A podcast about how to build a career in filmmaking. No Film School shares the latest opportunities and trends for anyone working in film and TV. We break news ...
In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins sits down with filmmakers Sarah Mokh, Stephen Cedars, Benji Kleiman, and Imran J. Khan to discuss navigating the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival. With insights from seasoned festival veterans, this episode offers practical advice and candid reflections on how to make the most of a festival experience, whether you’re a first-timer or a returning filmmaker.
In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and guests discuss:
The importance of preparation before attending a festival and knowing how to pitch yourself and your project.
How to pace yourself and avoid burnout over the course of a week-long festival.
The value of publicists in boosting your film's visibility and managing PR.
Stories and lessons from navigating previous festivals, including Sundance and SXSW.
Audience engagement strategies to make your screenings successful.
Memorable Quotes:
Stephen Cedars: “South by Southwest is the most fun film festival in the entire world… It’s your first time, and it’ll be your only first time here.” (25:02)
Imran J. Khan: “Any movie, even a feature, is still kind of just an audition for another thing… You have to figure out what’s next and be ready to talk about it.” (17:10)
Benji Kleiman: “You need to have some talking points ready—what do you want people to say about your movie? That’s what’s going to make it into print.” (41:10)
Guests:
Sarah Mokh: Filmmaker behind Cigarettes, premiering in the SXSW Independent Pilot Competition.
Stephen Cedars: Co-director of Snatchers, a horror-comedy that premiered at SXSW.
Benji Kleiman: Co-director of Snatchers and veteran of multiple SXSW screenings.
Imran J. Khan: Director of Mustache, winner of the SXSW Audience Award.
Resources:
SXSW Film Festival Lineup
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1:07:55
How Filmmakers Are Coming Together Amidst the LA Fires
In this episode of the No Film School podcast, hosts GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman discuss the devastating fires in Los Angeles and their impact on the film industry. They share personal experiences of evacuation and the emotional toll of the crisis, emphasizing the importance of community support and resilience. The conversation highlights the need for filmmakers to prioritize their safety and mental health while navigating the uncertain future of the industry. They also explore the power of storytelling as a means of processing trauma and fostering empathy in challenging times.
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19:55
How Leaving LA Led to a 40 Theater Release With a First Script
In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins speaks with the filmmakers behind two impactful films, Hazard and Studio One Forever. Writer-director Eddie Mensore shares the journey of creating Hazard, an indie drama about the opioid crisis in Appalachia, and how leaving LA led to the film's 40-theater release. Later, Marc Saltarelli discusses the acclaimed LGBTQ+ documentary Studio One Forever, exploring its historical significance and enduring legacy.
In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, Eddie Mensore, and Marc Saltarelli discuss:
How Eddie’s move away from LA revitalized his career and allowed him to focus on meaningful indie films
The challenges and triumphs of making Hazard, a deeply personal story about the opioid crisis
Marc’s experience documenting LGBTQ+ history through Studio One Forever and the film’s resonance in today’s political climate
Advice for filmmakers navigating the industry outside of traditional Hollywood structures
Memorable Quotes:
“As an independent filmmaker, it’s not about what’s the most passionate project you want to make. It’s about which one can you physically make.”
“I hope that the younger generation will take a little bit of time out from TikTok and watch these 90 minutes and realize what we went through—and what’s at stake.”
“I had to take a few steps backward, I believe that I’m ultimately taking 10 steps forward.”
Resources:
Hazard Official Website
Hazard Theatrical Release
Studio One Forever Official Trailer
STUDIO ONE FOREVER is the untold story of America’s first gay disco, a kaleidoscopic excursion into LGBTQ+ history through the lens of this groundbreaking club. Directed by Marc Saltarelli, the film features interviews with Chita Rivera, Bruce Vilanch, Lance Bass, and others.
Eddie Mensore on IMDb
Marc Saltarelli on IMDb
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1:06:12
John August Wants to Make Your (Screenwriting) Life Easier
In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman chat with John August, an acclaimed screenwriter, podcaster, and software developer. Known for films like Big Fish and Aladdin, as well as co-hosting Scriptnotes with Craig Mazin, John August discusses his career, the evolution of screenwriting tools, and how he's simplifying life for writers with his app, Highland.
In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and John August discuss:
John’s journey from journalism major to one of Hollywood’s most recognized screenwriters
How working across different mediums—from novels to musicals—has shaped his storytelling
The philosophy behind creating Highland, a screenwriting app designed to keep writers in the flow
Practical advice for writers starting out in today’s industry
Memorable Quotes:
“Your ability to have an idea but then actually articulate the idea… to yourself, to your team, and to the audience is so fundamental and so important.”
“When I see something in the world that bothers me, I try to fix it. My instinct is to get involved and figure it out.”
“A screenplay is a luxury. You know you have about 120 pages. There are constraints, and those constraints help you figure out what’s important.”
Resources:
John August on IMDb
Highland App
Scriptnotes Podcast
Find No Film School everywhere:
On the Web: No Film School
Facebook: No Film School on Facebook
Twitter: No Film School on Twitter
YouTube: No Film School on YouTube
Instagram: No Film School on Instagram
Send us an email with questions or feedback: [email protected]
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51:31
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 process, the importance of preparation, and how he navigates the complexities of storytelling. This holiday special offers invaluable lessons for filmmakers at every level.
In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and James Mangold discuss:
How Mangold approached depicting Bob Dylan’s relationships with iconic figures like Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash
The value of mentorship in filmmaking and how Alexander Mackendrick influenced Mangold’s career
Finding the balance between preparation and flexibility when directing
Mangold’s advice for capturing subtext and the unspoken dynamics between characters
The art of juxtaposition and how to craft impactful scene transitions
Memorable Quotes:
“You come to the set with a plan, but your actors are gonna add a lot, and you don’t want to be so slavish, so enslaved by your plan that you feel lost if an idea comes up with one of the actors that undermines the plan you came with.”
“The point for the director is to make everything look like you planned it—even if you didn’t.”
“What is the scene about, and what are the beats I must make sure the audience sees? Not lines, but what’s unsaid—the subtext, the human thought behind the eyes.”
Resources:
James Mangold on IMDb
Microbudget Workshop with GG Hawkins
Find No Film School everywhere:
On the Web: No Film School
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Twitter: No Film School on Twitter
YouTube: No Film School on YouTube
Instagram: No Film School on Instagram
Send us an email with questions or feedback: [email protected]
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A podcast about how to build a career in filmmaking. No Film School shares the latest opportunities and trends for anyone working in film and TV. We break news on cameras, lighting, and apps. We interview leaders in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and producing. And we answer your questions! We are dedicated to sharing knowledge with filmmakers around the globe, “no film school” required.
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