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.

TV & Film
26
Want To Make Worldbuilding Movies? ‘Borderlands...
Producers are involved in every step of creating a film, from development to post-production. The role of a producer is not only to keep everyone on the same page but also to remove barriers so the cast and crew can focus on the creative elements needed to create a fantastic film.
52 min
27
Making a Movie Is Scary—This Is How We Manage ...
On this bonus episode of the No Film School podcast, host GG Hawkins is joined by members of the team behind the movie she wrote and directed, 'I Really Love My Husband'.
35 min
28
‘War Game’ Directors Jesse Moss & Tony Gerber o...
41 min
29
Breaking Down the Black List
The Blacklist started as an annual list of the best, unproduced screenplays in Hollywood. Nowadays, it’s an awesome online platform that nurtures and empowers screenwriters from around the world, by helping them showcase their scripts and grow within the industry.
56 min
30
Navigate All Facets of Comedy With 'The Office'...
Ken Whittingham has directed shows we all know and love such as, The Office, 30 Rock, and Parks and Recreation. More recently, he has worked on the TV comedy, Abbot Elementary, which uses a mockumentary production style, similar to The Office. While Ken is an award-winning director with over 25 years of experience, he believes in the power of teamwork and respecting everyone on set regardless of their title.
63 min
31
How ‘I Saw the TV Glow’ Editor Balances Creativ...
As a beginning editor, working on low-budget projects is normal when you’re first starting. Once you get some experience under your belt, there comes a time when you have to start advocating for yourself so that you can get paid more. The “something is better than nothing mindset” can only serve you for so long, before you start to burn out.
36 min
32
Paramount — Skydance Merger; Scope, Scale & Dra...
Paramount and Skydance are merging. How does that impact the people already involved in those companies and what does it mean for the rest of us? How did House of Dragon pull off the epic Battle of Rook’s Rest, featuring multiple, fighting dragons? Let’s find out together!
29 min
33
How To Write a Movie To Shoot (In Three Months)
On this special episode of the No Film School podcast, host GG Hawkins shares her experience of writing her first feature, 'I Really Love My Husband' on a small budget and arguably, an even smaller timeline.
24 min
34
The Burden of Unpaid Work, Ramping Up Your Reps...
At what point should you get paid for the work you do to develop a project? What types of conversations should you be having with your agent? How can you show up confidently for potential projects, even though you’re feeling utterly afraid?
67 min
35
Why This Doc Editor Let's Himself Get Lost
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.
38 min
36
Don’t Sacrifice Creative: ‘A House is Not A Dis...
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.
49 min
37
‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ Writer-Director Michae...
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.
34 min
38
'Ren Faire' Dir Lance Oppenheim Plus Hard Comed...
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?
72 min
39
An Editing Round Table Of Emmy Contenders Part II
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.
39 min
40
Jeff Nichols Discusses the Inspiration, Writing...
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?”
28 min
41
An Editing Round Table Of Emmy Contenders!
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.
49 min
42
Your Freelance Healthcare Questions Answered
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?
56 min
43
Choosing Your Next Project & Immediate Next Steps
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?
39 min
44
How to Get Your Short Out In the World & Write ...
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.
89 min
45
Break Up With Your Temp Score & Other Placehold...
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.
45 min
46
How To Cut Like an Anthropologist from 'Scrambl...
Editing is more than just assembling footage. According to editor Sandra Granovsky, the whole editing process requires an interest and understanding of human nature.
35 min
47
The Pause in Pipeline Programs & What It Means ...
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.
26 min
48
‘Prom Dates’ Writer & Director on Reviving the ...
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.
31 min
49
Film Fests: The Merits and Scams; Plus, Film Co...
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?
52 min
50
How To Get a Short Film Into Sundance – and Tur...
“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.
42 min