In this week's episode, we have an incredibly valuable conversation with producer, writer, director Derek Estlin Purvis. We talk about why your equity financing should be close to zero, what it takes to be a good producer, and Derek shares a message of unity for the world. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative. #MAKEIT Links: IMDb The Kids Are All Right (film) The Ten (film) On Golden Pond (film) Henry Fonda (actor) Jere...
Aug 25, 2020•1 hr 19 min
In this episode of the Film Investment Series, Chris and Jason talk about why investors need to negotiate for some creative and decision-making control. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative. #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Aug 23, 2020•2 min
In this week's episode, Executive and Advisory Producers Christopher Barkley and Nicholas Buggs talk about AMC's plan to reopen, what Indie Creatives can learn from watching Indie Films, the reason Hamilton crushed all other shows in ratings, and why Netflix's most-watched show is The Office. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative. #MAKEIT Links: Alan Powell (actor) Rasheena Nash (writer) Instagram Reels v YouTube shorts ...
Aug 18, 2020•50 min
In this episode of the Film Investment Series, Jason and Chris talk about knowing how much to invest in an Indie Film. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative. #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Aug 16, 2020•2 min
In this week's episode, we have a wide-ranging conversation with writer and filmmaker Rasheena Nash. We talk about how to gain the respect of the Writer's Room, what it takes to accomplish a dream, and the importance of patience. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative. #MAKEIT Links: Website IMDb LinkedIn Raven’s Home (tv series) Rasheed Stephens (actor) Abdul Williams (writer) Kevin Hart (producer) Jonathan Goldstein (wr...
Aug 11, 2020•54 min
**Introducing - The Film Investment Series** In this podcast series, you're going to hear snippets of conversations between the writer and Indie Creative Jason McConnell and Chris Barkley, host of the Make It Podcast, and Co-Founder Bonsai Creative. They talk about the upsides and perils of investing in Independent Film, and Chris provides small bits of advice for would-be investors. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative...
Aug 09, 2020•2 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, Executive and Advisory Producers Christopher Barkley and Nicholas Buggs talk about going back to first principles in Indie Film Success. The importance of a great story in which you can build a brand around combined with a niche audience in which you can market your brand (and several other back-to-basics reminders). Enjoy! Questions? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film and on Instagram and Twitter @ _bonsaicreative. #MAKEIT Links: Box Office Mo...
Aug 04, 2020•53 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, we have a conversation with the director and writer Kali Bailey. We talk about her upcoming film, 'A Week Away,' how working as a crew member will make you a better director, we debate if it's better to submit your short film to YouTube or a Festival, and what it took for her to have the courage to be her authentic self. Enjoy! Questions? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film and on Instagram and Twitter @ _bonsaicreative. #MAKEIT Links: Website I...
Jul 28, 2020•1 hr 4 min
Writer and Director Drew Maynard talks about mistakes. Enjoy! #MAKEIT Links: Drew Maynard The Watermelon Woman (film) Bolo Brothers Creatives Shine Service (documentary) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Jul 24, 2020•20 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, Executive and Advisory Producers Christopher Barkley and Nicholas Buggs talk about why filmmakers single out Netflix as the desired home for their film, the potential Peacock opportunity, and the new funding platform, WeFunder. Enjoy! Questions? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film and on Instagram and Twitter @ _bonsaicreative. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #MAKEIT Links: Peacock streaming Marriage Story (film) Tubi streamer Voodoo Streams Sundance TV IFC Films Str...
Jul 21, 2020•51 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, Executive and Advisory Producers Chris Barkley and Nick Buggs talk about why the money and interest in content created by the current culture might not flow to the Indie Creative, our take on Erica, the AI Actor, and the next trend in digital streaming, FAST TV and Linear channels. Enjoy! Questions? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film and on Instagram and Twitter @ _bonsaicreative. #MAKEIT Links: LeBron James Signs Film Deal w/ Universal (news) ...
Jul 07, 2020•1 hr 8 min
Indie Film Creatives, This is the introductory episode of our podcast series, Mistakes In The Making. In this volume, Motke Dapp talks about his biggest mistake in his career and what he learned. Enjoy! Do you want to contribute your story to Mistakes In The Making? Email us at contact@bonsai.film or message us on Instagram or Twitter @_bonsaicreative. Thx! #MAKEIT Motke Dapp (director) - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3578387/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exc...
Jul 03, 2020•7 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, we have a conversation with Talent Agent extraordinaire, Kim "Cookie" McCray. We talk about how she turned abuse, loneliness, and loss into the strength that ultimately got her into the film industry, what not to do as an actor if you want to get a role or an agent, and she shares a rare Carey Elwes story. Enjoy! About Kim: After over a decade working in the freelance film industry on projects including Frank Darabont's The Green Mile , Steven Sode...
Jun 30, 2020•1 hr 34 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, we have a treat. We speak with the youngest filmmakers to ever grace the MAKE IT mic, Tanner Peterson and Dayton Edwards. We talk about what it takes to make a feature film as a high schooler, strategies on getting parental support, and what the future holds for them as they take on the tribulations of the "real world." Enjoy! Questions? Reach out us at contact@bonsai.film #MAKEIT Links: Minus One (series) Instagram Twitter The Dog Catcher (short f...
Jun 23, 2020•1 hr 2 min
Hello, indie Creatives! In this week's episode, Executive and Advisory Producers Chris Barkley and Nick Buggs talk about the funding crisis behind major streaming companies across the globe, we ask what would happen to the film industry if Coronavirus spread in 1985, and we introduce our new podcast series, Filmmaker Startup. Enjoy! Questions? Reach out us at contact@bonsai.film #MAKEIT Links: Tenet (film) George Lucas (writer) Alan Powell (actor) Baidu Alibaba Group Tencent Video Jerry Seinfeld...
Jun 16, 2020•44 min
Hello Indie Creatives, In this week's episode, we have an essential conversation with Actor Chris Greene. We talk about the recent protests, racism, and injustice in film and the world, and how our media causes life to imitate art. Enjoy! Questions? Reach out to us @ contact@bonsai.film #MAKEIT Links: IMDb Website The Birth of a Nation (2016 film) Nate Parker (actor) Will Smith (actor) 13th (documentary) The Last Dance (tv mini series) Spike Lee (director) Barry Jenkins (producer) Chadwick Bosem...
Jun 09, 2020•1 hr 18 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, Executive and Advisory Producers Christopher Barkley and Nicholas Buggs talk about possible roles for the Independent Creative during the recent protests and riots, updates on getting back to set, what Kevin Mayer leaving Disney+ for TikToc might mean, and the brilliance of Mystic Quest: Quarantine. Enjoy! Questions? Reach out to us @ contact@bonsai.film #MAKEIT Links: Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG) Writer’s Guild of America Director’s Guild of America...
Jun 02, 2020•50 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, we have a conversation with VP of International Distribution at The Solution Entertainment Malee Nerenhausen. We talk about why it's essential to know the industry's business side, how great mentors can push your career forward, and why you never have enough money to make your feature film. Enjoy! Questions? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film #MAKEIT Links: IMDb LinkedIn FaceBook The Solution Entertainment Group Killerman (film) Liam Hemsworth ...
May 26, 2020•1 hr 7 min
Hello Indie Creatives, In this week's episode, Executive and Advisory Producers Christopher Barkley and Nicholas Buggs talk about alternative distribution streams for your short film, who the big winners and losers are coming out of "Safer-at-Home," and explore a world in which Amazon owns AMC theaters. Kudos to the Kelly Reichardt film, 'First Cow' and R.I.P. Lynn Shelton and Fred Willard. Enjoy! Questions? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film #MAKEIT Links: Dust sci-fi short films Alter horr...
May 19, 2020•53 min
Hello Indie Creatives, In this week's podcast, we talk with creative extraordinaire, Tim Duggan. He's a master of photography, but his talents and pursuits don't stop there. He's a documentary filmmaker, a music video director, and a business owner. He's been called the creative force behind your favorite Creative. We chat about going back to work as states begin to reopen, how to sell your creative products and services in 2020, and if we take the craft of photography for granted in the age of ...
May 12, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 78
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, Advisory Producers Christopher Barkley and Nicholas Buggs talk about COVID-19 fears in the film industry and society, the first principles of filmmaker entrepreneurship, and the brilliance of the film Bad Education on HBO. Enjoy! Questions? Reach us @ contact@bonsai.film #MAKEIT Links: Steven Soderberg to head DGA back to work Committee (news) Contagion (film) Texas theatres opening at 25% capacity (news) AMC Theatres closed nationwide (news) AMC T...
May 05, 2020•45 min•Ep. 77
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, we have a hilarious conversation with the dynamic duo that makes up the AZ If Productions team, Kd Amond and Sarah Zanotti. We run through a gambit of subjects including their two upcoming feature films, Rattled and Faye, their love Marianna Palka and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and why they connect with the Horror genre so naturally. Enjoy! Questions? Reach us at contact@bonsai.film #MAKEIT Links: KD Amond: Website Instagram IMDb Sarah Zanotti: Website ...
Apr 28, 2020•59 min•Ep. 76
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, Advisory Producers Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs talk about making short-form content for Quibi or their myriad forthcoming competitors, how to focus on your audience engagement, why now is a once in a lifetime opportunity for profitability if you have a completed feature film, and a breakdown of the Nick Cordero story. Enjoy! Questions? Reach out to us @ contact@bonsai.film #MAKEIT Links: Vudu film streaming Blue Ocean Shift by W. Chan Kim (boo...
Apr 21, 2020•43 min•Ep. 75
Hello Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, we talk with the actor and creative multi-hyphenate, Elisabeth Donaldson. We cover the creative life from top to bottom, including how to be brave in your branding on social media, why humility is a creative's top weapon and the best type of relationship for living at your highest level. Enjoy! Questions? Reach us contact@bonsai.film #MAKEIT Links: Website IMDb Mall Santa (film) Rattled (film) Al Mancini (actor) The Dirty Dozen (film) Dick Gregory (...
Apr 14, 2020•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 74
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, Indie Producers Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs talk about the "run on the banks" scenario playing out in the Streaming world and Independent Filmmakers can take advantage, the macro bets being made in the global movie industry, and the perfect timing of Ozark Season 3. Enjoy! Questions? Reach out to us @ contact@bonsai.film Find us on IG and Twitter @_bonsaicreative Are you a creator effected by the COVID-19 global pandemic and live in Nashville?...
Apr 07, 2020•55 min•Ep. 73
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, we have a conversation with Director and Producer Amanda Paige Young. We talk about how to create extremely personal art, why it's important to focus on the brilliance in the basics, and which is the better quarantine film; 'Saving Private Ryan' or 'Children of Men.' Enjoy! Questions? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social media @_bonsaicreative. #MAKEIT Links: Website Instagram IMDb Alliance of Women’s Directors The Proximity Principl...
Mar 31, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 72
Hello! In this week's episode, Executive and Advisory Producers, Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs talk about brand building during the Great Social Distancing of 2020, what might some of the long-term effects of COVID-19 be on filmmakers and Hollywood, our excitement and disappointment with Quibi, and we introduce a new concept, 'Mistakes in the Making' while offering our own. Enjoy! Questions? You can reach us at contact@bonsai.film #MAKEIT Links: Rian Johnson (director) Craig Mazin (writer) Va...
Mar 24, 2020•44 min•Ep. 71
Hello! In this week's episode, we talk about the effect of COVID-19 on Independent Filmmakers and the tools and concepts needed to Educate, Inspire, and Entertain with short works of film on social media. Enjoy! Questions? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film #MAKEIT Links: SXSW Cancellation (news) John Hopkins COVID map Indie Flix Seed and Spark crowdfunding The Creature from Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin (book) Over app Buffer app Headliner app Kd Amond (filmmaker) Elisabeth Donaldson (...
Mar 13, 2020•44 min•Ep. 70
Hello! In this week's episode, Advisory Producers Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs talk about the harsh realities facing Independent Filmmakers in 2020. From the potentially absurd total cost of making a film to the systematic obstacles placed in front of filmmakers during the sales and distribution process. You'll want to sit down for this one. Enjoy! #MAKEIT Links: U.K. Indie Producers make $7,800 a year (article) 92nd Academy Awards Joaquin Phoenix (actor) Judy (film) Jojo Rabbit (film) Par...
Mar 03, 2020•38 min•Ep. 69
In this week's episode, we correct a mistake from our 2019 wrap-up show (sorry, Dean!) and we reair one of the most liked podcasts of last year, the conversation with Sara Antonio. Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative #MAKEIT Links: Website Instagram IMDb The Reason (film) Morse Code web series Dean Shortland (actor) Cindy Hogan (acting coach) The Artist’s Way by Julia Camero...
Feb 18, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 68
