logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2025
59m 22s

Making Creative Decisions w/Matt & Oren ...

FILMMAKERS MATT ENLOW & OREN KAPLAN
About this episode

Matt and Oren dig into the creative choices director's make. And they kick it off by looking at the growing influence of AI on the process. 


They also tackle casting and why it’s more than just finding the “right” actor. But also, what makes for the right actor in a commercial? Comedic timing, tone, understanding the game, our grasp of something else? 


They also share how many actors they callback and put on avail. And what happens when an actor crushes the audition but doesn’t book it. Do you tell them?


You'll find some tips on how to invite creative collaboration, whether wardrobe, production design, or with your DP, in a way that encourages suggestions for plus-ing the production. But, without sounding like a film school director who doesn't know, or is too afraid, to make choices.


---

Get a great deal on Magic Mind! https://magicmind.com/shootitjune NEW LINK!! 


Matt's Endorsement: If you have a Loog Guitar for kids https://loogguitars.com/, get a guitar strap. King C. Gillette Cordless Beard Trimmer https://gillette.com/en-us/products/beard-care/king-c-gillette-beard-trimmer  


Oren's Endorsement: Ira Glass on Mike Birbiglia’s podcast https://youtu.be/eIzW5RHpeFQ?si=dcJqxqKlT9c6iaAI


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
The Film Fixer w/Janek Ambros - Just Shoot It 496
Janek Ambros https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4471783/ doesn't use social media for self-promotion. And he tells up and coming filmmakers, you have to be annoying. Because in reality, that's what everyone in this industry is doing, including A-Listers.Besides if you're under 30, you'r ... Show More
1h 13m
Oct 2
The Chilling Truth behind 'Bone Lake' w/Mercedes Bryce Morgan - Just Shoot It 495
Mercedes Bryce Morgan https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5521959/ talks about building the career that got her "Bone Lake" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26783625/. From several Marshmello videos, episodes of Stargate Origins, and ten-by-tens, Mercedes has learned a lot.One of her techniq ... Show More
1h 9m
Sep 25
Getting Schooled By No Film School's GG Hawkins - Just Shoot It 494
Matt and Oren reveal their backstory in this collab with G.G. Hawkins and No Film School. https://nofilmschool.com/u/lostingraceland And you won't want to miss what it was like before smartphones , back when there was a barrier to entry to making video or film. It was totally dif ... Show More
59m 20s
Recommended Episodes
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 episode ... Show More
46m 22s
Jul 20
Run-and-Gun Risks and When Jim Cummings Becomes Your EP
In this episode, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman dig into the behind-the-scenes business of micro-budget filmmaking. They tackle a fan-submitted Ask No Film School question about run-and-gun filmmaking risks, E&O insurance, and securing distribution when shooting without proper pe ... Show More
1h 11m
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 P ... Show More
59m 49s
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 pan ... Show More
56m 59s
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
57m 59s
Dec 2024
James Mangold Unwraps the Craft of "A Complete Unknown"
In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman sit down with acclaimed director James Mangold to dive into the making of his latest film, A Complete Unknown. Known for iconic works like Logan and Ford v Ferrari, Mangold shares deep insights into his creative pr ... Show More
44m 1s
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
Aug 2024
‘War Game’ Directors Jesse Moss & Tony Gerber on Fearless Collaboration, Plus Comic-Con & Experimental Films
“Remain curious. Approach projects not with a notion of what kind of product you want to create in the market, but rather, what do you want to learn.” This advice, which comes from the directors of the documentary War Game, embodies the theme of today’s episode. - It’s okay to cr ... Show More
47m 2s
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: Ta ... Show More
49m 4s
Jan 2024
‘Layla’ Director Amrou Al-Kadhi and Cast on Opening Sundance, Casting Chemistry, and the Power of Subtext
Amrou Al-Kadhi is the Writer-Director of Layla, a story that explores the conflict between desire and identity. The film stars actor Bilal Hasna who plays Layla, a London drag queen, and actor Louis Greatorex, who plays Max, the love interest. The film premiered at the 2024 Sunda ... Show More
35m 32s