In this episode, we dive into the 7 essential stages of filmmaking, from the spark of an idea in development to a film’s long-term revenue as a library title. Learn how each stage—development, pre-production, production, post-production, sales, release, and beyond—shapes a movie's journey and maximizes its success. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or an ... Show More
Mar 18
How to Avoid Making an Invisible Film
Why do some indie films completely disappear after release? In this episode, we break down the concept of the “invisible film” — movies that get uploaded to platforms but generate little to no revenue. Learn why platform saturation, over-reliance on distributors, and lack of film ... Show More
3m 8s
Mar 11
The Collapse of the Mid-Budget Indie Film
The mid-budget independent film model is collapsing — and most filmmakers don’t see it coming. In this episode, I break down why $750K–$5M films are struggling, how the loss of DVD revenue and platform saturation changed the market, why B-list cast no longer guarantees sales, and ... Show More
5m 17s
Mar 4
Inside Film Markets: The Job of a Sales Agent
What do sales agents really do at film markets like Cannes, AFM, and EFM? In this episode, I explain how sales agents meet buyers, pitch films, and secure distribution deals. You'll also learn why most deals don't happen during the market itself, but in the weeks after buyers rev ... Show More
4m 56s
Aug 2024
Want To Make Worldbuilding Movies? ‘Borderlands’ EP Emmy Yu on Development, Production & Why VFX Should Be Onboard ASAP
Producers are involved in every step of creating a film, from development to post-production. The role of a producer is not only to keep everyone on the same page but also to remove barriers so the cast and crew can focus on the creative elements needed to create a fantastic film ... Show More
55m 59s
Dec 2023
'Share?' Director Ira Rosensweig on Full Stack Filmmaking
Ira Rosensweig is the director and editor of Share?, a science fiction thriller that was shot entirely from one fixed camera angle. This film will creep you out, but in a good way, as it prompts you to take an honest look at your relationship with social media.
In today’s episod ... Show More
46m 22s
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
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
Oct 2024
How to Scale Video Editing With an AI Storytelling Partner
As AI continues to reshape creative industries, video editing is undergoing a major transformation. Tools like Eddie AI are making the editing process faster, more efficient, and more accessible to filmmakers. By acting as a storytelling partner, AI can quickly generate rough cut ... Show More
45m 43s
Dec 2024
Lie Your Way to the Top, FYC, Festival Purgatory & the Indies
In this episode of No Film School, host GG Hawkins and tech editor Jordan Aldridge are joined by two incredible guests: filmmaker Leah Saint Marie and award-winning director Lizzy Born. The discussion delves into the challenges of navigating the indie film world, the stress of fe ... Show More
1h 26m