Take 10 - Case Study: The Valley of the Devil with Chase Stine

Chase Stine joins us to dissect his short film The Valley of the Devil which was independently produced in 2024. We discuss how Chase made this project a reality, how he went about casting, and how he took things into his own hands a built a set for the film. We also talk about the genesis of the story, and I think Chase provides some really valuable insight into how to get a project across the finish line.

Runtime: 62 minutes

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That's a Take is an educational filmmaking podcast focused on specific topics and projects. That's a Take is comprised of conversations with experts, case studies, and topic focused episodes. The podcast is hosted by Cinematographer Bruce James Bales.

Take 9 - Sydney Pierick on Acting Theory

Sydney Pierick joins us to discuss the basics of acting, acting theory, and how crew can help to facilitate better performances from actors. We talk about some recent acting experiences, her time working with an acting coach, and how she prepares for a role.

Runtime: 68 minutes

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That's a Take is an educational filmmaking podcast focused on specific topics and projects. That's a Take is comprised of conversations with experts, case studies, and topic focused episodes. The podcast is hosted by Cinematographer Bruce James Bales.

Take 8 - Ben Schmidt on Producing a No Budget Feature Film

Ben Schmidt joins us to discuss his experiences producing, directing, and shooting a no budget feature film, Ellie and Xavier. We discuss how he approached the production, what obstacles he overcame to finish the film, and how he relied on his community to assist him. Ben gives a lot of great advice for anyone trying to produce a no budget film of any size.

Runtime: 65 minutes

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That's a Take is an educational filmmaking podcast focused on specific topics and projects. That's a Take is comprised of conversations with experts, case studies, and topic focused episodes. The podcast is hosted by Cinematographer Bruce James Bales.

Take 7 - Josh Goodell on Transitioning to a Larger Market

Josh Goodell joins us to discuss his experiences transitioning from Iowa to Los Angeles. From still photography to a rental house to getting on set with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, Josh helps us dissect his journey West. We discuss how he approached networking in LA, how he found his way to the moving image, and what best practices he employed to stay positive and focused. Josh is a good friend of mine, and I think you'll find his story helpful if you are looking to move to a bigger market.

Runtime: 93 minutes

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That's a Take is an educational filmmaking podcast focused on specific topics and projects. That's a Take is comprised of conversations with experts, case studies, and topic focused episodes. The podcast is hosted by Cinematographer Bruce James Bales.

Take 6 - Kaitlyn Busbee on Advantages of Graduate Film School

Kaitlyn Busbee joins us to discuss her experiences at Graduate Film School. From start to finish, Kaitlyn lays out the advantages of a graduate film school program and how the program helped her to grow as a filmmaker. We also discuss how New York City inspired her, what it was like having access to top of the line gear, and how the program began with simplicity and grew from there.

Runtime: 58 minutes

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That's a Take is an educational filmmaking podcast focused on specific topics and projects. That's a Take is comprised of conversations with experts, case studies, and topic focused episodes. The podcast is hosted by Cinematographer Bruce James Bales.

Take 5 - Case Study: Chiefsaholic

Director Dylan Sires and Producer Kristian Day join the podcast to talk about their experiences making Amazon Studio's Chiefsaholic: A Wolf in Chiefs Clothing. We talk about how the story first came to Dylan's attention, what is was like to follow Xaviar around, how the film came together in post production, and what it was like chasing this story from a producer's perspective.

Runtime: 77 minutes

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That's a Take is an educational filmmaking podcast focused on specific topics and projects. That's a Take is comprised of conversations with experts, case studies, and topic focused episodes. The podcast is hosted by Cinematographer Bruce James Bales.

Take 4 - Tarrell Christie on Basics of Visual FX

Tarrell Christie joins us to discuss the basics of Visual FX. We discuss how he got started, what inspired him, the sub categories of Visual FX, how he uses them in his films, and some philosophies behind the craft. We reference Tarrell's Godzilla films, along with his films "FLAVA" and "MILES."

Runtime: 69 minutes

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That's a Take is an educational filmmaking podcast focused on specific topics and projects. That's a Take is comprised of conversations with experts, case studies, and topic focused episodes. The podcast is hosted by Cinematographer Bruce James Bales.

Take 3 - Hannah Rosalie Wright on Writing Independent Short Films

Hannah Wright joins us to discuss writing independent short films. We touch upon best practices, how reading scripts can be valuable, and how Hannah likes to provide feedback to other screenwriters. Hannah also talks about how see wrote her latest film, "Still Life." This was an invigorating conversation, and I hope you all can take something away from it even if you are not a screenwriter.

Runtime: 38 minutes

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That's a Take is an educational filmmaking podcast focused on specific topics and projects. That's a Take is comprised of conversations with experts, case studies, and topic focused episodes. The podcast is hosted by Cinematographer Bruce James Bales.

Take 2 - Kristian Day on the Fundamentals of Producing

Kristian Day joins us to discuss the fundamentals of producing. We touch upon what a producer does, what the different types of producers focus on, and crucial skills aspiring producers need. Kristian shares his knowledge based on over 15 years experience working on commercial, documentary, and narrative sets across all budget levels.

Runtime: 46 minutes

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That's a Take is an educational filmmaking podcast focused on specific topics and projects. That's a Take is comprised of conversations with experts, case studies, and topic focused episodes. The podcast is hosted by Cinematographer Bruce James Bales.

Take 1 - Marissa Vonn on Foundations of Independent Filmmaking

Marissa Vonn joins us to discuss foundations of independent filmmaking in relation to making no budget short films. We discuss how to create a filmmaking community, how to write something you can actually make, and what best practices she took away from her early short films.

Runtime: 42 minutes

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That's a Take is an educational filmmaking podcast focused on specific topics and projects. That's a Take is comprised of conversations with experts, case studies, and topic focused episodes. The podcast is hosted by Cinematographer Bruce James Bales.