The No Film School Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Is There Anything Left in the Superhero Genre to Explore? Jan 21, 2021

Show notes

This week on The No Film School Podcast: Twitter gets testy about Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World... but Russell Crowe fights back. The Amazon series The Boys takes on the superhero genre (successfully) and we discuss how trying your hand at the genre is may not be the worst idea. Also: did Chinese producers rip off IP with the recent The Fault In Our Stars knockoff that conquered the 2020 box office.

In Tech News: can you make an artificial sun for a thousand bucks? And does it look any good? YouTuber DIY Perks has an answer. Additionally in Tech News: the new, upgraded WiFi 6.

*Note: Please excuse any minor issues in our audio.*

Please email us any questions at ask@nofilmschool.com!

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How to Work Your Way Up at a Production Company Until You Direct Your Debut Feature Jan 19, 2021

Show notes

Howard Barish formed the production company Kandoo Films in 1992 and he gave Ava DuVernay her start, executive producing her first narrative features. He then went on to produce the acclaimed documentary 13th with her as well. This process inspired Barish's right hand man, Michael Nell to write a feature called Blindfire.

Nell's script tackles the murky intersection of race and police with the story of a hostage situation gone wrong. Barish liked the script so much, he couldn't say no.

Nell and Barish join us to talk about their controversial new film and how they both navigated Hollywood to get to where they are.

Blindfire is out now on VOD.

*Note: we apologize for any imperfections in our audio. This podcast was recorded remotely.*

Please email us any questions at ask@nofilmschool.com!

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Is Quentin Tarantino Giving Us Bad Career Advice? Jan 14, 2021

Show notes

This week on the No Film School Podcast: HBO Max's strange new way of handling residuals, Tarantino's rallying cry to screenwriters to stop worrying about getting staffed on TV shows and write more specs, and the NFL's new adoption of "indie" camera setups.

In Tech News, we discuss Sony's innovative entrée into the drone market.

For Ask No Film School, what advice do we have on crowdfunding? (Plenty.) Enjoy!

*Note: Please excuse the issues in our audio, it sounds bad at the very beginning but goes away shortly thereafter.*

Please email us any questions at ask@nofilmschool.com!

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Can Cinema Make You Immortal? A Deep Chat With 'Dick Johnson Is Dead' Creator Kirsten Johnson Jan 12, 2021

Show notes

Kirsten Johnson is a filmmaker who is pushing the limits of the form. Her latest feature, Dick Johnson Is Dead, is a documentary/experimental film about her father's struggle with dementia and his imminent demise. Our talk with Kirsten is wide-ranging and she is quick to turn the tables on the interview and talk about George. But we promise you this is no self-indulgent therapy session, it's a thorough examination of why we tell stories and how we grieve those closest to us. We also discuss the necessity of "humanizing" the crew members on a set and how whatever camera you shoot on is a beautiful and historic artifact. Make sure you're sitting down for this one -- it gets real.

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Did Patty Jenkins Try to Save 'Wonder Woman'? Jan 07, 2021

Show notes

This week on the No Film School Podcast, we talk about Patty Jenkin's comments on the first Wonder Woman film, and we have thoughts about it. Joined this week by Katherine Tolentino, we also discuss the Golden Globes' regulations that are preventing Minari from getting the recognition and press it deserves. Plus, a few Tech News bits and we talk about a new film showcase of Bay Area filmmakers co-founded by Katherine! Hope you enjoy.

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The Producers of 'Black Bear' Tell You What It Really Takes To Make a Legit Indie Film Jan 05, 2021

Show notes

Meet Julie Christeas and Jonny Blitstein, leaders of the independent film studio Tandem Pictures whose most recent success story is the genre-bending Black Bear, starring Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbot. The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2020 and it is out now on streaming platforms everywhere. We talk about their "Sundance or bust" strategy and why it's important to not only have a plan B, but plans "A through J." Also, how to brave the mind-boggling puzzles of day-to-day line producing, and how it feels to have CAA embrace your film in its finished form. Enjoy this deep dive into the process of producing unique and impactful movies!

*Note: we apologize for the issues in some of the audio of the episode; it was recorded remotely.*

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How Writer-Director Tara Miele Brought Her Passion Project 'Wander Darkly' to Life Dec 30, 2020

Show notes

Tara Miele had a student film project premiere at Slamdance twenty years ago... and she's had a long and fascinating road to get to Sundance in 2020 with her feature Wander Darkly, starring Sienna Miller and Diego Luna. We talk about how Time's Up and Me Too saved her life, allowing her to be accepted in the industry as a professional filmmaker. She's juggled her family life with her career and made great sacrifices in order to carve out time to write her films. After doing micro-budget films and directing for television, she managed to bring this very personal and inspiring story to life. Enjoy!

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Why ScriptHop Will Help Get Your Screenplay Read By the Right People Dec 29, 2020

Show notes

Have you ever thought 'Gee, I have this great script but it's impossible to get agents, managers and producers to read the damn thing'? Well, so have the brains behind the new online service ScriptHop.

On this podcast episode, we welcome Script Hop co-founders Brian Austin and Scott Foster as well as casting director Jory Weitz who serves as Director of Industry Relations. The team details their innovative 'packet' which presents your story and script to the reader in an engaging, interactive way. It allows your work to stand out; tailored to people like agents and assistants who simply don't have time to read your script front to back.

Don't dismiss this valuable tool that could get your screenplay actually read by someone that could get the movie made -- and believe us, that is one of the hardest things to accomplish in this industry. Enjoy!

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What Is Up with Tom Cruise and Why Did His COVID Regulation Tirade Seem Fake? Dec 24, 2020

Show notes

For this week on the No Film School Podcast: the uncanny, performative nature of Tom Cruise as evidenced by his controversial on-set rant about breaking COVID regulations. Also, how the acclaimed second season finale of 'The Mandalorian' circumvented the perils of fan service. In Tech News, RED offers new firmware that enables autofocus for the Komodo. And for Ask No Film School, how to light dark spaces well and understand the concept of “contrast” writ large. Enjoy and happy holidays!

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Why Disney's New Wave of Content Matters (For Better or Worse) Dec 17, 2020

Show notes

This week on the No Film School Podcast: Disney unveils its new slate of upcoming shows and we discuss the importance of sound in honor of Sound Week here at NoFilmSchool.com. In Tech News, Xelmus announces new, notably eye-catching anamorphic primes. And for Ask No Film School, we answer a question about when and when not to curb your ambitious screenplay idea for consideration of production. Enjoy!

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