The No Film School Podcast No Film School

Becoming an editor is more than just learning software and improving your skills. You must listen intently, speak up for yourself, and seek guidance and feedback from others with more experience.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s Grant Vance speaks with editors J. Kathleen Gibson, Joaquin Elizondo, Shelly Westerman, and Payton Koch to discuss:

Their journeys to become editors

All the things Shelly taught Payton as his mentor

Starting as an assistant editor and learning from others

Putting yourself out there and communicating what your goals are 

Paying it forward - helping their assistant editors grow and succeed

Working across different genres

Having over 50 hours of footage for a 30-minute show

Responding positively to notes you disagree with

Why you need to be a good listener if you want to be an editor



Memorable Quotes

“Part of what interests me is to be challenged and stretched and do something I haven’t done before.” [18:05]

“A lot of editing is feeling. You have to be empathetic and go with your gut.” [20:38]

“If people know what you want to do and what you’re interested in, most likely they are going to give you an opportunity.” [36:18]

“Be completely tuned into the world. Listen. Pay attention. Bring all that to your projects.” [38:42]



Mentioned
The Morning Show

Griselda  

Only Murders in the Building


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

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)  


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

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  


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

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? 


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

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


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

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

Is This the Tool Filmmakers Need to Find Their Audience?

Short: Tall Dark and Handsome

Short: The Orgy

Short: YES, DADDY

Follow Sam on IG

Follow Madison on IG




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