Best Ken Abbott Podcasts (2024)

1
Navigate All Facets of Comedy With 'The Office' & 'Abbott Elementary' Director Ken Whittingham 1:10:57

26d ago1:10:57

1:10:57

Ken Whittingham has directed shows we all know and love such as, The Office, 30 Rock, and Parks and Recreation. More recently, he has worked on the TV comedy, Abbot Elementary, which uses a mockumentary production style, similar to The Office. While Ken is an award-winning director with over 25 years of experience, he believes in the power of teamw…

1
Want To Make Worldbuilding Movies? ‘Borderlands’ EP Emmy Yu on Development, Production & Why VFX Should Be Onboard ASAP 57:59

5d ago57:59

57:59

Producers are involved in every step of creating a film, from development to post-production. The role of a producer is not only to keep everyone on the same page but also to remove barriers so the cast and crew can focus on the creative elements needed to create a fantastic film. In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Executiv…

1
Making a Movie Is Scary—This Is How We Manage Our Fear 35:53

7d ago35:53

35:53

On this bonus episode of the No Film School podcast, host GG Hawkins is joined by members of the team behind the movie she wrote and directed, 'I Really Love My Husband'. Cinematographer Ryan Thomas and Actors Madison Lanesey and Travis Quinton Young share their own fears and how they overcame them during the filmmaking process. The conversation hi…

1
‘War Game’ Directors Jesse Moss & Tony Gerber on Fearless Collaboration, Plus Comic-Con & Experimental Films 47:02

10d ago47:02

47:02

“Remain curious. Approach projects not with a notion of what kind of product you want to create in the market, but rather, what do you want to learn.” This advice, which comes from the directors of the documentary War Game, embodies the theme of today’s episode. - It’s okay to create unconventional films about unconventional topics. In today’s epis…

1
Breaking Down the Black List 1:02:01

19d ago1:02:01

1:02:01

The Blacklist started as an annual list of the best, unproduced screenplays in Hollywood. Nowadays, it’s an awesome online platform that nurtures and empowers screenwriters from around the world, by helping them showcase their scripts and grow within the industry. In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and host of the Bla…

1
#72 A Hard Day's Night 60th anniversary with Ken Womack 1:12:58

27d ago1:12:58

1:12:58

In Cineversary podcast episode #72, host Erik Martin is joined by guest Ken Womack—author of several books on the Fab Four including The Cambridge Companion to the Beatles and Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans—as they celebrate the 60th birthday of A Hard Day’s Night, directed by Richard Lester. Together, they rediscover the …

1
How ‘I Saw the TV Glow’ Editor Balances Creative, Tech & Negotiates Higher Pay 43:24

29d ago43:24

43:24

As a beginning editor, working on low-budget projects is normal when you’re first starting. Once you get some experience under your belt, there comes a time when you have to start advocating for yourself so that you can get paid more. The “something is better than nothing mindset” can only serve you for so long, before you start to burn out. In tod…

1
Paramount — Skydance Merger; Scope, Scale & Dragon Battles 36:24

1M ago36:24

36:24

Paramount and Skydance are merging. How does that impact the people already involved in those companies and what does it mean for the rest of us? How did House of Dragon pull off the epic Battle of Rook’s Rest, featuring multiple, fighting dragons? Let’s find out together! In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman discuss:…

1
How To Write a Movie To Shoot (In Three Months) 24:50

1M ago24:50

24:50

On this special episode of the No Film School podcast, host GG Hawkins shares her experience of writing her first feature, 'I Really Love My Husband' on a small budget and arguably, an even smaller timeline. She discusses the constraints she faced, the collaborative writing process, and the challenges of receiving feedback. GG emphasizes the import…

1
The Burden of Unpaid Work, Ramping Up Your Reps & Roth IRAs; Plus ‘A Family Affair’ Screenwriter Carrie Solomon 1:13:28

1M ago1:13:28

1:13:28

At what point should you get paid for the work you do to develop a project? What types of conversations should you be having with your agent? How can you show up confidently for potential projects, even though you’re feeling utterly afraid? In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guest Carrie Solomon discuss: Smart way…

1
Why This Doc Editor Let's Himself Get Lost 45:58

1M ago45:58

45:58

While documentary editor Lucas Harger loves “being lost in a sea of footage” when he first starts a project, his approach to editing is intentional and specific. From his initial meeting with the director to establishing the context of characters and theme, this editor knows what it takes to transform raw footage into powerful stories. In today’s e…

1
Don’t Sacrifice Creative: ‘A House is Not A Disco’ DP & Editor Share Tools on Staying Lean, Nimble 56:19

2M ago56:19

56:19

You don’t have to have high-end tech or complicated processes to create your film. You just need an open mind and a passion for the story you are telling, as we’ll learn from this week’s episode from the DP and editor of A House Is Not a Disco. In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with cinematographer Eric Schleicher and editor Bl…

1
‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ Writer-Director Michael Sarnoski's Path from 'Pig' to Studio Franchise 41:52

2M ago41:52

41:52

Michael Sarnoski is the director and co-writer of A Quiet Place: Day One, the franchise's third film. The film follows Sam who is trapped in New York City during the early stages of an alien invasion. Michael shares that he was attracted to this film because of the opportunity to explore interesting character dynamics. In today’s episode, No Film S…

1
'Ren Faire' Dir Lance Oppenheim Plus Hard Comedy and Hard Questions 1:19:40

2M ago1:19:40

1:19:40

What’s the best approach to sharing your resume on LinkedIn? Is it okay to negotiate when you rent gear? What’s the difference between hard comedy and hard “R” comedy? How do you shoot a documentary and make it feel like a movie? In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guests Lance Oppenheim and Nate Hur…

1
An Editing Round Table Of Emmy Contenders Part II 46:46

2M ago46:46

46:46

Becoming an editor is more than just learning software and improving your skills. You must listen intently, speak up for yourself, and seek guidance and feedback from others with more experience. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Grant Vance speaks with editors J. Kathleen Gibson, Joaquin Elizondo, Shelly Westerman, and Payton Koch to discuss: T…

1
Jeff Nichols Discusses the Inspiration, Writing, and Directing of 'The Bikeriders' 31:18

2M ago31:18

31:18

Jeff Nichols is the director of the film, The Bikeriders, a story about a 1960s motorcycle club that turns into a menacing gang, known as the Vandals. The film is adapted from Danny Lyon’s book of the same title. The complex nature of The Bikeriders, leaves us asking, “Why are we attracted to dangerous things?” In today’s episode, No Film School’s …

1
An Editing Round Table Of Emmy Contenders! 57:12

2M ago57:12

57:12

Maura Corey is the picture editor of Gen V, a satire about young adult superheroes. Walter Schulz is the visual effects supervisor behind The Curse, a story about a cursed couple who are part of a reality show. These two creatives share how they got their start, their work process, and what it takes to build a successful career in film. In today’s …

1
Your Freelance Healthcare Questions Answered 59:57

2M ago59:57

59:57

Just how important are character introductions in film? What are the most important steps you need to take before sending out your script? How do you pay for healthcare as a freelance filmmaker? In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine and Jason Hellerman discuss: Why writers need to improve their character introductions Examples of movie…

1
#71 Chinatown 70th anniversary with Eddie Muller 1:19:47

2M ago1:19:47

1:19:47

In Cineversary podcast episode #71, host Erik Martin is joined again by Eddie Muller, host of TCM’s Noir Alley and founder/president of the Film Noir Foundation, to mark the golden anniversary of Chinatown (1974), directed by Roman Polanski and starring Jack Nicholson. Together, they investigate what makes this movie tick like precision clockwork 5…

1
Choosing Your Next Project & Immediate Next Steps 43:14

2M ago43:14

43:14

There's no better feeling than completing a project you’ve been working on for, what feels like, forever. On one hand, you’re relieved but you're also anxious to figure out what to work on next. How do you decide what your new project will be, and what is the most efficient strategy for getting started on it? In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG…

1
How to Get Your Short Out In the World & Write to Your Darkest Instincts 1:32:47

2M ago1:32:47

1:32:47

In life, we can’t please everyone. There will be people who “get us” and others who simply don’t. It’s the same when you’re a filmmaker. Your work won’t vibe with everyone who sees it, and that’s totally okay! It’s time to face your fears, give it your all, and create those projects that reveal your darkest instincts. In today’s episode, No Film Sc…

1
Break Up With Your Temp Score & Other Placeholders; Plus, Blackmagic Won NAB 48:59

3M ago48:59

48:59

If you’re a director who has become too attached to the temp score, you’re essentially falling in love with something you can’t have. While it may feel impossible to let go, it is possible. Let’s look at some ways you can break up with your temp score and move on. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman d…

1
How To Cut Like an Anthropologist from 'Scrambled’ & ‘Alpha’ Editor Sandra Granovsky 39:11

3M ago39:11

39:11

Editing is more than just assembling footage. According to editor Sandra Granovsky, the whole editing process requires an interest and understanding of human nature. In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Sandra Torres Granovsky to discuss: How studying anthropology affected her approach to editing Following your inner voice wh…

1
The Pause in Pipeline Programs & What It Means for You 29:56

3M ago29:56

29:56

Is it ethical to encourage people to pursue a career in film when there are such high levels of unemployment in the industry? The Art Directors Guild certainly doesn’t think so which has led the union to pause their annual training program this year. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss: The AD…

1
‘Prom Dates’ Writer & Director on Reviving the Teen Sex Comedy 35:14

3M ago35:14

35:14

Prom Dates, written by D.J. Mausner and directed by Kim Nguyen, is a comedy that follows two best friends who are hell-bent on having the perfect senior prom, despite the fact they broke up with their dates only 24 hours before the big night. This raunchy comedy reminds us that while romantic love may be fleeting, true friendship can survive any ad…

1
Film Fests: The Merits and Scams; Plus, Film Communities Outside of the Bubbles with Amy Dotson 55:32

3M ago55:32

55:32

What film festivals are worth submitting your projects to? Which festivals are legitimate and which ones are scams out for your money? Is it possible to find like-minded creatives to collaborate with, outside of places like L.A. and New York? In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guest Amy Dotson discu…

1
#70 On the Waterfront 70th anniversary with Stephen Rebello & Michael Phillips 1:59:48

3M ago1:59:48

1:59:48

In Cineversary podcast episode #70, host Erik Martin lights 70 birthday candles for Elia Kazan’s On the Waterfront, starring Marlon Brando. Two esteemed guests join him this time around: Stephen Rebello, author of the forthcoming book A City Full of Hawks: On the Waterfront Seventy Years Later; and Michael Phillips, film critic for The Chicago Trib…

1
How To Get a Short Film Into Sundance – and Turn It Into a Feature 45:32

3M ago45:32

45:32

“There’s never been a better time to make shorts or watch shorts,” says Mike Plante, the senior short film programmer at Sundance Film Festival. Mike, who has been at Sundance for over 20 years, shares his thoughts on the future of shorts and what his team looks for in the selection process. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Ryan Koo speaks with…

1
‘Shōgun’ DPs on Lenses, Looks & How ‘The Descent’ Brought Them Together 1:03:20

3M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Long-time friends and colleagues, Christopher Ross and Sam McCurdy, are two of the cinematographers of FX’s mini-series, Shōgun. Filming this series was an incredible experience full of lessons in Japanese culture, lenses, and shooting with cranes. In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and special guest, cinematographer Ryan Thomas, speak…

1
Writing the Unfilmable & Managing Your Career When SH*T Hits the Fan 36:48

3M ago36:48

36:48

Writing a screenplay is like following a cookie recipe, it’s closer to magic than science. You don’t have to follow screenwriting “rules” to create an amazing story. There’s something else you don’t have to do in your career. When serious problems arise in your personal life, you don’t have to keep working at your typical pace. It’s okay to ask for…

1
How ‘Challengers’ Screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes Aces Character, Tension and Stakes 29:44

4M ago29:44

29:44

Justin Kuritzkes is the screenwriter for the film, Challengers, starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor. The story revolves around tennis pros who are caught in a love triangle. It’s not just about the game of tennis, but about the game of love and power. Let’s dive into Justin’s process of writing such a damn good movie! In today’s episode…

1
GOP Congressman Tony Gonzales attacks party peers 26:46

4M ago26:46

26:46

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFxwX7r4nTY This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss President Biden's remarks on abortion in Florida, U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales' attacks on his GOP colleagues, and the upcoming elections in Texas, among other stories. NATIONAL TOPICS Biden gives remarks on abortion Gonzales calls peers 'scu…

1
Packaging and the Death of Naked Specs 33:09

4M ago33:09

33:09

The days of selling naked specs are over. It’s now the filmmaker's job to understand how to package their projects. While many were opposed to packaging in the past, there are effective ways to approach the process that will leave you feeling empowered. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss: The…

1
Live from NAB 2024: Blackmagic's CEO on the URSA Cine 12K & Future of AI 59:26

4M ago59:26

59:26

We had the chance to speak to Grant Petty of Blackmagic Design at this year’s NAB conference. It was as much of a conversation about technology and innovation as it was a conversation about human nature. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Jourdan Aldredge speaks with Blackmagic CEO Grant Petty to discuss: Developing the URSA Cine with a post-prod…

1
Is Mike Johnson’s job in jeopardy? 26:46

4M ago26:46

26:46

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPXEIzFAM54 This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the security of Mike Johnson's speakership, Trump's hush-money trial, and the campaign war chests of Ted Cruz and Colin Allred, among other stories. NATIONAL TOPICS Johnson speakership under threat? Tension in Middle East Trump criminal …

1
Editing Tyler Perry's Life Story with Filmmaker Erick Sasso 1:09:34

4M ago1:09:34

1:09:34

Erick Sasso is a multi-hyphenate creative and the editor of the film, Maxine's Baby: The Tyler Perry Story, which documents the life of Tyler Perry. Erick compares the making of documentaries to the making of a meal. You need to use the right ingredients…not too much, not too little. And everyone at the table has to enjoy it. In today’s episode, No…

1
Why The 'Blood for Dust' Director & Producer Don't Wait for Permission To Make Movies 1:01:20

4M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Rod Blackhurst and Noah Lang are the dynamic duo behind the film Blood for Dust, starring Kit Harington, Scooty McNairy, and Josh Lucas. These filmmakers share why leading with honesty, openness, and enthusiasm is the key to building strong relationships and creating successful films. You don’t have to be cutthroat in this industry in order to achi…

1
#69 Seven Samurai 70th anniversary with David Desser and Stuart Galbraith IV 2:32:39

4M ago2:32:39

2:32:39

In Cineversary podcast episode #69, host Erik Martin sends 70th birthday wishes to Akira Kurosawa’s epic masterwork Seven Samurai. This month, he’s joined by Asian cinema expert and University of Illinois film professor David Desser, as well as Stuart Galbraith IV, author of The Emperor and the Wolf: The Lives and Films of Akira Kurosawa and Toshir…

1
A look at John Whitmire’s first 100 days as Houston mayor 26:46

4M ago26:46

26:46

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=affCq4r0cpY This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the recent near-total ban on abortion in Arizona, Ken Paxton's lawsuit against Harris County, and the first 100 days of John Whitmire's inaugural term as Houston mayor, among other stories. NATIONAL TOPICS Biden puts pressure on Netanyah…

1
These No Film School Listeners Won Slamdance and Then Some 39:42

4M ago39:42

39:42

Nina Ognjanovic is the director of the film, Where the Road Leads, which won Best Narrative Feature at Slamdance 2023. Nina and her passionate team prove you can successfully market a foreign, indie film on a limited budget and still win at major festivals in the US and worldwide. In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Nina Ogn…

1
Survive Until 2025 48:14

4M ago48:14

48:14

Were you hoping work would pick back up after last year’s strikes? Unfortunately, work is epically slow, and 2024 is a rough year for the film industry. But just because Hollywood is slowing down, doesn’t mean you have to. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss: The industry post-strike How highe…

1
How to Safely Light Chris Hemsworth on Fire 47:14

4M ago47:14

47:14

Sam Hargrave is an award winning stuntman and stunt coordinator, second unit director for films like Suicide Squad and Avengers:Endgame, and director of the film Extraction. His second feature film, Extraction 2, is available on Netflix, June 16. In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director Sam Hargrave discuss: The transition from stu…

1
How Heat Shapes Your Career & the Biz Feat Oscar-Nominated Producer Chris Moore & Team 1:26:43

4M ago1:26:43

1:26:43

Heat is important to your film career. It means that you and your work are gaining attention and recognition, which can lead to more opportunities in the future. So how can you generate and navigate heat at an industry level? What contributes to “positive heat” or “negative heat?” In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman …

1
Ken Paxton cuts deal to avoid criminal trial 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCuFMCOhrh4 This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the mounting threats to Mike Johnson's speakership, whether the ongoing Trump trials matter to voters, and the felony fraud charges dropped against Texas AG Ken Paxton, among other stories. NATIONAL TOPICS Johnson faces threat to speaker…

1
Is Achieving the American Dream Possible Through Cinematography? 1:28:26

5M ago1:28:26

1:28:26

How do you build a career as a cinematographer when the odds are against you? How do you create opportunities for yourself, when dealing with rejection, financial barriers, and prejudice? Is it possible to pursue your dream without conforming and becoming someone you are not? In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with cinematograph…

1
Troubleshooting Tech for Dummies & Bombing an Interview 41:45

5M ago41:45

41:45

The small decisions that you make at the beginning of your project, can cause headaches later on. If you want to avoid tech issues in post, then you need to set up your project correctly from the start. Speaking of doing things right from the start, there is a right way and a wrong way to approach your interviews. How should you prepare for your ne…

1
Let’s Talk About Sex (On Screen) With a Team of Intimacy Coordinators 1:21:24

5M ago1:21:24

1:21:24

Should you hire an intimacy coordinator for your next project? What exactly does an intimacy coordinator do? Does having this person on set ruin spontaneity? How can having more structure around intimate scenes, actually encourage freedom and creativity during the storytelling process? In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Lis…

1
Controversial Texas immigration law in limbo 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMtZggkJ2xo This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss President Biden's fundraising tour, Trump's ominous, violent campaign comments, and the confusing courtroom dynamics surrounding a controversial Texas immigration law, among other stories. NATIONAL TOPICS Biden on fundraising tour Trump …

1
To Rent or Buy Gear? Plus, Movies That Made Us Want To Make Movies 45:17

5M ago45:17

45:17

You are still a legitimate filmmaker even if you don’t own any gear. Most filmmakers actually don’t own the gear they use and for good reason. And speaking of gear, what movies geared you toward the path of filmmaking? In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss: Buying gear or renting gear - which is…

1
Addressing low voter turnout in Texas 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASdpj-ZXIvI This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the topic of low voter turnout in Texas--its underlying causes, how legislation affects the electorate, and ways to increase turnout. DISCUSSION POINTS Why is turnout so low? The Latino electorate What characterizes a voter? Overhaul of …

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Ken Abbott Podcasts

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