430 - 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

·1 hr 55 min·5 clips

Jefferson White made a professional-looking feature film for only $60,000 by securing a free bar location.

Host Chris Barkley interviews actor Jefferson White, known for roles in 'Yellowstone' and 'Chicago PD'. White promotes his indie film 'Drink and Be Merry', a Christmas drama set in a dive bar, made for $60,000. He details how a free location and relationships with New York actors enabled the micro-budget production. White describes the film's nostalgic visual style, inspired by classics like 'It's a Wonderful Life'. He discusses his long collaboration with director Adam Volerich and their writing group. White reflects on his childhood in Iowa, where his parents' supportive, impractical careers influenced his path. He recalls deciding to pursue acting in college after being inspired by teacher Matt Foss. White compares auditions to lottery tickets, stressing preparation and surrendering control. Audience polls reveal 94% believe movie villains deserve empathy, and 71% think actors should stick to what works. White disagrees, advocating for risk-taking. He explains why he values indie films for creative freedom and learning, using a sports metaphor about playing time. White talks about his production company 'means of productions', founded to learn filmmaking by doing. He shares how photography helps him manage on-set waiting time. White announces upcoming roles as Lee Harvey Oswald in 'November, 1963' and in a Rambo prequel. The episode includes sponsor ads for Anthropic's Claude AI and Shopify.

As heard by us

A relaxed Make It Podcast episode with Jefferson White on acting, producing, directing, and moving between television and indie film.

Jefferson White brings a working actor's range to The Make It Podcast, with Chris Barkley framing him as an actor, producer, and director whose credits include Jimmy Hurdstrom on Yellowstone, Sean O'Neill on Chicago PD, and the indie feature Drink and Be Merry.

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You want Jefferson White in the chair for a warm Make It Podcast visit? Press play.

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