This week on the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins sits down with Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios and the visionary behind films like Monsters, Inc., Up, Inside Out, and Soul. The conversation dives deep into the creative process behind Pixar’s latest original feature Elio, and how Pixar’s iterative storytelling model has evolved over the years. Pete shares actionable insights on how filmmakers—whether working at a major studio or independently—can embrace change, vulnerability, and creative discovery to build resonant stories.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Pete Docter discuss...

Memorable Quotes:

Guests:

Pete Docter

Resources:

Pixar’s Elio

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Filmmakers Peter Hall and Paul Gandersman join No Film School's GG Hawkins to discuss their chilling feature debut Man Finds Tape, premiering in the “Escape from Tribeca” section at the 2025 Tribeca Festival. The Texas-based writer-director duo explores their found-footage horror hybrid, rooted in documentary realism and intimate character drama. They dive deep into the film’s decade-long evolution, DIY production tactics, narrative experimentation, and the collaborative scrappiness that made their micro-budget creature feature resonate on a grand scale.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss:

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In this episode, GG Hawkins is joined by writer-director duo (and real-life couple) David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano to discuss their new film I Don’t Understand You, a genre-bending dark comedy starring Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells. The film follows a couple on a babymoon in Italy that spirals into chaos and violence. Craig and Crano share their process of fictionalizing their own adoption journey, balancing collaboration as married filmmakers, and navigating international co-productions. They also dive into the mechanics of shooting stunts, working with passionate collaborators, and sustaining a creative life while parenting.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano discuss...

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In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins welcomes back filmmaker Janek Ambros to dive deep into the wild origin and evolution of his second feature film, Mondo Hollywoodland. The conversation spans everything from a life-changing phone call with Francis Ford Coppola to the chaotic, experimental production process of an iPhone-shot psychedelic satire. Ambros shares how a rogue spirit, a skeleton crew, and the mantra "just make something" powered his creative journey. He also discusses the challenges of distribution, finding a cult audience, and why the edit room is his happy place.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Janek Ambros discuss...

How Francis Ford Coppola inspired the DIY ethos behind Mondo Hollywoodland

Why the film is more of a spiritual successor than a direct sequel to the 1967 cult doc Mondo Hollywood

The experimental, no-crew production process using an iPhone and real locations

Casting friends and local oddballs to match the film’s bizarre, countercultural tone

How the film’s editing and narrator shape its chaotic narrative

Navigating COVID-era distribution and marketing challenges

Ambros’s dual approach to career-building: make art, but also think commercially

Why learning to produce is essential for emerging filmmakers

Memorable Quotes:

"You should just make a movie with your iPhone with your friends if you don’t have money."

"We didn’t have a cinematographer. We have a camera op. That’s really it."

"It was just totally the freest form of filmmaking."

"Editing is definitely my favorite part of filmmaking. Everything else is a necessary evil just to edit."

Guests:

Janek Ambros

Resources:

More from NFS x Janek

Screening Tickets – June 8, 6 p.m. at Lumineer Music Hall, Beverly Hills

Mondo Hollywoodland on Letterboxd

Assembly Line Entertainment on Instagram: @assemblylineent, 

Mondo Hollywoodland on Instagram: @mondohollywoodland

Janek on Twitter: @janekambros88

Assembly Line Entertainment on Twitter: @assemblylineent

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This episode of the No Film School Podcast is a deep dive into the often opaque world of film finance, distribution, and foreign pre-sales. GG Hawkins hosts the episode and is joined by filmmakers Stephen Cedars and Benji Kleiman, as well as special guest Mike Chapman from Bluefinch Films. Together, they explore what it takes to get a film made and sold in today’s unpredictable global market. From debunking myths about foreign pre-sales to discussing how to attract investors and get your film noticed at festivals, this is an essential listen for indie filmmakers navigating the post-production and sales process.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss...

The harsh realities of the current acquisitions and distribution market

Why understanding distribution from the beginning helps you fund your movie

The value (and limitations) of foreign pre-sales and cast attachments

What sales agents look for in a pitch, and how to present a compelling deck

Why comps in pitch decks can be misleading or counterproductive

Navigating film festivals and markets like Cannes, Berlin, and Toronto effectively

Practical tips for raising money without burning out or making costly mistakes

Memorable Quotes:

“Nobody knows anything in the film industry.”

“Every birth is a miracle. Editors are midwives. We could really keep this metaphor going.”

“You’ve got to be bold. If it just feels like a lower-budget version of something the studio’s making, they’ll just watch the studio version.”

“If it is a good film, it will find a way to cut through.”

Guests:

Mike Chapman (Bluefinch Films)

Stephen Cedars

Benji Kleiman

Resources:

Blue Finch Film Releasing

The Wolfpack

Deadstream

Hundreds of Beavers

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On this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins is reporting live from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival alongside a vibrant panel of first-time attendees. Filmmakers Stephen Cedars and Benji Kleiman, and producer Lexi Tannenholtz reflect on the chaos, surprises, and serendipity of navigating Cannes for the first time. From deciphering the market to running into unexpected industry contacts, they explore the overwhelming yet exhilarating world of one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. This episode is packed with practical advice for emerging filmmakers hoping to make the most of a trip to Cannes.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss...

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Dean Fleischer Camp, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, joins GG Hawkins on this episode of the No Film School Podcast to discuss his journey from indie auteur to directing Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch. Camp delves into the emotional and technical challenges of maintaining character integrity, scaling up production, and bringing heart and authenticity to a beloved IP. From personal anecdotes about his early filmmaking days to deep dives into character animation and working with child actors, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring filmmakers and animation fans alike.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Dean Fleischer Camp discuss...

How Dean’s background in editing and indie filmmaking shaped his directorial approach

The creative transition from Marcel the Shell to Lilo & Stitch

Capturing the emotional depth and soul of Stitch in a live-action format

The importance of involving original creators in adaptations

Directing child actors and creating real interactions with animated characters

The casting and character development of Nani, Lilo's sister

Practical advice for emerging filmmakers navigating their first projects

Memorable Quotes:

“Even the most exacting director... gets like 30% of what they set out to get exactly in their mind’s eye.”

“You can feed the animated Stitch through the live-action machine... but if you don’t put any care into it, it actually has the opposite effect.”

“Don’t wait for permission to make something... That’s an order.”

Guest:

Dean Fleischer Camp

Mentioned in this episode:

Experience Camps

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In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman tackle breaking news, unpacking President Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made films and what it could mean for the future of Hollywood. Then, GG takes us to the heart of indie filmmaking with a vibrant live conversation from Cinema Columbus, where filmmakers Michael Polk, Sam Dunning, and Kelsey Lea Jones share war stories, festival lessons, and the power of regional cinema in a shifting industry.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guests discuss...

The implications of Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign film and TV productions

How international tax incentives affect where Hollywood makes movies

The economic and cultural risks of isolating American film audiences

The live indie filmmaking experience from Cinema Columbus

The production and festival journeys of “Canoe Dig It” and “Say As I Say”

Creative strategies for self-distribution and building regional audiences

How unexpected moments during indie shoots add authenticity and charm

Memorable Quotes:

"You don't need to jail artists to silence them. You just make their work impossible to afford."

"Let’s solve this problem with a real solution and not just with bluster."

"If you can't give indie filmmakers money, the most valuable other thing you can do is to rate and review our movies."

"We just don't want it to disappear… even if we don't make a dime."

Guests:

Michael Polk

Sam Dunning

Kelsey Lea Jones

Resources:

Canoe Dig it?

Say As I Say

No Film School: What Do Studio Heads Have to Say About The Hollywood Tariffs?

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In this episode, GG Hawkins of No Film School sits down with Ben Roberts, Chief Executive of the British Film Institute (BFI), for a powerful conversation on the cultural and creative necessity of film preservation. As the BFI celebrates the 90th anniversary of its National Archive and launches its new BFI America initiative, Roberts shares deep insights into the archival process, global collaboration, and the evolving role of film as both art and artifact. From rediscovering rare prints to the vital importance of archiving even digital work, this episode offers an inspiring call to action for filmmakers and cinephiles alike.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Ben Roberts discuss...

Why film preservation matters more than ever in the digital age

The significance of BFI’s National Archive turning 90

Rare film prints like Jaws and Mildred Pierce hidden in BFI’s vaults

How the BFI selects films for restoration and the stories behind those choices

The launch of BFI America and its goals for international collaboration

Practical advice for emerging filmmakers attending international markets like Cannes or Berlin

Why preserving your own creative process is as important as the work itself

Memorable Quotes:

"The archive is full of treasures."

"Just make stuff, practice, practice, practice, without feeling like this is going to be your big break."

"Keep everything. Keep your emails, keep notes... One day when you're the greatest filmmaker on the planet, we will want it all."

"You’ve got to think about the global industry and the global culture, because to get stuff made, there are so many ways to collaborate internationally."

Resources:

BFI Player Classics

BFI.org.uk

Sight & Sound Magazine

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In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins hosts a conversation with filmmakers Annapurna Sriram ("Fucktoys") and Alex Burunova ("Satisfaction"). Fresh from their South by Southwest premieres, they open up about the challenges and triumphs of making their first feature films independently. From the loneliness of directing to finding creative collaborators, the trio shares the real, raw experience of being “in the thick of it” during production and beyond.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss...

Why making a first feature feels like living on an island — literally and metaphorically

The emotional rollercoaster of independent filmmaking and the power of perseverance

The origins of "Fucktoys" and "Satisfaction," and how personal experiences inspired the films

Casting without “named talent” and the importance of authentic performances

How microbudget hacks, from thrift store shopping to strategic returns, kept productions alive

The importance of finding your “spiritual warriors” (aka collaborators who get it)

How to carry the lessons of your first feature into your next project

Memorable Quotes:

“If you can see all the heartbreak ahead, I don't know that anybody would climb the mountain.”

“You’re not the first person to deal with a catastrophe — every person deals with it.”

“Be a scout. Be a badass. Discover undiscovered talent.”

“The gap in the teeth leads to the heart. It’s all a map.”

Guests:

Annapurna Sriram (Director, Writer, Lead Actor of Fucktoys)

Alex Burunova (Director, Writer of Satisfaction)

Resources:

Fucktoys on Instagram: @fucktoysthemovie

Satisfaction on Instagram: @satisfactionfilm

I Really Love My Husband on Instagram: @ireallylovemyhusbandmovie

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