Episode Description
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...
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The overwhelming and technical process of delivering a film to distributors and platforms
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How to strategically approach festival and release PR, including budgeting and outreach
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The importance of having a “community producer” to build your audience from day one
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Lessons learned from critical feedback, press rejections, and audience reactions
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How to navigate marketing when your film doesn’t fit neatly into genre boxes
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The value of making work that represents your voice—even if it’s not a commercial hit
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What filmmakers should always be working on while waiting for the "yes" from the industry
Memorable Quotes:
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"I would rather make something that makes people feel things one way or the other versus sort of like a lukewarm back."
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"The only way to know how to make a movie is to make a movie... and then make another."
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"Greenlight yourself. That is the most important thing any of us can be doing."
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"It is not the time to pinch pennies... this is the time to spend it.”
Resources:
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You’re Picture Locked. Now What? (Plus Dir. Ruben Fleischer!)
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Watch I Really Love My Husband:
Find No Film School everywhere:
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📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com
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