What is an option agreement and how do indie producers legally control a screenplay without buying it upfront? In this episode, Tom breaks down film option agreements, $1 options, term lengths, writer payments, and how rights revert if a movie doesn’t get made. A practical, no-nonsense guide for producers and screenwriters navigating indie film development a ... Show More
Jan 29
EFM Berlin: Where Serious Filmmakers Make Real Deals
Thinking about attending the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin? In this episode, I break down how EFM compares to Cannes and AFM, why it’s considered the most professional film market, and why filmmakers with finished projects and real credits get the most value from it. If yo ... Show More
3m 28s
Jan 27
Rethinking Film Distribution Windows
Film distribution windowing is changing fast. In this episode, Tom Malloy breaks down modern release windows — theatrical, transactional VOD, subscription streaming, and AVOD — and explains why the old rules don’t always apply anymore. Using real-world examples like Netflix films ... Show More
3m 36s
Jan 20
What Makes a Film Marketable?
What makes a film marketable in today’s crowded film marketplace? In this episode, we break down the real factors that determine whether a movie sells — from cast and genre to niche audiences, timing, and cultural trends. Learn why trying to appeal to everyone often backfires, ho ... Show More
3m 28s
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