The No Film School Podcast

• Why This ‘Last Showgirl’ Producer Thinks Indie Cinema Still Has Legs

  In this episode of No Film School, host GG Hawkins sits down with Robert Schwartzman, producer of The Last Showgirl and co-founder of Utopia, to discuss the evolving landscape of independent cinema. As a filmmaker, distributor, and problem solver, Robert shares insights on how indie filmmakers can take control of their distribution, why the industry is shifting toward self-releasing, and what’s next for Utopia. In this episode, No Film School’s Jason Hellerman and Robert Schwartzman discuss: The evolving landscape of indie film distribution and the role of technology in direct-to-audience releases How Utopia is working to eliminate middlemen and empower filmmakers The importance of theatrical releases for indie films, despite industry shifts The inspiration behind The Last Showgirl and why Las Vegas was the perfect setting How finding creative solutions—from locations to costumes—can elevate a low-budget film Why international filmmakers have a competitive edge in today’s market Memorable Quotes: “I think filmmakers need to also get hip to the idea of like, oh, there's all these places I can sell my film, but I still need to reach them. Like no one's gonna just give me an audience, I need to find them.” (18:35) “The playing field is so level right now, that's what's so exciting about it. Like it's anyone's game. People just have to be willing to play it.” (20:55) “There will come a time when a movie is self-released using these new technologies and it will be nominated for something significant… That’s when people are really going to come around to it.” (22:50) “You’re not going to get everything you want in filmmaking. The key is knowing what you absolutely need and what you can live without.” (51:07) “If you shoot a movie quickly, the opportunity cost for people goes down.” (55:01) Guest: Robert Schwartzman – Producer of The Last Showgirl, co-founder of Utopia, and filmmaker known for Dreamland and The Unicorn. Resources: The Last Showgirl Official Trailer Utopia Distribution AltaVod – Self-Distribute Your Film PowerFlix – Aggregation Services for Indie Filmmakers 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

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• 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. He also reflects on finding success later in his career, how imposter syndrome nearly led him to quit, and the importance of self-awareness for filmmakers navigating the industry. In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and Drew Hancock discuss: The unconventional path Drew took from being a movie theater employee to a feature director Why Channel 101 played a pivotal role in his development as a filmmaker How Companion started as a writing sample and evolved into a feature film The role of luck and timing in getting a project greenlit in Hollywood Why filmmakers need to continuously create new work rather than banking on a single project Drew’s writing process and how working on multiple projects at once helps combat writers block The importance of self-awareness and confidence in overcoming career obstacles Memorable Quotes: “I mean, I’m an old man, so it’s a long, long, long journey that got me to this place right now. But the beginnings were just… I was a super fan of movies.” (2:32) “I wish I really, really wish that luck didn’t play such a huge part of making entertainment, but yeah, it has a lot to do with timing.” (22:53) “Every couple years, sit down and ask yourself: Are you where you want to be? If you’re not, what can you do to get there? Take stock. Measure the gap. And then do everything you can to close it.” (47:00) “Imposter syndrome is real. I almost gave up before Companion. I really almost did.” (46:02) “Make something. Don’t make it about a film festival or about getting recognition. Make it about something you care about deeply.” (38:51) Resources: Drew Hancock on IMDb Companion Official Trailer Channel 101 – The Filmmaking Community That Helped Shape Drew Hancock 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

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• How Sundance Didn't Die

  In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins and Ryan Koo bring you a special live report from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. They explore the energy of the festival, highlight standout films, and dive into the journey of filmmakers who have pushed through industry challenges to bring their visions to the screen. Joining the conversation are the creators behind Didn't Die, a unique take on the zombie apocalypse that blends horror, dark humor, and indie filmmaking ingenuity. In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, NFS Founder Ryan Koo, and guests discuss: The evolving landscape of independent cinema at Sundance and what trends are emerging in 2025 How Didn't Die offers a fresh, meta take on the zombie apocalypse through the lens of a struggling podcast host The challenges of making an indie film with a limited budget, including DIY visual effects and multi-hat roles Reflections on how filmmakers navigate festival submissions and distribution The broader state of the film industry and the importance of resilience as an independent filmmaker Memorable Quotes: “I mean, definitely story-wise, what inspired me about working on The Walking Dead was like, my episode had a couple of different storylines that I thought were really sweet… And I think this idea of like a zombie movie that was more about finding meaning through the devastation and darkness was compelling to me.” “It’s a zombie apocalypse, and our protagonist is still recording a podcast. It’s about holding onto what you love, even when the world is falling apart.” “You pull favors, you adapt, and you embrace the chaos. That’s how we made this movie happen.” Guests: Meera Menon – Co-writer and Director of Didn't Die Erica Fishman – Producer of Didn't Die Paul Gleason – Co-writer and Cinematographer of Didn't Die Resources: Sundance 2025 Film Festival Lineup No Film School’s Sundance 2025 Coverage Episode: Invisible Work of Producers Plus Sundance Slate 2025 Sundance 2025: Editor Benjamin Shearn On Using Premiere Pro and Frame.io to Bring 'By Design' to Life The VFX Secrets Behind Lush Sundance Short 'Em & Selma Go Griffin Hunting' Bringing Mexico’s Vibrant Culture to Life in Sundance Short Film 'Susana' 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

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• ‘Back in Action’ Director Seth Gordon: Get Lost in One Detail at a Time

  GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman talk with Seth Gordon, the celebrated writer-director behind Back in Action, Horrible Bosses, and The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. Seth shares the joys and challenges of creating large-scale films, balancing action and comedy, and his insights into leadership and creativity. This episode is packed with practical advice for emerging filmmakers and candid reflections on Seth’s career journey. In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and Seth Gordon discuss: How Seth approaches directing large-scale films while staying focused on the story’s essence Why removing distractions is key to immersing yourself in the creative process The importance of starting with the story and building everything else around it Balancing meticulous planning with room for spontaneity and collaboration on set Why aspiring filmmakers should focus on creating something deeply meaningful, rather than chasing external recognition Memorable Quotes: “My phone is always off. I don’t even answer the phone anymore... The interruptions throw me off... What works for me is to disappear into a tiny sort of working environment and then get lost in one detail at a time.” “Make something. Don’t make it about a film festival or about getting recognition. Make it about something you care about deeply.” “It didn't start with a crew of 300 and dealing with the Thames river and weather in England and whatever. It started with a piece of paper and excitement about a story.” Resources: Seth Gordon on IMDb Back in Action Trailer 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

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• SXSW Vets Teach Rookies How to Fest

  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 Follow I Really Love My Husband: Instagram 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

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