The No Film School Podcast Why Dating—and Making a Second Feature—Drives Us a Little Crazy
This episode of the No Film School Podcast features GG Hawkins in conversation with writer-director Sophie Brooks, whose new film Oh, Hi! hits theaters nationwide on July 25, 2025. The film, starring Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman, explores the chaotic, vulnerable, and often hilariously painful world of romantic relationships. Sophie shares her journey of getting from her debut feature The Boy Downstairs to Oh, Hi!, a second feature that took nearly a decade to realize. They discuss the struggles of indie filmmaking, casting chemistry, writing complex characters, and what it truly means to create art that reflects personal truths.
In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Sophie Brooks discuss...
-
Why it took nine years to make a second feature
-
How writing with an actor in mind (Molly Gordon) shaped the character of Iris
-
The challenges and unexpected benefits of filming during/post-COVID
-
How Sophie and her DP crafted a romantic, evolving visual style
-
Writing unlikable yet deeply relatable characters
-
Securing financing when nothing seems to go right
-
The mental toll and unexpected joys of the post-production process
Memorable Quotes:
-
"I try really hard as a filmmaker. I try really hard with my friends...but I just want something. Is that so bad?"
-
"You can feel so confident...but it's scary when you haven't done a part of the job in a long time."
-
"There's a big difference between compromising and settling."
-
"I didn’t believe the movie was happening until I was on set."
Guest:
Resources:
Find No Film School everywhere:
-
📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices