actress and   Producer Charity Wakefield ( https://instagram.com/charitywakefield ). Both worked on the incredible documentary Maestra, Executive Produced by David Letterman’s Production company, Wo...

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, Filmmaker and PhD Professor Lance Clark reminisces on his first SAG feature when he cast an A-List actress that reneged on her contract three days before principal photography.   Lance expounds on how he used grace to overcome the situation.   Enjoy!   The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is...

Hello, Hello!     In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick are back with a wide-ranging conversation and make room for special guest Production Designer & Art Director Frances Hernandez ! We talk about:   Why Voles are evil Moles Frances' work on Ahsoka and Next Goal Wins The quiet, easy genius of Taika Waititi The failure of the latest round of Marvel films Why the WGA, SAG, and AMPT...