The No Film School Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How a Smutty Pizza Pitch Won the Frontières 'Short to Feature' Comp Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins sits down with filmmaker duo Talia Shea Levin and Kara Grace Miller to discuss the journey behind their short film Make Me a Pizza—a provocative, hilarious, and genre-blurring short that’s become a viral sensation. Fresh off a big win at the Fantasia Festival’s Frontières 'Short to Feature' competition, Levin and Miller open up about their pitch experience, the creation of their film, the strategic path to building an audience, and what it really takes to turn a short into a feature in today’s film industry.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss...

How Make Me a Pizza evolved from a bit into a film that resonated with audiences and trolls alike
The strategy behind their pitch at Fantasia’s Frontières market—and how they clinched the win
How building a dedicated fanbase (even with age restrictions on YouTube) became key to their success
The value of showing up in person to festivals and pitching events
Why going viral with a controversial short can be a career launchpad, not a setback
Using limitations (like budget and film stock) as creative tools
The importance of community over water bottle tours and industry gatekeeping
What’s next after winning the pitch competition—and how they’re navigating the post-Festival whirlwind

Memorable Quotes:

“We have gotten so much love from the weirdos and the perverts, who we are lucky to call our fans.”
“We are starting a cult, and we might get to make a feature film.”
“If you got the Uber money, spend the Uber money.”
“I didn’t dream of posting on Instagram... but you have to get your art to its audience.”

Guests:

Resources:

Make Me a Pizza Instagram: @ThePizzaMovie
Talia's Instagram: @taliashea23
Kara's Instagram: @karagmiller
Frontières Market: https://frontieresmarket.com/

Find No Film School everywhere:

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Facebook: No Film School on Facebook
Twitter: No Film School on Twitter
YouTube: No Film School on YouTube
Instagram: No Film School on Instagram
📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com

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Field Producing on Last Week Tonight & Tackling Vimeo’s EU/UK Problem Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman sit down with filmmaker and producer Matthew Scheffler, whose unique path through the industry includes five seasons field producing for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and producing shows like Random Acts of Flyness and Black Twitter: A People's History. Matthew shares his journey from faking his way into the industry to directing his own Victorian horror short The Traveler, while raising three kids and navigating the shifting landscape of indie filmmaking. The episode also revisits the growing frustration Vimeo users in the UK and EU face due to regulatory changes, sparking a larger conversation on platform responsibility and the future of video hosting for filmmakers.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guest Matthew Scheffler discuss...

How Matthew went from commercials in Boston to producing Emmy-winning segments for Last Week Tonight
The real challenges of transitioning from production roles into directing
How working in production sharpened his creative instincts
The long road to making The Traveler, a Victorian horror short shot on Staten Island
Why Vimeo has become inaccessible in the UK/EU and what it means for indie filmmakers
A listener’s UK-based perspective on the loss of Staff Picks and public search
Vimeo’s official response to the criticism and the broader implications of global tech regulation

Memorable Quotes:

"You kind of lie within the parameters...lying about a location where you live. I agree with you—chances are if I had said I was moving, they would have just given it to my friend who already lives there."
"I've never been on a production where the budget matched the creative. Ever."
"You just have to decide what you need to cut out—because when you have kids especially, you can't really cut them out."
"Filmmakers built Vimeo. They shouldn't forget that."

Guests:

Matthew Scheffler

Resources:

The Traveler Instagram: @thetraveler_film
Matthew’s Instagram: @ironschef2021

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web: No Film School
Facebook: No Film School on Facebook
Twitter: No Film School on Twitter
YouTube: No Film School on YouTube
Instagram: No Film School on Instagram
📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com

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Why Dating—and Making a Second Feature—Drives Us a Little Crazy Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

This episode of the No Film School Podcast features GG Hawkins in conversation with writer-director Sophie Brooks, whose new film Oh, Hi! hits theaters nationwide on July 25, 2025. The film, starring Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman, explores the chaotic, vulnerable, and often hilariously painful world of romantic relationships. Sophie shares her journey of getting from her debut feature The Boy Downstairs to Oh, Hi!, a second feature that took nearly a decade to realize. They discuss the struggles of indie filmmaking, casting chemistry, writing complex characters, and what it truly means to create art that reflects personal truths.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Sophie Brooks discuss...

Why it took nine years to make a second feature
How writing with an actor in mind (Molly Gordon) shaped the character of Iris
The challenges and unexpected benefits of filming during/post-COVID
How Sophie and her DP crafted a romantic, evolving visual style
Writing unlikable yet deeply relatable characters
Securing financing when nothing seems to go right
The mental toll and unexpected joys of the post-production process

Memorable Quotes:

"I try really hard as a filmmaker. I try really hard with my friends...but I just want something. Is that so bad?"
"You can feel so confident...but it's scary when you haven't done a part of the job in a long time."
"There's a big difference between compromising and settling."
"I didn’t believe the movie was happening until I was on set."

Guest:

Sophie Brooks

Resources:

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web: No Film School
Facebook: No Film School on Facebook
Twitter: No Film School on Twitter
YouTube: No Film School on YouTube
Instagram: No Film School on Instagram
📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com

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Run-and-Gun Risks and When Jim Cummings Becomes Your EP Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman dig into the behind-the-scenes business of micro-budget filmmaking. They tackle a fan-submitted Ask No Film School question about run-and-gun filmmaking risks, E&O insurance, and securing distribution when shooting without proper permits. Then, GG interviews writer/director Anna Baumgarten and producer Danny Mooney, the creative duo behind the indie feature Disfluency, a powerful micro-budget drama executive produced by Jim Cummings. The episode offers a treasure trove of insights into how to bring a short film to life as a feature, fundraise strategically, and navigate distribution on your own terms.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guests discuss...

The real risks of guerrilla filmmaking and when E&O insurance matters
How micro-budget filmmakers should approach risk management and legal protections
Why shooting permits—even if they're free—can save you massive headaches later
How Anna and Danny turned the short Disfluency into a feature with no initial investors
Why having a “moving train” production plan helps raise money faster
The importance of audience-building and crowdfunding in early development
How Jim Cummings and the Short to Feature Lab helped launch Disfluency
Navigating distribution and negotiating for your film's future

Memorable Quotes:

"You need to kind of think about: How much did your movie cost? What kind of lawsuits can come in? Does it work for you?" – 08:09
"Motivation does not create action. Action creates motivation." – 41:44
"You have to be building the plane and flying it at the same time." – 46:50
"Make something you love, because you're going to be working on this all the way through the end." – 01:01:03

Guests:

Resources:

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web: No Film School
Facebook: No Film School on Facebook
Twitter: No Film School on Twitter
YouTube: No Film School on YouTube
Instagram: No Film School on Instagram
📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com

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John Hamburg on Writing the Most Quotable Movies of All Time Jul 19, 2025

Show notes

John Hamburg joins GG Hawkins to discuss crafting iconic, rewatchable comedies—from cult hits like Safe Men to mainstream favorites such as Meet the Parents, Zoolander, I Love You, Man, and the upcoming new Meet the Parents installment. Hamburg shares his creative journey, balancing absurd premises with emotional truth, breaking into the industry, and directing the finale of Apple TV’s Stick. He also dives into working with comedic legends, developing enduring characters, and orchestrating large-scale scenes with precision and heart.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest John Hamburg discuss...

How John’s breakthrough began with an NYU short at Sundance, leading to his first film Safe Men
His process for deciding to leave NYU early and navigate a career in features vs. film school
What drew him to direct the final episodes of Stick on Apple TV Plus and working with Owen Wilson
The particular direction and strategy involved in managing huge crowds and authentic golf interactions on a TV-scale production
The building blocks of quotable comedy: committing to emotionally real characters, clear scene goals, and grounded set pieces
Collaborating with actors like Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Rudd, and Alec Baldwin—balancing scripted freshness and improvisation
Behind‑the‑scenes look at tough moments like reworking the poker table speech in Along Came Polly
Hamburg’s ringmaster philosophy: creating a safe, creative set for spontaneity while keeping an eye on structure and story

Memorable Quotes:

“I think if the characters are grounded in an emotional reality… that’s maybe what makes them stand the test of time.” (27:05)
“Directing is such an incredible job, but it can be very lonely at times because you’re the only one that knows really.” (43:57)
“Sometimes directing is also sort of like being okay with letting something formulate and happen on its own organically.” (44:42)

Guests:

John Hamburg (IMDb)

Resources:

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web: No Film School (https://nofilmschool.com/)
Facebook: No Film School on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool)
Twitter: No Film School on Twitter (https://twitter.com/nofilmschool)
YouTube: No Film School on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool)
Instagram: No Film School on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool)
📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com

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Finding the Story in Marc Maron’s Grief and Comedy Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, GG Hawkins sits down with director Steven Feinartz and editor Derek Boonstra, two members of the team behind 'Are We Good?', an intimate documentary following comedian Marc Maron as he navigates grief, healing, and finding humor in the darkest moments. Together, they share how the project came to life, how they came together, the challenges of balancing comedy and vulnerability, and the ethical and emotional complexities of telling someone else’s deeply personal story.

The conversation explores the collaborative dynamic between director and editor, unexpected discoveries in the cutting room, and the powerful reactions the film has sparked in audiences. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes look at crafting a documentary that’s as funny as it is profound.

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and guests Steven and Derek discuss…

The inspiration and origin of Are We Good?
Navigating the balance between humor and grief
How editorial choices shaped the emotional arc of the film
Their creative collaboration and building trust in the edit room
Ethical considerations when working with such personal material
Surprising audience reactions and what they’ve learned from them
Advice for filmmakers on telling vulnerable, authentic stories

Guests:

Resources:

Are We Good? on IMDb

Details on 'I Really Love My Husband' showtimes & tickets: https://www.instagram.com/ireallylovemyhusbandmovie/

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web: No Film School
Facebook: No Film School on Facebook
Twitter: No Film School on Twitter
YouTube: No Film School on YouTube
Instagram: No Film School on Instagram
📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com

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Lights, Camera, Disruption: Breaking Taboos By Challenging Status Quo Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins presents two riveting conversations that push boundaries and challenge cultural taboos. First, she interviews Michael Taylor Jackson, writer, director, and star of the radically inventive film Orange Underground (Bajo Naranja), a satirical, punk-infused narrative born out of the Argentine quarantine. Then, she speaks with Kate Downey, creator and host of the podcast CRAMPED, which explores the hidden pain and social invisibility surrounding menstruation. Together, these conversations highlight how bold, personal storytelling can become an act of protest and empowerment.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss...

How Orange Underground merges satire, street art, and protest cinema to confront U.S. neocolonialism
The creative process of blending real-life social media storytelling with scripted filmmaking
How Argentina's unique film funding system and underground economy supported an international indie film
Kate Downey’s journey from theater to podcasting, and how CRAMPED sheds light on the mystery of period pain
Why menstruation remains a cultural and cinematic taboo, and how media can normalize it through better representation
The power of representation in shaping societal understanding of women's health and lived experiences

Memorable Quotes:

“We were able to develop a virtual community because we couldn’t obviously live together.”
“When half the population experiences something regularly, shouldn’t they be reflected honestly in our storytelling?”
“There is no word other than an ignorant word to describe ourselves.”
“Is there any more common experience that has not been hit to death, right?”

Guests:

Resources:

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web: No Film School
Facebook: No Film School on Facebook
Twitter: No Film School on Twitter
YouTube: No Film School on YouTube
Instagram: No Film School on Instagram
📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com

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Why 'Atlanta' Works: Emmy-Nominated Editor Isaac Hagy on Crafting Great Story Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, GG Hawkins sits down with Emmy and ACE Eddie-nominated editor Isaac Hagy, whose emotionally charged and visually inventive work includes Waves, Atlanta, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and The Friend. Known for his moody and immersive editing style, Hagy shares how he found his voice as an editor, the unconventional path that led him to Atlanta, and the creative and technical strategies that shape his work. He also dives into his Adobe Premiere workflow, the importance of collaboration, and how intuition—and his pit bull Blue—help fuel his storytelling.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Isaac Hagy discuss...

How Hagy’s religious upbringing led to his first foray into filmmaking

The unorthodox path from critical studies major to documentary editor

Jumping from music videos to the groundbreaking series Atlanta

Why Hagy chooses Premiere Pro and how he builds intuitive workflows

Collaborating remotely and the magic of edit dogs like Blue

The creative process behind The Friend and working with indie auteurs

The importance of collaboration, mentorship, and finding your crew

Memorable Quotes:

"My dog carries so much emotional baggage. Yeah, he's an essential part of the editing room."

"I try to think like... what is the conventional way of cutting this? And then maybe what is an interesting outside-the-box way of cutting it?"

"You're not going to come crashing through the back door by doing something very conventional."

"Premiere works the way my brain works... I don't think about editing when I'm editing in Premiere."

Guest:

Isaac Hagy

Resources:

The Friend (2024)

Montana Story (2021)

Clapping for the Wrong Reasons

Sirens on Netflix

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web: No Film School

Facebook: No Film School on Facebook

Twitter: No Film School on Twitter

YouTube: No Film School on YouTube

Instagram: No Film School on Instagram

📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com

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How Vimeo Staff Picks Actually Work Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, GG Hawkins sits down with Derick Rhodes, VP of Community at Vimeo, to dive into how Vimeo continues to be a crucial hub for independent filmmakers. Derick reveals the behind-the-scenes process of how Vimeo Staff Picks are curated, the platform’s renewed focus on supporting creators, and the company’s evolving role in global film culture. From new streaming options to global partnerships and grassroots community support, this conversation paints a comprehensive picture of where Vimeo is heading and why it remains vital for indie creatives.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Derick Rhodes discuss...

The origin story of Derick’s involvement with Vimeo and his background in indie filmmaking
How Vimeo balances creator tools with community-building and high-level business solutions
The human-led process behind Staff Picks and how to get noticed
Vimeo’s new global partnerships and outreach efforts in places like Brazil and Japan
The newly launched streaming and monetization tools for filmmakers
A candid look at Derick’s own micro-budget filmmaking journey
Advice on how to get involved with the Vimeo creator community and maximize the platform

Memorable Quotes:

“We don’t staff pick using algorithms… it’s all a team of people at the company that are obsessed with short films.”
“Making shorts is taking yourself to film school, especially when you're doing it in a low-stakes way.”
“Nobody is coming to pick you out of the crowd and take you to the path of like, you're going to be a film director now.”
“We want to be an open playground and have people do work that's just playful and inspiring and try weird stuff.”

Guests:

Derick Rhodes - VP of Community, Vimeo

Resources:

Vimeo Staff Picks
Moomin by Zach Dorn
Yes, Daddy
Podcast episode: Why Indie Film Distribution Is About To Go Punk Rock

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web: No Film School
Facebook: No Film School on Facebook
Twitter: No Film School on Twitter
YouTube: No Film School on YouTube
Instagram: No Film School on Instagram
📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com

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When a Film Nearly Falls Apart, Then Wins Sundance: Alessandra Lacorazza on 'In the Summers' Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, GG Hawkins speaks with writer-director Alessandra Lacorazza about her award-winning film In the Summers, which took home both the U.S. Grand Jury Prize and Best Director at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Lacorazza shares the deeply personal roots of the film, the tumultuous road to production, and the pressures of staying true to a creative vision in the face of industry challenges. The conversation dives into casting across timelines, editorial discovery, and the intense final days before Sundance. It's an intimate and inspiring look at how a deeply personal, quietly powerful film almost didn't get made—and why it ultimately resonated so profoundly.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Alessandra Lacorazza discuss...

The semi-autobiographical inspiration behind In the Summers
Creating emotionally complex characters and tender portrayals of masculinity
Casting multiple actors for the same role across time
The chaotic production process and financial uncertainty before filming
How Alessandra balanced creative integrity with commercial pressures
Editing discoveries, including changing the film’s ending after test screenings
What it was like to win at Sundance—while sick and alone
The unexpected emotional reach of the film across different demographics
Advice for emerging filmmakers on trusting collaborators and staying clear on your vision

Memorable Quotes:

“I just knew I couldn’t make this film with that suggestion... I’d rather not make it because it won’t be good.”
“Making the film was harder than having a baby.”
“There’s no real villain, and you just leave the audience to make up their own mind.”
“If you don’t [know your story], you’re going to get lost in the maze, and then your editing process is going to be a lot more complicated.”

Guest: