Hello, Hello!

In this episode, we have a conversation with Cinematographer Micah Simms. Chris interviews Micah about his career journey and experiences working in commercials and films. They discuss Micah's passion for the craft of Cinematography and his collaborative work with Directors like Motke Dapp.

We also talk about:

- Techniques for lighting and shooting scenes effectively
- Challenges of the film industry and finding work-life balance
- Maintaining integrity through difficult content decisions
- Advice for aspiring cinematographers starting out

Enjoy!

Indie Artist Spotlight

Morning Silk is a New York-based alternative indie rock/pop recording project led by Frank Corr. Signature drums, synth sounds, and a wall of screaming guitars can be recognized as Morning Silk's production style. So Fun is a made-up story written in Italy about a time-traveling being from the 1700s who follows someone he found outside in his estate's garden into a portal and is transported into a dance club in the future.

Artist: Morning Silk

Track: So Fun (Remix)

https://www.instagram.com/morning_silk/

https://www.tiktok.com/@morningsilk

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Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with filmmakers Dexter Strong Buell and Derek Mindler about their experiences in the indie film space, including Dexter's recent short film "The South Shore" and Derek's work as a cinematographer. They also discuss challenges in filmmaking and education, using new technology like 360 videos for location scouting, and an upcoming film school in New York City focused on below-the-line skills.

We also talk about:

- The differences between working on indie film sets versus studio sets

- Finding success through creative solutions in the indie film world

- Bridging the gap between film education and the current film industry

- A student-made feature film that was widely distributed on Amazon Prime after starting as a high school short

- The cultural impact of low-budget films that are financially successful but not necessarily well-received critically

Enjoy!

Indie Artist Spotlight

Artist: Steve Lewis

Track: Get You

Recording artist Steve Lewis is a writer and performer who can take a listener to a special place, one where the music transports you and time slips away. While straddling the line between riff rock and melodic lyricism, his material evokes stylists like Kurt Vile and Mac DeMarco while luxuriating in steady grooves and high energy. “Get You” is a high-energy rock tune with a celebratory and conversational lyric about the excitement and optimism of finding a new love.

https://www.stevelewismusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/stevelewismusic/

https://www.tiktok.com/@stevelewismusic

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Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Chris has a conversation with Jason Padgitt, Executive Director of the Nashville Film Festival. They discuss Jason's role and responsibilities at NaFF, the film selection process, balancing industry and artistic interests, and the future of AI in filmmaking. Enjoy this insightful conversation about the inner workings of a major independent film festival.

We also talk about:

- Importance of music and music-based films to NaFF
- Balancing industry influence with artistic integrity in programming
- Role of technical quality versus storytelling in film selections

- Managing filmmaker expectations for a music-focused regional festival
- Trends in annual programming "points of view"
- Role of opening credits in assessing a film
- Potential for new "Best AI Film" categories in the future

Enjoy!

Indie Artist Spotlight

Artist: The Familiar

Track: Starry Eyes

Above the Arctic Circle during Norway’s season of darkness, a chance encounter between an American and a Norwegian spawned a transatlantic musical partnership called The Familiar. The duo of native New Yorker Ruth Mirsky and Tromsø-born producer Mads Martinsen is the northern lights meeting the skyscrapers of New York. "Starry Eyes" tells the story of a woman that knows the odds are stacked against her, but remains optimistic that if she follows her best instincts, satisfaction will arrive. A pebble starts a landslide right?

https://www.instagram.com/thefamiliarmusic/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thefamiliarmusic

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Angus Benfield about his career as an Actor, Producer, Writer and Director and his upcoming film "The Keeper" which tackles the important issue of veteran suicide. They discuss Angus' process for bringing real stories to the screen, finding financing for independent films, and keeping creative energy as a filmmaker. Chris and Nick also have a thoughtful conversation with Angus about the role of artificial intelligence in the film industry and whether it could replace human storytelling.

We also talk about:

• Angus' experience living in New Zealand for 9 years and dealing with earthquakes
• Sharing stories about transforming physiques and perceptions from high school
• Comparing strategies for raising film funds like crowdfunding vs finding investors
• Debating the importance of spelling and handwriting in the digital age
• Pitching ideas like a standalone movie theater candy store

Enjoy!

Indie Artist Spotlight - Mom Rock

Featured Track: Bullseye

Originally formed at Berklee, this Nashville-based Power-pop trio is tearing up the indie scene with a sound that evokes iconic 90’s rock bands like Weezer and Cake. Since their 2017 debut, they’ve racked up millions of streams, rocked packed houses, and cut catchy anthems that landed them a feature in Rolling Stone Magazine. The song is about everyone having a soft underbelly – insecurities, anxieties, shortcomings. Being an artist and putting art into the world is one of the most vulnerable undertakings there is, and we wanted to examine that vulnerability in a fun, campy way.

https://www.instagram.com/momrockofficial/

https://www.tiktok.com/@momrocktiktok

https://twitter.com/MomRockOfficial

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Daril Fannin and Austin Worrell from Kino Studios. They discuss challenges in the film industry and opportunities for new models to empower creators through technology. Daril and Austin share their experiences and explain their mission to build efficient tools through Kino Studios to help filmmakers launch globally and connect with audiences.

We also talk about:

- The meaning of "making it" in the film industry and how technology can empower creators
- Challenges in the current entertainment system, including unfair contracts and lack of transparency
- The mission and features of Kino Studios' digital premiere app to help filmmakers launch globally
- Inefficiencies in film marketing and distribution that new models could improve
- The potential for education and training programs to develop emerging storytellers

Enjoy!

Indie Artist Spotlight

niko!

niko! Is the moniker of Colombian-American musician and songwriter Nick Maxwell, a gifted young bedroom producer cooking up some really cool Alternative R&B.

He has garnered over 400,000 streams and was featured on Apple Music’s Editorial Playlist, “Brown Sugar."

Taking inspiration from Childish Gambino’s “Redbone", niko! taps into a sultry and raw side of R&B that’s filled with lo-fi synths and off-beat drums, which help deliver an experimental indie aesthetic. As the second single off of his upcoming project, ‘Love Fi’, this track specifically deals with themes of desire, doubt, and the way a person makes another feel.

niko! on social media

https://www.instagram.com/niko.wav/

https://www.facebook.com/niko.artist.music

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Actor, Writer, and Producer Jordan Charles about his film project "Brothers in Arms," which explores themes of family, redemption, and the impact of war through two brothers separated at a young age. Jordan shares how his own family history influenced the film and informed his perspective as an artist.

Chris and Nick provide insights into navigating the creative and business sides of independent filmmaking, as well as using art as a platform for activism.

We also talk about:

- Podcasting, filmmaking, and communication
- Creativity, hobbies, and sharing interests
- Activism, art, and environmentalism
- Filmmaking and the importance of understanding both creative and business sides
- Independent vs. studio films' emotional impact

Enjoy!

Indie Artist Spotlight

Helen Kebede

Helen is an independent Pop and R&B artist from the DMV, like my co-host Nick and Producer Joe. She has been writing songs for over a decade and gained notable recognition when her track "Bitter Bitch" was featured in the Netflix movie 'Do Revenge.' A broad spectrum of artists, from Michael Jackson to Britney Spears and ABBA, influenced Helen's music.

Helen aims to provide an escape for listeners, crafting songs that resonate with their emotions and experiences. She's deeply involved in the creative process of songwriting and producing and making music videos, showcasing her multifaceted talent. Helen's journey reflects a passionate commitment to her artistry, combining nostalgic elements with a contemporary twist to create a unique sound that stands out in today's music scene.

Follow Her Socials:

https://helenmusic.info/

https://www.instagram.com/helenkebede/

https://www.tiktok.com/@helenmusiicc

*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 host of other creatives from across the film industry.

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Chris and Nick talk with Adam Schartoff, the host of the long-running podcast Film Wax Radio. They discuss Adam's experience maintaining a podcast for over 790 episodes and the challenges of keeping enthusiasm and motivation over many years. They also debate strategies for film festival juries and screeners, the importance of festivals for filmmakers, and whether certain mainstream films deserve criticism.

We also talked about:

- Adam's experience reviewing films for online publications and conducting interviews for the Tribeca Film website

- Favorite film critics like Peter Travers and Roger Ebert and their different reviewing styles  

- The movie recommendation platform Letterboxd and film review aggregator Metacritic

- Netflix's challenges in promoting diverse and award-worthy films to audiences

- Films mentioned like Maestro, Killers of the Flower Moon, The Zone of Interest, and American Fiction

- Visiting the Auschwitz concentration camp and the impact it left

- The controversial Sundance film "Jihad Rehab"

- Adam's potential for future film projects drawing from personal experiences

Enjoy!

*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 host of other creatives from across the film industry.

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, we are joined by filmmaking partners Nicholas Mihm and Rostam Zafari. They discuss their filmmaking partnership, their new documentary 'Bubjan,' their nonprofit work promoting Iranian culture, and future projects exploring physician burnout through animation and entrepreneurship through documentary storytelling.

We also talk about: 

• Nicholas Mihm shares his background in independent filmmaking based in Los Angeles with features like In the Dark Valley and Helen Believe.

• Rostam discusses meeting Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York and collaborating on a 54-part series about his grandfather Parviz, which inspired the short film 'Bubjan'.

• We delve into Stanton's unique interviewing style that helps subjects feel vulnerable and gain deeper self-understanding, as well as the challenges of editing down hours of footage into a short film.

• Rostam explains the nonprofit Nimruz's work using art and education to promote Iranian cultural values of equality, freedom, and justice in the face of oppression.

• Future projects discussed include an animated documentary on physician/nurse burnout and an episodic series following entrepreneurs making a positive global impact.

• And, an all-new Things We Should Know from Producer Papa Bear.

Enjoy! 

*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 host of other creatives from across the film industry.