The No Film School Podcast
A podcast about how to build a career in filmmaking. No Film School shares the latest opportunities and trends for anyone working in film and TV. We break news on cameras, lighting, and apps. We interview leaders in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and producing. And we answer your questions! We are dedicated to sharing knowledge with filmmakers around the globe, “no film school” required.
76
Secrets to a Happy Set
What important lessons can we learn from the current WGA strike? Is there a possibility that writers can make deals with individual studios versus the AMPTP? How do you maintain morale and set the tone for each day on set?
49 min
77
How “Blackberry” Editor Induces Anxiety in Comedy
Curt Lobb is a Canadian editor known for his work in TV series and films, like The Kid Detective, I Used to Be Funny, and Tales from the Territories. He recently edited the film, BlackBerry, the story of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the world's first smartphone. This doc-style film, which released May 2023, perfectly captures the chaos of business.
48 min
78
Strike Updates & Questions Directors Need To An...
Where are things at with the current WGA and SAG strikes? How do these strikes affect the way we think about work-life balance? How can you make sure all your ducks are in a row, when preparing to shoot a low-budget, indie film?
51 min
79
Grit, Hustle and Self-Distribution: Learnings F...
The feature film, Anchorage, is a true indie film that was shot in 5 days and created on a self-funded, budget of only $54,000. The film, which was originally planned to be a short, has gone on to receive 11 awards and 10 nominations across 17 festivals. The film’s team has been independently producing a theatrical tour, across the US and in the UK.
50 min
80
How To Write a Screenplay in Ten Days and Shoot...
Making a micro-budget film in a short span of time may feel like an impossible task. What would you say if we told you that these limitations actually make the filmmaking process easier? How is it possible to have more freedom when you are dealing with more restrictions?
45 min
81
How To Reinvent a Classic With Birth/Rebirth’s ...
Laura Moss and Brendan J. O’Brien are the writers behind the film, Birth/Rebirth, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. The film was inspired by Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, but with a focus on the madness and monstrosity of motherhood.
49 min
82
How To Actually Shoot a Movie On Your iPhone
Emerging filmmakers have heard the following advice over and over again. “There’s no excuse not to start filming. You can make a movie on your iPhone.” Well, shooting a film on your iPhone is more complicated than it sounds, especially when you have such a short deadline.
41 min
83
SNL Vet On Directing, Producing and Shooting Sk...
Alex Buono is a director, producer, cinematographer, and executive producer who is known for his work on television shows such as Saturday Night Live, Documentary Now! and Russian Doll. He is currently working as the Directing Producer on a tv series, Based on a True Story, which is now available for streaming.
39 min
84
Rock & Roller Grace Potter Explains Her Filmic ...
You love film just as much as you love music, so which career do you pursue? This is a difficult decision to make when you feel pulled in both directions. Well, who says you have to choose one or the other? Maybe you can combine your passions together and make something extra special.
56 min
85
“Mutt” Director and Actor Unpack Career-Launchi...
Vuk Lungulov-Klotz is a transgender filmmaker, cinematographer, and director of short films such as Still Liam and River Fork. Vuk’s feature film, Mutt, premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. The film’s leading actor, Lio Mehiel, won the Special Jury Acting Award at the festival. The film is set to release in theaters across the United States starting August 18.
66 min
86
How “The Bear” Editor Harnesses Chaos Across Fi...
What is the difference between editing a film versus editing television episodes? How do you efficiently cut while shooting and what are the benefits to doing so? How should you react when the director or producer gives you feedback that you may disagree with?
44 min
87
Top Legal Mistakes Filmmakers Make and How To A...
“Blissful ignorance of the system hurts more people in the long run.” If you are an emerging filmmaker who is not aware of the legalities involved in filmmaking, you should really consider hiring a lawyer. You may think you can’t afford a lawyer, but what you really cannot afford to do is remain in your ignorance.
59 min
88
How To Shoot and Edit for Visual and Practical ...
Alex Familian is the editor for the horror film, Appendage, which follows the story of a young fashion designer who struggles with anxiety and self-doubt. The main character’s feelings eventually manifest into a gross, ferocious growth which sprouts from her body and yells mean, demeaning phrases at her.
47 min
89
How Appalachia-Based Filmmakers Blend Doc and M...
Elaine McMillion Sheldon is a director and writer known for documentaries, such as the Netflix Original Documentaries, Heroin(e) and Recovery Boys. Her latest film, King Coal, premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. This “part fable, part documentary” is about the complex, coal culture in Central Appalachia.
47 min
90
The DGA Deal Point Everyone Should Be Talking A...
While most of us are focused on the current WGA and SAG strikes, the DGA has some internal issues it is working on fixing. Currently, DGA members who have to take time off to care for their newborn children, are being penalized for it. These members are working to get the DGA to change their policies in order to have a more equitable and just industry.
50 min
91
"Plan C" Editor Reveals the Skill Every Creativ...
How does one balance their wellbeing while also working 16 hours a day? How do you sift through 300 hours of documentary film footage in an efficient manner? What type of people skills and character traits are necessary if you are thinking of becoming an editor?
44 min
92
Your Double Strike Questions Answered: Waivers,...
As of June 13, SAG joined the writers union and is now on strike. This is the first time, since 1960, that the WGA and SAG have been on strike against the AMPTP. So what is the strike about, why isn’t the DGA also on strike, and can we simultaneously support the strike while also continuing to work in film?
54 min
93
Why You Shouldn't Choose a Lane as a Filmmaker
So you’re a beginner filmmaker who isn’t sure what path to take. Do you focus on commercials, television, documentaries, or feature films? Well, who says you have to pick just one lane and stick to it?
40 min
94
What Indie Filmmakers Can Learn From ‘Indiana J...
What can we, as independent filmmakers, learn from movie franchises with big legacies? How is AI affecting the careers of writers and actors? What is the best way to properly insure film equipment in the event it gets stolen?
42 min
95
What Podcasters and TV Writers Can Learn From E...
What are the similarities and differences when it comes to working in film versus working in podcasting? What lessons can we take from filmmaking into the audio space, and vice versa?
51 min
96
The Boundary-Pushing Tech at Cine Gear and Tribeca
46 min
97
What Can Tribeca Doc Editors Teach Us About Too...
58 min
98
How To Sell Your TV Show Plus a Sundance Episod...
So you have written a tv show that you want to sell, but how do you do it? How do you get people to become intrigued and vested in your idea? How much should you practice your pitch, and can you use gimmicks in the pitch meeting to grab attention?
85 min
99
The Festival Challenging Industry Norms & It's ...
The Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) was founded in 2015 by Academy Award–winning actress Geena Davis. The mission of the festival is to influence mainstream media to increase diversity and the presence of underrepresented groups in their content. We were honored to speak to two filmmakers who presented projects at the 2023 festival.
48 min
100
Big Movies Require Big Risks - 'God is a Bullet...
80 min