Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with actress, writer, producer Jennica Schwartzman. In this deep-dive chat, we talk about being a working mom in Hollywood, her book, 'Movie Baking: The Indie Work-At-Home Parent Filmmaker,' her new podcast 'XPK' (Ex-Pastor-Kids), and a real-world extensive breakdown of how to crowdfund your next Indie Film. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at ...
Mar 23, 2021•1 hr 13 min
Hello Indie Investors and Producers! In this edition of the Film Investment Series, Chris and Jason talk about the importance of asking good questions and provide examples of powerful close-ended and high-impact questions. 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 ⠀⠀⠀ #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquirie...
Mar 21, 2021•3 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick breakdown the primary tenants of the Tom Rath book Vital Friends, with a little help from the wisdom of Actress/Director and friend of the podcast, Stefanie Black. 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 #MAKEIT Links: Stefanie Black (producer) Vital Friends by Tom Rath (book) Support this podcast at — https://re...
Mar 18, 2021•5 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick talk about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Indie Film, the diversity problem at the Golden Globes, and the obstacles that exist that circumvent an easy path forward for DEI in Film. 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 #MAKEIT Links: Golden Globes & HFPA Controversy Emil Gallardo (writer) Motk...
Mar 16, 2021•45 min
Hello, Indie Investors and Producers! In this episode, Chris and Jason talk about the second vital principle in foundational thinking in the world of film investment, Do the Work. 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 #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & O...
Mar 14, 2021•2 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with Director/VFX Artist and Animator Sevan Najarian. We talk about pursuing a creative career against his parent's wishes, how luck played a major role in his success, why he turned down working on Rick & Morty, and why Channel 101 was a genius creative breeding ground for the likes of Sarah Silverman, Jimmy Kimmel, Dan Harmon, Justin Roiland, and Tim & Eric. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach ...
Mar 09, 2021•1 hr 11 min
Hello, Indie Investors and Producers! In this edition of the Film Investment Series, Chris and Jason talk about the importance of first-principles thinking and breakdown the first of Chris' four favorite principles, Do The Math. 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 #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquir...
Mar 07, 2021•2 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick borrows wisdom from editor and former podcast guest Wes Powers. We discuss the importance of an organized hard drive and how being diligent in this one area can save an Indie Production thousands of dollars and countless hours. 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 #MAKEIT Wes Powers (editor) Support this podca...
Mar 04, 2021•5 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick talk about whether it's best to wait for inspiration to strike or better to find inspiration through your creative discipline. The answer isn't as straightforward as you might expect. 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 #MAKEIT Links: “Hello” by Lionel Richie (music video) “drivers license” by Olivia Rodri...
Mar 02, 2021•45 min
Hello, Indie Investors & Producers! In this episode, Chris and Jason talk about the necessity of hiring an Entertainment Lawyer and how to avoid detrimental conflicts of interest. 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 #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy &am...
Feb 28, 2021•2 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with singer-songwriter, author, and actor Korby Lenker. We talk about his forthcoming album 'Man In The Maroon,' the paradox and difficulty of loving multiple writing mediums, happiness, fame, god, his plans for his semi-autobiographical dramedy Morse Code,' and opens up about his late sister, Kenna. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://...
Feb 23, 2021•1 hr 29 min
Hello, Indie Producers and Investors, In this episode, Chris and Jason talk about how to avoid FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and the times in which it's impossible to completely stamp FOMO out. 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 #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Priv...
Feb 21, 2021•2 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this Indie Talk, Chris and Nick talk about Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, her film 'Black Bodies,' and why it took a shout out from Ava DuVerney for Canada to recognize its success as one of six films from Canada to make Sundance. 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 #MAKEIT Links: Black Bodies (short film) Kelly Fyffe-Marshall (director) ...
Feb 16, 2021•40 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, we have a deep-dive conversation with Director & Writer Emil Gallardo. We talk about his award-winning and Oscar-nominated short film '1, 2, 3, All Eyes On Me,' what it's like to win the HBO Access Directing Fellowship, and how he found the courage to leave a six-figure job to pursue his dream of filmmaking. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://link...
Feb 09, 2021•55 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, we have a conversation with Animator and Director Valerie Barnhart. We talk about her award-winning short film 'Girl In the Hallway', the method she used to teach herself how to animate, how to get noticed as an artist, and much more. 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 Valerie’s Links: Website Twitter Girl In the Hallw...
Feb 02, 2021•1 hr 8 min
Hello, Indie Investors and Producers, In this installment of FIS, Jason and Chris discuss how to develop contract terms that set the floor (or walk away point) instead of focusing on getting the best terms on every agreement. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brand...
Jan 31, 2021•2 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with Writer/Director Robert Broadhurst. We talk about his award-winning film 'An Occurrence at Arverne,' how his film reveals bias across racial and national lines, and why he doesn't like to depend on coverage. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative #MAKEIT Robert’s Links: Website Vimeo An Occurrence at Arvern (short film) Links: Ghostbusters...
Jan 26, 2021•56 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this Indie Talk, Chris and Nick discuss the effect of Mimetic Desire on branding and creative within filmmaking communities, the unfortunate failings of WW84 (potential spoilers), and the rich and necessary film content that's available to view about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. 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: Netflix releases a ...
Jan 21, 2021•1 hr
Hello, Indie Investors, In this episode, Jason and Chris talk about the value to an investor to receive the contract terms at the same time you receive the project prospectus. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/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/pri...
Jan 17, 2021•2 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, we have a conversation with emerging filmmaker Nick Lopez. Nick talks about his experience coming out as a Queer filmmaker, the underserved groups he believes needs their stories told most, and how superior scoring can win you laurels. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative #MAKEIT Nick’s links: Website IMDb LinkedIn Milk Teeth (short film) Sunshine Room (sho...
Jan 12, 2021•58 min
Hello, Indie Investors, In this week's episode, Jason and Chris talk about Pari Passu payment and Gross versus Net profit returns. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/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...
Jan 10, 2021•2 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! This is an Indie Talk week with Executive and Advisory Producers Christopher Barkley and Nicholas Buggs. Chris and Nick look back on the unprecedented year that was 2020 and the biggest events that shaped the year for the Indie Filmmaker and the Film industry, alike. 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: Top 10 Netflix of 2020: Tiger King (series) The Queen’s Gambit ...
Jan 05, 2021•54 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this year ending episode, we have a conversation with Producer, Actor, and Co-Owner of Pollen Path Entertainment, Tom Stajmiger. Tom talks about the correct expectations for making and exploiting a short film, finding your filmmaking tribe, and the downside of funding your film via Kickstarter. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative #MAKEIT Tom’s Links: Pollen Path Entertainment ...
Dec 29, 2020•1 hr 1 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with the Executive Producer and Owner of Agency 850 and 850 Entertainment, Chris DeBlasio. We talk about how he turned a commercial gig into a reality show, comparing Los Angeles to Atlanta, and his latest project, Government Records. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative #MAKEIT Chris’s Links: IMDb Website Agency 850 Insurance Wars (tv serie...
Dec 22, 2020•52 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick explores the actions and principles of persistence by tapping into the wisdom of writer, director, and composer Korby Lenker and script consultant and executive Shannan E. Johnson. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative #MAKEIT Korby Lenker (singer) Stefanie Black (producer) Shannan E. Johnson (script consultant) Support this podcast at — h...
Dec 16, 2020•7 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with Marketing and Brand Elevation Strategist Sandra Garcia. We talk about the best ways to overcome introversion, the future of digital advertising, and what the best value per dollar is in social media marketing. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative #MAKEIT Sandra’s Links: Website Inspire Human Resources Instagram LinkedIn Links: Oprah Win...
Dec 15, 2020•55 min
Hello, Indie Investors and Producers! In this week's episode, Jason and Chris continue on the topic of allowing for a cooling-off period, falling out of love with a project, and going back to foundational thinking. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy &...
Dec 13, 2020•1 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick talk about how to set your film's branding and marketing plan up for success, and the lessons we can learn from Warner Brothers Studio filmmakers about their resistance to have their films go straight to HBO Max and streaming. 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: Warner Bros. 2021 films streaming (news) Christophe...
Dec 12, 2020•1 hr 4 min
Hello, Indie Investors and Producers! In this week's Film Investment Series, Jason and Chris talk about why taking a 48-hour "cooling-off" period is instrumental in making a sound investment decision. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: ...
Dec 06, 2020•2 min
Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, Nick taps into the wisdom of writer/ director/producer Dycee Wildman about the importance of letting go of petty pride, admitting when you don't know, and allowing yourself to ask questions. Enjoy! Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at https://linktr.ee/BonsaiCreative #MAKEIT Dycee Wildman (filmmaker) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquir...
Dec 03, 2020•4 min
