The No Film School Podcast

• Coppola Told Me: Shoot It on Your Phone

  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 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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• Real Talk on Film Finance, Distribution, and Pre-Sales

  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 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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• A First-Timer’s Guide to the Cannes Film Festival

  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... What it means to “have a movie” at Cannes and the nuances between screening, sales, and market presence How the Cannes Film Festival is actually multiple events in one—red carpets, markets, pavilions, and more The unique experience of The Marché du Film and what it teaches about global film distribution Serendipitous encounters and the power of just showing up prepared and open to connection The social dynamics of the festival and why dressing the part can be as important as showing up Tips for navigating Cannes for first-timers—from parties to planning to staying present The balance between networking and being respectful in professional interactions Memorable Quotes: "I feel like I've learned more in the last six days than I have in the last six years." "Prepare yourself for good luck.” "Don’t try to get an apple tree on day one of planting the seed." "The festival is a celebration of art, but the market is all business." Guests: Stephen Cedars Benji Kleiman Lexi Tannenholtz Resources: Goodside: Affordable housing for filmmakers at major festivals 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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• From Marcel to Stitch: Dean Fleischer Camp on Protecting Your Character’s Soul

  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 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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  48:57
• Why Regional Films and Fests are Essential

  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? 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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