The No Film School Podcast
No Film School
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 16, 2022 • 57min
Find Out What's Happening to the Streaming Business Model and What's Next in Lenses from Cine Gear
Why safety matters on set…cutting through the glut of streaming content constantly available…the highs and lows of crypto in Hollywood…and unique lenses featured at Cine Gear… In this episode, we talk about…
Sarah Polley’s traumatic experience with director Terry Gilliam
The importance of safety on set and holding people accountable for safety
Culture shift around humane leadership and psychologically safe work environments
How Netflix changed expectations for viewers and how we consume shows
Binging vs. slow drip model and getting your audience to know you exist
The easy access and comforting company of a streaming library
Trying to understand the Hollywood and crypto bubble
Advice around using crypto to finance your film
Details about Cine Gear and the latest attempt at mimicking vintage lenses
Links to Resources: 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/nofilmschool Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 14, 2022 • 48min
Go Inside the Editing of "Top Gun: Maverick"
Editor Eddie Hamilton tells us about cutting Top Gun: Maverick, building his career, and working with Tom Cruise.In this episode, we talk about…
Making the jump from editing shorts to major blockbuster films
Advice for setting your bar high and doing the best work you can possibly do
Ultimate escapism and which movie made Eddie fall in love with the film industry
Whether shooting IMAX footage changes the direction of the story
Little stick jets, iPhones, and other tricks used during filming Maverick
Working with heavy hitters of the film industry and the one-person committee of Tom Cruise
Passion, hard work, and delivering a great night at the movies
Cutting scenes for the big screen and why every second matters
Stress testing scenes to provide an emotional journey for the audience
Reshooting until it’s exactly right to create the perfect movie
Editing tips for filmmakers and helping your audience connect to the characters
Links to Resources: 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/nofilmschool Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 9, 2022 • 38min
Learn From The "Sketchy" Things We Did When We Started Out...
When should you use a contract? Do you know what a deal memo is and how to use one? Tech news about Apple’s M2 processor and words of wisdom for a young filmmaker we wish we’d known 20 years ago… In this episode, we talk about…
Elon Musk’s latest news stunt and who really benefits from contracts
Where ownership by default lies vs. “work for hire”
Differences between contracts vs. deal memos and when to use each
Advice to have contract conversations first and red flags to avoid
Apple’s shockingly powerful new MacBook Air with M2 processor
Ask No Film School: “How can I get my first film out to the public?” “Which microphone should I purchase to record with my phone?”
Options for dual system sound and why sound people always get paid
Suggestions to watch past festival films, use online platforms to share your film, and to always keep making stuff
Remember: Your first film should not be your last—use it as a learning opportunity to get better
Links to Resources: 5 Day Deal Video Creators Bundle 2022 - https://nofilmschool.com/5daydeal2022Find 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/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 7, 2022 • 32min
Make Your Feature by Embracing Fear
Next Exit’s director Mali Elfman recalls the journey of bringing her directorial debut to fruition during the height of the pandemic and how sometimes you have to embrace fear and failure to experience success… In this episode, we talk about…
Taking a film to production after 10 years in development
The beauty of creating a film crew pod during the pandemic
Juggling the triple threat of being a writer, producer, and director
The value of crew members and knowing productions can’t run without PAs
Benefits of being solutions-oriented vs. being a combative director
Prioritizing sleep during filming and shifting away from grind culture
How sharing an unfinished passion project led to Next Exit
Creating a supportive production environment for cast and crew
The need to understand the practicality of how to shoot your film, its budget and constraints
Speaking from your heart and giving yourself permission to embrace failure
Details about the Tribeca Film Festival and hope for what comes next
Links to Resources: Next Exit by Mali Elfman is premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 10 - https://tribecafilm.com/films/next-exit-20225 Day Deal Video Creators Bundle 2022 - https://nofilmschool.com/5daydeal2022Find 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/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 2, 2022 • 42min
What's Your Responsibility as a Filmmaker AND Film-watcher?
What business does the Pentagon have in films? Are filmmakers and film-watchers truly aware of the message they are sending and receiving? Plus details about ARRI’s Alexa 35 and first new sensor in 14 years and Fuji’s new digital camera… In this episode, we talk about…
Recognizing the glorification of violence in America vs. the rest of the world
Acknowledging the need for hierarchy in filmmaking
The Pentagon’s surprising connection to over 2500 films
Responsibility of filmmakers and the audience to be aware of the impact of film
Advice for making decisions about money and which clients and collaborators you’re open to before the offer’s on the table
Handling messages with care and the necessity of research in film
Details about ARRI’s long-awaited release of the new Alexa 35
Fujifilm’s X-H2S and the first collaboration of Fujifilm and Fujinon
Links to Resources: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-05-30/top-gun-maverick-memorial-day-tom-cruise-pentagon-propagandaFind 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/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 31, 2022 • 42min
Film Festival Founders Share How You Can Grow from the Festival Experience
Dances With Films founders Leslee Scallon and Michael Trent join us to discuss the festival's 25 year anniversary, its history and selection process, and how they keep it a festival for filmmakers by filmmakers…In this episode, we talk about…
What led Michael and Leslee to found the Dances With Films Festival
Orion’s cease and desist letter and “Festival of the Unknowns”
Creating a sustainable model by prioritizing film and championing new talent
Why DWF is held in Los Angeles and respect for the film selection process
Acknowledging not all films are good and why filmmakers need to keep practicing
Engaging with new filmmakers and preparing them for the industry
Watching the whole film and looking for the heart when selecting films for DWF
How all films not chosen receive “pass” letters that include positive comments
The challenge of DWF’s programming and how it’s evolved over the years
Links to Resources: Dances with Films - https://danceswithfilms.com/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/nofilmschool Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 26, 2022 • 34min
Do Movie Stars Still Matter for Indie Filmmakers?
Is Tom Cruise the last movie star? Can you make an indie film without a celebrity? The never-ending challenge of finding your audience, casting unknowns who are the right fit, and Sirui’s affordable anamorphics…In this episode, we talk about…
Defining what it means to really be a movie star
Whether franchise movies mean less power for actors
Letting CGI Stan Lee live in Marvel movies forever
Measuring success and significance in the film industry and media
Pre-digital effects feelings and the different joys actors bring
Tom Cruise vs. Tyler Perry and how Tyler Perry is the modern Charlie Chaplin
Why indie films no longer need a big celebrity who’re trying to be serious
The challenge of finding an audience interested in your work
Recognizing that different people scale to different size screens
Benefits of casting the actor who’s good and right for the part
Sirui’s affordable lenses and the growing lens space
Links to Resources: 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/nofilmschool Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 19, 2022 • 28min
Will This Be James Cameron's WATERloo?
Avatar is back after a long layoff since it changed the game. What can it offer filmmaking and audiences now? In this episode, we talk about…
Memorable dialogue, characters, and stories of other James Cameron movies vs. Avatar
Whether Avatar 2 can bridge the 13 year technology gap since the first release
Regarding Henry and shutting down production over cheap caviar
Consummate craftsman vs. self-destructive tendencies
H&Y’s new Revoring’s surprisingly user-friendly magnetic filter setup
Links to Resources: 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/nofilmschool Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 17, 2022 • 38min
How This Writing Team Got Their First Feature (With a Little Help From This Podcast!)
Aviary writers Jennifer Raite and Chris Cullari explain how a prior interview from the No Film School Podcast helped them connect with their lead actress and how to create an egoless partnership that producers want to work with…In this episode, we talk about…
Producing a film during COVID with a little less than 14 days to shoot
Fielding a cast who’s down for the film’s size, location, and shooting schedule
What it’s like working with actors who help move production forward easily
Writing a script that’s achievable even with significant limitations
Creating a horror film focused on new information vs. new kills
The power of collaboration and advice for putting ego aside
Studying other films and directors like studying game footage for athletes
Suggestions for getting your first feature made and the value of establishing relationships within the industry
Learning when, where, and how to put your foot down and pushback for the story
Links to Resources: The Aviary - https://www.amazon.com/Aviary-Malin-Akerman/dp/B09KG7ZF3QMalin’s Interview on NFS Podcast - https://nofilmschool.com/malin-akerman-chick-fightFind 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/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 12, 2022 • 55min
The Problem with TV, The Cat People's Narrative, And a Tool That Finally Crosses the Streams
A journey from Georgia to Middle Earth…why you should protect and insure your gear…Have streamers broken TV? DJI’s new drone and MASV’s massive ability to share large video files… In this episode, we talk about…
Camera theft and reselling a path to bigger dreams
The Cat Person narrative and who gets to tell the story
Vice’s article addressing two worldviews of showrunning
Film industry’s apprenticeship problem and how writers rooms don’t need to be hell
A life of continual growth vs. the delusion you have finally arrived
The issue of paying people for 22 episode seasons vs. 6 episode seasons
How DJI’s new 249 gram Mini drone skirts the law
Drawbacks of sharing video files and benefits of using MASV (Massive.io)
How MASV crosses WiFi streams and backwards rigging tools for film
Links to Resources: Cat Person Story - https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/12/11/cat-personVice Story - https://www.vice.com/en/article/epxeze/television-is-in-a-showrunning-crisis 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/nofilmschool Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


