Hello, Hello! In this Indie Talk episode, Chris and Nick coin the term, “Non-Priority To-Do List,” they address the ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ lawsuit, share opinions on Matthew McConaughey’s White House speech and discuss Quinta Brunson’s (Abbott Elementary) response to her Twitter critics on refusing to produce a school shooting episode. 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 I...
Jun 14, 2022•3 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick details the sentiments of Director Nick Frangione about getting to the core of the message in your film. Enjoy! Our conversation with Nick 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 www.makeit.libsyn.com/podcast #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — h...
Jun 12, 2022•7 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with Director Janlatae' Mullins. We talk about the incredible lengths she went through to pitch Dawson’s Creek, why being seen as a minority creator is so important, how she overcame suicidal thoughts and depression to pursue her filmmaking dreams, and how she identified procrastination as a form of Imposter Syndrome, and her new educational endeavor, The Heartbeat Film Club. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach ou...
Jun 07, 2022•1 hr 16 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, Writer Sandrene Mathews shares an experience in which she lost her confidence and then her job. 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 www.makeit.libsyn.com/podcast #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-make-it-pod...
Jun 05, 2022•5 min
Hello, Hello! This episode brings you a special panel conversation from the recent SWIFT Summit Conference hosted by Women In Film and Television. Chris joins executive and creative panelists Ken Carpenter, Stuart Bishop, Dave Moody, and Andy Van Roon to discuss a variety of topics concerning pitching your project, the future of distribution, and how to get funding. Moderated by Valerie Connelly and Nadia Bruce-Rawlings. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us ...
May 31, 2022•57 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick explores and expounds on the wisdom of actor Joshua Noble . If change is a constant, it's not about who we are but who we are willing to be. 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 www.makeit.libsyn.com/podcast #MAKEIT Support this podca...
May 29, 2022•7 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with Director and Actor, Sam Brooks. We talk about the tools he uses to book high-profile roles, being a good scene reader, serving the story instead of his ego, why he hasn’t joined SAG, and how he got the name “Pillsbury Flowboy.” Enjoy! Follow Sam: Instagram IMDb Fear Street: Part Two – 1978 (film) Stargirl (tv series) These Streets We Haunt (film) Long Slow Exhale (tv series) Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out t...
May 24, 2022•1 hr 17 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick expounds on the confession and wisdom of Actor & Director Matt Williams. Nick talks about how to mitigate the feast and famine swings while living and working the creative life. 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 www.makeit.libs...
May 22, 2022•6 min
Hello, Hello! In this Indie Talk, Chris and Nick talk about the diminishing effects of caffeine during the creative flow state, when and if artists should play the race/gender/sex/nationality card, and how facial recognition company Kairos and production company Legendary Pictures aim to make better films using advanced AI. Enjoy! Legendary Pictures and AI screenings (article) Kairos (AI company) This Person Does not Exist.com Life is Elsewhere by Milan Kundera (book) SWIFT Summit Listen+Subscri...
May 17, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, Writer & Actor Joshua Noble talks about his early career experience of putting all of his eggs in one basket and how that taught him to take a diversified approach to his creative work. Enjoy! Follow Joshua 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 www.makeit.libsyn.c...
May 15, 2022•7 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with Director Traci Hays. We talk about her latest feature film ‘Tangled’ streaming on Passionflix now, how she overcame childhood health and learning issues to pursue filmmaking, the benefits of career coaching, overcoming barriers as a female in the film industry, the role women play in holding other women back, how to find a mentor, and so much more. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bons...
May 10, 2022•1 hr 15 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick borrows wisdom from Writer and Director, Kali Bailey to deep dive into the mindset of positivity. Enjoy! “Never underestimate the importance of a good attitude, it’s part of a skill set that’s really important.” - Kali Bailey Follow Kail Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki (book) 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 Indi...
May 08, 2022•7 min
Hello, Hello! (Hello) In this episode, Chris and Nick follow up on Chris' massive films to watch list, discuss why 'Power Of The Dog' didn't win Best Picture, the coming creative explosion of 2022/23, why 'Drive My Car' was the best movie of 2021, how to protect your screenplay (or not to), the importance of hiring an entertainment lawyer, and how to keep your rights in a negotiation. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social a...
May 03, 2022•1 hr 4 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick expounds upon the wisdom of Producer David Perry. He covers the concepts of Pathos, Ethos, Logos, Branding, and 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 Love Indie Film? Love the MAKE IT Podcast? Become a True Fan! www.bonsai.film/truefans www.makeit.libsyn.com/podcast #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — https://re...
May 01, 2022•7 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with Producer, Media Futurist, and Executive Director of the New Media Film Festival, Susan Johnston. We talk about the importance of being kind and being on time, what makes the New Media Film Festival different than other festivals, the potential and literal aftermath of IP and Trademark theft, algorithm use in streaming services, NFT's role in new media, and how she lost $20 million. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comment...
Apr 26, 2022•1 hr 40 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, Film and Television writer AJ Bermudez bravely shares her experiences with envy and her learned understanding of deploying her "empathy muscle." Enjoy! Follow AJ 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 www.makeit.libsyn.com/podcast #MAKEIT Support this podcast at — http...
Apr 24, 2022•10 min
Hello, Hello! Chris and Nick are back to answer your burning questions in this episode! We talk about what it takes to land a streaming deal with a mini-major or a major streamer, what rights to fight for during contract negotiation, and if diversity in film is still a problem. 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! ...
Apr 19, 2022•57 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, we hear from Actor Dean Shortland (Best Laid Plans, The Vanished, Nashville). He lets us see behind the curtain into the layers of insecurities all actors must feel. Dean reminds us to trust ourselves, trust that the Casting Director wants us in the role, and bring what's uniquely you to every audition. Enjoy! Follow Dean Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on social and the web at ...
Apr 17, 2022•6 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with Filmmaker and Executive Director of the Bend Film Festival, Todd Looby. We talk about the advantages of submitting and attending the Bend Film Festival, why Bend, Oregon is America’s best-kept secret, Improv as a catalyst to the creative life, the cross-section of engineering and artistry, and his feature films ‘Lefty,’ ‘Son of None,’ and ‘Be Good.’ We also cover the power of acceptance and why festival acknowledgment is so critical to f...
Apr 12, 2022•1 hr 26 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick deconstructs the following piece of wisdom from Director and Writer Motke Dapp , “Part of what we have to do as Independent Filmmakers is to find ways to support each other.” 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 www.makeit.libsyn.com/...
Apr 10, 2022•6 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with the Founder and Executive Director of the AV Film Festival (formerly the Alexander Valley Film Festival). We talk about Sean Baker, why we can and can't forgive others and ourselves, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, how artists channel pain to make great art, and how love became the deciding factor in her life’s biggest decisions, “thin privilege,” and all things AV Film Fest. Enjoy! Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or Comments? Reach out ...
Apr 05, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, we hear from Costume Designer and Wardrobe Stylist, Ciciley Hoffman. Ciciley recounts a moment in her career in which she didn't set the correct expectations on set due to questioning her talent. 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 w...
Apr 03, 2022•5 min
Hello, Hello! In this special episode, Chris and Nick give their one-of-a-kind take on the Will Smith and Chris Rock Academy Awards confrontation, a situation we are terming “The Slap Heard ‘Round The World.” 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 www.makeit.libsyn.com/podcast #MAKEIT Links: ...
Mar 29, 2022•51 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with the Director of Photography and Director Rick Page. We talk about his first editing hack, the harmony between Cinematography, Lighting, and Production Design, what NBC executives got wrong about 'Brooklyn 99,' the polar roles of rabid fans in entertainment, where to cut corners on a budget (and where not to), the importance of joining a union, and a life-threatening heart surgery changed his life and purpose forever. Enjoy! Listen+Subscr...
Mar 29, 2022•1 hr 33 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick expounds on the insights of Writer and VP of Operations at Worldwide Stages, Priscilla Wise. Employ the " five-minute " rule if you want to get started as a writer or move past a creative block. 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 ww...
Mar 27, 2022•7 min
Hello, Hello! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ After a short hiatus, Chris and Nick are back with a new edition of Indie Talk. In this conversation, we cover Academy Award nominees, what stance the film industry should take going forward on oppressive regimes like China, North Korea, and Russia, and why making a short film before you jump into feature films could save you millions of dollars, years of lost time, and some of your most important relationships. Enjoy! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Listen+Subscribe+Rate = Love Questions or C...
Mar 23, 2022•43 min
Hello, Indie Film Creatives! In this edition of Mistakes In The Making , we hear from Actor and Filmmaker Stefanie Black. She details a casting competition from her past that could have gone better if she only believed she was worth all the attention and work offered to her. 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! Fol...
Mar 21, 2022•7 min
Hello, Indie Film Creatives! In this episode, we have a conversation with Documentary Director and Producer Sarah Klein. We talk about her partnership at Redglass Pictures, why knowing your audience is essential for making the best documentary films, why she loves short-form docs, her working friendship with Ken Burns, why constantly creating meaningless content for social media is a bad idea, incredible stories from filming the Obama's, JJ Abrams, and Neil Degrasse Tyson, and much, much more. E...
Mar 15, 2022•59 min
Hello, Indie Film Creatives! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick outlines the importance of being brilliant in doing the basic things well - a sentiment shared with us by filmmaker Amanda Paige Young. 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 www.makeit.libsyn.com/podcast Amanda Paige You...
Mar 13, 2022•9 min
Hello, Indie Film Creatives! In this special in-depth episode, writer Jason McConnell and Executive Producer Chris Barkley take an essential deep dive into investing in Independent Film. You'll learn everything you need to know about what it takes to have success as an Executive Producer, as well as some of the pitfalls to avoid. 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 Indi...
Mar 08, 2022•1 hr 36 min
