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In this edition of Indie Talk we have a conversation with Writer & Director Todd Bogin. Todd generously shared his experience writing, producing, and distributing his debut feature Hidden Exposure. He discussed his unconventional path into the industry and lessons learned around writing screenplays, attaching talent, and distribution strategies. Throughout, Todd emphasized the importance of thorough pre-production, embracing failures and feedback, and maintaining a creative entrepreneurial spirit to achieve success in the indie film world.
Topics Include:
- Todd discusses his background starting as a PA and making shorts, including Modulation Nowhere which led to funding Hidden Exposure
- Todd talks about writing 72 drafts of Hidden Exposure and getting feedback/notes from others to improve the script
- How he landed Rumer Willis and other well-known actors for the film after pitching the script to their agents
- Todd discusses the challenges of writing features after making shorts and learning on the job
- Nicholas and Chris provide advice about world-building and including more context/details in screenplays
- They discuss using pseudonyms and alter egos to help find your creative voice and take risks
- Todd explains his process of heavily pre-visualizing scenes for Modulation Nowhere with storyboards, music, and footage on his phone
- He talks about distributing Hidden Exposure on Tubi and challenges with actor promotion of indie films
- Nicholas and Chris suggest capturing extra behind-the-scenes/interview content with actors for future marketing purposes
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.
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More About Todd
Todd Bogin is a film director, screenwriter, producer, and editor. His debut feature, Hidden Exposure, was released on Tubi in May 2023 in the USA and Canada, with an international release set for Fall 2023. It stars Liana Liberato, Rumer Willis, Richard Kind, and Jordan Rodriges. The film is represented by the sales agency The Coven.
He's been writing, creating films, and playing music since childhood. He has produced, directed, and edited content for major brands like Nike, Budweiser, and McDonald's. Bogin has directed, written, edited, and produced multiple short films. His short film Modulation Nowhere (2019) won numerous awards and was distributed by ShortsTV.
Currently prepping his second feature, Heavy Ashes, and other features to be shot in the next few years.
Before movies, he toured Europe and the USA as a musician (2010-13). The New Yorker declared his former band Whale Belly, "songwriters Woody Guthrie would be proud of." He lives in New York City, where he works under the Water Voices Productions label.
Hidden Exposure Tubi link
Hidden Exposure embedded trailer
Modulation Nowhere (Short Film) Trailer
Hello, Hello!
In this edition of Indie Talk, we're joined by Jennifer Cooney, Filmmaker and Director of the feature film Wild Fire.
We talk about:
Summary:
Filmmaker Jennifer Cooney joines hosts Chris Barkley and Nick Buggs to discuss her directorial debut Wild Fire. Cooney, a Pennsylvania-based independent filmmaker, wrote, directed and edited Wildfire which follows a group of friends who shed their social masks during an intimate night of truth-telling.
Cooney explained how she filmed Wild Fire entirely locally using friends' homes and a dedicated crew. As an indie filmmaker, she discussed the challenges of limited resources but emphasized her determination to manifest her creative vision. Chris praised the film's trailer and expressed excitement for its festival run.
The conversation delved into Cooney's focus on authentic storytelling and capturing humanity through subtle nuances. She seeks to represent humanity's shared struggles with vulnerability and living truthfully through intimate scenes and raw dialogue. Cooney's next project Woman of God continues exploring these themes through the story of a nun losing her faith.
Chris and Nick provided advice to Cooney on building a crew with the right "vibe" to avoid "mercenaries." They also discussed the lack of state support for independent filmmakers in Pennsylvania. Cooney's journey serves as an inspiration for other indie creators believing in their vision despite challenges. The Make It Podcast was thrilled to give Cooney a platform to discuss her moving work.
Enjoy!
Questions answered in this episode:
- How did Jennifer write Wild Fire in relation to its indie/limited resources context? Did she write with limitations in mind or did it just end up working out that way?
- How many locations did Wild Fire end up having and how difficult was that choice as an indie filmmaker?
- Can you give us a quick synopsis of Wild Fire?
- How did Jennifer work with her crew to set the right "vibe" and avoid "mercenaries"?
- What is the state of independent filmmaking in Pennsylvania - is there any grant/rebate support from the state?
- Where are Wild Fire's upcoming festival screenings and what is Jennifer's next project?
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.
About Jennifer:
Jennifer Cooney is an East Coast writer, director, and producer. Her production company, HalfJack Generation, is dedicated to telling stories that elevate the frequency, i.e., consciousness, of the planet. As a conscious creator, Jennifer is deeply passionate about character-driven stories of inner darkness and the courage it takes to live an authentic life. Her directorial debut, Wild Fire, is currently in a bi-continental festival run, and her next feature, Woman of God, is in active development. Jennifer is also a four-time published poet, a painter, and a still photographer. She lives in the countryside of Pennsylvania and on the shoreline of Florida with her wife, JFo—an artist and Jennifer's co-producer, and their dogs. The two constantly spur each other toward creative expansion, spiritual evolution, and alignment with Love, Truth, and Freedom.
Links:
www.halfjackgeneration.com
www.thewildfiremovie.com
The MAKE IT podcast amplifies the voice of the filmmaker by exploring the filmmaking journeys of actors, screenwriters, directors, producers, and a host of other creatives from across the film industry. We provide a platform for film professionals and up-and-coming filmmakers to give and receive advice, lessons learned, personal reflections, tips, tricks, and insights through a variety of podcast series. We are the go-to film podcast for the indie filmmaker!
Hello, Hello!
Andrea Shreeman, co-Host of The Hero Maker podcast joins the MAKE IT podcast to discuss The Hero Maker podcast https://www.theheromakerpodcast.com/, a true crime podcast telling the story of her friends who were murdered in college and the ripple effects it had. Andrea shares how the podcast has brought healing while exploring the case and positive reforms it may help facilitate. Listeners learn about Andrea's perseverance in sharing this important story and refusal to give up, even when the project took different forms.
Topics discussed:
- Andrea's background and film/TV credits
- The inspiration and creation of the Hero Maker podcast
- Challenges in developing the story as a TV show and pivoting to a podcast
- Details of the unsolved double-murder case of her friends in college
- Impact of trauma and how it affects more than just immediate family/friends
- Andrea's persistence in telling this story through different mediums
- Potential for a $2 million grant coming from the podcast's impact
- Andrea's future projects: feature films and teaching courses
Enjoy!
Questions answered in this episode:
About Andrea:
Andrea has helped bring 11 narrative feature films and 4 documentary features to completion in various professional capacities, including as an Executive Producer on FUEL which won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at Sundance. She is a Founding Executive for Mobile Magic Studios, a one minute movie studio that sold five series into distribution. Her script, Chewtopia was a finalist in Women in Media's Camaraderie Film Development Program.
Andrea started in network television, with two years on The Nanny, two years on Daddy Dearest and one season on Rockstar INXS for CBS. She has written and directed films, campaigns, commercials, music videos and live streams all revolving around relevant themes for social growth including; domestic violence, addiction, climate change and mental health awareness.
Summary:
This episode of the MAKE IT Podcast features Andrea Shreeman, creator and co-host of The Hero Maker podcast. The Hero Maker podcast tells the true story of the murders of Andrea's friends in college and the impact it had on their community.
Andrea shared how the story began as a potential TV show but pivoted to a podcast during the pandemic. Through two seasons, the podcast has focused on honoring the victims and exploring the ripple effects of such a tragic event. The hosts interview people directly involved like investigators, attorneys, and family members to get a full perspective.
The podcast aims to leave a positive impact beyond just telling the story. Andrea was moved that the podcast could help facilitate such meaningful change.
While true crime stories can celebrate the criminal, The Hero Maker podcast lifts up the real people affected. Nick appreciated how it shows the vast network impacted by even one violent crime. Andrea wants to use her platform to spread healing and understanding for all touched by such trauma.
Through perseverance, The Hero Maker podcast is finding an engaged audience and making a difference. For anyone with an important story to share, Andrea's example shows the impact that can come from refusing to give up.
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. We provide a platform for filmmakers to provide advice, lessons learned, personal reflections, tips, tricks, and insights through our Filmmaker Conversations, Mistakes in the Making, Industry Insights, Indie Talks, and Film Investment Series. We are the go-to film podcast for independent creatives!
Hello, Hello!
In this episode of The Make It Podcast, hosts Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs dive into the topic of social media influence and its potential downsides. They discuss two recent incidents where influencers were able to mobilize large crowds of young fans into risky or illegal situations. Chris and Nick debate the growing power of social media personalities and how it can be wielded responsibly or irresponsibly. They also discuss the 48 Hour Film Project, how to disagree civilly, how Barbie utilized the color pink and more.
Topics:
Questions answered in this episode:
Summary:
In this week's episode of The Make It Podcast, hosts Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs discussed the growing influence of social media and its potential negative impacts. They pointed to two recent incidents where social media was used to encourage large groups of young people to engage in risky or illegal behavior.
In one case, a TikTok video urged hundreds of kids to loot a JD Sports store in Oxford. In another, a Twitch streamer promised free PlayStation 5s, drawing over 1,000 people who ended up in a confrontation with police. The hosts argued this shows how social media "gods" or influencers, many of them children themselves, are able to move huge audiences to act in dangerous ways.
They contrasted this with how movies like Barbie were able to inspire positive behaviors like purchasing pink merchandise. The discussion highlighted the double-edged sword of social media - its ability to be used for good causes but also to encourage harmful activities if not wielded responsibly.
The hosts called on parents to monitor what their kids are watching online and advocated for more positive role models on social platforms. They also suggested that short films could explore what drives different types of young people to risky gatherings. Overall, the conversation raised important questions about the growing power of influencers and how to shape social media for the better.
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. We provide a platform for filmmakers to provide advice, lessons learned, personal reflections, tips, tricks, and insights through our Filmmaker Conversations, Mistakes in the Making, Industry Insights, Indie Talks, and Film Investment Series. We are the go-to film podcast for independent creatives!
Hello, Hello!
In this special edition of Indie Talk, we miss Bonsai Nick but bring on two fantastic guest hosts. Director and Producer Maggie Contreras (https://instagram.com/maggiecontreras) and Actress and Producer Charity Wakefield (https://instagram.com/charitywakefield). Both worked on the incredible documentary Maestra, Executive Produced by David Letterman’s Production company, Worldwide Pants. We talk about:
Enjoy!
The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film and Television, Nashville (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization).
If you like what we're doing, please donate here: https://www.bonsai.film/donate.
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. We provide a platform for filmmakers to provide advice, lessons learned, personal reflections, and insights through our Filmmaker Conversations, Mistakes in the Making, Industry Insights, Indie Talks, and Film Investment Series. We are the go-to film podcast for independent creatives!
More on Charity Wakefield
Instagram - @charitywakefield
Twitter - @charitywakefld
CHARITY WAKEFIELD’s resumé boasts a colorful spectrum of critically and commercially acclaimed work that illustrates her fantastic talent.
Charity stars in Hulu Original drama series THE GREAT, starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. Written and executive produced by Tony McNamara (The Favourite) and directed by Matt Shakman (Game of Thrones, Succession), the series charts the rise to power of Catherine the Great and her explosive relationship with her husband, Peter, the emperor of Russia. The series has been nominated for Golden Globe, SAG, Emmy, MTV, and BAFTA Awards.
Since playing the romantic ‘Marianne Dashwood’ in the BBC mini-series of Jane Austen’s celebrated SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, she has appeared in some of our most noteworthy productions, including the critically acclaimed Channel 4 drama ANY HUMAN HEART, the Golden Globe and BAFTA-winning and Emmy-nominated WOLF HALL, THE HALCYON (ITV), Ron Howard’s Emmy nominated GENIUS (Nat Geo); CLOSE TO THE ENEMYdirected by Stephen Poliakoff for BBC2, the global phenomenon DOCTOR WHO; playing opposite Jack Whitehall in Sky One’s BOUNTY HUNTERS, an ‘action-comedy-drama’ also starring Oscar nominee Rosie Perez. International projects include working alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper in the Susanne Bier-directed SERENA, crime thriller THE PLAYER for NBC with Wesley Snipes, and supernatural drama MOCKINGBIRD LANE also for NBC.
Charity made history as the first woman to play Shakespeare at The Globe Theatre, London, in Nicole Charles’s ‘exhilarating’ all-female production of EMILIA, which had a West End transfer to the Vaudeville Theatre. Additional theatre credits include a ‘beautifully executed’ (LA Times) THE CHERRY ORCHARD at the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre, SEMINA, THE BLACKEST BLACK and NO NAUGHTY BITS all at the Hampstead Theatre; CANDIDA at the Theatre Royal Bath and THE RIVALS with Celia Imrie at the Southwark Playhouse.
As a producer, Charity’s credits include the female-led, jet-black comedy A SERIAL KILLER’S GUIDE TO LIFE, which was long-listed for the Breakthrough Producer award at the 2019 British Independent Film Awards and can be viewed on all VoD sites (Apple TV, Itunes, Amazon, BT, Virgin, etc). Additional producing credits include short films WRAPS, which is now being made into a feature, and MEMENTO VITAE.
More on Maggie Contreras
Instagram is @MaggieContreras @MaestraMovie
www.MaggieContreras.com
Maestra is a new feature documentary following five internationally-based women as they prepare for and perform in ‘La Maestra’—the only competition in the world for female orchestra conductors. Personal stories of survival, passion, and perseverance are woven together with the drama and excitement of this one-of-a-kind event created to break yet another glass ceiling for women. Maggie Contreras' directorial debut had its world premiere in competition at the 2023 Tribeca Festival, where it won an audience award.
Previously, she was the producer behind documentary films tackling a wide range of topics, from comics to solar energy. Jonathan Scott's Power Trip (PBS Independent Lens ‘20) is the titular HGTV celebrity and activist's journey across the USA to examine the antiquated utility monopoly system and how solar holds the key to energy freedom. In 2017, Gilbert also premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was distributed by Gravitas Ventures with exclusive SVOD on Hulu. Her work has been seen on AMC, NFL, and Quibi.
Whether it’s working with brands or in the field on her next film, Maggie is fueled by the power of true stories.
Hello, Hello!
In this edition of Mistakes In The Making, Filmmaker and PhD Professor Lance Clark reminisces on his first SAG feature when he cast an A-List actress that reneged on her contract three days before principal photography. Lance expounds on how he used grace to overcome the situation.
Enjoy!
The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film and Television, Nashville (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization).
If you like what we're doing, please donate here: https://www.bonsai.film/donate.
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. We provide a platform for filmmakers to provide advice, lessons learned, personal reflections, and insights through our Filmmaker Conversations, Mistakes in the Making, Industry Insights, Indie Talks, and Film Investment Series. We are the go-to film podcast for independent creatives!
Hello, Hello!
In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick are back with a wide-ranging conversation and make room for special guest Production Designer & Art Director Frances Hernandez! We talk about:
Enjoy!
The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film and Television, Nashville (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization).
If you like what we're doing, please donate here: https://www.bonsai.film/donate.
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. We provide a platform for filmmakers to provide advice, lessons learned, personal reflections, and insights through our Filmmaker Conversations, Mistakes in the Making, Industry Insights, Indie Talks, and Film Investment Series. We are the go-to film podcast for independent creatives!
Hello, Hello!
In this edition of Indie Talk, Chris and Nick are back with a wide-ranging conversation! We talk about:
Enjoy!
The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film and Television, Nashville (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization).
If you like what we're doing, please donate here: https://www.bonsai.film/donate.
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. We provide a platform for filmmakers to provide advice, lessons learned, personal reflections, and insights through our Filmmaker Conversations, Mistakes in the Making, Industry Insights, Indie Talks, and Film Investment Series. We are the go-to film podcast for independent creatives!
Hello, Hello!
In this edition of Indie Talk, we bring on special guest Christopher Everett. He’s a Documentarian and the Artistic Director of the Southern Documentary Fund. We talk about:
Enjoy!
The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film and Television, Nashville (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization).
If you like what we're doing, please donate here: https://www.bonsai.film/donate.
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. We provide a platform for filmmakers to provide advice, lessons learned, personal reflections, and insights through our Filmmaker Conversations, Mistakes in the Making, Industry Insights, Indie Talks, and Film Investment Series. We are the go-to film podcast for independent creatives!
Hello, Hello!
In this episode, we have a conversation with Emmy-Nominated Filmmaker and Best-Selling Author Tiffany Shlain (@tiffanyshlain on Instagram). We talk about:
Enjoy!
The MAKE IT podcast is brought to you by the Voice of the Filmmaker program, which is sponsored by Women in Film and Television, Nashville (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization).
If you like what we're doing, please donate here: https://www.bonsai.film/donate.
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. We provide a platform for filmmakers to provide advice, lessons learned, personal reflections, and insights through our Filmmaker Conversations, Mistakes in the Making, Industry Insights, Indie Talks, and Film Investment Series. We are the go-to film podcast for independent creatives!
From the publisher's feed
MAKE IT is the film podcast that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process. We dive into indie gems, massive blockbusters, cinema history, and everything in…
Stay Inspired, Chris + Nick

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1,159 Listeners