The No Film School Podcast

There are those who write films and those who direct films. Today’s guest, Dean Craig was responsible for both roles in the recent film, The Estate. Craig, also known for writing Death at a Funeral, explains his process for both writing and directing.In this episode, we talk about… HBO denying his original script How having an appealing actor is a big piece of the puzzle Finding joy in the creative writing process Going back to first principles when facing obstacles Working on Death at a Funeral with director Frank Oz Being drawn to the challenges of being a director Appreciating the collaborative art of filmmaking Being a filter as well as the decision maker Memorable Quotes“Trying to create an eclectic range of eccentric characters and then bring them together and see what happens” [8:56]“I remember being four days in and thinking ‘This is not a job for one person.’” [15:59]“I really feel like the script is there and it’s there for everybody else to bring their expertise, talent, and brilliance to it.” [19:20]Mentioned in the episode:The Estate Death at a FuneralFind 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

If you have a short film that you want to get out to the world, you need to consider Shortverse. This platform offers filmmaker specific features that you won’t find anywhere else. In this episode, we speak to Andrew Allen and Jason Sondhi, founders of this incredible platform for emerging filmmakers.In this episode, we talk about… Supporting short films for over 15 years with Short of the Week The reason they created Shortverse Facilitating relationships between creators and industry professionals Numerous features such as: search filters, review system, and more. Interesting trends in the short film market The number one thing the industry is looking for in films Memorable Quotes“We’ve always thought of short film as this really powerful experimental media where filmmakers can really find their voice.” [4:44]“Imagine a platform that was built for emerging filmmakers to get their work out there, to connect with people.” [14:07]Reach for the thing that is fresh, that is new, that is risky and great. Rather than trying to cover your basis by creating something that is good and broadly accomplished.” [47:56]Mentioned in the episode:Short of the WeekShortverseFind 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

Two of the biggest names in the industry, Tony Kushner and Steven Spielberg, collaborate on a film about Spielberg’s early life. Tony shares what it has been like to work with Spielberg over the years. The film, "The Fabelmans" is in limited release Nov 11 and everywhere Nov 23.In this episode, we talk about… Being fascinated by Steven Spielberg’s life story How filmmaking helped to protect Spielberg as a youth by giving him control Working together on films such as Munich and West Side Story Battling one another during filmmaking Recognizing when he can’t convince Spielberg and trusting his judgment Keeping everyone focused on the outcome A particular scene of The Fabelman’s - Spielberg’s genius idea Memorable Quotes“Because I think that’s the extraordinary thing about art, both for audiences and for artists. It’s a dream. But it has real life meaning and sometimes real life consequences.” [3:55]“There’s a flash of insight that he has and it feels somewhat, kinda superhuman to me.” [5:50]“Filming things is like a second nature to him…I think he makes things difficult for himself, to keep himself excited.” [9:55]"Steven is very open to the experiences of other human beings.” [11:39]Mentioned in the episode:The Fabelman’sFind 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

Writing screenplays in our present time is challenging for a variety of reasons. There is more competition, lack of mentors, and less avid readers out there. In this episode, we cover what you should do as a screenplay writer when facing these challenges.In this episode, we talk about… Websites for screenwriting advice - The Black List and Wordplayer The cardinal sin of sending an unsolicited screenplay Making an effort to be better, more avid readers Advocating for your own material and overcoming the network effects  Why you need to be a person that people like The many reasons to love Fuji Film  Choosing a camera based on workflow integration and body ergonomics Switching from Twitter to Mastodon Memorable Quotes“If the screenplay is good enough, lock it in a drawer, and someone will come find it.” [2:09]“With every script, you have to decide…am I passionately trying to get this made? Or is this a spec to take me somewhere else?” [7:55]“With clarity of goal and purpose, steps after, start to become clearer.” [11:17]“Get in the arena and make the connections.” [24:23]Mentioned in the episode:The Black ListWordplayerFujifilm X-T5MastodonFind 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

In today’s episode, we talk to director Parker Finn and cinematographer Charlie Sarroff about working together on the set of horror film, Smile. They share their special process of creating the film. Smile is in theaters now!In this episode, we talk about… Parker looking for the right “partner in crime” to make the film with How Parker’s short spread like wildfire Selling the pitch to Paramount Pictures Using cinematic language to work toward themes of the story Why Parker prefers a shot list over a storyboard What influenced the camera choice Thinking about the audience and what the film is doing to them Mentioned in the episode:Smile 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/nofilmschoolGet your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s smart to figure out the box you want to be in, since the industry is going to put you in a box anyway. Then you need to learn to appreciate your time in that box. In this episode, we talk about… James Gunn, director of Guardians of the Galaxy, running the superhero division of DC Showing up for others and celebrating their successes with them The SONY A7R V and its unique AI feature How Artificial Intelligence is getting nuts The number one thing that makes a spec fail Why making a simple spec is hard Memorable Quotes“One person’s success is not your failure.” [13:19]“Your goal with a spec, is that it should feel like a real commercial. It should trick people in an agency into thinking it’s a real spot.” [28:58]“Product work is a very specific universe.” [33:43]“Arrested development is phenomenal, but there's a gift in being able to do Seinfeld.” [39:48]Mentioned in the episode:Sony A7R VJames Gunn - CEO of DC StudiosFind 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

Horror is best when it's balanced. It’s like baking, if one ingredient is off, it doesn't work. Teenage filmmaker, Jessica Nipperess, shares how she created the film, Devil Bean.In this episode, we talk about… Why Jessica is drawn to film festivals The Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera and the difference it made for shooting The main challenges in directing Devil Bean  Feeling emotionally disconnected from a script written by someone else Using original music to help tell the story of a film Post production and the many changes made to the film  Tapping into serious horrors that are helpful to the world Memorable Quotes“Films have always been like a chance to learn more about filmmaking through the experience of learning it.” [5:02]“This is what the film will be like, but less pigs and more coffee.” [18:56 ]“Horror is like a playground where we put out all of our fears and anxieties, and explore them in a way that feels safe and makes sense to us.” [25:42]Mentioned in the episode:Jessica NipperessDevil BeanFind 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

You win some and you lose some. This is what happens when there are shifts in the industry, and AI is bringing with it a major shift.In this episode, we talk about… Shortverse - The place filmmakers, industry pros, and fans of short film can connect The complexity and inevitability of AI being used in filmmaking Feeling frustrated yet fascinated for the future of AI Why giving and receiving feedback is one of the biggest skills you need to practice Different strategies behind giving notes  Being extreme - We throw out gold stars yet we rip things to shreds The best accessories for shooting film on an iPhone Memorable Quotes“I am not gonna say it feels industry focused, but right now it feels a little industry-focused and I am A-OK with that.” [8:55]“The rate at which it’s developing and changing what we can do and who does what, is pretty insane and exciting and intimidating. And it’s just going to completely alter workflows.” [15:57]“This is going to cost people their jobs eventually. It’s not right now. But give it 5 years…and some people are gonna be screwed.” [22:37]  Mentioned in the episode:ShortverseWord PlayerWill AI Make Movies Without UsFind 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

Want to be a filmmaker? Then you have to be confident enough to have no confidence in yourself. This is the advice from Paul Feig, This is the advice from Paul Feig, director of The School For Good and Evil, Bridesmaids, and television shows like Freaks and Geeks, The Office, Arrested Development and Nurse Jackie.In this episode, we talk about… Applying lessons learned from his standup career and acting career Having more than enough film to choose from in case certain jokes bomb Setting the rules at the beginning of a film Remaining consistent with your style throughout the film How Paul handles making film for streaming services Hooking the audience so they will make a complete journey with the characters Why there is no excuse for beginner filmmakers wanting to start their career Memorable Quotes “The reason comedy never wins awards is because if you do it right, It looks easy.” [9:09] “You can make a movie as crazy as you want, as long as you set the rules in the first five minutes.” [21:12] “The hardest thing in the world is to tell a complete story, in two hours.” [24:49] Mentioned in the episode:Watch The School For Good and Evil now!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/nofilmschoolGet your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do large studios, “run and gun” filmmakers, and project stakeholders all have in common? They lack humility. In this episode, we talk about… Talent Development Programs being mandated by the DGA TikTok creators becoming show runners for NBC Universal Studios being desperate for larger audiences Getting arrested for “running and gunning” How to prepare for a “run and gun” and what to do if you are caught Fuji’s new box lens with crazy zoom ranges and vibration reduction Fuji’s X-H2s camera joins the Cloud Using Davinci Resolve on the new iPad Pro Memorable Quotes “It feels like a true disconnect and a flashy name grab.” [7:59] “Don’t force someone doing something interesting, to do something stale because you’re the powerful powerbroker.” [15:52] I feel very strangely about the future of film. I feel very strangely about the future of traditional storytelling with a camera. I think it’s gonna change and I think we gotta be ready for it.” [23: 52] Mentioned in the episode:Fuji Box Lens for FilmmakersFuji X-H2s shoots files to the CloudNew iPad Pro 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/nofilmschoolGet your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices