Every filmmaker has a unique story to tell. If you're wondering how to bring your vision to the screen, this episode is for you.
We'll guide you through the process, from initial concept to final cut, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge to create a film that truly resonates.
Today
The Truth About Star Power in Independent Film
Do movie stars still sell movies? In this episode, Tom Malloy explains how distributors and international buyers really evaluate cast value, why only a small percentage of actors actually move the needle, and how filmmakers can avoid overpaying for talent that doesn't increase sa ... Show More
2m 52s
Jul 1
Why Some $100K Films Succeed—and Most Don't
Can a $100,000 indie film make money? In this episode, I break down the realities of today's micro-budget film business, why distribution matters as much as production, and what separates profitable indie films from the ones that never earn their investment back. If you're planni ... Show More
3m 52s
Jun 24
Film Financing Myths That Are Costing You Investors
In this episode, Tom Malloy breaks down some of the biggest myths and realities of raising money for movies. From whether a great script can raise financing to the truth about film festivals, wealthy investors, and chasing the success of breakout indie hits, you'll learn what act ... Show More
3m 35s
Jun 2024
How to Get Your Short Out In the World & Write to Your Darkest Instincts
In life, we can’t please everyone. There will be people who “get us” and others who simply don’t. It’s the same when you’re a filmmaker. Your work won’t vibe with everyone who sees it, and that’s totally okay! It’s time to face your fears, give it your all, and create those proje ... Show More
1h 32m
Jul 2024
How To Write a Movie To Shoot (In Three Months)
On this special episode of the No Film School podcast, host GG Hawkins shares her experience of writing her first feature, 'I Really Love My Husband' on a small budget and arguably, an even smaller timeline. She discusses the constraints she faced, the collaborative writing proce ... Show More
24m 50s
Jan 2024
Crucial Advice on Pitching Your TV Show
If you want to network, grow, and succeed as a filmmaker, you have to learn to get comfortable talking about your work. Luckily there are programs, like the Moonshot Initiative, which help emerging filmmakers successfully pitch their projects without feeling confused or afraid.
... Show More
41m 31s
Oct 2023
Adventures in Indie Filmmaking and Leveraging Famous Faces
How do you handle post set blues? How do you properly adapt something you don’t have the rights for? What can we all learn from Taylor Swift’s recent movie?
In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss:
Shooting an indie film in p ... Show More
56m 59s
Aug 2018
How Do You Make a Film with Zero Experience? The First Short: THE GUY [Episode 1]
A short film is a tricky thing, you don’t know how much time or money to invest in such a personal thing that nobody may even end up seeing, so a lot of people don’t even try. The point of this podcast is to get you to stop worrying and just try.
In this episode, No Film School ... Show More
59m 49s
Mar 2023
How to Greenlight Yourself with ‘Wildflower’ Director
Have you ever thought about drawing inspiration for your characters, from your own family? How do you accomplish that in a way that protects them while also being true to the story?
In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director of Wildflower, Matt Smukler, discuss:
... Show More
49m 4s
Mar 2020
2 | Turning Ideas Into Screenplays
We all hear it: "I've got this great idea for a movie," or, "they should totally make that into a movie," but why do so few people take the next step and actually write the script? Well, today, Pixar alum Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna answer that question, getting into all the n ... Show More
38m 54s
Sep 2025
263 | Feature Film Story Engine Checklist: 8 Elements to Turn a Situation Into a Movie (REBROADCAST)
Check out our premium TSL WORKSHOPS program here: https://tslworkshops.circle.so STORY ENGINE. Two words we so often dread, but let's be honest: the engine of your story is what POWERS your movie. It's make, or break. And today, we break down eight elements to test whether or not ... Show More
1h 10m