Nathan Wrann is a talented, experienced and enthusiastic movie producer. While his movies are still considered underground, his filmmaking philosophy is infectious. This is a man who went against the odds, made the movie he could make and got some features under his belt. I decided to interview him because I think Nathan serves as a good example for any film ... Show More
Nov 6
Distribution Contract Red Flags Every Filmmaker Should Know
Before you sign that distribution deal, hit play. In this episode, I break down the three red flags that can wreck your film’s future — unfair splits, crazy-long contract terms, and inflated marketing expenses. Learn how to spot them early, protect your movie, and secure a deal t ... Show More
4m 2s
Nov 4
3 Mental Shifts That Attract Film Financing
In this episode, we break down three essential mindset shifts every filmmaker needs before raising money for a movie: getting the right budget, building a valuable project, and developing market awareness. These aren’t just theories — they’re the difference between chasing invest ... Show More
4m 52s
Oct 30
After the Deal: What Sales Agents Do with Your Film
In this episode, we break down what happens after a sales agent signs your independent film. From preparing artwork and trailers to pitching buyers at major film markets like AFM and EFM, you’ll learn how deals are initiated and why the screener is the key to closing. Plus, we ta ... Show More
5m 41s
Aug 2023
SNL Vet On Directing, Producing and Shooting Sketch, Parody and Satire
Alex Buono is a director, producer, cinematographer, and executive producer who is known for his work on television shows such as Saturday Night Live, Documentary Now! and Russian Doll. He is currently working as the Directing Producer on a tv series, Based on a True Story, which ... Show More
42m 42s
Mar 2025
NATHAN CROWLEY - Production Designer
<p>SEASON 2 - EPISODE 134 - Nathan Crowley - Production Designer</p> <p>In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with production designer Nathan Crowley (WICKED, DUNKIRK, INTERSTELLAR). After growing up in England, Nathan's dreams of selling secondhand sports cars in ... Show More
1h 9m
Apr 2025
What They Don’t Tell You About Editing a Feature with 'Sacramento' Editor
What don't they tell you? They you gotta take a break! In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman sit down with editor Max Goldblatt, who cut the heartfelt and hilarious indie road trip film Sacramento. Directed by Michael Angarano and starring Michael Cera, ... Show More
57m 37s
Aug 2024
Why Producer Ken Kao (Cuckoo, The Nice Guys, Mid90s) Wants More Mid-Budget Films
How can you break into the film industry? Especially if you're not in Hollywood or you come from a different profession, like law. Is thick skin essential? Can you balance business with creativity? Producer Ken Kao, co-founder of Waypoint Entertainment, shares insights on these t ... Show More
52m 37s
Feb 2025
How ‘Companion’ Director Drew Hancock Built His Career on Reps & Luck
In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins sits down with writer-director Drew Hancock to discuss his journey to directing his feature debut, Companion. Drew shares how he built his career through persistence, taking creative risks, and, as he puts it, a fair amount of luck. H ... Show More
53m 29s
Nov 2024
How Director David Gordon Green Reverse-Engineered ‘Nutcrackers' Plus Major Movie Monologues
In this episode of No Film School, hosts GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman explore the craft of cinematic monologues and discuss how these powerful moments can elevate films. They also sit down with director David Gordon Green, whose latest holiday family film, Nutcrackers, debuts o ... Show More
51m 4s
Nov 2024
Editing Duplass Episodic 'Penelope' & Film Industry Outside of NY & LA Feat. Celia Beasley
In this episode, GG Hawkins sits down with editor Celia Beasley to discuss her role in shaping Penelope, the new episodic series by the Duplass Brothers, now on Netflix. They explore the unique process of editing an episodic series that was shot like an indie film and edited enti ... Show More
59m 21s
Apr 2023
‘Joyland’ Director Saim Sadiq Redefines What it Means to be a Director
A film is like a baby, and everyone involved is a parent. How do you keep all the parents happy, calm, and on the same page?
In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director of Joyland, Saim Sadiq, discuss:
The universality of the film and seeing oneself in the charac ... Show More
48m 48s
Jul 2024
ETHAN HAWKE - Actor / Director
<p>SEASON 2 - EPISODE 98 - ETHAN HAWKE - ACTOR / DIRECTOR</p> <p>On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we're joined by actor and director Ethan Hawke (WILDCAT, BLAZE, BOYHOOD). James once worked with Ethan on WHITE FANG in Alaska, but before that, Ethan started acting in h ... Show More
1h 16m