The No Film School Podcast

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Jeff Nichols Discusses the Inspiration, Writing, and Directing of 'The Bikeriders' Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

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?”

In today’s episode, No Film School’s Jason Hellerman speaks with director Jeff Nichols to discuss:

Feeling inspired by a photographic documentary book
Deliberately changing the film’s structure from the first hour to the second hour
The importance of character point of view
Why the film style felt appropriate for this story
Casting and location scouting - two of the most important parts of the process
Using photos from the book for location inspiration
Feeling drawn to dangerous characters
Why he doesn’t block scenes or rehearse with actors
Using a documentary-style editing structure
When Jeff realized this story needed to be a movie

Memorable Quotes

“It was by design that the first hour would have one feeling, and the second hour would have another.” [7:58]
“These actors are so damn good. I just get to sit back and watch. Sometimes I forget to yell cut.” [16:14]
“I was trying to build the script on the page to feel like it had been collected and put together like a documentary.” [22:45]

Mentioned

The Bikeriders (trailer)

The Bikeriders (book)

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An Editing Round Table Of Emmy Contenders! Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

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.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s Grant Vance speaks with editor Maura Corey and visual effects supervisor Walter Schulz to discuss:

Their relationships with other departments
The benefits of working in both production and post-production
Maintaining the tone and feel of The Boys while editing Gen V
Why there is a comeback for practical effects in TV
The unique, collaborative nature of working on The Curse
A.I. - will it affect editing and VFX
The reason visual effects have improved in television in the past 10 years
The importance of advocating for yourself and telling others your goals
The unique paths they took and opportunities that came their way

Memorable Quotes

“You’d be surprised how much VFX are actually in comedy.” [13:54]
“Visual language is such a strong medium to illustrate an emotional journey.” [21:31]
“Don’t hate any tools….that one tool you hate is going to save you in those two months you are out of work.” [25:41]
“The only way you’re going to be able to move ahead in this business is to tell people what you want to do.” [40:07]
“Don’t be afraid to walk out of your comfort zone. That will change your life.” [47:25]

Mentioned

Gen V

The Curse

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Your Freelance Healthcare Questions Answered Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

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?

In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine and Jason Hellerman discuss:

Why writers need to improve their character introductions
Examples of movie intros we love
Copyright - should you copyright your script before sending it out
Why you should join a writer’s group
Asking for honest, constructive feedback from your network
The importance of log lines
Why most production companies don’t offer health insurance
Exploring public healthcare exchanges

Memorable Quotes

“There’s a million reasons to put a screenplay down after a couple of pages. The reason to keep reading is because you’re interested in the characters.” [10:00]
“Your first twenty pages are about developing a relationship with the reader and having them trust you and be confident in you. Typos break that ability to have that trust.” [24:14]
“The most important people to you in your career are people one step down and one step up the ladder from you.” [40:10]
“The problem with union benefits is the volume of work you have to do to keep them.” [48:57]

Mentioned

What is a Logline?

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Oscar-Winning Screenwriter Eric Roth Takes You on a Tour of His Writing Process

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Choosing Your Next Project & Immediate Next Steps Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

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?

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman discuss:

The first questions you need to ask yourself before deciding on your next project
Doing market research and getting feedback on your initial ideas
Narrowing down on your ideas
Writing with specific actors and directors in mind
Developing relationships and keeping track of your interactions
The draft-writing process
Setting parameters for the people who will read your first drafts
Being selective about who will receive your final spec
Why you should give yourself time off

Memorable Quotes

“I do not start writing anything unless I can picture the actors in it.” [10:09]
“I do not start writing until I’m one-hundred percent sure how that idea ends. What’s the ending of the story?” [13:26]
“The best part about this cycle is you’re always cultivating, and you’re always getting better at it.” [33:57]
“I need to live life to come up with ideas. I need to do things to come up with ideas.” [35:32]

Mentioned

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Here's What Happens When You Win the Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting

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How to Get Your Short Out In the World & Write to Your Darkest Instincts Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

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.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Sam Baron and Madison Lanesy to discuss:

What it’s like to receive polarized reactions
Feeling terrified to share projects with personal subject matter
Career lessons from Ice Age and Mrs.Doubtfire
Having a YouTube video go viral at 17 years old
The story behind the name of Sam’s short, The Orgy
Turning in films as book reports in middle school
The beauty and freedom of improv acting
Sam’s process of submitting shorts
Pushing past fear and discomfort
Working with a team that believes in your project
Making personal sacrifices while working on projects

Memorable Quotes

“Working on any project takes so much from you…so you better make sure it’s a worthwhile project you really care about.” [18:51]
“You need to take the temperature of the audience, but you also need to take the temperature of yourself. If you just do one or the other, you’re going to get out of balance.” [32:00]
“I accidentally proved a concept by being true to my deep, creative nature.” [52:41]
“Get to know yourself as a filmmaker. You are the only you.” [76:42]

Mentioned

Is This the Tool Filmmakers Need to Find Their Audience?

Short: Tall Dark and Handsome

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Every Frame a Painting - The Marvel Symphonic Universe

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Break Up With Your Temp Score & Other Placeholders; Plus, Blackmagic Won NAB May 30, 2024

Show notes

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.

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

Why you shouldn’t use temp scores from other movies
Collaborating with composers early on
The benefit of switching up scores in the edit
How directors fall in love with what they see in the edit
How the score is almost like a character within a scene
The dangers of placeholders
Getting attached to character names
NAB - why you should go
Blackmagic cameras - affordable, efficient, and high-quality
The Blackmagic camera phone app on Apple and Android
Shooting with cinema lenses versus still photo lenses

Memorable Quotes

“I’m getting feelings from that movie and it’s impacting my ability to engage with your movie.” [4:30]
“If a director spends six months editing a movie, they get kind of attached to how it looks and how it sounds.” [15:12]
“In post-production, familiarity can breed affection.” [16:57]
“Placeholders are a thing to be conscious of and used strategically.” [29:41]

Mentioned

The Art of the Score Podcast

Here’s Everything You May Have Missed at NAB 2024

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Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan

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How To Cut Like an Anthropologist from 'Scrambled’ & ‘Alpha’ Editor Sandra Granovsky May 27, 2024

Show notes

Editing is more than just assembling footage. According to editor Sandra Granovsky, the whole editing process requires an interest and understanding of human nature.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Sandra Torres Granovsky to discuss:

How studying anthropology affected her approach to editing
Following your inner voice while editing
Surrendering to the rhythm of the actor and the perspective of the director
Creating the first editor’s cut
Making something out of nothing
Sandra’s workstation setup
What it was like to work with director Leah McKendrick
Her new project with journalist-director Andrew Callaghan
How text-based editing has improved the editing process

Memorable Quotes

“The way I approach all of it is with an understanding and curiosity of human nature.” [6:43]
“Every decision I make in editing is based on instinct.” [8:56]
“You have to become very creative, and you have to start creating something that’s not there.” [15:34]
“There’s a lot of diplomacy involved in editing.” [16:22]
“I do fifty percent of my editing not in front of the computer. It happens in my head.” [21:05]
“You are writing in the edit. You’re just writing with images and sound.” [21:55]

Mentioned:

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The Pause in Pipeline Programs & What It Means for You May 23, 2024

Show notes

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.

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

The ADG announcement to suspend the Production Design Initiative program
Being cautious when admitting students to film school
Why we think the ADG made a reasonable decision
Why you should file for unemployment between jobs
How LA and New York feel like smaller markets right now
Seeing where you can fit into the system
Accepting the opportunities that already exist
The benefits of having multiple revenue streams as a filmmaker

Memorable Quotes

“Big production is back to work…but the volume isn’t there.” [13:08]
“You need to be open to letting the industry tell you where it wants you to be for a while.” [15:25]
“Knowing how to do a new thing is always beneficial.” [15:59]
“If you can develop multiple revenue streams, it gives you power in negotiation.” [19:05]

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‘Prom Dates’ Writer & Director on Reviving the Teen Sex Comedy May 20, 2024

Show notes

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.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Kim Nguyen and D.J. Mausner to discuss:

Writing the script in just 8 days
How D.J. and Kim immediately clicked
Celebrating the importance of friends in our lives
Developing the dynamic between the two lead characters
Harnessing the amazing energy from the cast
Filming in an old high school in Syracuse
How having a comedy background can improve your writing
The joy of working with gifted talent
A dramatic scene that required considerable emotional gear-shifting
How D.J.’s writing experiment turned into a film

Memorable Quotes

“Directors are like tuning forks. You get so much energy all the time from everyone, whether or not you want it or welcome it. You distill all that energy and harness it.” [15:46]
“Sketch teaches you to get in late and get out early. Stand-up teaches you to have an ear for the audience. Improv allows you to fill in the blanks.” [20:35]
“Stay true to yourself. Your point of view is your superpower.” [30:29]
“The thing you’re excited about, write it. You never know what’s going to happen.” [30:44]

Mentioned:

Prom Dates

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