The No Film School Podcast

No Film School
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  • TV & FILM
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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.

  1. 1D AGO

    The Art of Iteration with Pixar’s Pete Docter

    This week on the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins sits down with Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios and the visionary behind films like Monsters, Inc., Up, Inside Out, and Soul. The conversation dives deep into the creative process behind Pixar’s latest original feature Elio, and how Pixar’s iterative storytelling model has evolved over the years. Pete shares actionable insights on how filmmakers—whether working at a major studio or independently—can embrace change, vulnerability, and creative discovery to build resonant stories. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Pete Docter discuss... How Pete Docter chose Pixar over Disney and The Simpsons early in his career The iterative story process at Pixar and how it has shaped Elio The importance of balancing imaginative worlds with relatable emotional storytelling How Pixar greenlights projects by betting on people rather than ideas The evolving leadership strategies that support creativity and collaboration Why vulnerability is key to character empathy and story resonance How emerging filmmakers can use these Pixar principles in their own work Memorable Quotes: "Go to a small place where one person has a huge effect." "Every idea is good until you have to tell it to somebody else." "At some point, it is more about tenacity than talent." "Don't try to make and analyze at the same time." Guests: Pete Docter Resources: Pixar’s Elio Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram 📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min

  2. JUN 6

    Found Footage with Bite: Tribeca-Premiering ‘Man Finds Tape’

    Filmmakers Peter Hall and Paul Gandersman join No Film School's GG Hawkins to discuss their chilling feature debut Man Finds Tape, premiering in the “Escape from Tribeca” section at the 2025 Tribeca Festival. The Texas-based writer-director duo explores their found-footage horror hybrid, rooted in documentary realism and intimate character drama. They dive deep into the film’s decade-long evolution, DIY production tactics, narrative experimentation, and the collaborative scrappiness that made their micro-budget creature feature resonate on a grand scale. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss: How a shelved podcast idea evolved into a Tribeca-premiering feature film Using documentary experience to inform a found-footage horror aesthetic Why keeping a tight creative circle allowed for fast, agile production decisions Shooting scenes with GoPros and iPhones for final edits—and why it works Casting actors willing to dive into a highly iterative, experimental process Crafting practical and VFX-driven creature moments that elevate low-budget horror Editing techniques that treat the narrative as a real documentary-in-progress How found footage can stay emotionally grounded and narratively justified Memorable Quotes: "There cannot be a point at which the audience says, why are they still filming?" "We were willing to let it sound like shit in parts, and it ended up not having to." "We threw out a lot of the lavs and just used on-camera MiniDV audio. It felt 10 times more real." "What we make is not Peter’s voice or my voice—it’s a third voice." Guests: Peter S. Hall Paul Gandersman Resources: Man Finds Tape at Tribeca XYZ Films Boards Tribeca Horror Feature Man Finds Tape Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram 📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min

  3. JUN 5

    Filmmaking Lessons from a Married Directing Team

    In this episode, GG Hawkins is joined by writer-director duo (and real-life couple) David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano to discuss their new film I Don’t Understand You, a genre-bending dark comedy starring Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells. The film follows a couple on a babymoon in Italy that spirals into chaos and violence. Craig and Crano share their process of fictionalizing their own adoption journey, balancing collaboration as married filmmakers, and navigating international co-productions. They also dive into the mechanics of shooting stunts, working with passionate collaborators, and sustaining a creative life while parenting. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano discuss... How personal experiences shaped the emotionally charged and comedic tone of I Don’t Understand You Transitioning from individual careers in acting and theater to collaborative filmmaking Tips for making international co-productions smoother, especially in Italy The logistics and artistry of filming stunts that are both shocking and funny Balancing parenting and directing, and how being a parent reshapes storytelling instincts Hiring passionate collaborators to elevate areas where you may feel less confident Why directors should consider editing or DP paths for a more sustainable career Memorable Quotes: "My films are like my ex-wives — I'm glad they exist and I never want to see them again." "We just decided early that on set, we would shoot everything and figure it out after." "Directing is like being eaten by crows — no one wants all of you, but everyone wants three bites." "Hire the people who are most passionate about the job you're most insecure about." Guests: David Joseph Craig on IMDb David’s Instagram Brian Crano on IMDb Brian’s Instagram Resources: I Don’t Understand You — In theaters June 6 - Get Ticket Now I Don’t Understand You Trailer I Don’t Understand You on Instagram Articles on stunts and filmmaking at No Film School Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram  📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min

  4. MAY 30

    Coppola Told Me: Shoot It on Your Phone

    In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins welcomes back filmmaker Janek Ambros to dive deep into the wild origin and evolution of his second feature film, Mondo Hollywoodland. The conversation spans everything from a life-changing phone call with Francis Ford Coppola to the chaotic, experimental production process of an iPhone-shot psychedelic satire. Ambros shares how a rogue spirit, a skeleton crew, and the mantra "just make something" powered his creative journey. He also discusses the challenges of distribution, finding a cult audience, and why the edit room is his happy place. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Janek Ambros discuss... How Francis Ford Coppola inspired the DIY ethos behind Mondo Hollywoodland Why the film is more of a spiritual successor than a direct sequel to the 1967 cult doc Mondo Hollywood The experimental, no-crew production process using an iPhone and real locations Casting friends and local oddballs to match the film’s bizarre, countercultural tone How the film’s editing and narrator shape its chaotic narrative Navigating COVID-era distribution and marketing challenges Ambros’s dual approach to career-building: make art, but also think commercially Why learning to produce is essential for emerging filmmakers Memorable Quotes: "You should just make a movie with your iPhone with your friends if you don’t have money." "We didn’t have a cinematographer. We have a camera op. That’s really it." "It was just totally the freest form of filmmaking." "Editing is definitely my favorite part of filmmaking. Everything else is a necessary evil just to edit." Guests: Janek Ambros Resources: More from NFS x Janek Screening Tickets – June 8, 6 p.m. at Lumineer Music Hall, Beverly Hills Mondo Hollywoodland on Letterboxd Assembly Line Entertainment on Instagram: @assemblylineent,  Mondo Hollywoodland on Instagram: @mondohollywoodland Janek on Twitter: @janekambros88 Assembly Line Entertainment on Twitter: @assemblylineent Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram  📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min

  5. MAY 29

    Real Talk on Film Finance, Distribution, and Pre-Sales

    This episode of the No Film School Podcast is a deep dive into the often opaque world of film finance, distribution, and foreign pre-sales. GG Hawkins hosts the episode and is joined by filmmakers Stephen Cedars and Benji Kleiman, as well as special guest Mike Chapman from Bluefinch Films. Together, they explore what it takes to get a film made and sold in today’s unpredictable global market. From debunking myths about foreign pre-sales to discussing how to attract investors and get your film noticed at festivals, this is an essential listen for indie filmmakers navigating the post-production and sales process. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss... The harsh realities of the current acquisitions and distribution market Why understanding distribution from the beginning helps you fund your movie The value (and limitations) of foreign pre-sales and cast attachments What sales agents look for in a pitch, and how to present a compelling deck Why comps in pitch decks can be misleading or counterproductive Navigating film festivals and markets like Cannes, Berlin, and Toronto effectively Practical tips for raising money without burning out or making costly mistakes Memorable Quotes: “Nobody knows anything in the film industry.” “Every birth is a miracle. Editors are midwives. We could really keep this metaphor going.” “You’ve got to be bold. If it just feels like a lower-budget version of something the studio’s making, they’ll just watch the studio version.” “If it is a good film, it will find a way to cut through.” Guests: Mike Chapman (Bluefinch Films) Stephen Cedars Benji Kleiman Resources: Blue Finch Film Releasing The Wolfpack Deadstream Hundreds of Beavers Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram 📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 8m

  6. MAY 24

    A First-Timer’s Guide to the Cannes Film Festival

    On this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins is reporting live from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival alongside a vibrant panel of first-time attendees. Filmmakers Stephen Cedars and Benji Kleiman, and producer Lexi Tannenholtz reflect on the chaos, surprises, and serendipity of navigating Cannes for the first time. From deciphering the market to running into unexpected industry contacts, they explore the overwhelming yet exhilarating world of one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. This episode is packed with practical advice for emerging filmmakers hoping to make the most of a trip to Cannes. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss... What it means to “have a movie” at Cannes and the nuances between screening, sales, and market presence How the Cannes Film Festival is actually multiple events in one—red carpets, markets, pavilions, and more The unique experience of The Marché du Film and what it teaches about global film distribution Serendipitous encounters and the power of just showing up prepared and open to connection The social dynamics of the festival and why dressing the part can be as important as showing up Tips for navigating Cannes for first-timers—from parties to planning to staying present The balance between networking and being respectful in professional interactions Memorable Quotes: "I feel like I've learned more in the last six days than I have in the last six years." "Prepare yourself for good luck.” "Don’t try to get an apple tree on day one of planting the seed." "The festival is a celebration of art, but the market is all business." Guests: Stephen Cedars Benji Kleiman Lexi Tannenholtz Resources: Goodside: Affordable housing for filmmakers at major festivals Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram 📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min

  7. MAY 23

    From Marcel to Stitch: Dean Fleischer Camp on Protecting Your Character’s Soul

    Dean Fleischer Camp, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, joins GG Hawkins on this episode of the No Film School Podcast to discuss his journey from indie auteur to directing Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch. Camp delves into the emotional and technical challenges of maintaining character integrity, scaling up production, and bringing heart and authenticity to a beloved IP. From personal anecdotes about his early filmmaking days to deep dives into character animation and working with child actors, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring filmmakers and animation fans alike. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Dean Fleischer Camp discuss... How Dean’s background in editing and indie filmmaking shaped his directorial approach The creative transition from Marcel the Shell to Lilo & Stitch Capturing the emotional depth and soul of Stitch in a live-action format The importance of involving original creators in adaptations Directing child actors and creating real interactions with animated characters The casting and character development of Nani, Lilo's sister Practical advice for emerging filmmakers navigating their first projects Memorable Quotes: “Even the most exacting director... gets like 30% of what they set out to get exactly in their mind’s eye.” “You can feed the animated Stitch through the live-action machine... but if you don’t put any care into it, it actually has the opposite effect.” “Don’t wait for permission to make something... That’s an order.” Guest: Dean Fleischer Camp Mentioned in this episode: Experience Camps Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram  📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min

  8. MAY 8

    Why Regional Films and Fests are Essential

    In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman tackle breaking news, unpacking President Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made films and what it could mean for the future of Hollywood. Then, GG takes us to the heart of indie filmmaking with a vibrant live conversation from Cinema Columbus, where filmmakers Michael Polk, Sam Dunning, and Kelsey Lea Jones share war stories, festival lessons, and the power of regional cinema in a shifting industry. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guests discuss... The implications of Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign film and TV productions How international tax incentives affect where Hollywood makes movies The economic and cultural risks of isolating American film audiences The live indie filmmaking experience from Cinema Columbus The production and festival journeys of “Canoe Dig It” and “Say As I Say” Creative strategies for self-distribution and building regional audiences How unexpected moments during indie shoots add authenticity and charm Memorable Quotes: "You don't need to jail artists to silence them. You just make their work impossible to afford." "Let’s solve this problem with a real solution and not just with bluster." "If you can't give indie filmmakers money, the most valuable other thing you can do is to rate and review our movies." "We just don't want it to disappear… even if we don't make a dime." Guests: Michael Polk Sam Dunning Kelsey Lea Jones Resources: Canoe Dig it? Say As I Say No Film School: What Do Studio Heads Have to Say About The Hollywood Tariffs? Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram  📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 7m
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4.5
out of 5
417 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    No Film School
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    865
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The No Film School Podcast

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