The No Film School Podcast - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

The No Film School Podcast — MZGenre.Podcasts.TVFilm
The No Film School Podcast

A podcast about how to build a career in filmmaking. No Film School shares the latest opportunities and trends for anyone working in film and TV. We break news on cameras, lighting, and apps. We interview leaders in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and producing. And we answer your questions! We are dedicated to sharing knowledge with filmmakers around the globe, “no film school” required.

Copyright: © All rights reserved

Latest Episodes:

Day 1 of NAB 2023: The Largest Community of Creatives and the Philosophy of What Makes a Camera Great Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

Tech Editor Yaroslav Altunin and NAB host Raafi Rivero sit down to discuss Day 1 of NAB 2023. So what does the most prominent tech trade show have to offer this year? How about some of the hottest pieces of kit? The duo also chat about Blackmagic Design CEO Granty Petty, filming on Fujifilm cameras with Frame.io, and what makes the community of this trade show such an essential part of the broadcast and cinematic medium.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

The incredibly intense and exciting experience of going to NAB
The history of NAB and who the conference is for
A truly innovative product Creamsource developed themselves
Camcorders - would we ever use one again
Being confused by some of Canon’s newest lenses
How cine zooms are catching up to prime lenses
Unique ways people have been using Fuji’s Cine Box Lens
New features being added to Davinci Resolve studio post production software
Black Magic Design - They are building both products and a community
Applying cloud-based technologies to shows like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Tools that get out of your way and help you be a better creative

Memorable Quotes

“This is a mirrorless camera I can throw in my backpack.” [10:28]
“Am I crazy or is it the same lens just on opposite ends of the spectrum?” [14:25]
“Get a 12K…It’s a dope camera. Go get one right now.” [33:08]
“The cloud is matter of fact. The cloud is the state of the art.” [40:31]
“A needle in the haystack problem has been solved by A.I.” [46:59]

Mentioned Resources:

DaVinci Resolve

More on the Fujifilm Cine Box Lens

Creamsource LNX

No Film School Coverage of NAB 2023

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web

https://nofilmschool.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool

Twitter

https://twitter.com/nofilmschool

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

‘Renfield’ Director Chris McKay: The DNA of Your Movie Is the People Who Make It Apr 14, 2023

Show notes

“Your sword is sharpened by all the people around you.” If you can let go of control and allow space for playfulness and creativity on set, you will create a great movie. Also, you will become a better filmmaker in the process.

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director of Renfield, Chris McKay, discuss:

Imitating adult filmmaking techniques as a kid
How the stunt coordinator helped to accomplish a complex fight scene in the movie
What is important to consider when selecting your team of collaborators
How everyone on set is more focused when employing practical effects
Maintaining engagement at all times on set
Giving people room to make mistakes and treating them with love and kindness
Why he knew Nicholas Hoult and Nicolas Cage would be the right actors for this film
Being open to listening - it makes you a better filmmaker

Make sure to watch Renfield, in theaters April 14.

Memorable Quotes

“Action fatigue is real…it’s a real thing.” [15:53]
“I like to shoot in the extremes, lens wise.” [22:23]
“I want people to find things. I want people to discover things. I want them to make it their own.” [24:46]
“Don’t be afraid to go big. Don’t be afraid to be expressive. Don’t be afraid to try things.” [32:14]

Mentioned Resources:

The Weather Man

Kiss of Death

It Could Happen to You

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web

https://nofilmschool.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool

Twitter

https://twitter.com/nofilmschool

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WGA Strikes for Everybody, Plus Ray Romano, and Falling Out of Love Apr 13, 2023

Show notes

What are some ways can you support the writer’s union if they end up going on strike? What should you do when you find yourself resenting the project you are working on? What did Ray Romano learn from his directorial debut, Somewhere in Queens?

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

Why solidarity and support for the WGA is important
Shows being bought out with no residuals
How the rest of the industry benefits from writers strikes
Television show production during a strike
Advice for new writers that are not part of the WGA
What you should do if you are falling out of love with your current project
The power of being part of a writers group

Plus, we have a short conversation with Ray Romano, discussing what it was like to direct his first ever film, Somewhere in Queens, in theaters April 21.

Memorable Quotes

“Solidarity and support for the writers guild is important because they strike, and it ends up benefiting everybody.” [9:29]
“The writers need public opinion on their side as they continue to negotiate for better pay.” [19:16]
“Every new stage should let you fall in love with it again.” [37:22]
“You have to rely on discipline. You have to keep showing up.” [38:25]
“It’s okay to hate your project for a little while.” [43:40]
“Fear is okay. Don’t let it stop you.” [64:53]

Mentioned Resources:

WGA Contract 2023

Scriptnotes Podcast - Strike Authorization Vote

Details on Ray Romano’s new film

Somewhere in Queens trailer

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web

https://nofilmschool.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool

Twitter

https://twitter.com/nofilmschool

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

‘Joyland’ Director Saim Sadiq Redefines What it Means to be a Director Apr 07, 2023

Show notes

A film is like a baby, and everyone involved is a parent. How do you keep all the parents happy, calm, and on the same page?

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director of Joyland, Saim Sadiq, discuss:

The universality of the film and seeing oneself in the characters
Why the Cannes Film Festival was the best place for the film to premiere
People needing time to process the film after watching it
Keeping only the necessary people on set
Not overloading the actors with too much information
Feeling excited about problems that would arise
Why it’s so important to have empathy on set from the very beginning
Earning respect on set with a unique directing style

Memorable Quotes

“There is that one thing, their desire of being visible, that joins them all together.” [17:33]
“It is not a scene I would rehearse, ever, because there is improv involved in it.” [21:52]
“There’s a lightbulb that goes on. Once that goes on, you need to stop talking immediately.” [27:06]
“I was so ready, that even the idea that some problem would happen, was exciting.” [31:43]

Mentioned Resources:

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web

https://nofilmschool.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool

Twitter

https://twitter.com/nofilmschool

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

True Originality is Within Your Grasp Apr 06, 2023

Show notes

In terms of diversity and inclusion, is Hollywood actually making big strides or is the industry regressing? As a writer, are you allowing yourself to be unique and original, or do you rely only on mimicking what has already been done?

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

The latest findings from the UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report
Why we need to dig deeper into the data
How the inclusion aspect of Hollywood feels like someone is just checking a box
Why diversifying cast and crew will make the industry more money
Telling specific yet universal stories that can still be loved by many
Our thoughts on how to affect change in Hollywood
Commiting to the bit by going all in
Having confidence in your own unique voice and perspective

Memorable Quotes

“The numbers are so bad that we’re failing at a rate that would, in many other industries, send up alarm bells.” [5:22]
“Hollywood is both commerce and art. Diversifying sort of satisfies the best of both worlds.” [8:14]
“Originality is focused on you having something to say.” [32:37]

Mentioned Resources:

Did Diverse Movies Save the Box Office?

Overused Jokes in Film and TV Dialogue You Should Avoid

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web

https://nofilmschool.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool

Twitter

https://twitter.com/nofilmschool

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turning "You're Not Gonna Make It" into Emmys with Director-Editor Kabir Akhtar Mar 31, 2023

Show notes

Kabir Akhtar is an Emmy award winner who has worked on a long list of TV shows, such as Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Never Have I Ever, and The Sex Lives of College Girls. This accomplished director-editor-producer has directed 45 episodes of TV as of today.

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and Director-Editor, Kabir Akhtar, discuss:

Why Kabir still uses a printed script
Moving to Los Angeles and hearing “no” after “no”
Why post is the most important part of the process
Understanding editing before you start directing
Directing episodes in an existing show versus directing a pilot
The different “languages” you have be able to speak as a director
Editing scenes you directed yourself
Embracing the creative instincts from others on set
The right way to step into your leadership role as a director
Believing in yourself despite the opinions of others

Memorable Quotes

“It’s not really who you know, it’s ultimately who knows you.” [8:29]
“No one is going to the movies to read a script. No one is going to the movies to watch raw footage.” [14:08]
“Fundamentally editing is dark arts. It’s just doing a magic trick all day long.” [20:43]
“It’s better to swing and miss than not swing at all.” [33:06]
“I was completely convinced that it would happen and that it would absolutely never happen.” [56:20]

Mentioned Resources:

Connect with Kabir on Instagram

More about Kabir

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web

https://nofilmschool.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool

Twitter

https://twitter.com/nofilmschool

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Money Episode Mar 30, 2023

Show notes

Should you tell others how much money you make? Should you pay for your own productions? How should you be properly allocating your money?

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

The weird social taboo of not talking about money
Publishing everyone’s day rates out in the open
Advocating for yourself and valuing your work
How having a mentor can change the trajectory of your career
Why profit sharing is tricky
Different ways to invest your money for the future
How working in this industry is a long game marathon
When you should pay for your own passion projects
How community building is so important for your career and finances

Memorable Quotes

“It should be illegal for people to ask you what you’re currently making, because it is irrelevant to what they are currently offering.” [4:35]
“The side hustles are what bridged the gap and paid the rent for me.” [32:45]
“You never know what curveball Hollywood is going to throw at you.” [36:13]
“Spend longer casting than you think you need to.” [43:10]
“Coffee is fancy and delicious.” [49:48]

Mentioned Resources:

How Much Money Do You Need to Survive in Los Angeles

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web

https://nofilmschool.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool

Twitter

https://twitter.com/nofilmschool

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Greenlight Yourself with ‘Wildflower’ Director Mar 24, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever thought about drawing inspiration for your characters, from your own family? How do you accomplish that in a way that protects them while also being true to the story?

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director of Wildflower, Matt Smukler, discuss:

Taking a documentary piece and turning it into a narrative feature
Being as authentic as possible while not losing his family in the process
Knowing immediately who would be casted as the main character
Leaning on the screenwriter and main actress to help him tell a young girl’s story
Not wanting the audience to recognize his director’s hand
Using a feature editor versus a commercial editor
The things he wish he knew before making a feature film
How a game of tennis helped him find a producer
Having his teenage daughter write songs for the film

Memorable Quotes

“I got really really lucky. I had all my first choices in this movie.” [15:05]
“I do feel like, as a family unit, they are all individually these wildflowers who can exist with very little in terms of human intervention in some ways.” [16:13]
“I did want this to feel like it was just happening in sort of real time, in front of us.” [20:02]
“I’d rather be in business with someone who's got the hustle than a bunch of credits.” [33:33]
“Figure out a story that’s got a beginning, middle, and end that you love and just go do it.” [44:20]

Mentioned Resources:

Wildflower is Now Available for Streaming

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web

https://nofilmschool.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool

Twitter

https://twitter.com/nofilmschool

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool

Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tarantino's Last Movie, plus, Surviving Freelance, Anchoring Scripts, and Ronin 4D Flex Mar 23, 2023

Show notes

What does “work-life balance” mean to you? How do you come up with new ideas for projects? Can you believe Tarantino is working on his final film of all time?

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

Freelance Brain - what it is and how to deal with it
How the fear of missing out on opportunities leads us to never taking breaks
The unique yet effective things we do in order to generate new ideas
Having discipline when it comes to setting boundaries with yourself
What we know about Quentin Tarantino’s final film, The Movie Critic
Why it’s hard for us to believe Tarantino will only make 10 movies in his career
DJI’s exciting new camera system, the Ronin 4D Flex
Why the next frontier for technology needs to be affordability

Memorable Quotes

“I’m trying to survive and thrive in a culture that I didn’t dictate or build.” [8:39]
“You can do better work when you’re present and healthy and not anxious and stressed.” [15:53]
“Creativity really thrives within boundaries.” [36:07]
“Why get a stabilizer when you can get a chicken?” [47:09]

Mentioned Resources:

Dolly Parton’s “5 to 9” video

FREE Screenplay Beat Sheet

Tarantino’s Final Film, The Movie Critic

Stabilization Power of Chicken Heads

DJI Ronin 4D Flex

“Green Theme” by Baroness

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web

https://nofilmschool.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool

Twitter

https://twitter.com/nofilmschool

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool

Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Cut Weeks of Shooting and Still Win at Sundance with ‘Mami Wata’ Director C.J. “Fiery” Obasi and Cinematographer Lílis Soares Mar 17, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with director C.J. Obasi and Cinematographer Lílis Soares about the film, Mami Wata. They explain their shared vision in creating a film about people of color. They also share how they dealt with challenges like filming the ocean at night and losing almost three weeks of shooting time. Mami Wata premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival where it won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Cinematography.

In this episode we talk about:

Their intention to shoot a black and white film from day one
Wanting to show the value and beauty of people of color in this film
Being ghosted by the equipment provider on the first day of shooting
Filming for 24 days instead of 6 weeks
Not wanting too many shades of gray
Treating the ocean as another character
How Africans see themselves and portray themselves in film
Leveraging an empathetic gaze versus a sympathetic gaze
Why being patient is key to being in this industry

Memorable Quotes

“It’s a story of sisterhood. It’s a story of mortality versus spirituality. It’s also a story about what it means to be African.” [3:43]
“The eyes of the ocean are everywhere.” [26:41]
“I wanted to do something deeper…something that had more meaning.” [34:34]
“It’s like trying to figure out a jigsaw. When you find that one jigsaw, all the pieces make sense.” [35:38]

Resources:

Find CJ on Instagram

Find Lílis on Instagram

Mami Wata Movie

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web

https://nofilmschool.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool

Twitter

https://twitter.com/nofilmschool

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool

Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Related Podcasts