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: 

The Matrix Reloaded

In the Mood for Love

It Was Just an Accident

The Secret Agent

No Other Choice

I'm Still Here

Miracle on 34th Street

It's a Wonderful Life

After the Hunt

Wong Kar-Wai

Julia Roberts

Jim Carrey

Sundance Film Festival

Sarasota, Florida

Bedford Park

Toronto, Canada

Hattie B's

Prince's Hot Chicken

Bishop's Restaurant (Franklin, TN)

Drink and Be Merry

Caravan

Nashville Film Festival

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/privacy

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:

Jefferson White (guest)

Cloris Leachman

John Wayne

Elijah Wood

Ashton Kutcher

Jason Momoa

Donna Reed

Justin Timberlake

Iowa State

Des Moines, Iowa

Winterset, Iowa

The Last Picture Show

True Grit

From Here to Eternity

The Donna Reed Show

That '70s Show

Punk'd

The Butterfly Effect

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

Lord of the Rings

BAFTA Awards

Academy Awards (Oscars)

Golden Globe Awards

Emmy Awards

Chick-fil-A Polynesian sauce

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/privacy

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)

Todd Phillips' Joker

Joaquin Phoenix

James Dean

East of Eden

Taxi Driver

Travis Bickle

Sean Penn

One Battle After Another

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Demi Moore

The Substance

Brady Corbet

The Brutalist

Chicago PD (TV Drama)

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/privacy

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)

Peter Falk

John Cassavetes (filmmaker)

Adam Volerich (cinematographer)

Terence Cray (sound engineer/editor/director)

Jeff Rutherford (script writer)

John Kirby (documentary filmmaker)

Libby Handros (documentary filmmaker)

Dick Gregory

Geraldo Rivera

Martin McDonagh (playwright - The Pillowman, Banshees of Inisherin)

Don Watts (theater director)

Means of Productions (Jefferson's production company)

Iowa State University

M Shop theater

Caravan (short film)

Drink and Be Merry

Misprint

November 1963 (Film in Production)

John Rambo prequel

Nikon FM 10

Pentax 6x7

Nikon F

Yellowstone (TV series)

Winnipeg, Manitoba

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/privacy

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: 

Drink and Be Merry

The Holdovers (Paul Giamatti)

It's a Wonderful Life

A Christmas Story

The Leftovers

Adam Volerich

Eye of the Duck Show

Leo Winters

The Ale 'N Wich (New York)

Benicio Del Toro

There Will Be Blood

Mount Vernon, Iowa

Iowa State University

Sophie Zucker

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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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:

Drink and Be Merry

Yellowstone

Chicago PD

The Matrix Reloaded

In the Mood for Love

It Was Just an Accident

The Secret Agent

No Other Choice

The Last Picture Show

True Grit

From Here to Eternity

The Holdovers

Taxi Driver

East of Eden

One Battle After Another

The Brutalist

Everything Everywhere All at Once

The Substance

Adam Volerich

Leo Winters

Matt Foss

Taylor Sheridan

Heath Ledger

Joaquin Phoenix

Sean Penn

Benicio Del Toro

Cloris Leachman

Donna Reed

John Wayne

Paul Thomas Anderson

Wong Kar Wai

Martin McDonagh

Mount Vernon, Iowa

Iowa State University

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Des Moines

Nikon FM10

Pentax 6x7

Nikon F (1962)

Hattie B's

Prince's Hot Chicken

Bishop's (Nashville Meat & 3 Restaurant)

Eye of the Duck Show

The Ale N Wich Bar

M Shop Theater

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/privacy

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 episode, Nick dives deep into "Iron Lung," the minimalist horror film directed by and starring Mark Fischbach (Markiplier), exploring how the YouTube creator successfully transitioned from digital content to feature filmmaking. The discussion examines how Fischbach strategically designed his production around his resources and constraints, creating a contained thriller about a convict piloting a submarine through an ocean of blood. This film brief analyzes the movie as both a horror experience and a case study in smart independent filmmaking.

TAKEAWAYS:

• The film serves as a case study in designing a production around one's strengths and audience, emphasizing the importance of making a film that maximizes one's skills and resources.

• Fischbach's strategic choice to focus on atmosphere over excess is highlighted as a smart move for independent filmmakers, reflecting the need to survive in the industry.

• The performance and the film's minimalist approach are seen as a poetic representation of a creator descending into darkness with limited air and personal direction, encouraging creative dreamers to design their stories around constraints.

• The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to explore minimalist horror, creator-driven filmmaking, and the potential of transitioning from online platforms to feature storytelling, urging them to ask themselves what they can make that their audience wants to see.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Mark Fischbach (Markiplier)

Iron Lung (film)

Iron Lung (indie horror game)

Nintendo Switch

PlayStation 5

Mastering Film Marketing (ebook)

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/privacy

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, we dive deep into filmmaker Kali Bailey's unconventional path to the director's chair, exploring what she calls the "Swiss Army Knife approach" - mastering every job on set before directing. The conversation reveals both the advantages and dangerous pitfalls of being too competent at jobs you don't actually want, including the psychological challenge of rebranding yourself in an industry that loves to keep you in familiar boxes. From her defining moment watching Lord of the Rings at 14 to her viral Harry Potter fan film, Kali's story illustrates the complex balance between building comprehensive skills and avoiding the "curse of competence."

We also talk about:

• The specific technical language that gives directors credibility with crew members

• Advanced editing techniques, including avoiding "ping pong editing" and focusing on reactions

• Aaron Sorkin's "marble slab" approach to overcoming writer's block

• Strategic decisions about film distribution: festivals versus direct-to-audience platforms

• Navigating identity as a gay filmmaker in conservative markets

People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned: 

Kali Bailey (filmmaker)

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Sam Gamgee

Frodo

Disney Plus

Nissan

Netflix

"A Week Away" (Netflix musical)

Bill Zahn (Pixar character artist)

Aaron Sorkin

"The Wasp" (short film)

"Neville Longbottom and the Black Witch" (Harry Potter fan film)

Sundance

Tribeca (film festival)

Southern Baptist Church

George Lucas

Star Wars

Marvel

Opal diffusion gel

Source Episode: https://redcircle.com/shows/e5ef7af1-b154-4271-a463-fee78baaca9e/ep/d26a987a-560d-4b72-adac-dd907d9992ef

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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Hello, Hello!

In this segment, we wrap up our conversation with filmmaker Yelena Popovic, writer-director of the upcoming film "Moses: The Black Movie." The discussion concludes with a thoughtful exploration of what it means to "make it" in the film industry and life in general. Yelena shares her perspective on success, defining it as finding peace and contentment while continuing the process of becoming.

We also talk about:

• Yelena's definition of "making it" as an exit strategy versus personal fulfillment

• The concept of arriving at peace and contentment in one's career

• The importance of continuous growth and the process of becoming

• Yelena's approach to social media and personal branding

• The upcoming theatrical release of "Moses The Black."

Mentioned in this episode: 

Yelena Popovic (filmmaker)

"Moses The Black" (film)

Omar Epps (actor)

Wiz Khalifa (executive producer)

Quavo (executive producer)

50 Cent (executive producer)

Yelena's Instagram

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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Hello, Hello!

In this Clear the Set, filmmaker Yelena Popovic joins us for our "Clear the Set" rapid-fire Q&A segment, sharing her top three films, including "Empty" by Sydney Lumet, "The Asphalt Jungle" by John Huston, and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." She discusses films she's embarrassed not to have seen, movies everyone loves that she hates, and her go-to McDonald's cheat meal order. The conversation takes interesting turns as both host and guest bond over their perspectives on film criticism and life philosophy.

We also talk about:

• Classic cinema and the pressure to have seen "canon" films like Tarkovsky's work

• Why "The Wolf of Wall Street" failed as a cautionary tale

• Script quality issues in popular Hollywood films

• The balance between healthy living and enjoying life's pleasures

• Personal anecdotes about late-night fast food binges

Mentioned: 

The Mirror

The Asphalt

Jungle

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

The Wolf of Wall Street

The Aviator

The Departed

Citizen Kane

The Godfather

On Golden Pond

The Princess Bride

Sydney Lumet

John Huston

Tarkovsky

Leonardo DiCaprio

Jordan Belfort

Dom DeLuise

McDonald's

Krystals

White Castle

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/privacy