It’s that time of year again. The time of year when we show the filmmakers in our lives how much we appreciate them, with practical gifts that will improve their filmmaking journey.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss:

Pulling out a new set of pens for your new project - it’s so satisfying
Using a notebook versus using your phone
Reading “A Swim in a Pond in the Rain” while sitting in a sauna
Understanding the joy and richness of teaching
Why you need a podcast microphone even if you aren’t a podcaster
Why a quarterly planner is better than a yearly planner
The $70 light used on an $80 million movie
Why having a nice notebook improves the quality of your work

Memorable Quotes

“It’s almost like I’m texting, when I’m writing.” [3:21]
“Everyone trusts you if you write a note in a notebook…Everyone thinks you are serious with a notebook.” [5:06]
“I’m not sure I see what you see in this, but the fact that you see it, makes me excited to go on the journey to try to see it.” [11:44]
“Filmmakers should all have nice microphones.” [15:45]
“My life and my specs changed drastically when I got Grammarly.” [20:22]

Resources:

PILOT Razor Point Fine Line Marker Stick Pens

Leuchtturm 1917 notebook

Drehgriffel Nr. 1

Muji Color Gel Pens

Bull and Stash notepads

Pilot Precise Pen

George Saunders “A Swim in a Pond in the Rain”

Sennheiser Profile Streaming Microphone

Rode NT-USB mini

Grammarly plans

Poketo Quarterly Planner