The No Film School Podcast

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 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] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of No Film School, Jason Hellerman interviews Tyler Nielsen and Michael Schwartz, the dynamic directing duo behind the bold and provocative film Los Frikis. Known for their previous success with Peanut Butter Falcon, Tyler and Michael take listeners on a journey into the making of their latest project—a darkly comedic and deeply human tale about the Los Frikis generation in 1990s Cuba. The film explores themes of rebellion, freedom, and survival, centering on punks who willfully injected HIV to escape oppression. In this episode, No Film School’s Jason Hellerman, Tyler Nielsen, and Michael Schwartz discuss: How Tyler and Michael transitioned from Peanut Butter Falcon to Los Frikis The challenge of balancing dark humor with historical and cultural authenticity Why the directors learned Spanish to ensure authenticity in directing Cuban actors Their approach to punk rock aesthetics, both musically and visually, in the film Practical advice for filmmakers tackling deeply unconventional and emotional stories Memorable Quotes: “Punk rock is choosing freedom and choosing, like, your reality, regardless of the authorities or the powers that be.” “If you task the audience with remembering 10 things, they might remember the wrong five. So we focused on the five things that mattered most.” “We really just try to set a vibe. The vibe matches the story. And then we invite people to bring themselves to it.” Resources: Microbudget Workshop with GG Hawkins Tyler Nielsen IMDb Michael Schwartz IMDb 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] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman delve into the often-overlooked role of producers and the essential work they perform behind the scenes. They are joined by Emmy-nominated producer Carolina Groppa, who shares insights from her remarkable career. The episode also highlights key films from the newly announced Sundance 2025 slate, offering reflections on the festival’s evolving influence. Meet Carolina Groppa: Carolina is an Emmy-nominated producer who was previously the Executive in Charge of Production at Issa Rae’s HOORAE Media and ColorCreative. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Carolina moved to the US as a child, and her immigrant upbringing inspired her to work hard to build the career of her dreams. Carolina produced the 2017 Emmy-nominated feature documentary AUTISM IN LOVE, which explores how adults with autism find and navigate romantic relationships. Passionate about supporting female filmmakers, she was a co-producer on Netflix’s MISS VIRGINIA, starring Uzo Aduba, and IFC’s THE FEMALE BRAIN, Whitney Cummings’ directorial debut. She was a physical producer on Amazon’s SYLVIE'S LOVE, starring Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha, and the UPM/EP on Adamma Ebo’s 2022 Sundance hit HONK FOR JESUS. SAVE YOUR SOUL, starring Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown. She also produced the documentaries HYSTERICAL (2020) for FX and THE HONORABLE: SHYNE (2024) for Hulu. Additionally, she is the creator, host, and producer of ANGLE ON PRODUCERS, a podcast spotlighting producers across entertainment. A love letter to the creative community, the show boasts over 95 episodes and has featured notable guests such as Eva Longoria, Stephanie Allain, Lynette Howell Taylor, and Cynthia Erivo. In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and Carolina Groppa discuss: Carolina Groppa’s career journey, from her early days as an actor to becoming a producer and podcast host The invisible yet critical role of producers and why their contributions are often misunderstood Practical advice for emerging producers, including navigating challenges and building strong collaborations Reflections on the 2025 Sundance slate, including standout films like Sorry Baby and Dead Lover How trust and leadership shape successful filmmaking partnerships Memorable Quotes: “Producing is about choices. It’s never just about saying no; it’s about saying, ‘Here’s what we can do with what we have.’” “The only thing people remember is how you made them feel on set. If you can lead with kindness and clarity, that’s what sticks.” “Sundance is where you see the future of storytelling take shape, and this year’s slate is no exception.” Resources: Carolina Groppa’s Podcast: Angle on Producers Carolina’s IMDb: Carolina Groppa Carolina on Instagram: @carolinagroppa Learn more about the Sundance Film Festival: Sundance 2025 Highlighted Sundance Films: Sorry Baby: A heartfelt indie produced by Pastel, Barry Jenkins’ company Dead Lover: Directed and written by Grace Glowicki, featuring Ben Petrie, and described as “genre-bending and unforgettable” Lose: A poignant drama set in Hong Kong about a man searching for his daughter 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] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 festival notification season, and creative approaches to career-building in a competitive industry. Both guests share personal stories, practical advice, and insights on how to push boundaries in filmmaking. In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, Jordan Aldridge, Leah Saint Marie, and Lizzy Born discuss: Leah Saint Marie’s journey from projectionist to filmmaker and her strategies for staying resilient in “festival purgatory” The challenges of navigating FYC campaigns as an indie filmmaker Lizzy Born’s approach to directing, from Ziwe to branded content, and how she balances dark humor with social commentary Practical advice for emerging filmmakers, including the importance of collaboration and creating your own opportunities The inaugural Indies Awards, celebrating independent films outside of mainstream festival circuits Memorable Quotes: “No one else is telling you no, except yourself. If you haven’t made a movie or written a script and you’re afraid to do it, do it anyway.” (39:44) “This job is about community. Finding your community of people who feel like they are in the same space as you is so essential.” (1:16:32) “Sometimes I wish I didn’t know as much... You’re going to do it in a fresh way because you don’t know what you’re referencing.” (1:19:50) Resources: Leah’s Podcast: Pitch! A Screenwriting Podcast Leah on X (formerly Twitter): @leahwelch19 Leah’s IMDb:Leah Saint Marie Lizzy’s Website: Lizzy Born Lizzy’s Instagram: @LizzyB0rn Read reviews of Ziwe: Variety on Ziwe 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] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices