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 17 - Jillian Whitaker
Jillian Whitaker joins us to discuss film scoring and composition. We talk about how she got started with music, how she approaches a score, some best practices for directors working with a composer, and her work on Keaton Fuller's "Friendly Faces" series. Jillian is so passionate and knowledgeable, and it was really great to have this conversation with her. I think everyone will leave understanding film composition and score a bit more.
Runtime: 56 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.
10 Aug 2026
Take 16 - Benjamin Handler
Take 16- Benjamin Handler
Benjamin Handler joins us to discuss the role of the colorist and the importance of color correction. Ben has used color correction to elevate his own work and the work of others, including mine. He is often the last stop in making a project really stand out, and Ben has dedicated the time and resources to becoming an amazing colorist. We explore why color correction is important, how Ben got interested in it, and why he loves doing it.
Runtime: 55 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.
20 Jul 2026
Take 15 - Stephanie Schneider
Take 15 - Stephanie Schneider
Stephanie Schneider joins us to discuss the role of the intimacy director/coordinator. She shares how she got interested in the role, how she trained for the role, and the importance of communication and boundaries for everyone on set. After working with her I knew there would be a lot to learn about this fairly new film role, and Stephanie was a wealth of knowledge on the subject. It is clear she is not only passionate about it, but also a great resource for anyone trying to learn more about intimacy direction and coordination.
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.
1 Jun 2026
Take 14 - Cole Needham
Take 14 - Cole Needham
Cole Needham joins us to discuss balance, finishing things you start, how he approaches networking, his new production company, Super Regular. Cole has always been a huge inspiration to me, and this conversation was reminder why. He is a consummate professional with an unmatched drive to grow and create. I appreciate Cole taking the time to join That's a Take.
Runtime: 98 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.
9 May 2026
Take 13 - Brittany Benedict
Take 13 - Brittany Benedict
Brittany Benedict joins us to discuss directing her first feature film, 5683. We talk about what pre production looked like, how she was empowered by her cast and crew, and some lessons she learned during the process.
Runtime: 75 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.
10 Apr 2026
Take 12 - Andrew Peterson
Take 12 - Andrew Peterson
Andrew Peterson joins That's a Take to discuss how he got started as a 1st AC, best practices for running the camera department, and how to best prepare to be on set. Andrew has been a mainstay in my camera department for the last few years, and this is a must listen for anyone trying to find a place within that department.
Runtime: 94 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.
16 Feb 2026
Take 11 - Season One Wrap Up
Take 11 - Season One Wrap Up
Host Bruce James Bales wraps up Season One by revisiting all 10 episodes to see what was learned. Bruce also takes those lessons and relates them to his own career for further understanding.
Runtime: 29 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.
15 Dec 2025
Take 10 - Case Study: The Valley of the Devil
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.
21 Oct 2025
Take 9 - Sydney Pierick on Acting Theory
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.
9 Jul 2025
Take 8 - Ben Schmidt on Producing a No Budget Feature Film
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.
23 Jun 2025
Take 7 - Josh Goodell on Transitioning to a Larger Market
Photographer Josh Goodell recounts his transition from Iowa to Hollywood, detailing his networking strategies and approach to staying positive as he navigated a larger market in an interview with Bruce James Bales.
5 May 2025
Take 6 - Kaitlyn Busbee on Advantages of Graduate Film School
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.
21 Apr 2025
Take 5 - Case Study: Chiefsaholic
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.
31 Mar 2025
Take 4 - Tarrell Christie on Basics of Visual FX
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.
11 Mar 2025
Take 3 - Hannah Rosalie Wright on Writing Independent Short Films
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.
24 Feb 2025
Take 2 - Kristian Day on the Fundamentals of Producing
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.
9 Feb 2025
Take 1 - Marissa Vonn on Foundations of Independent Filmmaking
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.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
4
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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