How Real Is STAY IN LA? Plus Sundance DPs on Landing Jobs & Getting Shots

In this episode of the No Film School podcast, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman tackle the timely question of whether production in Los Angeles is truly back, despite rising costs and the lure of tax incentives elsewhere. They also host a special Sundance DP Roundtable, featuring cinematographers from some of the festival's most talked-about films. These filmmakers share the stories of how they landed their gigs, the creative and technical choices behind their work, and how shooting on location posed unique challenges and opportunities. From the reality of Stay in LA initiatives to working with first-time directors and navigating quick turnarounds or even war-related production pivots, this episode is a deep dive into the craft and chaos of cinematography today.In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guests discuss: The current state of film production in Los Angeles and whether it’s really “back” Tax incentives drawing productions to places like Ireland, Canada, and TexasThe emotional and practical toll of filming far from homeBehind-the-scenes challenges of indie productions and festival filmsHow DPs landed their Sundance jobs and their strategies for collaboration with directorsFavorite gear, lenses, and technical decisions from Sundance cinematographersWorking with non-actors, shooting in unpredictable locations, and reacting in real-timeTools, workflows, and prep habits DPs rely on when heading into productionGuests:Adolpho Veloso – DP of Train DreamsMia Cioffi Henry – DP of Sorry, BabyEthan Palmer – DP of PlainclothesChristopher Aoun – DP of All That's Left of YouSubscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogleGet your question answered on the podcast by emailing podcast@nofilmschool.com Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here: This episode of The No Film School Podcast was produced by GG Hawkins.

Mar 27, 2025 - 17:53

How Real Is STAY IN LA? Plus Sundance DPs on Landing Jobs & Getting Shots

In this episode of the No Film School podcast, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman tackle the timely question of whether production in Los Angeles is truly back, despite rising costs and the lure of tax incentives elsewhere. They also host a special Sundance DP Roundtable, featuring cinematographers from some of the festival's most talked-about films. These filmmakers share the stories of how they landed their gigs, the creative and technical choices behind their work, and how shooting on location posed unique challenges and opportunities. From the reality of Stay in LA initiatives to working with first-time directors and navigating quick turnarounds or even war-related production pivots, this episode is a deep dive into the craft and chaos of cinematography today.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guests discuss: The current state of film production in Los Angeles and whether it’s really “back”

Tax incentives drawing productions to places like Ireland, Canada, and Texas
The emotional and practical toll of filming far from home
Behind-the-scenes challenges of indie productions and festival films
How DPs landed their Sundance jobs and their strategies for collaboration with directors
Favorite gear, lenses, and technical decisions from Sundance cinematographers
Working with non-actors, shooting in unpredictable locations, and reacting in real-time
Tools, workflows, and prep habits DPs rely on when heading into production

Guests:

Adolpho Veloso – DP of Train Dreams
Mia Cioffi Henry – DP of Sorry, Baby
Ethan Palmer – DP of Plainclothes
Christopher Aoun – DP of All That's Left of You

Subscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:

Get your question answered on the podcast by emailing podcast@nofilmschool.com

Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:

_{This episode of The No Film School Podcast was produced by GG Hawkins.}