The MAKE IT Podcast

In this episode, Jason and Chris talk about why investing in Independent Film is different from other types of investment and why we aren't inundated with film investment gurus. 

Enjoy!

Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative

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#MAKEIT

In this episode of Industry insights, Nick goes deep on the advice given by the Writer/Director and podcast guest, Rasheena Nash.

Enjoy!
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Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative
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#MAKEIT

Rasheena Nash (writer)

In this episode, we have a conversation with Writer/Director Tony Scott. We talk about his mid-life heart-change from finance to a filmmaker, how the Civil Rights movement inspired his storytelling, and why we have to protect the filmmaker's ability to tell stories about groups, races, and ethnicities outside their own.

Enjoy!
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Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative
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#MAKEIT

Tony’s Links:

IMDb

LinkedIn

FaceBook

Broadvision Pictures

Jean Qing Su (producer)

Grey Lady (film)

Representation Matters? (short film)

Together (film)

Links:

Eric Dane (actor)

Natalie Zea (actress)

Amy Madigan (actress)

Jason Olive (actor)

Filmmakers must be free to tell the stories they want (article)

Lulu Wang (director)

The Farewell (film)

Iron Man (film)

Lawrence of Arabia (film)

The Deer Hunter (film)

John Shea (actor)

Roma (film)

David Mamet (writer)

David Lean (director)

The Bridge on the River Kwai (film)

Doctor Zhivago (film)

Brief Encounter (film)

Ridley Scott (producer)

Blade Runner (film)

Alexander Payne (producer)

Woody Allen (writer)

Clint Eastwood (actor)

Rasheena Nash (writer)

Gordan Parks (director)

Richard Roundtree (actor)

Shaft (film)

In this episode, Jason and Chris talk about what a business moat is, how a filmmaker can build one, and how an investor can spot a filmmaker or producer that is leveraging a moat. 

Enjoy!
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Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative
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#MAKEIT

Links:

The Adventures of Pluto Nash (film)

Iron Man (film)

Sean Baker (writer)

Tangerine (film)

Hello, Indie Creatives! 

In this week's episode, we introduce a new podcast series titled 'Industry Insights.' In this series, co-host Nicholas Buggs narrates insights from our blog posts that specifically relate to advice, tactics, and best practices posited by our wonderful podcast guests. For our premiere episode in the series, Nick expounds upon the idea put forth by actress Valerie Jane Parker, "If you can't see the script, don't take the part." 

Enjoy! 

Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative
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#MAKEIT

Valerie Jane Parker (actress):

IMDb

Instagram

In this episode, Jason asks Chris to give some examples of bad and good answers to the "Why You, Why Now, and Why This Film" questions.

Enjoy!

Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative
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#MAKEIT

A Conversation with Valerie Jane Parker

In this episode, we have a conversation with actress Valerie Jane Parker. We talk about the right reasons to take a role, why it's crucial not to internalize audition feedback, the mistake of looking for early success, and how her late mother supported her career from day one.

Enjoy!⠀⠀

Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative

#MAKEIT 

Valerie’s Links:

IMDb

Instagram

Facebook

La Vie Bakehouse

Voices (film)

Greenleaf (tv series)

The Last Summer (film)

Nashville (tv series)

No Time to Run (film)

Links:

Baz Luhrmann (writer)

Moulin Rouge! (film)

The Get Down (tv series)

Nicole Kidman (actress)

Katharine Hepburn (actress)

Cookie McCray (talent agent)

Nathanial Nuon (director)

Sarah Zanotti (actress)

In this episode, Jason and Chris continue their conversation from last week and get to the heart of the other three "Why's" of film investment.

Enjoy!
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Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative
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#MAKEIT

In this episode, Advisory and Executive Producers Christopher Barkley and Nicholas Buggs discuss why the industry thinks Tenet is a flop, the differing roles of and values managers and agents provide Indie Creatives, and new tips and tactics to grow your audience.
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Enjoy!
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Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative
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#MAKEIT 

Links:

Tenet makes $300 mil (article)

Tenet (film)

Charles D. King Stay Macro Media

Teri Ritter (talent agent)

Cookie McCray (talent agent)

Alice Wu (writer)

The Half of It (film)

The Umbrella Academy (tv series)

Project Power (film)

Hamilton (play)

The Office (tv series)

The World’s Toughest Race (tv series)

Floor is Lava (tv series)

Blockbuster Didn’t Buy Netflix (article)

Wattpad Studios

Rasheena Nash (writer)

In this episode, Chris and Jason discuss what to look for in Producers and Directors pitching a project, and they provide a short introduction into the "Four Why's" of investing. 

Enjoy! 

Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative
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#MAKEIT

In this episode, we have twice the fun in a conversation with filmmakers and creative multi-hyphenates, Dycee Wildman and Sarah Saturday. We talk about hosting The Defy Film festival Online, how to thrive in an apocalypse, and the most important technical elements of a Horror film.

Enjoy!

Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative
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#MAKEIT

Links:

Dycee’s Website

Sarah’s Website

Defy Film Festival

Daisy Dukes Film

The Explosion of a Swimming Ring (short film)

The Art in My House (short film)

Drew Maynard (filmmaker)

Fempocalypse (short film)

Fetish (short film)

David Lee Hess (actor)

Superpowerless (film)

Duane Anderson (director)

Contrary to Likeness (short film)

Motke Dapp (director)

Kristopher Wente (actor)

Flirting with Disaster (film)

David Russell (producer)

Stranger Than Fiction (film)

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (film)

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (film)

Twin Peaks (tv series)

Moonstruck (film)

In this episode, Jason and Chris talk about the best kind of film projects to invest in and why you shouldn't be scared off by "crazy" filmmakers with "crazy" ideas as long as the execution of the concept is sound. 

Enjoy!

Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative

#MAKEIT

In this episode, Advisory and Executive Producers Christopher Barkley and Nicholas Buggs talk about Christopher Nolen's Tenet and Disney's Mulan's release models. We also discuss the concept of "Produce where you are" updated for 2020 and why newly defined web-series and digital content are aligned with Indie Film and creators' future.

Enjoy!

Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative

#MAKEIT

Links:

Tenet (film)

Mulan (2020 film)

The Office (tv series)

The Princess Bride (film)

The Dictator (film)

Sacha Baron Cohen (actor)

Airplane! (film)

The Great Dictator (film)

Charlie Chaplin (actor)

American Beauty (film)

What are click farms? (article)

The Office Moving from Netflix to Peacock (article)

The Passion of the Christ (film)

Interstellar (film)

Ryan Hartsock (producer)

Teri Ritter (talent agent)

In this episode, Jason and Chris discuss from an investor and filmmaker perspective what macro terms and red flags to look for when negotiating a buyer or distribution deal. 

Enjoy! 

Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative.

#MAKEIT

In this episode, we have a conversation with IMDb Top 50 Talent Agent Teri Ritter. We talk about the challenges of representing child talent, the best methods for getting an agent, and how your social media approach can make or break your acting career.

Enjoy!

Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative.

#MAKEIT

Links:

Ritter Talent Agency

Facebook

Instagram

ACTRA Agency

Amy Hines (talent agent)

In this edition of the Film Investment Series, Jason and Chris talk about why you should look for long-term players in producing and filmmaking and which types of buyers are best if you do invest. 

Enjoy! 

Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative.

#MAKEIT

In this week's episode, Executive and Advisory Producers Christopher Barkley and Nicholas Buggs discuss the role of foreign pre-sales in Indie Film, answer listener questions, talk about why the PGA and DGA back to set guidelines are so long, and share their thoughts on the passing of Chadwick Boseman.

Enjoy!

Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative.

#MAKEIT

Links:

PGA back to set guidelines

Steven Seagal (actor)

Motke Dapp (director)

Game of Thrones (tv series)

Emilia Clark (actress)

Jean-Claude Van Damme (actor)

The Avengers (film)

Ozark (tv series)

Succession (tv series)

Jeremy Strong (actor)

The Morning Show (tv series)

Dave (tv series)

Chadwick Boseman (actor)

In this edition of the Film Investment Series, Jason and Chris talk about what makes a project intriguing and why the investor needs to be in the client position. 

Enjoy!

Questions or Comments? Reach out to us at contact@bonsai.film or on Instagram or Twitter @ _bonsaicreative.

#MAKEIT 

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)

Jeremiah Johnson (film)

Rasheed Stephens (actor)

Mike Bassick (producer)

Raging Bull (film)

Forrest Gump (film)

Oculus devices requiring FaceBook login (news)

J.J. Abrams (producer)

Star Trek (2009 film)

Frank Capra (director)

Oliver Stone (producer)

Steven Spielberg (producer)

John Carter film flop (article)

iPhone Vertical Cinema short film

Bob Raines

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

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 (article)

Walmart converts parking lots to drive-in theaters (news)

AMC 15 cent tickets and reopening (news)

Matt Williams (actor)

Louis Mandylor (actor)

The Debt Collector (film)

Scott Atkins (actor)

Sarah Zanotti (musician)

KD Amond (filmmaker)

Harmony Korine (director)

Kids (film)

Avengers Endgame CGI Costumes (article)

Ciciley Hoffman (costume designer)

The Office (tv show)

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

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 (writer)

Sundance Film Festival

Alfred Hitchcock (director)

Walt Disney (producer)

Chris Greene (actor)

Michael B. Jordan (actor)

Gabrielle Union (actress)

Taraji P. Henson (actress)

Black Panther (film)

Kim “Cookie”  McCray (talent agent)

**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. 

#MAKEIT

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 Mojo

Don’t Think Twice (film)

Bitmax film publisher

Gumroad film streaming

Cannes Film Festival

Toronto International Film Festival

Sundance Film Festival

A24 distributor

All Light Will End (film)

Adult Interference (film)

Invisible Man (film)

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

Instagram

IMDb

A Week Away (film)

Neville Longbottom Harry Potter fan film

Cannes Film Festival

American Film Market

Lulu Wang (producer)

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (film)

Alan Powell (writer)

Aaron Sorkin (writer)

Writer Duet screenwriting software

Celtx screenwriting software

Aaron Sorkin’s Masterclass

Shanda Rhimes (producer)

Writer and Director Drew Maynard talks about mistakes. 

Enjoy!

#MAKEIT

Links:

Drew Maynard

The Watermelon Woman (film)

Bolo Brothers Creatives

Shine Service (documentary)

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.

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#MAKEIT

Links:

Peacock streaming

Marriage Story (film)

Tubi streamer

Voodoo Streams

Sundance TV

IFC Films Streaming

Gravitas Movies

Nathan Edwards (filmmaker)

WeFunder

Slated

Kickstarter Crowdfunder

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)

Issa Rae (producer)

AI robot Erika to star in film (news)

Disney Imagineering robot stunt doubles

The Matrix (film)

Roku

Pluto TV

Xumo TV

The Shawshank Redemption (film)

Redbox

Peacock streaming

Stir Streaming

Vizio streaming

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/

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 Soderbergh's Traffic, Alejandro Inarritu's 21 Grams, Cameron Crowe's Elizabethtown, Robert Redford's The Legend of Bagger Vance, Shana Feste's Country Strong, Del Shore's Blues for Willadean and many more films, television shows, commercials, and music videos, Kim decided on a career change and went to work as a SAG-AFTRA booking agent for a talent agency in Nashville, TN. When the owner retired, Kim opened a boutique SAG-AFTRA talent agency. The McCray Agency represents actors for film, television, commercials, music videos, print, industrials, and more. Within the first year of opening her agency doors, her clients booked jobs including Showtime's Homeland, Netflix's Ozark, AMC's Preacher, Sony/Apple TV +, Greyhound, NBC's Chicago Fire, CW's Dynasty, IFC's Brockmire, Netflix's Messiah, Fox's The Resident and many commercials, videos, web spots, and industrials.

Questions? Reach out us at contact@bonsai.film 

#MAKEIT 

Links:

McCray Agency

IMDb

FaceBook

Kim Petrosky's Agency 

October Sky (film)

Jurassic Park (film)

The Green Mile (film)

The Princess Bride (film)

Cary Elwes (actor)

Box of Moonlight (film)

Robin Williams (actor)

Free Solo (documentary)

Saving Private Ryan (film)

California Typewriter (documentary)

Helvetica (documentary)

Grayson Russell (actor)

Doom Patrol (tv series)

Ozark (tv series)

Chris Greene (actor)

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 film)

Tanner:

Instagram

Peterson Films

Dayton:

Twitter

Moid Entertainment

YouTube

Nashville Film Festival

Freaks (film)

Riverdale (tv series)

Joker (film)

Todd Phillips (director)

Breaking Bad (tv series)

Mad Men (tv series)

Quentin Tarantino (writer)

True Romance (film)

Darren Aronofsky (producer)

Pi (film)

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 (producer)

Eddie Murphy (actor)

Dave Chappelle (writer)

The Matrix (film)

Avengers: Endgame (film)

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 Boseman (actor)

Michael B. Jordan (actor)

Steve James (actor)

Denzel Washington (actor)

Snowfall (tv series)

Breaking Bad (tv series)

The Wire (tv series)

Dick Gregory (entertainer & activist)

Richard Pryor (actor)

Paul Mooney (writer)

Eddie Murphy (actor)

Dave Chappelle (writer)

Billions (tv series)

Ted Welch (actor)

Adult Interference (film) 

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

Xenex UV light robot cleaners

Red Komodo 6K camera $6,000

Red quits the smartphone business (news)

Kevin Meyer leaves Disney to be CEO of TikTok (news)

Chinese film industry made 9.2 billion in 2019

Chinese Comedy ‘Lost in Russia’ Streams on ByteDance (news)

Mythic Quest cast used iPhones to shoot show (article)

Craig Mazin (writer)

Chernobyl (tv mini series)

Script Notes podcast

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 (actor)

Line of Duty (film)

Aaron Eckhart (actor)

3000 Miles to Graceland (film)

Heist (film)

David Mamet (writer)

Dirty Dancing (film)

Patrick Swayze (actor)

Purple Rain (film)

The Princess Bride (film)

Star Wars: Episode 1V – A New Hope (film)

Bob Yari (producer)

Don Carmody (producer)

Ted Welch (actor)

Adult Interference (film)

Quentin Tarantino (writer)

Django Unchained (film)

Kathryn Bigelow (director)

Zero Dark Thirty (film)

American Film Market (AFM)

Trolls World Tour made $100 million streaming (article)

Cinando

Film Com

Robert McKee story seminars

Villa Castiglione

Love Wedding Repeat (film)

Olivia Munn (actress)

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 horror short films

Future short films

5Folds Creative

Short Movie Club crowdfunding

Indiegogo crowdfunding

Seed and Spark crowdfunding

Kickstarter Crowdfunding

Amazon Prime to stream SXSW films (article)

Stranger Things (tv series)

The Handmaid’s Tale (tv series)

Billions (tv series)

Power (tv series)

The Morning Show (tv series)

The Mandalorian (tv series)

Fleabag (tv series)

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (tv series)

Jerry Seinfeld: 23 Hours to Kill (special)

First Cow (film)

Kelly Reichardt (director)

Ryan Hartsock (producer)

A24 Films

Moonlight (film)

Lynn Shelton (director)

Hump Day (film)

Master of None (tv series)

Aziz Ansari (actor)

Fred Willard (actor)

Best in Show (film)

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 Instagram. Enjoy!

Questions? Reach us @ contact@bonsai.film
#MAKEIT

Links:

Instagram

5Folds Creative

Gems On VHS channel

Tennessee Walking Men (short doc)

Anthony Simpsons

Joshua Black Williams (photographer)

Claire Dunn (musician)

John Langston (musician)

Brothers Osborne (musicians)

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 Theatres’ Fight with Universal Pictures (news)

Bad Education (film)

Mike Makowsky (producer)

Corey Finley (writer)

Hello, Hello!

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's IMDb

Sarah Zanotti's Website, Instagram and IMDb

AZ If Production:

FaceBook

YouTube

Five Women in the End (film)

Faye (film)

Tiffany Montgomery (actress)

Elisabeth Donaldson (actress)

Dean Shortland (actor)

Nashville Film Festival

Like Brothers by the Duplass Brothers (book)

Marianna Palka (actress)

Good Dick (film)

Bitch (film)

Jason Ritter (actor)

The Exorcist (film)

Ellen Burstyn (actress)

Joaquin Phoenix (actor)

Tom Hardy (actor)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge (actress)

Fleabag (tv series)

Lena Dunham (producer)

Amanda Palmer (musician)

Nicole Marie Lim (make-up artist)

Sara DelaHaya (actress)

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 (book)

Snibble video app

Vero social media

Will Smith Instagram

Paranormal Activity (film)

Nick Cordero leg amputation (news)

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 (entertainer & activist)

Lynn Margulis (biologist)

Anais Nin (writer)

Sara Antonio (actress)

KD Amond (filmmaker)

Betty Davis (actress)

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? Please visit, www.sbtfnashville.com for help! 

#MAKEIT  

Links:

Ozark (tv series)

Jason Bateman (actor)

Seis Manos (tv series)

Tiger King (series)

Sundance Film Festival

SXSW Film Festival

Avengers: Endgame (film)

Dave Chappelle (writer)

Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken! (documentary)

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 Principle by Ben Coleman (book)

On Fire by John O’Leary (book)

On Directing by David Mamet (book)

The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri (book)

Are You Afraid of the Dark? (tv series)

Sundance Film Festival

Kristopher Wente (actor)

Who Is Michael Ovitz? By Michael Ovitz (book)

Micah Simms (cinematographer)

Motke Dapp (director)

Adult Interference (film)

Ted Welch (actor)

Valerie Jane Parker (actress)

Saving Private Ryan (film)

Children of Men (film)

Requiem for a Dream (film)

Zeitgeist (documentary)

The Century of the Self (tv mini series)

Nathan Thompson (cinematographer)

Nashville Filmmakers Guild

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)

Variety - Hollywood in Crisis (news)

Emma (2020 film)

The Invisible Man (2020 film)

The Hunt (film)

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 (actress)

Marissa Grinestaff (actress)

World War Z (film)

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)

Parasite (film)

Adam Driver (actor)

Scarlett Johansson (actress)

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 Cameron (book)

Evan Rachel Wood (actress)

Another Version of You (film)

Ted Welch (actor)

The Help (film)

Tatyana Ali (actress)

Alan Powell (actor)

Motke Dapp (director)

Kristopher Wente (actor)

Rhavynn Drummer (casting director)

Kim Petrosky's Acting Agency 

Big Picture Casting

Louis Gossett Jr. (actor)

Stefanie Black (actress, producer)

Orphan Black (tv series)

Tatiana Maslany (actress)

Brittany Belland (actress)

Let Guilt Go campaign

Korby Lenker (musician)

Nashville Acting Studio

The 4th Wall Acting Studio

In this week's episode, we take the key quotes from each of our guests from the 2019's interviews and provide our opinions on them. We go a bit deeper on the meaning of each, whether we agree or not, and offer some valuable advice along the way.

Thank you to all of our guests in 2019, and thank you, the audience, and supporters of this podcast. We have a killer 2020 in store for you.

Questions: Reach us at contact@bonsai.film

#MAKEIT 

Links:
Joshua Bermudez (actor)

IMDb Pro

Masterclass

Variety Magazine

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King (book)

The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. (book)

Drew Maynard (filmmaker)

Logen Christopher (cinematographer)

Ryan Hartsock (producer)

Stefanie Black (actress)

Wes Powers (editor)

Shannan E. Johnson (script editor)

Ciciley Hoffman (costume designer)

Dycee Wildman (writer/director)

Priscilla Wise (writer)

Lesley Powers (filmmaker)

Nathan Edwards (filmmaker)

Korby Lenker (musician)

Sara Antonio (actress)

Sandrene Mathews (assistant director)

Jacquie Phillips (director)

Jalbert Brothers (filmmakers)

Jennifer Bonior (Producer)

The Purge (film)

Frankenstein (1931 film)

Jurassic Park (film)

SAW (film series)

Sarena Khan (producer)

Ted Welch (actor)

Rasheed Stephens (actor)

Matt Williams (actor)

Joaquin Phoenix (actor)

Joker (film)

Judy (film)

Renée Zellweger (actress)

Adam Sandler (actor)

Uncut Gems (film)

Joey von Haeger (writer/director)

The Twilight Zone (tv series)

Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan (film)

KD Amond (filmmaker)

Motke Dapp (director)

In this episode, we talk about the five deadly myths of Independent Filmmaking and how to prepare yourself to avoid or counter each of them. If you're a Director, Producer, or Executive Producer, you'll want to listen to this one! 

Enjoy!

Questions? Reach out to us @ contact@bonsai.film  

www.bonsai.film

#MAKEIT

Links:

Scarface (film)

The Blair Witch Project (film)

Napoleon Dynamite (film)

Dirty Dancing (film)

Dick Gregory (entertainer & activist)

LaKeith Stanfield (actor)

Selma (film)

Short Term 12 (film)

Knives Out (film)

Uncut Gems (film)

Get Out (film)

Sundance Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival

SXSW Film Festival

The Irishman (film)

Wait But Why blog by Tim Urban

Brain Pickings blog by Maria Papova