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Quantum Leap "The Family Treasure"

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How Broadcast Dramas Work, With ‘Quantum Leap’ Writer Shakina Mar 01, 2024

Show notes

What does it look like to advocate for yourself as a creator? Well, it starts with understanding your value and knowing where you can serve. Then, you have to develop the courage to articulate and offer your expertise. This is exactly what Shakina did to land the role of executive story editor on the NBC series, Quantum Leap.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with multihyphenate creator, Shakina, to discuss:

How she got her start as a storyteller
Why framing is just as important in theater as it is on TV
How her experience as a trans person helps her write for Quantum Leap
What it’s like to work with new cast members every week
Why the coming out scene in “The Family Treasure” episode was so powerful
Telling ground-breaking nuanced stories that are unprecedented
Making queer stories more comfortable and less “threatening” for audiences
The fast-paced yet collaborative nature of writers' rooms
Advocating for herself in various roles on set
Creating space for characters we don’t normally see on television

Memorable Quotes

“Just write something that will never get made.” [8:52]
“You have to be in charge of how you see yourself and lean into the skills that bring you the most joy.” [35:47]
“Space without resources and support is a trap.” [40:00]
“Do something every day that pushes you toward your dream.” [41:02]

Mentioned:

Difficult People

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Dissecting Emerging AI and Why Your Human Voice Is So Important Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

With the rise of AI, will Hollywood begin to neuter your voice? While AI isn’t creating anything original, the immediate convenience of this tool is already impacting our industry. Artificial intelligence is being applied to creative arts, so filmmakers need to understand how it can affect their careers.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s Jason Hellerman speaks with acquisition executive and script consultant, Evan Littman, to discuss:

Why we should be concerned about text-to-video AI tools like Sora
Why large studios have a better chance of going against generative AI models
AI-generated screenplays and copyright laws
Using AI to read and give feedback on scripts
Examples of how unreliable AI can be
Developing your voice as a screenwriter
What newer writers need to understand about breaking into the industry
Why 8/10 on a script isn’t good enough

Memorable Quotes

“This is something a lot of people thought was coming, but it arrived faster than we anticipated.” [2:49]
“A.I. is not making anything. It’s just recombining and generating an output based on what it already has.” [7:38]
“A.I. at this point in time, can’t really generate anything good. What it makes is regurgitated slop.” [11:11]
“You just really need one ‘yes’ to get a movie made. It doesn’t matter if you have a hundred ‘I like its.’ You really need one ‘I love it.’” [42:41]

Mentioned:

Get Made Consulting

GG's survey

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Career-Sustaining Advice for a Consolidating Film Industry Feb 23, 2024

Show notes

If you are at square one in your filmmaking journey, you are probably confused about where to start. You’re not sure how you are going to pay the bills, let alone finance your projects. You’re also worried about the state of the industry and wondering if you have a shot at success. Our guest, Ana Liza Muravina, believes that if you’re serious about filmmaking, “it’s your responsibility to understand what kind of business you’re getting into.”

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with filmmaker Ana Liza Muravina to discuss:

How the industry has transformed
The decline of tv and film consumption
What a period of consolidation means for filmmakers
The power of attaching certain elements to your project
Ensuring the project you are pitching is financially viable
Foreign Sales - what are they and how are they impacted by streaming services
Becoming clear on the project you are making
Finding patrons and supporters in your local area
The importance of casting valuable actors
Figuring out what you want out of your career
Having a collaboration agreement and what it should look like

Memorable Quotes

“Streaming tv is going to look a lot like how cable used to look. It’s going to be expensive.” [9:24]
“In our industry and in our society, success is tied to money.” [11:41]
Money is not all concentrated in Los Angeles and New York. Money is wherever there are people who have made money.” [26:45]
“Please make the thing that’s most interesting to you otherwise it’s not going to be interesting and it’s not going to sell.” [28:35]

Mentioned:

Ana Liza Muravina

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OpenAI’s Insanely Powerful Text-to-Video Model ‘Sora’ is Here

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How To Ensure People Can Watch Your Movie (Hopefully) Forever Feb 22, 2024

Show notes

There’s a very important lesson can we learn from films like 28 Days Later, which is not available in physical format or on streamer. It’s hard to believe a film starring award-winning talent like Cillian Murphy, who is nominated for an Oscar this year, is not commercially available to audiences. Let’s find out how you can make sure your movie doesn’t succumb to the same fate.

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

Staying conscious about the ways our contracts are written
Thinking about where projects will be in 100 years
Automating residual systems - is it a good idea?
Feeling disturbed and disappointed by the lack of physical media available
Pros and cons of text-to-video tools like Sora AI
How AI can be a useful tool if it is subordinate to creatives
Jaywalking in front of self-driving vehicles
What is causing the current short story phenomenon
Why you should be reading screenplays every week

Memorable Quotes

Thinking about your digital legacy is a really interesting thing to try to negotiate and navigate.” [9:15]
“Don’t get too attached to the movie you made because it might just completely go away.” [12:30]
“Your scripts should be entertaining. Your goal is to create a great read.” [43:48]
“I’m against building statues of anybody that’s alive. It’s expensive to take down a statue.” [48:24]

Mentioned:

What are the Ramifications of the New 'Sora' OpenAI App on Hollywood?

Here’s How Sora’s AI Video Could Actually be Good for Filmmakers

Why Are Short Stories Hot In Hollywood Right Now?

Rest of World article

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How First-Time Feature Director Katie Burrell Subverts Ski Comedy... Hilariously Feb 16, 2024

Show notes

Weak Layers is Katie Burrell’s feature film, which she not only directed but co-wrote and acted in. The film invites us to truly understand ski culture, unlike many unrealistic ski movies of the past. With this film, Katie proves that a novice director can stay true to their vision while also leading with transparency, humility, and positivity along the way.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, speaks with Katie Burrell to discuss:

Feeling excited about theatrical releases in ski towns
Creating such a niche film
What Katie can’t stand about other ski movies
The unique, diverse cast and what they brought to the film
Directing in extreme climates
Being honest about her lack of experience
How she kept up morale on set
Why they didn’t do any playback
How they created an organic party vibe on set

Memorable Quotes

“I was militant about making sure that it felt like it was a Hollywood movie, something that could reach into the mainstream.” [6:34]
“No pro skier would ever put their goggles on top of the helmet.” [10:49]
“In all the auditions of the core cast, there was a uniqueness that came through in each of them.” [14:03]
“I was having the best time, all of the time.” [31:26]
“To be somebody’s scene partner and also their director, is a really tricky relationship dynamic.” [37:09]
“Don’t be afraid to admit that you have no idea what you’re doing, because people will rally around you and want to support that kind of attitude.” [43:46]

Mentioned:

Weak Layers

Follow Katie on IG

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Academy Awards Adding a "Casting" Category in 2026

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Are Super Bowl Ads Creative Anymore? Plus, a New Film Camera! Feb 15, 2024

Show notes

If you’re anything like us, we only watch the Super Bowl for the awesome commercials, but sadly this year’s ads leave much to be desired. While we are disappointed by the Super Bowl commercials, we are happily surprised by two major announcements in the filmmaking space. One announcement comes from The Academy Awards, and the other announcement comes from Kodak.

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

The lack of visuals and creativity in this year’s commercials
Trusting your gut feeling
The Academy Awards - they are introducing a new category
Why people don’t appreciate what a casting director does
Benefits to starting as a casting director
Kodak’s new camera we have all been waiting for - for literally 8 years
How this new camera is great for modern production sets
Why per per-screen averages are more important than box office numbers

Memorable Quotes

“Celebrity gags. It’s not special anymore when literally everyone is doing it.” [7:11]
“There was a moment in the internet where virality could occur organically, by people sharing things because of the joy of it.” [8:59]
“Casting is truly an art and a science.” [15:55]
“The only thing indie filmmakers care about is our per-screen ratio.” [29:14]

Mentioned:

First Footage From the Kodak Super 8 Camera

Chrysler, Born of Fire

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‘The Florida Project’ Producer Francesca Silvestri & ‘Suncoast’ Director Laura Chinn on Unlocking the Director-Producer Relationship Feb 09, 2024

Show notes

Every year at Sundance, we aim to speak with indie filmmaking teams who have collaborated on some of our favorite movies. Learning from these successful collaborations can help us in our own future projects. Let’s take a look at the collaboration between filmmakers Francesca Silvestri and Laura Chinn, and how their undeniable chemistry helped them in the production of the film, Suncoast.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, speaks with Francesca Silvestri and Laura Chinn to discuss:

Feeling both nervous and excited for the wide release of the film
Not having to sell the film at Sundance
Never taking no for an answer
What Laura and Francesca love about working together
Challenges with shooting in certain locations
Tapping into the 2000s nostalgia without overdoing it
Seeing younger casts at Sundance this year
Being at shocked at how many writers don’t write
Trusting that feedback is constructive and helpful
Why self-development is so helpful for filmmakers

Memorable Quotes

“There are so many that have come into my life, that I will never work with again after this experience.” [6:36]
“The 2000s in my opinion were not inherently cool.” [10:54]
“When they tell you it’s bad and they give you a bunch of notes, cry hard and then move on.” [17:28]
“When you do write, you do get better at it. When you do listen to other people’s feedback, you get better at it.” [17:40]
“Work on you man, because everything will get better. Everything will get easier. Writing, directing, producing, whatever it is.” [20:53]

Mentioned:

Suncoast - Streaming on Hulu, Feb 9, 2024

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View the $71 Million Budget for the M. Night Shyamalan Movie 'The Village'

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Indecision Is Death: ‘Argylle’ Director Matthew Vaughn on Titles, Twists & Scripts Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

Matthew Vaughn, known for films like Snatch, Kick-Ass, and the Kingsman franchise, didn’t actually think he would become a director when he started working in film. Vaughn first became a producer and then transitioned to directing - and are we glad he did! His recent film, Argylle, is a star-packed, action-comedy that you don’t want to miss!

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

What we love about the actors in Argylle
How all the twists in the film serve as nice story beats
Secretly copying and reading scripts as an intern
What is was like working with Guy Ritchie
The moment Matthew decided to try directing
Why the script is so important to the whole production process
Work weeks: 6 days versus 5 days
The scariest moment of making a film
Building an industry based off a film
How important the title is to a film’s branding

Memorable Quotes

“I chose to be a producer because I was told you don’t have to have any qualifications, apart from the art of bullshitting.” [13:24]
“I realized from that point, I would never ever make a movie that I didn’t love and believe in the screenplay.” [18:12]
“Indecision is death. Bad decisions can be fixed. No decision can’t be.” [25:38]
“If you do get a day off, just sleep.” [28:11]

Mentioned:

Argylle

Intimacy Workshop for Film, TV, and Theater

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Neon’s Horror Subversion ‘Handling the Undead’ Director Thea Hvistendahl on the Patience To Face Your Nightmares Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

How do we deal with losing someone we love? Is it even possible to move on? These questions are explored in Handling the Undead, a film that meditates on topics such as grief and loss and the impossible wish of wanting the past to become the present. Handling the Undead, which is based on the best-selling Norwegian novel of the same name, premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, speaks with Director Thea Hvistendahl to discuss:

Thea’s feelings and thoughts post-premiere
Having the sound and images tell the story as opposed to dialogue
Her approach to directing and staging actors
Using a mix of real people, prosthetics, VFX, and dolls
Finding the balance between looking dead but not like zombies
The challenges in shooting the final scene
How Thea became a filmmaker
Financing the feature and shooting in multiple countries
Getting the balance right between the different stories within the film
Feeling anxious during the screening process
Trusting her gut feelings in the editing process
Having a much needed celebration when the film was finally finished

Memorable Quotes

“For the human brain, it’s more unsettling the more realistic it is… I wanted it to be as realistic as possible.” [16:15]
“The finale was the hardest part to solve, but it worked in the end.” [20:21]
“It really pains me to do stuff that doesn’t feel right, but sometimes I try it.” [27:29]
“It dragged out a very long time, so it wasn’t like a cathartic moment…It was a very slow finishing process.” [30:07]
“It’s always better to make something…rather than wait and hold back.” [31:16]

Mentioned:

Handling the Undead

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