The No Film School Podcast

Josh Gordon and Will Speck are the directing duo behind the film, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. This duo explains the complex process of adapting a well-loved, children’s book to the big screen.In this episode, we talk about… How Josh and Will first met and what inspired them to direct projects together Dividing the directing responsibilities between them Their unique approach to producing such a complex film Why they chose to adapt this particular story into a performance-based musical How they convinced the IP owners to give them permission for the project Honoring the artwork from the book in the making of the film Memorable Quotes “Something about otherness and about acceptance of things that don’t appear the way that you want them to.” [15:30] “There’s something about what you have to impose on these characters, or creatures, in the absence of them speaking...and it also makes them more soulful.” [23:42] “There’s nothing more complicated than a human-being. A human being is unpredictable.” [27:59] Mentioned in the episode:Lyle Lyle Crocodile is in theatersFind 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

Why is there such a weird fixation on the box office numbers from the first three days of film’s release? We don’t think a film’s success should be determined this way.In this episode, we talk about… How some films that did poorly the first few days at the box office, became popular afterward Putting too much pressure on the box office release How to pitch a film that is similar to another movie that previously flopped When pitching, remember the phrase “similar but different” Challenges that actors have to endure The top four pieces of editing software for film Why DaVinci Resolve is the best overall editing software Memorable Quotes“It’s insane what can be produced from something that had a crummy first three days.” [6:02]“They really really really seem to put all their eggs in the box office basket.” [8:52]“The thing that broke my heart…is that most of the videos don’t even get a view.” [29:57]“Auditions are the worst. The Worst. Everything about it sucks…The experience is miserable.” [31:33]Mentioned in the episode:DaVinci ResolveFind 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

Preparation, preparation, preparation. Director Halina Reijn shares why it is important to prepare before filming and how that process (and No Film School!) helped her on Bodies Bodies Bodies. In this episode, we talk about… How Halina started as an actress before becoming a director Implementing ideas from theater into the filmmaking process Leading with a vision and accepting collaborative ideas Having a flexible storyboard in order to make changes intuitively  Rehearsing camera work before rehearsing with actors An economic and efficient way to do table readings Focusing on the wellbeing of actors on the set of Bodies Bodies Bodies Memorable Quotes“When I direct I love everybody to learn their lines like little machines, like little robots.” [09:32]“We’re all equal and we’re going to build this building together and you are as much responsible for getting it up in the air as I am.” [13:08]“Time is so expensive…Every fucking second counts. Your preparation is everything.” [14:35]“Acting is the most embarrassing profession of all time.” [23:04]Mentioned in the episode:Bodies Bodies BodiesFind 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 brain is part of your body. The way you eat on set will affect how you think on set.In this episode, we talk about… How audiences will draw connections from vague story explanations Charles’ theory on a recent tech mishap on Episode 7 of House of The Dragon Changing the factory settings on your television Ideas on how to improve the superhero genre Why characters don’t always have to be going through an intense internal conflict Easy and healthy alternatives to the unhealthy food on set Being aware of how food will affect your brain and body while you are working Preventing decision fatigue Memorable Quotes“There’s such an invaluable lesson about the power of an audience’s imagination and brain that gets disrespected left and right by people thinking they have to spell out the entire equation. You can just put ‘two plus two’ on the board; you don’t have to put ‘equals four.’ ” [08:19]“These characters are the human experience on a test drive…as a crash test dummy. We’re putting them through extremes of what can be endured, of what can be solved, of what can be experienced.” [32:19]“If I am at the Craft service table, I am getting a bag of skittles. So I just don’t go to the Craft Service Table. I avoid it.” [47:14]Mentioned in the episode:House 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/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

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