The No Film School Podcast

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Unpacking the Ethical Minefield of Docs With the Team Behind ‘Subject’ Dec 08, 2023

Show notes

When we watch documentaries, we often don’t think about how these films can leave a lasting impact on the lives of the participants. Not only do the films affect their reputation, but they can affect their businesses, relationships, and mental health. In this unprecedented era of documentary filmmaking, it’s time we take a serious look at the effects these films have on the lives of the subjects.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Jen Tiexiera, Susanne Reisenbichler, Matt Klug, and Josh Harding to discuss:

How each of these filmmakers came to the world of documentary
All the sacrifices involved in creating a documentary film
Being clear about boundaries and expectations with the crew from the beginning
DAWG’s Framework for values, ethics, and accountability in nonfiction filmmaking
The depth of the connection between crew and actors
Finding the participants who would be featured in the films
Shifting the way things are done to improve lives of participants and the crew
Establishing a consent calendar with the participants and what that looks like
The first steps to creating a documentary film

Memorable Quotes

“When you’re bringing the people around you that you’re going to go into battle with, it’s extremely important that everything is out on the table.” [14:00]
“We’re entering a new era of bringing the humanness back into filmmaking.” [19:52]
“I want to document their life. I want to document what they’re doing…It’s about respecting their space. Respecting who they are.” [24:02]
“Documentary is and always should be a really intense collaboration.” [44:03]

Mentioned:

Subject

Follow Susanne on IG

Follow Jen on IG

Chasin' Butterflies

Chasin' Butterflies Record & Movie

Follow Josh on IG

Follow Matt on IG

DAWG Framework

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The Joy of Networking in Hollywood! Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

Networking…do you have to do it? Yes. Is it awful? No. It doesn’t have to be. It’s actually much easier than you realize!

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

Networking - it doesn’t happen at networking events
Pacing the amount of alcohol you drink while networking
Some great go-to questions you can ask others
Connecting with others outside the usual way we network
Why you need to be able to have normal human chit chat
The questions you should always have prepared answers for
Why you should brag on your friends when networking
Remembering people’s names - you need to improve this skill

Memorable Quotes

“Having a real conversation with people is networking.” [5:42]
“Show up. Be a pleasure to talk to. And don’t be crazy. If you are crazy, try to hide it.” [9:07]
“Treat it like a work event. That refers to attire. That refers to jokes. That refers to drinking. That refers to all of the things.” [11:31]
“Bragging on your friends, even if you don’t think it’s going to pay your rent, it will in full later.” [22:20]
“It pays off to remember people’s names. It really does.” [24:47]

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How ‘May December’ Writer Samy Burch Plays With Power on the Page Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

Samy Burch is the writer of May December, a story about a married couple who buckles under pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past. This complicated and sensitive story truly captivates the power of what is not being said.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with screenwriter Samy Burch to discuss:

Spending time in audition rooms as the daughter of a casting director
Making sure no actor got cut from this film
How Samy was able to tackle such a complicated and sensitive story
Writing in her apartment coat closet
The hard work and luck involved in getting the screenplay picked up
Protecting the confidence in your own voice.
Presenting power dynamics in her writing
Watching the film alone versus in a theater

Memorable Quotes

“My goal with writing is to write roles that actors think are interesting.” [9:51]
“It’s so hard to be an actor. It really is.” [12:34]
“Protect that confidence in your own voice because that’s the hardest part.” [24:39]
“The tension exists in what’s not being said.” [29:34]

Mentioned:

May December

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New RED Firmware Brings In-Camera LUTs & Zone System Exposure Tool

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What Actors Need To Know About Cinematography, Plus Building Your Post Team Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

As an actor, will knowing the ins and outs of cinematography enhance your performance? What’s the best way to go about hiring your post-production team? How do you give honest feedback without ruining your reputation?

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

Warmup actors versus burnout actors - what’s the difference
The red camera setting named after actor Giovanni Ribisi
How directors can benefit from taking acting classes
Why hiring people for production is easier than hiring for post
The best way to evaluate the post team in interviews
Paying a flat fee versus paying an hourly fee
Why everyone needs to have a deal memo
Sharing your honest opinion without offending the other person
The magic moments that can happen in post

Memorable Quotes

“It is a lifelong process learning about our art.” [11:07]
“I wish more actors had a better handle on editing.” [11:14]
“Hiring people for production is fifty to a thousand times easier than hiring people for post.” [17:45]
“Your recommendation is your reputation in this industry.” [28:34]
“You should do deal memos on every project you do, for everything you do because it forces people to lay out expectations.” [35:00]
“Post can be way more fun than set. You can give birth to your project again in a new way.” [42:20]

Mentioned:

DP Robert D. Yeoman on Film vs Digital, Long-Term Director Relationships, and Sleep

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Hungry Dog Blues Instagram

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‘Hungry Dog Blues’ Filmmakers Share Secret to Indie Film (Good Follow Up) Nov 24, 2023

Show notes

What does it feel like to finally finish your first feature? It’s difficult to explain the mix of emotions running through you. To quote the director of Hungry Dog Blues, it kind of feels like “finishing a marathon or coming out of a psychedelic drug trip.”

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with filmmakers Jason Abrams and Irina Gorovaia to discuss:

The very unique experience of making your first film
The magical sense of community on an indie set
How the film was inspired by a true story
Why people prefer to work on a project that already has momentum
Launching a crowdfunding campaign right before the pandemic started
How the proof of concept made a huge impact on their fundraising efforts
Why frequently following up with investors is so important
The practice of not taking things personally
Why it’s a win if people hate your movie
Understanding you have to wear a lot of hats on your first film
Learning to enjoy every little part of the filmmaking process

Memorable Quotes

“It’s a very unique process to take something through, from nothing to something.” [4:52]
“Everybody wants to be on a moving train. Nobody wants to shovel coal.” [12:16]
“It’s not your job to say ‘no’ for other people.” [30:39]
“Slow down. Take your time. Enjoy every little piece of it. Learn to enjoy every little piece of the filmmaking process.” [58:04]
“You can create just for the sake of creating. Just because you have a story to tell. That’s allowed, too.” [61:57]

Mentioned:

Hungry Dog Blues

Irina's Instagram

Jason's Instagram

Variations on a Theme (YouTube channel)

Resources they used:

Producing

Film Budget Template

Line Producer Tips

Successful Crowdfunding Campaigns

Entertainment Lawyer Help Filmmakers

Creative

Breaking the Fourth Wall

The Art of Suspense

Jumping from Short to Feature

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PILOT Razor Point Fine Line Marker Stick Pens

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Gift Guide 2023 and the Pokémon Cards of Filmmaking Nov 23, 2023

Show notes

It’s that time of year again. The time of year when we show the filmmakers in our lives how much we appreciate them, with practical gifts that will improve their filmmaking journey.

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

Pulling out a new set of pens for your new project - it’s so satisfying
Using a notebook versus using your phone
Reading “A Swim in a Pond in the Rain” while sitting in a sauna
Understanding the joy and richness of teaching
Why you need a podcast microphone even if you aren’t a podcaster
Why a quarterly planner is better than a yearly planner
The $70 light used on an $80 million movie
Why having a nice notebook improves the quality of your work

Memorable Quotes

“It’s almost like I’m texting, when I’m writing.” [3:21]
“Everyone trusts you if you write a note in a notebook…Everyone thinks you are serious with a notebook.” [5:06]
“I’m not sure I see what you see in this, but the fact that you see it, makes me excited to go on the journey to try to see it.” [11:44]
“Filmmakers should all have nice microphones.” [15:45]
“My life and my specs changed drastically when I got Grammarly.” [20:22]

Resources:

Leuchtturm 1917 notebook

Drehgriffel Nr. 1

Muji Color Gel Pens

Bull and Stash notepads

Pilot Precise Pen

George Saunders “A Swim in a Pond in the Rain”

Sennheiser Profile Streaming Microphone

Rode NT-USB mini

Grammarly plans

Poketo Quarterly Planner

Aputure MC 30 Light

Moleskine unlined notebook

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Our first podcast interview with Yeoman

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‘Asteroid City’ DP Robert D. Yeoman on Film vs Digital, Long-Term Director Relationships, and Sleep Nov 17, 2023

Show notes

To improve your filmmaking, you have to just go out there and shoot with whatever you have, even if all you have is an iPhone. This advice comes from prolific cinematographer Robert Yeoman, who is joining us on the podcast for a second time.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with DP Robert Yeoman and DP Ryan Thomas to discuss:

When Robert first met Director Wes Anderson and what they discussed
Why the director and cinematographer need to be on the same team
Cultivating a family-like atmosphere with the cast and crew
The vetting process for choosing the camera crew
The best way to approach the challenges of complex shots
What Robert does to stay healthy, sharp, and safe while filming
Shooting on film versus shooting on digital cameras
How film has evolved over the years
Why knowing how to edit can help you be a better cinematographer

Memorable Quotes

“If you don’t like the script, you shouldn’t take the film.” [5:38]
“The director is my best friend. I am there to serve the director as best I can.” [6:36]
“I have this ability to not show that I’m nervous, even though inside I might be going nuts.” [19:05]
“Go out and shoot stuff. It doesn’t matter if it’s your iPhone.” [42:09]

Resources:

More on the Netflix shorts Wes Anderson directed

Ryan’s website

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Read Evan’s No Film School articles

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An Indie Film Exec Unpacks The Post-Strike World Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

“As Hollywood changes post-strike, the only surefire way in the door is to have something great people are excited to make.” If you are a writer looking to break into the industry, you need to know how to write a great script that producers actually want to read.

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

The difference between large studios and indie markets
How indie films are made
Why you should not submit a short
Castability - why you need to write roles for specific actors
The reasons you need representation as a writer
Why it’s a seller’s market right now if your script is ready and it’s a banger
Having a basic understanding of production costs
Log lines we don’t like
Carving out your own little corner of Hollywood

Memorable Quotes

“Horror is a great, communal, theatrical experience.” [9:12]
“I hope I’m not crushing anyone’s soul when I say, ‘nobody really cares about shorts.’” [13:09]
“The strikes are over, but that doesn’t mean it got easier. It means it got harder.” [15:56]
“Know how much your movie costs.” [27:16]
“Do not wait for everyone else to tell you ‘yes.’” [40:04]

Resources:

Get Made Consulting

How to Write a Logline

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Getting accepted into the Sundance Labs on the 5th attempt

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Demystifying Artist Labs and Programs with Tribeca Studios’ Bryce Norbitz Nov 10, 2023

Show notes

Have you considered submitting an application for a development program or a writer’s lab, but you don’t know where to start? You’re unsure what you should include in your application, and you don’t know what to expect if you do get accepted.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with the Director of Artist Programs at Tribeca Studios, Bryce Norbitz, to discuss:

Artist development programs and how they help new filmmakers
What Bryce focuses on when she first reads an application
The benefit of applying to a program even if you don’t get accepted
What the jury has to consider when deciding on a program winner
The credibility that comes with being a program finalist
What it looks like to work with a brand partnership on your film
When you should avoid submitting your story to a lab or program
What applicants should include in their submissions
Attending small, community-driven festivals in order to network
Powerful reasons to attend film festivals as an emerging filmmaker

Memorable Quotes

“Nobody goes into any brand funding without knowing what the brand’s goals are.” [27:35]
“Knowing exactly what you are putting yourself up for will save you energy.” [32:13]
“People need to feel more comfortable shouting themselves out.” [32:38]
“Your career as a filmmaker will likely not be consistent. It will be ever changing.” [35:12]
“My scene was cut, and I never acted again.” [39:06]

Resources:

New Orleans Film Festival

Blackstar Film Festival

Connect with Bryce: untoldstories@tribecafilm.com

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