Breaking Down a Doc Fest Run: Process, People, and Payoff

In this episode recorded live at the Sundance Film Festival, No Film School founder Ryan Koo sits down with Julien and Justen Turner—real-life brothers and co-creators of FreeLance, an indie TV pilot that debuted in the festival’s Episodic Pilot Showcase. The Turner Brothers walk through their journey of building a creative career outside of New York or LA, self-funding their show in Columbus, Ohio, and pulling off a high-production-value pilot in just four days. They talk about their process, influences, and how their authentic, relatable characters came to life through personal experience and community-driven production. In this episode, No Film School’s Ryan Koo and guests discuss… The origin of the episodic pilot category at Sundance and its importance for indie creators How the Turner Brothers’ musical upbringing led to an early love of filmmaking Their decision to self-fund FreeLance instead of attending Sundance in 2023 Turning real-life freelance filmmaking experiences (like wedding videography chaos) into episodic comedy Casting comedians, athletes, and non-actors from social media and commercial work Building a 150-page show bible and planning a multi-season vision The four-day shoot that captured 41 minutes of content, including an improvised scene in a thrifted basement How making content in Ohio allowed the show to break traditional industry molds Advice for filmmakers: choose a date, build your team, and just shoot The surreal moment of getting the Sundance acceptance call (via their mom!) Memorable Quotes: “We kind of realized that the only people we were waiting on was ourselves.” “The more specific we were, the more universal it was.” “We shot a 41-minute pilot in four days.” “This is getting done, and it’s going to be done like this.” Guests: Julien Turner Justen Turner Resources: Dreadhead Films on Instagram dreadheadfilms.com 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

This episode of the No Film School Podcast is recorded live from the final Sundance Film Festival in Park City, 2026. GG Hawkins and Ryan Koo are joined by No Film School writer Jo Light and special guest Teddy Kim to share insights and lessons from Sundance. Together, they reflect on what it takes to find true creative collaborators at festivals, how the indie landscape continues to shift, and why human connection still matters more than ever in a rapidly changing industry. The episode includes a game of "Red Flag, Green Flag" and wraps with an interview between Ryan Koo and writer-director Stephanie Ahn, whose feature Bedford Park won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Debut Feature at Sundance 2026. In this episode you'll hear... How to make the most of Sundance even if you're not actively pitching a project Why networking at film festivals is more about vibe than résumé The evolving role of indie production companies balancing studio and independent films Which films are getting buzz at Sundance 2026 and what the acquisition market looks like How filmmakers are using episodic pilots and private screenings to get attention The pros and cons of “networking dinners” and late-night parties like Tao A playful, practical game of "Red Flag, Green Flag" to decode festival behavior GG’s and Jo’s favorite short and episodic pilots—and what makes them feel fresh A deep-dive interview with Bedford Park director Stephanie Ahn about perseverance, editing your own movie, and telling emotionally resonant stories Memorable Quotes: “In filmmaking, they often say you better give 10 years of your life… I exceeded that, and Stephanie exceeded that.” “You have to be very clear about what your intentions are and what the story is going to be. If you maintain an integrity with that, people come.” “It’s not a matter of whether there is a big headline acquisition… but can a bunch of other movies get acquired for $3 million and have a healthy minimum guarantee?” “I wanted to make a film that hopefully an audience would actually feel something—genuinely feel something.” Resources: Sundance 2026 Award Winners Guests: Jo Light Teddy Kim Stephanie Ahn Resources Mentioned: 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 recorded live from the final Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, GG Hawkins is joined by No Film School’s Ryan Koo and Jo Light to commemorate the end of an era. The trio dives into personal memories, the legacy of Robert Redford, and what the future may hold for the festival as it prepares to relocate to Boulder, Colorado. They reflect on how Sundance has supported filmmakers through its labs, how festival culture shapes careers, and the emotional highs and lows of navigating the indie film landscape. GG also shares behind-the-scenes insights from her recent event at Sundance focused on women in the business of film, while offering a candid look at what it really takes to get a film into a top-tier festival. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins, Ryan Koo, and Jo Light discuss... What makes Sundance in Park City so special—and why it's bittersweet to say goodbye The importance of Sundance's labs and the legacy of Robert Redford The emotional impact of community and connection during film festivals GG’s first Sundance as a filmmaker with a feature and her reflections on that journey Advice for filmmakers on submission strategy and post-production polish What types of films stand out at Sundance today: high-concept, star-driven, or uniquely personal Highlights from GG’s industry dinner focused on women in the business of film Thoughts and hopes for the new Sundance location in Boulder, Colorado Memorable Quotes: “The old rules don’t apply and the new rules haven’t been written.” “If it’s not ready, don’t submit yet. Unless Willem Dafoe is in your movie.” “You’re already 99.9% past the obstacles just by making a movie.” “Robert Redford used his power to help others.” Guests: Ryan Koo Jo Light 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

January is often perceived as a slow month in Hollywood, but in reality it’s one of the most strategic windows of the year for filmmakers. On this episode, GG Hawkins and guests Ana Liza Muravina and John Lamm unpack how the industry “wakes up” in early 2026, what that means for creative careers, and how artists can structure their time, their projects, and their expectations to thrive amid shifting economic and ecosystem forces. From understanding industry seasonality, permission structures, and macro trends in distribution to practical strategies for developing and releasing work, this conversation offers both mindset shifts and concrete guidance for filmmakers navigating careers in the current landscape. In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and guests Ana Liza Muravina and John Lamm discuss: Breaking down the idea of a “Hollywood shutdown” and why January becomes a key moment of restart, planning, and opportunity. How to contextually plan your writing year and align creative output with industry cycles (inspired by ideas from Final Draft’s annual planning guide). Why building structure as an independent artist (even without external deadlines) empowers your career and creative focus. “Permission structures” in the industry — what they are, how they shape opportunity, and how filmmakers can navigate or build them. The importance of community, cohorts, and trusted feedback systems for career sustainability and perspective. How macroeconomic forces, consolidation in the streaming market, and attention economy shifts are reshaping how films get financed, distributed, and found. Practical project strategies — from refining scripts based on audience/readers to building a tailored outreach atlas for producers and executives. The value of aligning ambition with realistic pathways — creating work you can make now while aiming for larger goals down the line. Inspiring perspectives on why now may be an era of opportunity for scrappy independent filmmaking. Memorable Quotes: “Most filmmakers think January is slow, but quietly it’s one of the most strategic months of the year.” “It’s one of those weird things … every now and then when I zoom like 10,000 feet back … it’s not necessarily indictment on your art.” “You see it … LA is the concentration of us. It’s artists who are so good at what they do just waiting for someone to give them permission to do what they do well… And the answer generally is unless you decide to stride and do it yourself, no one gives you permission.” “Don’t get too bogged down in the how, the strategy … let’s make movies, y’all. Let’s just do it.” Guests: Ana Liza Muravina John Lamm Resources Mentioned: The Current: Less Chaos, More Momentum (On the Circuit) How to Plan Your Entire Screenwriting Year: A Month-by-Month Guide (Final Draft) Video: Preparing for the Creator Economy Apocalypse (with Chris Gethard) 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Charles Haine sits down with documentary co-directors Geneva Peschka and Anna Andersen to discuss their latest project The Solace of Sisterhood, which recently premiered at Tribeca. The conversation dives deep into the ethics of documentary filmmaking, how they found and built trust with their subjects—the Caramel Curves, a New Orleans-based all-female motorcycle club—and how they navigated a successful festival run. From storytelling intention to set culture, the team shares their collaborative journey in bringing vulnerability, softness, and strength to the screen. In this episode, No Film School's Charles Haine and guests discuss... How Geneva and Anna met and began their creative partnership Their journey developing The Solace of Sisterhood and pitching it to Fujifilm Building trust and a safe space for documentary subjects How bringing in co-founder True’s daughter, Skye, as a camera operator deepened the film The evolving importance of ethical statements in festival submissions Shifting set culture to prioritize respect, connection, and vulnerability Working with the Fujifilm GFX100 and achieving a cinematic, soft visual tone The emotional highs and logistical challenges of their festival journey, including premiering at Tribeca Memorable Quotes: "It starts for us on set—how people come together and how we approach one another and hold space for each other." "Documentary inherently asks so much out of our participants... it’s a job you have to do with integrity and with ethics." "You’re changing who’s telling the story... you’re letting them know they are a part of their narrative, as they should be." "Filmmaking can be very lonely... but we are each other's strengths." Guests: Geneva Peschka Anna Andersen Resources: The Solace of Sisterhood – Tribeca 2024 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

This episode of the No Film School Podcast dives deep into the power and necessity of physical spaces in modern film culture. Host GG Hawkins sits down with Maggie Mackay, Executive Director and board member of Vidiots—a beloved LA video store-turned-nonprofit cultural institution. They explore the origins and revival of Vidiots, what it takes to build a sustainable, audience-centered film space in a digital world, and why community, curation, and accessibility matter more than ever. It’s a moving, behind-the-scenes look at how passion, resilience, and radical thinking can reshape the future of cinema spaces. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Maggie Mackay discuss... The emotional and communal value of physical film spaces How Maggie revived Vidiots through radical reimagining and persistence The challenges of creating a nonprofit, sustainable film hub Why the video store experience is still relevant to new generations How partnerships and collaboration helped save and relaunch Vidiots Building an audience-first, equitable business model Creating spaces where younger and older generations can discover film together Memorable Quotes: "Holy shit, what are we letting disappear on us?" "You can deep dive in ways in a video store that you can't in any other way." "Seeing kids grow up in the video store… it's the highlight of my career." "Think about doing the risky, crazy thing… and call us if you want to figure out how to make it happen." Guests: Maggie Mackay (IMDb) Resources: Indie Empire Use code GG25 for 25% off the Micro Budget Mindset course 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

This episode of the No Film School Podcast features two conversations. First, host GG Hawkins reunites with filmmaker Pete Ohs, who returns to share the unique distribution experiment he’s launching with four films releasing throughout 2026. He reflects on his “table of bubbles” filmmaking philosophy and his desire to find joy instead of stress in the release process. Later, GG is joined by composer Hollie Buhagiar, whose original score for GG’s debut feature I Really Love My Husband is now out. They break down their collaborative process in detail, from early cue drafts to the film’s final emotional moments, revealing how bird calls, pitch-shifted vocals, and “surf rock” found their way into the film’s DNA. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss... Pete Ohs’ philosophy of “table of bubbles” and how it’s guiding his 2026 film distribution approach Why Pete is using a different distribution strategy for each of his four new films What feels broken about indie film distribution today — and how to approach it differently Hollie Buhagiar’s journey into composing and her intuitive, emotion-driven scoring method The evolution of the score for I Really Love My Husband, including early drafts and final cues How creative freedom, happy accidents, and imperfect instruments brought the film to life The importance of developing a shared language between director and composer Memorable Quotes: "The films are a table made of bubbles. They cannot support anything." "The biggest result is just — is this fun?" "What's a convincing note?” "With great power comes great responsibility — even for the piano." Guests: Pete Ohs Hollie Buhagiar Resources: Pete's original pod interview Score for I Really Love My Husband on Spotify 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, the tables are turned as No Film School host GG Hawkins becomes the interviewee, speaking with No Film School founder Ryan Koo about the journey of releasing her micro-budget feature I Really Love My Husband. The episode dives into the emotional, logistical, and marketing challenges of putting an independent film into the world after festival premieres and securing distribution. GG shares the lessons she’s learned, the unexpected hurdles she’s faced, and the importance of personal PR, audience-building, and staying true to your creative voice—especially when your movie doesn’t follow traditional paths or genres. In this episode, No Film School’s Ryan Koo and GG Hawkins discuss... The overwhelming and technical process of delivering a film to distributors and platforms How to strategically approach festival and release PR, including budgeting and outreach The importance of having a “community producer” to build your audience from day one Lessons learned from critical feedback, press rejections, and audience reactions How to navigate marketing when your film doesn’t fit neatly into genre boxes The value of making work that represents your voice—even if it’s not a commercial hit What filmmakers should always be working on while waiting for the "yes" from the industry Memorable Quotes: "I would rather make something that makes people feel things one way or the other versus sort of like a lukewarm back." "The only way to know how to make a movie is to make a movie... and then make another." "Greenlight yourself. That is the most important thing any of us can be doing." "It is not the time to pinch pennies... this is the time to spend it.” Resources: How to Write a Movie that Shoots in Three Months You’re Picture Locked. Now What? (Plus Dir. Ruben Fleischer!) Filmmaker’s Guide to SXSW: Tips, Takeaways, Tough Lessons Watch I Really Love My Husband: Apple Amazon Google Play and more 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

Host GG Hawkins sits down with filmmaker Charlie Polinger to unpack the making of his debut feature, The Plague. Polinger discusses his transition from theater to film, the personal childhood memories that shaped the story, and how embracing chaos—rather than controlling it—became central to his directing process. From casting an electrifying ensemble of young actors to shaping dread through sound design and editing, the conversation explores how specificity, vulnerability, and trust can turn a coming-of-age story into psychological horror. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest discuss… Transitioning from theater directing to feature filmmaking Drawing from childhood memory to create visceral, psychological horror Why a boys’ water polo camp became the perfect contained setting Casting and directing a large ensemble of young actors Letting location do the storytelling heavy lifting Embracing chaos on set instead of fighting it Building anxiety through sound design and post-production rhythm Hands-on collaboration in the edit and score development Advice for emerging filmmakers on making work consistently Memorable Quotes: “I just wanted to create a really kind of visceral, subjective, psychological experience of being a 12-year-old boy.” “There’s strategy built into the cruelty and the violence and getting away with it—and that felt really ripe cinematically. “The space is sort of like a character in this film.” “The more I put out into the world, the more that the world gave back.” Guest: Charlie Polinger Resources: The Plague EP by Lexi Tannenholtz on Cannes first-timers: A First-Timer’s Guide to the Cannes Film Festival 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, host Charles Haine sits down with cinematographer Oren Soffer to dive deep into the groundbreaking and much-discussed visual style of The Creator. As the co-DP alongside Greig Fraser, Soffer shares how they achieved the film’s unique aesthetic using a prosumer Sony FX3 camera, a single vintage lens, and a minimalist, indie-inspired production model. This discussion covers everything from lighting choices and VFX collaboration to gear workflows and lens testing, offering an in-depth look at how one of the year's most visually striking sci-fi films was crafted. In this episode, No Film School's Charles Haine and guest Oren Soffer discuss... How Oren Soffer became co-DP on The Creator alongside Greig Fraser The decision to shoot 95% of the film on one vintage 75mm Kowa anamorphic lens Using the Sony FX3 with an Atomos Ninja for ProRes RAW capture The benefits of designing visual effects around photography rather than the reverse Lighting choices inspired by naturalism and a small-footprint, indie ethos The influence of films like Baraka and Rogue One on the visual approach Operating with a nimble crew and custom-built gimbal rigs Remote collaboration between Soffer, Fraser, and director Gareth Edwards The impact of location shooting across Southeast Asia Memorable Quotes: "We shot 95 percent of the movie on a single focal length, which is the Kowa Cine Prominar... you're baking the look into the image." "The way to make visual effects feel more real is to let the photography lead." "We wanted to shoot this big movie as if it’s this tiny road movie." "It was an indie film with a 90-day shoot schedule and a full stunt team... but the filmmaking process itself felt really scrappy in the best way possible." Guest: Oren Soffer 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