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 the film industry with Chris J. Davis, Co-Founder and CTO of Film.io. We also talk about… Chris J. Davis exp...
Jan 22, 2024•1 hr 31 min
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 change the industry. They also... Debate over musical styles of 90s R&B groups Consideration of ho...
Jan 06, 2024•1 hr 40 min
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 voice of the filmmaker by exploring the filmmaking journeys of actors, writers, directors, producers, and a...
Jan 04, 2024•2 min
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 unlikely path from small town kid to festival kingpin, offering invaluable advice to aspiring programmers and...
Dec 23, 2023•1 hr 20 min
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 talks about acting techniques, pitching projects to studios vs. independently, and how recent strikes have impac...
Dec 05, 2023•1 hr 36 min
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 Culture Check . We also talk about: Chris shares the secret of why his hair and skin glisten Jelly Roll’s Hip-Hop ...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr 12 min
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 caught creating fake X (formerly Twitter) accounts to troll critics of its content. We also talk about: Debate aroun...
Nov 10, 2023•1 hr 3 min
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 also talk about: Growing up immersed in multiple cultures in Brooklyn due to her family's immigrant backgrou...
Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 25 min
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 community to provide constructive feedback to festival organizers. Topics Include: Chris actively solicited feed...
Oct 20, 2023•1 hr 26 min
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 filmmakers valuable tips for crafting grassroots marketing approaches and understanding how major stud...
Oct 10, 2023•1 hr 12 min
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 the importance of thorough pre-production, embracing failures and feedback, and maintaining a creative en...
Sep 29, 2023•1 hr 19 min
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 "vibe" and avoiding "mercenaries." We discuss the challenges of filming in a new home and getting state support. Jennifer a...
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr 3 min
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. Listeners learn about Andrea's perseverance in sharing this important story and refusal to give up, ev...
Sep 08, 2023•54 min
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 responsibly or irresponsibly. They also discuss the 48 Hour Film Project, how to disagree civilly, ho...
Aug 29, 2023•1 hr 22 min
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, Worldwide Pants. We talk about: Pros and cons of filming in Cuba Why Producers are elite problem solvers How...
Aug 18, 2023•1 hr 30 min
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 sponsored by Women in Film and Television, Nashville (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization). If you like what w...
Aug 11, 2023•10 min
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 AMPTP might be talking past each other and delaying an agreement Nick drops a new CULTURE CHECK on the state of Jo...
Aug 01, 2023•1 hr 21 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick are back with a wide-ranging conversation! We talk about: The long-tail of the brand-less hat movement The consequences of taking too much advice and sharing the vision Writers are starting to use AI to work faster and get better What should studios and networks pay for an AI-assisted piece of creative How Apple Vision Pro might disrupt the film business (and iPhone) A new CULTURE CHECK centered around microaggressions and Producer Papa...
Jul 25, 2023•1 hr 47 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Indie Talk, we bring on special guest Christopher Everett. He’s a Documentarian and the Artistic Director of the Southern Documentary Fund. We talk about: The Wilmington, NC Massacre of 1898 Northern shipper’s roles in Slavery His documentary ‘ Wilmington On Fire ’ (Parts 1 and 2) Using Guerrilla marketing to ROI his films The filmmaker benefits from the Southern Documentary Fund Why he prefers Seed & Spark to all other crowdfunding providers and Producer Pap...
Jul 14, 2023•1 hr 34 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with Emmy-Nominated Filmmaker and Best-Selling Author Tiffany Shlain (@tiffanyshlain on Instagram). We talk about: The invention of the “Failures Bio” Using constraints as a lever for creating your best work How to thrive creatively in a recession AI fears and the fault in short-selling humans Why she sold the Webby awards Enjoy! The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film a...
Jul 04, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, we learn from Writer and Filmmaker Matt Williams. He expounds upon: The consequences of taking too much input from others How difficult it is to regain your artistic vision once you lose it The critical importance of developing a concise vision for your work - day one The trap of not receiving advice from qualified people Enjoy! Follow Matt: https://mattwilliamsonline.com/ The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker...
Jun 27, 2023•14 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with Sophie Holland, Casting Director for the breakout shows The Witcher , Wednesday , and the upcoming hit Heads of State (starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Idris Elba, and Jack Quaid). We talk about: Casting The Witcher and Wednesday Jenna Ortega ’s rise to stardom Why has acting become such a desired career in the current generation Why it’s impossible to teach taste What makes an actor memorable in an audition Our confusion about why Castin...
Jun 23, 2023•1 hr 29 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with Jeff Clanagan, Founder of CodeBlack and President & Chief Distribution Officer of Hartbeat, Kevin Hart's entertainment and production company. We talk about: His opinions on the WGA Strike Why he doesn't want his kids to work in entertainment His concerns regarding AI in the Film & TV Industry Working with Kevin Hart, Master P, and Luke Skyywalker Why are brands financing content instead of making ads …and much more! The MAKE IT ...
Jun 13, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick expounds upon the wisdom of Michael McCray , Founder of the Whistleblower Summit and Film Festival. He reminds us to be intentional by defining our core values. Enjoy! The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film and Television, Nashville (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization). If you like what we're doing, please donate here: https://www.bonsai.film/donate . How you can co...
Jun 09, 2023•9 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Indie Talk, we invite guest host Lance Clark, Filmmaker, and Huntington University Ph.D. Professor of Digital Media and Film to the podcast. We talk about: His Films Wayfaring Stranger and Patterns The heartbreaking and surprising story of how he cast Stephen Baldwin The difference between Faith-based and Faith-aligned film Things We Should Know with Producer Papa Bear A WGA Strike related Culture Check …and much more! The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the...
Jun 02, 2023•1 hr 36 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Industry Insights, Nick expounds upon the wisdom of award-winning actress Florencia Lozano to share an essential point on perspective — and urges us as creatives to never forget that we get to do this . Enjoy! The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film and Television, Nashville (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization). If you like what we're doing, please donate here: https://www.bonsai.film/donat...
May 30, 2023•7 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with Actor, Writer, and Producer Josh Plasse (@joshplasse on Instagram). We talk about: How he almost died during his pilgrimage to Los Angeles Why he gave up potential careers in the military and football to pursue acting When an actor should question their talent or approach His film The Resurrection of Charles Mason How to build an actor “starter kit” for self-tape success …and much more! The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice ...
May 23, 2023•1 hr 35 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick invite Filmmakers Kyler Wilson and Natalie Ruffino Wilson to the conversation. They talk about: Shooting and funding their film Best Laid Plans The fairness of IMDb scoring Their decision to hire a sales agent instead of going straight to a distributor The new era of the self-tape actor How they met each other and the challenge of working together …and much more! Follow Kyler and Natalie: Outside Our Means FaceBook Vimeo Instagram Outsi...
May 12, 2023•1 hr 44 min
Hello, Hello! In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, we learn from Talent Agent extraordinaire Kim “Cookie” McCray. She expounds upon: Feeling the need to work twice as hard as her male counterparts Realizing she needs work-life balance Not believing in mistakes or regret — but understanding the feeling How America’s culture creates and rewards workaholics Enjoy! The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film and Television, N...
May 09, 2023•7 min
Hello, Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation with Vanzil Burke, CEO and Founder of Burke Management. We talk about: His movies and shows: Karen , Cocaine Sisters , and Heaux Phase Why he quit his Tech job to pursue a career in film When to look for a talent manager and why a hands-on manager is best His number one rule about investors in his films And much more… Enjoy! The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film and Te...
May 02, 2023•1 hr 46 min
