The No Film School Podcast

Have you ever wondered how you can make your niche documentary appealing to a wider audience? Jon Weinbach, a sports documentary filmmaker, shares his techniques on how to do that very thing.In this episode, we talk about… What influenced Jon to pursue documentary filmmaking His background as a journalist for the Wall Street Journal Jon’s journey with sports docs such as 30 for 30 and The Last Dance The Redeem Team, a film about the 2008 U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball team Developing a deeper narrative to the basketball film Interview techniques - be authentic and ask new questions Pitching the documentary to the Netflix executives Mentioned in the episode:The Redeem Team on Netflix30 for 30The Last DanceFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool Twitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschool YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolGet your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your confidence is low and so is your bank account. You are lacking work opportunities and need consistent work. In this episode, we discuss the steps you need to take to overcome this common struggle.In this episode, we talk about… Using A.I. voice generators for iconic characters instead of going for a fresh take Weird casting traditions on TV shows of the past Tom Hanks’ debut novel, The Making of Another Motion Picture Masterpiece What we think Hanks’ best films are Being a movie slut - loving movies so much you can’t choose the “best” one Maintaining the wide-eyed excitement for movies Eliminating shame and self-judgment  Memorable Quotes“It is interesting to think about the negotiation process of turning yourself over to a specific corporate entity.” [10:58]“Movies are like pizza, you can find something delicious in almost every one of them.” [40:15]“All of us forever, forever, at all levels, are just taking whatever work we can get and hoping to do cool shit next.” [41:28]Mentioned in the episode:Hanks announced the release of his upcoming novelFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool Twitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschool YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolGet your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Greg Mottola, director of Superbad, Adventureland, and new film Confess,Fletch. Greg discusses how to navigate gatekeepers, his experiences working with great comedic talent, and today’s challenges within the film industry.In this episode, we talk about… Greg’s experience working on various television series, such as Arrested Development Staying confident when projects do not catch up in the mainstream How artists can survive financially and mentally in this tough industry The streaming industry and how it has changed the financial model Directing the films Superbad and Adventureland The differences between the original Fletch and Confess, Fletch Sneaking social commentary into comedy movies Mentioned in the episode:Confess, Fletch - Available streaming and in theatersFletch - Original 1985 filmSuperbadAdventurelandFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool Twitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschool YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolGet your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are sex scenes a necessary part of the plot in your projects? If so, then there are ways to be intentional when filming these parts. Everyone will feel comfortable and you will get a great scene in the process.In this episode, we talk about… The premiere of The People’s Joker at the Toronto International Film Festival Classic indie films versus the “out there” indie films Intimacy Coordinators and the benefits to having one on set Being intentional and mindful in shooting sex scenes Feeling overwhelmed by infinite possibilities when starting a new project Not following the trend when developing your next project Being committed to the hard parts of a project means you will see it through to completion Mentioned in the episode:The People’s JokerLos Angeles Plays ItselfHouse of the DragonFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool Twitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschool YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolGet your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Filmmakers want to present our craft to the world, and that craft is made with a particular vision. Sometimes sticking to this vision means we will lose out on other opportunities. Comedian and filmmaker, Jerrod Carmichael, explains why he is willing to take that risk.In this episode, we talk about… Stand-up comedy and how it is an immediate art form Developing thick skin from being a stand-up comedian Getting the plug pulled on a major project How his film, On the Count of Three, melds comedy with darkness and honesty Jerrod’s perspective on what a film’s premise should be Protecting the main idea of a film - Keep the idea intact His multiple roles on the set of his film The premiere of his film at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival Mentioned in the episode:On the Count of ThreeLicorice PizzaFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool Twitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschool YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolGet your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just because something is different doesn’t mean it is wrong. Sometimes “breaking the rules” is precisely what makes films so great. In this episode, we talk about… Famous French-Swiss filmmaker, Jean-Luc Godard  The unique perspective French filmmakers brought to the industry in the mid-1900s Jean-Luc Godard and his malicious compliance to “the rules” in filmmaking Being careful in the edit room - Don’t fall in love with the temp score A list of Godard films to watch for those who are unfamiliar with his work How one needs to consider context when crossing the line in film The problem with flat fee distributors Mentioned in the episode:Jean-Luc GodardContemptAlphavilleWeekendMasculin Feminin2 or 3 Things I Know About HerFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool Twitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschool YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolGet your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Visit https://nordvpn.com/nofilmschool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most filmmakers don’t have the resources to make a film turn out exactly the way we plan, but if we can apply the “Judo-style of Filmmaking,” we can still create wonderful projects. Filmmaker Petr Jakl explains how he applied this approach to the new film, Medieval, starring Ben Foster and Michael Caine.In this episode, we talk about… What made Petr decide to make the film about famous Czech military leader - Jan Žižka Re-writing the script and getting the script to big actors such as Ben Foster and Michael Caine Working with Caine and developing friendship with the actor Trying to have no big expectations for the film’s release How shooting the film was “the most brutal experience” of Petr’s life The various challenges that arose during specific battle scenes How Petr’s Judo training helped him overcome the challenges of filming  Mentioned in the episode:MedievalJan ŽižkaFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool Twitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschool YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Visit https://nordvpn.com/nofilmschool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For those working in the entertainment industry, it is important to learn how to: hire, manage, and fire.In this episode, we talk about… Looking to collaborate with people who can properly deliver on projects When evaluating potential hires, ask yourself these questions: Is their type of work the right work for THIS project? Is their work style the right work style for ME ? Hiring slowly and firing quickly Giving feedback and asking for feedback Having the right attitude - Be willing to learn and improve Comparing the new Fuji X-H2 and the Fuji X-H2S that released earlier this year The affordable anamorphic lens set by Atlas Lens Co  Mentioned in the episode:Fujifilm X-H2 cameraAtlas Mercury 1.5X Anamorphic LensesFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool Twitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschool YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Visit https://nordvpn.com/nofilmschool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by Jessica Thompson whose feature film, The Light of the Moon, won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Film at the SXSW Film Festival in 2017. Thompson explains how she got started in the film industry and shares her approach to choosing projects to work on.In this episode, we talk about… Being influenced by her favorite filmmakers - She decided to start her career as an editor Moving from Australia to New York City for better opportunities in the film industry Thompson’s approach to projects - She only does projects she is truly passionate about Managing nerves before pitching for a script and dealing with disappointment if the pitch is rejected How Thompson pitched five times before getting hired to direct the film The Invitation  Taking acting classes to help her better understand and communicate with the actors she works with What specific approach Thompson applies during rehearsal time Mentioned in the episode:Jessica M Thompson - FilmographyFilm: The InvitationFilm: The Light of the Moon The Four AgreementsFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool Twitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschool YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Vist https://nordvpn.com/nofilmschool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by legendary filmmaker, Joe Dante, who directed movies like Gremlins, The Howling, and Innerspace. A true cinephile, Joe shares his experiences of working with great collaborators such as Spielberg and Corman. He also explains that while filmmaking has changed since he started, newer filmmakers still have the opportunity to create great films. In this episode, we talk about… Working for Roger Corman at the beginning of Joe’s career How Joe first became a “film nut” The influence cartoons had on his films Adding his naturally fragmented personality to each of his films When working on studio films, it can be difficult to be expressive Exposing more people to great films that are underappreciated or underseen New filmmakers can accomplish a lot, even with little financial resources Mentioned in the episode:Trailers from HellJoe’s Podcast - The Movies That Made MeJoe’s Curated List of Monstrous Mayhem - September 3 on Shout Factory TV Find No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool Twitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschool YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Vist https://nordvpn.com/nofilmschool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices