MAKE IT
Bonsai Creative
MAKE IT is a weekly conversation with Independent Film Creatives that helps aspiring professionals in Film get where they're going faster by dissecting the advice, knowledge, and insights of professional creatives in the film industry. Each week a different creative joins host and Bonsai Creative co-founder, Christopher Barkley in a one-on-one interview addressing mentorship, advice, skills, and current film projects.
- 21 minutes 48 secondsSUMMARIES - Teri Ritter - Behind Closed Doors: How the Creative World Actually Functions
Hello, Hello!
In this episode, Alex and Allison discuss the unexpected career pivot of Toronto talent agent Teri Ritter, who transitioned from a 30-year career in corporate accounting to managing actors. Inspired by her daughter Maya's success in film, Ritter applied her strategic planning skills to build a profitable roster. They highlight the importance of professionalism in the industry, the risks of a poor digital footprint, and the strategic timing of joining unions. They also touch on the challenges of representing child actors and the evolving roles within the agency, exemplified by Maya's return to the industry as an agent. The conversation underscores the balance between artistic talent and business strategy in the entertainment industry.
We also talk about:
• The myth that talent alone guarantees success in the entertainment industry
• How digital footprints can permanently derail acting careers decades later
• Strategic timing for union membership and why joining too early can be career suicide
• The toxic dynamics of pushy stage parents and child actors
• Maya Ritter's full-circle journey from child star to talent agent
People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:
Teri Ritter (Toronto Talent Agent)
Maya Ritter (Child actor turned agent)
ACTRA (Canadian actors' union)
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters.
So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy17 March 2026, 9:30 am - 1 hour 37 minutes431 - Amy Hill - How to Survive Toxic Film Sets, Staying Employed in Hollywood for Decades, and the Value of Saying Yes
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Hello, Hello!
In this episode, veteran character actress Amy Hill shares her incredible journey from growing up in a Finnish-Japanese household in Deadwood, South Dakota, to building a prolific career spanning over 230 television and film credits. Hill discusses her breakthrough roles, including the beloved grandmother in "All American Girl" and her current work on Amazon Prime's "Ballard," while emphasizing the power of saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities throughout her decades-long career. The conversation reveals how her multicultural background and improv training shaped her approach to acting, from voice work to memorable roles in shows like "Just Add Magic" and films such as "50 First Dates."
We also talk about:
• The challenges of being an Asian American actor in Hollywood and finding representation on screen
• Her experiences on toxic film and TV sets, including working with difficult personalities
• The importance of professionalism, preparation, and building genuine relationships in the industry
• Voice acting career development and the transition from San Francisco theater to Hollywood
• Current projects include "Ballard" Season 2 and the upcoming film "Flowers para los Muertos."
People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:
Asian American Theater Company (San Francisco)
Lilo and Stitch (animated film)
King of the Hill (animated series)
Everything Everywhere All at Once (film)
The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong (1951 TV series)
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters.
So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT
All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy6 March 2026, 10:30 am - 8 minutes 50 secondsIf I Had Legs I'd Kick You - Rose Byrne's Career-Defining Performance
WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?
Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.
BRIEF:
In this brief, host Nick explores Mary Bronstein's psychological drama "If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You," starring Rose Byrne in a raw portrayal of mental health struggles and emotional collapse. The film defies traditional narrative structures, instead offering an intimate look at a woman whose world slowly fractures under invisible pressures. Through Bronstein's unconventional storytelling approach, the movie forces viewers to confront discomfort and develop empathy for those experiencing quiet psychological crises.
TAKEAWAYS:
• Mary Bronstein's filmmaking approach and her previous work "Yeast" (2008)
• Rose Byrne's dramatic departure from her typical comedic roles
• The film's festival circuit premiere on October 10, 2025, and its critical reception
• How the ambiguous title serves as a metaphor for helplessness and lost agency
• The importance of cinema that prioritizes understanding over entertainment
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You (2025)
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT
All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy5 March 2026, 10:30 am - 20 minutes 36 secondsSUMMARIES - Derek Estlin Purvis - How to Finance Your Film Without Begging for Cash (3-Pillar Method Revealed)
Hello, Hello!
In this episode, Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness unpack a masterclass interview with independent filmmaker Derek Estlin Purvis, exploring the hidden mechanics of film financing and the entrepreneurial strategies behind successful indie filmmaking. They dive deep into Derek's three-pillar funding framework using equity, debt, and soft money, while examining his "skyscraper approach" to pre-selling films before production begins. The discussion reveals how Derek's early experiences on the set of "On Golden Pond" and his chance encounter with a Paramount executive shaped his revolutionary approach to filmmaking as extreme problem-solving.
We also talk about:
• Derek's career journey from bartending in New Orleans to working with major studios
• The "59-cent pencil" philosophy of finding simple solutions to complex filmmaking problems
• Creative problem-solving examples from Star Trek and MTV music videos
• The Sistine Chapel metric for measuring artistic success and cultural impact
• The evolving media landscape and how data is becoming the true commodity in entertainment
People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:
Derek Estlin Purvis (filmmaker, producer, writer, director)
Savage Lands - The Ballad of Davy Crockett
Mike Basik (finance banker/mentor)
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters.
So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT
All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy3 March 2026, 10:30 am - 6 minutes 46 secondsJefferson White - What Does It Mean to Make It?
Learn more about Jefferson White here:
Hello, Hello!
Jefferson White discusses his evolving definition of success in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of having control over creative choices and working with people you care about. He reflects on how his goals have changed from wanting to get on a show like Yellowstone to now prioritizing creative fulfillment and collaborative energy on projects of any size. White shares his perspective that "making it" is an ongoing process rather than a destination, requiring continuous growth and openness to change.
We also talk about:
• The feeling of helplessness that actors can experience in the entertainment industry
• How definitions of success evolve throughout an actor's career
• The value of independent filmmaking and creative collaboration
• Behind-the-scenes photography as a way to document the creative process
• The importance of supporting independent films financially, not just verbally
Products, Software, Websites, People, or Places Mentioned:
Drink and Be Merry (independent film)
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT
All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy2 March 2026, 10:30 am - 21 minutes 36 secondsJefferson White - Clear the Set - Wong Kar-Wai, Foreign Films, and Nashville Hot Chicken
Learn more about Jefferson White here:
Hello, Hello!
Jefferson White discusses his top three films, including The Matrix Reloaded, In the Mood for Love, and three recent foreign language films that impressed him. The conversation covers his commitment to film education, particularly international cinema, and his honest admission about pretending to have seen films he hasn't watched. White also shares insights about the challenges of being an actor, including industry pressures around diet and the difficulty of finding consistent work.
We also talk about:
• Nashville hot chicken spots and the origin story of Prince's restaurant
• Christmas movies and why Miracle on 34th Street doesn't work for him
• His upcoming film, Caravan about medical tourism for insulin
• The reality of spending most of an acting career waiting to work rather than actually working
• How independent filmmaking requires learning multiple skills, from editing to financing
Products, Software, Websites, People, or Places Mentioned:
Bishop's Restaurant (Franklin, TN)
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT
All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy27 February 2026, 8:39 pm - 10 minutes 23 secondsJefferson White - Things We Should Know - Can You Name the Only Iowa-Born BAFTA, Oscar, Globe & Emmy Winner?
Learn more about Jefferson White here:
Hello, Hello!
Jefferson joins Producer Papa Bear for our "Things We Should Know" segment. The discussion reveals surprising facts about Academy Award winners from Iowa, including the remarkable achievement of Cloris Leachman as the only Iowa-born actor to win a BAFTA, Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy. The conversation features guest Jefferson White and covers the rich acting heritage that has emerged from the Midwest state.
We also talk about:
• The challenge of identifying Iowa's most decorated actor among the limited Oscar winners from the state
• Comparisons between notable Iowa actors, including John Wayne, Elijah Wood, and Ashton Kutcher
• The impressive award collection of Cloris Leachman, with 24 wins and 53 nominations
• Historical television programming conventions like separate beds in classic shows
• An eerie coincidence involving the birth and death dates of Iowa actresses
People, Places, and Things Mentioned:
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT
All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy26 February 2026, 9:23 pm - 13 minutes 57 secondsJefferson White - Audience Polls - Jefferson White on Joaquin Phoenix, Sean Penn, and Transformative Acting
Learn more about Jefferson White here:
Hello, Hello!
Jefferson White joins us to discuss the art of acting, exploring how empathy plays a crucial role in bringing both villains and heroes to life on screen. We delve into audience poll results about whether movie villains deserve empathy, with 94% of listeners saying yes, and examine what makes a great actor through the lens of trying new approaches versus sticking with proven methods. White shares insights about iconic performances like Heath Ledger's Joker and discusses how actors must balance technical proficiency with bold creative risks.
We also talk about:
• The impact of legendary performances like Heath Ledger's Joker, James Dean, and Taxi Driver on future generations of actors
• How three-dimensional villains become more compelling when audiences can see themselves in the character
• The importance of learning technical skills before pushing creative boundaries
• Sean Penn's transformative performance in "I'm a Battle After Another."
• The balance between structure and spontaneity in artistic performance
Products, Software, Websites, People, or Places Mentioned:
Heath Ledger's Joker (The Dark Knight)
Everything Everywhere All at Once
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT
All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy25 February 2026, 7:05 pm - 32 minutes 42 secondsJefferson White - Filmmaker Q&A - What Secret Model Did Jefferson Steal from Hollywood Legends?
Learn more about Jefferson White here:
Hello, Hello!
Yellowstone star Jefferson White joins us for an in-depth Filmmaker Q&A about the creative process, independent filmmaking, and building a sustainable career in entertainment. White discusses his production company, Means of Productions, the philosophy behind choosing independent projects over big-budget work, and how constraints often lead to the most creative solutions. The conversation explores the balance between commercial television success and passion projects, emphasizing the importance of long-term collaborations and continuous learning through hands-on experience.
We also talk about:
• The creative freedom found in low-budget independent films versus high-stakes television productions
• How photography serves as both a creative outlet and a practical tool for staying present on set
• The Peter Falk/John Cassavetes model of using commercial success to finance personal artistic projects
• Building a sustainable filmmaking community through long-term partnerships and collaborative learning
• Upcoming projects include a Kennedy assassination film and a Rambo prequel
People, Places, Products & Software Mentioned:
Jefferson White (Yellowstone actor)
Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone creator/writer)
Adam Volerich (cinematographer)
Terence Cray (sound engineer/editor/director)
Jeff Rutherford (script writer)
John Kirby (documentary filmmaker)
Libby Handros (documentary filmmaker)
Martin McDonagh (playwright - The Pillowman, Banshees of Inisherin)
Means of Productions (Jefferson's production company)
November 1963 (Film in Production)
Four Died Trying (documentary)
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT
All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy25 February 2026, 6:30 pm - 30 minutes 40 secondsJefferson White - Story Is King - The Reality of a Career Actor and Creating Intimate Stories Using Thoughtful Cinematography
Learn more about Jefferson White here:
Hello, Hello!
In this Story Is King, Jefferson White joins the Make It Podcast to discuss his latest film, "Drink and Be Merry," a Christmas movie shot for just $60,000 in a New York dive bar. White shares insights into micro-budget filmmaking, his collaboration with director Adam Volderic, and the creative choices that gave the film its nostalgic, warm visual aesthetic. The conversation explores the challenges of making intimate character-driven stories about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances.
We also talk about:
• The smart production strategy of using two locations and ensemble casting with New York character actors
• How the film's color grading and cinematography evoke Christmas nostalgia and childhood memories
• Jefferson's journey from small-town Iowa to professional acting and his formative college experience
• The delicate tonal balance of playing a character who oscillates between high and low status
• Essential audition advice focusing on preparation, authenticity, and the long-term nature of an acting career
Products, Software, Websites, People, or Places Mentioned:
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT
All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy23 February 2026, 7:47 pm - 1 hour 54 minutes430 - Jefferson White, (Yellowstone, Chicago PD) on How to Make a Professional-Looking Feature Film for $60K, Scratching Lottery Tickets in Film, and How Constraints Drive Creative Innovation
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Hello, Hello!
In this episode, we sit down with actor Jefferson White (Yellowstone, Chicago PD) to discuss his latest indie film "Drink and Be Merry," which he made for just $60,000. White shares insights about balancing big-budget TV work with passion projects, the importance of long-term creative collaborations, and how he uses photography as a creative outlet between acting jobs. The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of independent filmmaking, the art of auditioning, and White's journey from small-town Iowa to Hollywood success.
We also talk about:
• White's collaboration with director Adam Volderic and their production company, Means of Productions
• The creative constraints and advantages of micro-budget filmmaking versus big-budget productions
• White's upcoming projects include a Lee Harvey Oswald role and a Rambo prequel
• The psychology of playing villains and the importance of empathy in character development
• White's background in Iowa theater and his formative acting teacher, Matt Foss
People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Bishop's (Nashville Meat & 3 Restaurant)
We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters.
So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT
All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy20 February 2026, 10:30 am - More Episodes? Get the App