The No Film School Podcast

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Back-To-Back Microbudgets, Folk Filmmaking & the Micro-Budget Chain Reaction Feat. ‘Peak Season’ Directors Sep 07, 2024

Show notes

What happens when you make two micro-budget films back-to-back? For filmmakers Henry Loevner and Steven Kanter, it sparks what they’ve dubbed the “micro-budget chain reaction,” inspiring others in their community to pick up cameras and start shooting. As the industry consolidates and traditional distribution becomes harder to navigate, indie filmmakers are finding new ways to create and share their work, embracing folk filmmaking and using platforms like YouTube to bypass traditional barriers. Peak Season, the duo's second feature, serves as a perfect example of this movement.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with filmmakers Henry Loevner and Steven Kanter to discuss:

What the "micro-budget chain reaction" means and how it inspired others to follow in their footsteps
The challenges of making two micro-budget films back-to-back
The impact of friends and community on the rise of indie filmmaking
Their experience shooting Peak Season in Wyoming with a small crew
How the landscape of indie film distribution is changing and why many filmmakers are turning to YouTube
The importance of flexibility and improvisation in low-budget filmmaking
How Peak Season found its audience and landed a theatrical release
Why Henry and Steven are ready to transition to a studio film after their micro-budget projects

Memorable Quotes:

"It's contagious for better or worse... we're making something, and we're not waiting for permission." [5:40]
“Despite all the doom and gloom about the industry in general and how hard it is to make a living, there's never been an easier time to go out and make your film.” [6:43]
“If you just put your movie on YouTube, you can get it out there immediately, which is amazing.” [8:19]
“If you've written a script and it's going to take $10 million to make this movie and you don't have $10 million, then write a new script.” [51:33]
“The only way to do it is you have to just write something small that you can manage. Write something that's set in a single location.” [51:56]

Mentioned

Peak Season on IMDb

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Why Producer Ken Kao (Cuckoo, The Nice Guys, Mid90s) Wants More Mid-Budget Films Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

How can you break into the film industry? Especially if you're not in Hollywood or you come from a different profession, like law. Is thick skin essential? Can you balance business with creativity? Producer Ken Kao, co-founder of Waypoint Entertainment, shares insights on these topics, some of his experiences, and recent projects.

Ken’s latest feature, CUCKOO, written and directed by Tilman Singer, stars Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens, and Jessica Henwick and premiered at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival. With a diverse portfolio spanning films like Academy Award-winning THE FAVORITE and THE NICE GUYS, featuring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, Ken's expertise and vision have shaped the landscape of modern cinema.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Ken Kao, co-founder of Waypoint Entertainment and producer of some of the most anticipated films of 2024, to discuss:

How Ken started in the industry, moving from lawyer to producer without film school
Advice for emerging filmmakers and indie producers
The Waypoint x Neon partnership and the opportunity in mid-budget films
How he selects projects, being a genre-agnostic producer
How Waypoint stays nimble and adaptive in the ever-changing industry
What every producer or aspiring producer should be consuming and Ken’s media diet beyond movies
Living in Hawaii and maintaining distance from Hollywood
His latest feature, "CUCKOO," by Tilman Singer, starring Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens, and Jessica Henwick
Waypoint’s involvement in the release of “Longlegs,” directed by Osgood Perkins and starring Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe
Other projects currently in development

Memorable quotes:

“You never know what's gonna happen when you start making a film” [12:02]

“We're all just trying to make good movies that touch people and that we can be proud of” [20:05]

“I think the vast majority, especially this younger generation of people, if you're gonna get them off their sofas, getting to put their phone down, take 10 to 20 minutes to drive to a theater park and get it and sit there and give up two hours of their time, you need to give them some kind of authentic experience. I think what's good is subjective, but I think their ability to sniff the BS is high.” [21:55]

“As difficult as the film business right now is, I think as a creator, and I'm not just speaking for myself, I'm just speaking for aspiring creators, people that are creating already, in some ways it's as strong as the time has ever.” [41:00]

“A good number of people know when actors are choosing movies to make a buck. And when they really love the material and they're putting themselves in that role, in that movie.” [46:07]

“Trust your taste, trust what you're trying to say to people, and trust your instincts.” [47:33]

Links:

Ken Kao on IMDb

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Crafting Tension: ‘Spermworld’ & ‘How To Blow Up a Pipeline’ Editor Explains Aug 23, 2024

Show notes

As an editor, should you specialize in documentary film or narrative film? Who says you can’t do both? Editor Daniel Garber proves it’s possible, sharing his unique approach to editing some of his most recent projects. He dives into the nuances of pacing, note-taking, and the art of knowing when not to cut.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with editor Daniel Garber to discuss:

Getting his first editing credit and learning from other established editors
Working with director Lance Oppenheim on multiple films
Keeping your expenses low as a filmmaker
How tension emerges from the performances and the pacing of the edit
Differences between doc and fiction
The unexpected moments that happen after a scene has wrapped
A very efficient note-taking process
Working on small indie films compared to large productions
The power of face-to-face interactions

Memorable Quotes

“I go back and forth between documentary and fiction. I get a lot out of that.” [15:05]
With most documentaries, you have way more footage. You’re preparing yourself for a marathon rather than a sprint.” [17:28]
“Making a decision not to cut is a huge part of editing.” [21:30]
“The social aspect of editing is the most rewarding part.” [35:42]

Links:

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Daniel Garber on IMDb

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Ukrainians in Exile: A Documentary Short Film

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Rebuilding the Film Industry, Closure, Plus a $400 Doc Short Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

TV is oversaturated. California is too expensive to film in. Many audiences are underserved. It’s time we indie filmmakers rebuild the film industry on our terms. Plus, we bid farewell to a beloved host of the No Film School podcast.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guest Janek Ambros discuss:

Not waiting on labs or studios to give you the green light
The influx of people looking for jobs in the market
Needing better streamer options for indie projects
The benefits of serving an underserved audience
Why the distribution process is vital
Advice for people who think they are finished with their project
The important reasons Charles insists on working in Davinci Resolve
Why Charles is leaving the No Film School podcast
The origin of the short documentary film, Ukrainians in Exile
Why Janek wanted to keep the movie so simple and so short
Advice for documentary filmmakers

Memorable Quotes:

“We’re going to have this feral resurgence of indie filmmaking because we are so sick of the industry to figure it out.” [5:54]
“Breakdowns lead to breakthroughs. We need to break through because the way it’s been working is not sustainable.” [6:35]
“It should be a lot easier to shoot in California, it shouldn’t be so expensive.” [13:32]
“Because of the way distribution works, distribution never feels finished.” [28:00]
“People think I know all these celebrities, but I don’t. I just annoy every single publicist in Hollywood.” [1:03:07]
“If you want to make a short doc, you can make a short doc. There’s no excuse for that.” [1:07:50]

Links:

Follow Assembly Line Entertainment on IG

Follow Janek on X

BlueCheck Ukraine

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'DÌDI (弟弟)’ Director Sean Wang & Editor Arielle Zakowski on Kid Talent, Short Turnarounds & Angst on the Big Screen Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

If you were a teen in the early 2000s, the film Dìdi will likely evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. Dìdi, which is said to embrace “the cringier side of adolescence,” premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival where it won the Audience Award for the best U.S. Dramatic film.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Sean Wang and Arielle Zakowski to discuss:

The invaluable experience gained working in advertising
Why the advertising world is a great start for new filmmakers
Feeling emotion through the computer screens in the film
Our silly AOL Instant Messenger user names from the early 2000s
Empowering the young actors and giving them the space to play
How to help actors stop overthinking when they are stuck in their heads
Getting the director’s cut finished in time to submit to Sundance
Being pregnant during post-production
The power of making small, very personal films

Memorable Quotes

“We always wanted to make sure you could feel the person behind the computer.” [15:49]
“Any idea is a good idea. If you try it and it doesn’t work, then we can recalibrate.” [18:47]
“Maintaining any sense of objectivity in the edit is kind of the hardest part.” [31:31]
“The thing you think is just the thing you do for fun that no one will care about, that’s the thing that will help you find your voice.” [33:43]
“Make the things that feel very small and pure and have those build on top of each other.” [35:45]

Mentioned:

Follow Arielle on IG

Follow Sean on IG

Dìdi trailer

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Want To Make Worldbuilding Movies? ‘Borderlands’ EP Emmy Yu on Development, Production & Why VFX Should Be Onboard ASAP Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

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.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Executive Producer Emmy Yu to discuss:

The top two most popular No Film School articles this week
The reasons why having a pitch deck is important
Acting in movies as a child and falling in love with film
Adapting the video game, Borderlands, to the big screen
Working with actors like Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black
The challenge of adapting video game characters
Facilitating communication and openness with different departments
Why you need to bring VFX into the process as early as possible
Post-production and building the tone of the film in the edit
The importance of having mentors in your life

Memorable Quotes

“At every single phase of getting a movie made, you have to find different ways to convey what it's going to feel like.” [9:46]
“A producer’s job is to clear the runway for the director so that the director can just focus on making the movie.” [36:05]
“Visual effects needs to be brought on as early as possible.” [42:08]
“There are a lot of ways forward. Don’t get discouraged because what you’re doing might not look like what somebody else is doing.” [49:13]

Mentioned

Borderlands trailer

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What are the Best Experimental Films of All Time?

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Making a Movie Is Scary—This Is How We Manage Our Fear Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

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'. Cinematographer Ryan Thomas and Actors Madison Lanesey and Travis Quinton Young share their own fears and how they overcame them during the filmmaking process. The conversation highlights the importance of embracing fear, taking risks, and having unwavering confidence in the outcome.

Takeaways

- Making movies can be scary, but it's important to embrace fear and take risks.

- Having unwavering confidence in the outcome can help overcome fear and challenges.

- Collaboration and support from a team of trusted individuals can make the filmmaking process less daunting.

- Embracing fear and using it as a tool can lead to personal and artistic growth.

- The satisfaction of seeing the final product and knowing that the hard work paid off is worth the challenges faced during the filmmaking process.

Video: https://vimeo.com/979992225?share=copy

Support the film: gghawkins.com/backourfilm

This episode is Directed & Produced by Max Gibson

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‘War Game’ Directors Jesse Moss & Tony Gerber on Fearless Collaboration, Plus Comic-Con & Experimental Films Aug 03, 2024

Show notes

“Remain curious. Approach projects not with a notion of what kind of product you want to create in the market, but rather, what do you want to learn.” This advice, which comes from the directors of the documentary War Game, embodies the theme of today’s episode. - It’s okay to create unconventional films about unconventional topics.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and directors Jesse Moss & Tony Gerber discuss:

Robert Downey Jr’s surprising return to Marvel
The culture of Comic-Con and past experiences at the convention
Experimental films - what are they
Why we love experimental filmmaking
Why Jesse and Tony love working together as co-directors
The challenges of filming a real-life political simulation
Having 50 people connected to microphones at once
Letting go of control and ego
Building trust and capturing human moments with documentary subjects
Surrounding yourself with people who have different opinions

Memorable Quotes

“How can I challenge the conventions of normal cinema to stick out?” [15:54]
“This was a hell of a film to collaborate on. This was a real challenging undertaking.” [23:39]
“You want your camera operators to be listening to dialogue because you want them to function like storytellers.” [29:06]
“You don’t just want to work with people who make you feel safe and comfortable. You want people who are going to push you a little bit.” [37:43]

Mentioned:

War Game trailer

War Game website

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