The No Film School Podcast

While documentary editor Lucas Harger loves “being lost in a sea of footage” when he first starts a project, his approach to editing is intentional and specific. From his initial meeting with the director to establishing the context of characters and theme, this editor knows what it takes to transform raw footage into powerful stories.  In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with e...

You don’t have to have high-end tech or complicated processes to create your film. You just need an open mind and a passion for the story you are telling, as we’ll learn from this week’s episode from the DP and editor of A House Is Not a Disco. In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with cinematographer Eric Schleicher and editor Blake Pruitt to discuss: How Eric and Blake landed o...

Michael Sarnoski is the director and co-writer of A Quiet Place: Day One, the franchise's third film. The film follows Sam who is trapped in New York City during the early stages of an alien invasion. Michael shares that he was attracted to this film because of the opportunity to explore interesting character dynamics. In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Michael Sarnoski to...

What’s the best approach to sharing your resume on LinkedIn? Is it okay to negotiate when you rent gear? What’s the difference between hard comedy and hard “R” comedy? How do you shoot a documentary and make it feel like a movie?  In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guests Lance Oppenheim and Nate Hurtsellers discuss: A platform that prevents fraud...

Becoming an editor is more than just learning software and improving your skills. You must listen intently, speak up for yourself, and seek guidance and feedback from others with more experience. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Grant Vance speaks with editors J. Kathleen Gibson, Joaquin Elizondo, Shelly Westerman, and Payton Koch to discuss: Their journeys to become editors All the things She...

Jeff Nichols is the director of the film, The Bikeriders, a story about a 1960s motorcycle club that turns into a menacing gang, known as the Vandals. The film is adapted from Danny Lyon’s book of the same title. The complex nature of The Bikeriders, leaves us asking, “Why are we attracted to dangerous things?” In today’s episode, No Film School’s Jason Hellerman speaks with director Jeff Nichols...

Maura Corey is the picture editor of Gen V, a satire about young adult superheroes. Walter Schulz is the visual effects supervisor behind The Curse, a story about a cursed couple who are part of a reality show. These two creatives share how they got their start, their work process, and what it takes to build a successful career in film. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Grant Vance speaks with...

Just how important are character introductions in film? What are the most important steps you need to take before sending out your script? How do you pay for healthcare as a freelance filmmaker?  In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine and Jason Hellerman discuss: Why writers need to improve their character introductions Examples of movie intros we love Copyright - should you copyright...

There's no better feeling than completing a project you’ve been working on for, what feels like, forever. On one hand, you’re relieved but you're also anxious to figure out what to work on next. How do you decide what your new project will be, and what is the most efficient strategy for getting started on it? In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman discuss: The first qu...

In life, we can’t please everyone. There will be people who “get us” and others who simply don’t. It’s the same when you’re a filmmaker. Your work won’t vibe with everyone who sees it, and that’s totally okay! It’s time to face your fears, give it your all, and create those projects that reveal your darkest instincts.  In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Sam Baron and Madis...

If you’re a director who has become too attached to the temp score, you’re essentially falling in love with something you can’t have. While it may feel impossible to let go, it is possible. Let’s look at some ways you can break up with your temp score and move on.  In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss: Why you shouldn’t use temp scores from ot...

Editing is more than just assembling footage. According to editor Sandra Granovsky, the whole editing process requires an interest and understanding of human nature.  In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Sandra Torres Granovsky to discuss:  How studying anthropology affected her approach to editing Following your inner voice while editing Surrendering to the rhythm of the ac...

Is it ethical to encourage people to pursue a career in film when there are such high levels of unemployment in the industry? The Art Directors Guild certainly doesn’t think so which has led the union to pause their annual training program this year. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss: The ADG announcement to suspend the Production Design In...

Prom Dates, written by D.J. Mausner and directed by Kim Nguyen, is a comedy that follows two best friends who are hell-bent on having the perfect senior prom, despite the fact they broke up with their dates only 24 hours before the big night. This raunchy comedy reminds us that while romantic love may be fleeting, true friendship can survive any adversity that comes its way. In today’s episode, No...

What film festivals are worth submitting your projects to? Which festivals are legitimate and which ones are scams out for your money? Is it possible to find like-minded creatives to collaborate with, outside of places like L.A. and New York?  In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guest Amy Dotson discuss: Figuring out what you want to get out of a fe...

“There’s never been a better time to make shorts or watch shorts,” says Mike Plante, the senior short film programmer at Sundance Film Festival. Mike, who has been at Sundance for over 20 years, shares his thoughts on the future of shorts and what his team looks for in the selection process. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Ryan Koo speaks with Mike Plante to discuss: Developing motion picture...

Long-time friends and colleagues, Christopher Ross and Sam McCurdy, are two of the cinematographers of FX’s mini-series, Shōgun. Filming this series was an incredible experience full of lessons in Japanese culture, lenses, and shooting with cranes. In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and special guest, cinematographer Ryan Thomas, speak with DPs Christopher Ross and Sam McCurdy to disc...

Writing a screenplay is like following a cookie recipe, it’s closer to magic than science. You don’t have to follow screenwriting “rules” to create an amazing story. There’s something else you don’t have to do in your career. When serious problems arise in your personal life, you don’t have to keep working at your typical pace. It’s okay to ask for help and decrease your output. In today’s episode...

Justin Kuritzkes is the screenwriter for the film, Challengers, starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor. The story revolves around tennis pros who are caught in a love triangle. It’s not just about the game of tennis, but about the game of love and power. Let’s dive into Justin’s process of writing such a damn good movie! In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with writer J...

The days of selling naked specs are over. It’s now the filmmaker's job to understand how to package their projects. While many were opposed to packaging in the past, there are effective ways to approach the process that will leave you feeling empowered. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss: The benefits and drawbacks of packaging Why Hollywood...

We had the chance to speak to Grant Petty of Blackmagic Design at this year’s NAB conference. It was as much of a conversation about technology and innovation as it was a conversation about human nature.  In today’s episode, No Film School’s Jourdan Aldredge speaks with Blackmagic CEO Grant Petty to discuss:  Developing the URSA Cine with a post-production mindset Zero-cost options from Blackmagic...

Erick Sasso is a multi-hyphenate creative and the editor of the film, Maxine's Baby: The Tyler Perry Story, which documents the life of Tyler Perry. Erick compares the making of documentaries to the making of a meal. You need to use the right ingredients…not too much, not too little. And everyone at the table has to enjoy it. In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with filmmaker Er...

Rod Blackhurst and Noah Lang are the dynamic duo behind the film Blood for Dust, starring Kit Harington, Scooty McNairy, and Josh Lucas. These filmmakers share why leading with honesty, openness, and enthusiasm is the key to building strong relationships and creating successful films. You don’t have to be cutthroat in this industry in order to achieve your filmmaking dreams. In today’s episode, No...

Nina Ognjanovic is the director of the film, Where the Road Leads, which won Best Narrative Feature at Slamdance 2023. Nina and her passionate team prove you can successfully market a foreign, indie film on a limited budget and still win at major festivals in the US and worldwide. In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Nina Ognjanovic, David Jovanovic, and Jana Bjelica to disc...

Were you hoping work would pick back up after last year’s strikes? Unfortunately, work is epically slow, and 2024 is a rough year for the film industry. But just because Hollywood is slowing down, doesn’t mean you have to. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss: The industry post-strike How higher interest rates are affecting streamers The unpre...