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.
151
How The Weird Satanist Guy Spawned a Sundance I...
Making a film is a laborious task that requires dedication, passion, discipline, and inspiration. Seeing the success of other filmmakers, who are more often than not in the same position as us, is not only motivational but can be a guiding light for those making their first film.
65 min
152
Why You Should Write Your Spec with 'Greenland'...
Don’t be afraid to plant your flag early on. This advice comes from writer Chris Sparling, who is known for the 2010 film, Buried, starring Ryan Reynolds and the 2020 film Greenland, starring Gerard Butler.
47 min
153
The WGA Strike is Over - What's Next?
Finally, the WGA strike has come to an end and writers are going to be elated about the new agreement. So what does this new agreement entail and how will it affect the future of Hollywood?
41 min
154
The Most Disturbing Shorts at Sundance
64 min
155
The Writer's Strike Ends and Social Media Debat...
Are you ready for the WGA strike to end? We sure are! After almost half a year, the WGA and AMPTP have announced they have agreed on terms.
33 min
156
How To Cast, Direct and Make Movies for Kids
Jake Van Wagoner is a director, producer, and actor known for his work on Impractical Jokers and the film Christmas Time. His recent film, Aliens Abducted My Parents and Now I Feel Kinda Left Out, is a family friendly sci-fi feature that premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
34 min
157
The iPhone 15 is for Filmmakers, Casting Proble...
What unintended shifts to the industry are coming from the current strike? Why is the iPhone 15 the perfect phone for filmmakers? What should you do when one of your lead actors quits right before production?
41 min
158
How These SNL Editors Cut an Emmy-Nominated Ske...
If you are moving quickly, you don’t rise to the occasion. But you fall to your ability. If you do the work to get there, you will create great stuff.
52 min
159
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
160
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
161
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
162
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
163
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
164
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
165
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
166
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
167
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
168
“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
169
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
170
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
171
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
172
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
173
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
174
"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
175
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