The MAKE IT Podcast - podcast cover

The MAKE IT Podcast

Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggsredcircle.com

The MAKE IT podcast salutes the Indie Film Creative. Join us weekly for candid conversations with seasoned pros, offering advice, knowledge, and industry insights to fast-track the journey for aspiring film professionals. Discover inspiration and guidance tailored for your cinematic path. Enjoy the journey? Dive deeper at www.themakeitpodcast.com and follow us on Instagram and X @_makeitpodcast.

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Episodes

187 - Finding a Mentor and Doing Your Part To Create a Film Community (Indie Talk)

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick talk about why mentorship is so important, ask the listeners for support in finding mentors globally, and why films can't be made without community investment and outreach coming first. 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/truefan...

Jun 29, 202135 min

186 - Distributors Face Normal Business Obstacles Like Any Other Business (Film Investment Series)

Hello, Indie Film Investors and Producers! In this episode, Chris and Jason talk about being prepared as an investor or producer for the business shortcomings of your buyer or distributor. 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/truefans #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-...

Jun 27, 20212 min

185 - Jeffrey Pittle - How To Build A Creative Life, Stay In Business, and Pitch Your Best Work

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with multi-hyphenate, Oscar-Nominated Creative & Art Director Jeffrey Pittle. We talk about his forty-time (and growing) award-winning animated film 'The Tattooed Torah', how he received wisdom from Sidney Poitier and Will Eisner, and he tells the greatest plagiarism story ever. 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/BonsaiCr...

Jun 22, 20211 hr 33 min

184 - Festivals Are Live! Align Your Film With The Right Film Festival (Indie Talk)

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick talk about the "new normal" of film festivals, what worked for virtual festivals last year and developing a festival run by aligning your film with the flavor of a given festival. 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/truefans #MAK...

Jun 15, 202135 min

183 - A Hit Movie Is the Icing, Not the Cake for Indie Film Distributors (Film Investment Series)

Hello Indie Film Investor & Producers! In this edition of FIS, Chris and Jason break down why Indie Film distributors don't need a film to be a runaway success to be profitable. 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/truefans #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podc...

Jun 13, 20212 min

182 - Nathaniel Nuon - How to Leverage Ingenuity In Indie Filmmaking

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, we have a conversation with award-winning director Nathaniel Nuon. We go deep on the influences behind his powerful short film Residue, what it took to start his own production company on the heels of a recession, his latest feature film, 'The Voices,' and how he designed his auditions, shots, and script specifically for the blind. We also talk about his passion for balancing the scales between big-budget and Indie Filmmaking. Enjoy! Listen+Subscri...

Jun 08, 20211 hr 21 min

181 - Is Every Film Sale a Win? (Film Investment Series)

Hello, Indie Investors & Producers! In this episode, Chris and Jason talk about why "Services Deals" are all they seem and what type of distribution methods are best for investors. 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/truefans #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-p...

Jun 06, 20213 min

180 - Wanting To Be Better (Industry Insights)

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick talks about making sure not to comprise your creative goals to satistfy someone elses expectations of you. He borrows wisdom from Actress & Writer Elisabeth Donaldson. 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/truefans #MAKEIT Elisabe...

Jun 04, 20215 min

179 - Media Consolidation, Amazon Buys Bond, and Buyers Want The Promise of Profit and The Certainty of Value (Indie Talk)

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, Chris and Nick talk about the whirlwind of M&A activity in media and movies, another reminder of the coming fifth wave of the movie business and distribution, and what buyers are actually buying from filmmakers. 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/truefa...

Jun 01, 202152 min

178 - The Pros & Cons of Big Name Talent in Your Indie Film (Film Investment Series)

Hello, Indie Investors and Producers! In this episode, Chris and Jason discuss why Star Talent often acts in small roles in Indie Films and why an investor should be cautious when a film project promises an expensive cast in a film with a low budget. 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/truefans #MA...

May 30, 20212 min

177 - Paula Landry - Film Financing and the Importance of Theaters to Indie Filmmakers

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with writer/producer Paula Landry. We talk about how to find and close film financing, creative financing structure, how screenwriting for VR differs from writing for the screen, selling your film as an NFT, using a digital wallet instead of a traditional Escrow account, which social media platforms are most filmmaker friendly, and why Indie Filmmakers should be rooting for theaters to succeed. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Qu...

May 28, 20211 hr 8 min

176 - Caroline Locorriere - Actors: It's a Mistake to Get An Agent Before You Have Training

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with the owner of Nashville Acting Studio and Acting Coach extraordinaire Caroline Locorriere. We talk about how she got started as an owner and acting coach, her international adventure coaching Actor Alan Powell on Quantico, how to coach without using emotional terrorism, understanding camera appropriateness, when not to get an agent, and the first three things she would teach any new actor. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Que...

May 18, 20211 hr 16 min

175 - Great Producers Should Get Distribution In Pre-Production (Film Investment Series)

Hello, Indie Investors and Producers! In this episode, Chris and Jason talk about what it takes from Producers to get distributors interested in your investment during pre-production. 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 https://www.bonsai.film/truefans Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https:/...

May 16, 20213 min

174 - Josh Bishop - How to Win at the Business of Film Before the Film Gets Made

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with award-winning Director Josh Bishop. Josh shares his experiences making his cult-following Documentary films 'Made In Japan' and 'The Dwarvenaut,' working with Morgan Spurlock and Elijah Wood, the origins of his production company, A Window In A Tunnel, and growing up and filming in Europe. Enjoy! Josh Bishop Award-Winning Director Josh Bishop is an award-winning director specializing in feature documentaries, branded content, a...

May 11, 20211 hr 28 min

173 - Invest In Filmmakers That Are True To Their Audience (Film Investment Series)

Hello, Indie Investors and Producers! In this episode, Chris and Jason break down target markets, audience types, and sticking to your storytelling guns through the lens of the auteur filmmaker and the investor. 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: Terrence Malick (writer) Joss Whedon (writer) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/...

May 09, 20212 min

172 - People Buy On Emotions (Industry Insights)

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this edition of Industry Insights, we borrow the wisdom of the CEO of 850 Entertainment, producer, and actor Chris DeBlasio. We talk about leveraging the knowledge that people buy based on emotion. 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: Chris DeBlasio (producer) Agency 850 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podc...

May 07, 20216 min

171 - What the Girl Scouts Can Teach Us About First Principle Branding and How to Turn an Investor Into a Financier (Indie Talk)

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, Chris and Nick talk about the first principles of branding and marketing and what we can learn about it from Girl Scouts. We also discuss what gets angel investors excited and how to turn an investor into a financier. 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: Girls Scouts Spike Lee (director) Two Distant Strangers (short film...

May 04, 202143 min

170 - The Marketing Holy Grail (Film Investment Series)

Hello, Indie Investors and Producers! In this episode, Chris and Jason talk about having the correct Branding and Marketing spend, finding your audience, and the Holy Grail of 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 #MAKEIT Links: Derek Purvis (writer) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://...

May 02, 20212 min

169 - Magali Barbe - Finding Your Own Way as a Filmmaker

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with Writer/Director/Producer and PreVis (Pre-Visualization), VFX, and Animation Artist Magali Barbe. We discuss her award-winning films "Strange Beasts" and "This Time Away," AI, Deepfakes, CRISPR, Machine Learning, and her experiences in PreVis and VFX worldwide. 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 Mag...

Apr 27, 20211 hr 4 min

168 - Producers Should Pursue Distribution in Pre-Production (Film Investment Series)

Hello, Indie Film Investors & Producers! In this episode, Chris and Jason talk about what to look for in pre-production from the filmmakers through an investment lens. 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 & Opt-Out: ...

Apr 25, 20212 min

167 - Monetizing Your Short Film w/ Disney & Hulu and The Future of Sequels and Spin-Offs (Indie Talk)

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, we talk about the recent ruling between Google and Oracle and how it could affect digital art, Netflix's recent 'Knives Out' purchase, and two new opportunities for monetizing your short 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: Non-Fungible Tokens (article) Google v Oracle Lawsuit (article) Netflix Knives Out sequels (...

Apr 20, 202144 min

166 - The Risks and Advantages of Being First Money In (Film Investment Series)

Hello, Indie Investors & Producers! In this edition of the Film Investment Series, Chris and Jason talk about the risk/reward balance of being "first money in" on investment and what to do if you're not. 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://redcircl...

Apr 18, 20212 min

165 - Danielle Vega - Finding Yourself in a Character

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with Emmy nominated Actress Danielle Vega. Danielle talks about her life as a child actor on 'Barney & Friends,' how she landed her role on Hulu's 'East Los High,' and how being Bi-Racial can affect casting and auditions. 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 Danielle’s Links: IMDb Website Instagram Tw...

Apr 13, 20211 hr 8 min

164 - Film Should Drive Density or Subscribers (Film Investment Series)

Hello, Indie Investors & Producers, In this episode, Chris and Jason talk about the differences between creating a film for a theatrical run and creating a film or series for an SVOD. 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...

Apr 11, 20212 min

163 - Bob Raines - The TN Entertainment Commission & Filmmaking in Tennessee

Hello, Indie Film Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with the Executive Director of TN Entertainment, Bob Raines. We talk about how working on a political campaign jumpstarted his career, if he would consider running for Governor, how Tennessee stacks up to Georgia competitively, and how he helped win Bluff City Law. 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 #MAKEI...

Apr 06, 20211 hr 2 min

162 - Anti-Specialization Is Better For Film Execution (Film Investment Series)

Hello, Indie Investors & Producers, In this edition of the Film Investment Series, Chris and Jason talk about the best way to know if your prospective filmmaking team can execute. 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...

Apr 04, 20212 min

161 - The Best Plans in Filmmaking Are Highly-Specific (Indie Talk)

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick talk about the lie we all tell about the Academy Award Best Film Nominations and breakdown the details of what a highly-specific prospectus and film plan looks like. 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: The 93rd Oscar Winners The Father (film) Judas and the Black Messiah (film) Mank (film) Mi...

Mar 30, 202155 min

160 - Execute A Plan (Film Investment Series)

Hello, Indie Investors and Producers! In this episode, Chris and Jason talk about Chris' fourth essential film investment principle, Execute A Plan. 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 & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/p...

Mar 28, 20212 min

159 - Alan Powell - Netflix Film: A Week Away (Bonus)

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, we have a conversation with the actor, director, and writer, Alan Powell. We talk about not being afraid to give up the good to go for the great, writing screenplays for a specific audience, and the concept of "effortless" structure in film, and his Netflix film, 'A Week Away.' 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 Alan’s...

Mar 25, 202155 min

A Conversation w/ Actor & Producer Alan Powell (Best of MAKE IT)

Hello, Indie Creatives! In this week's episode, we have a conversation with the actor, director, and writer, Alan Powell. We talk about not being afraid to give up the good to go for the great, writing screenplays for a specific audience, and the concept of "effortless" structure in film, and his Netflix film, 'A Week Away.' 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 Alan’s...

Mar 25, 202154 min
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