Vladan Nikolić

Be prepared to get a bill from The New School after this episode -- it's an hour with Vlad Nikolić, dean of the School of Media Studies at The New School.

In this episode we talk about:

• how he got started in filmmaking and his advice for new students ("make something every day"; "watch films every day");
• what the average day is like as dean of media studies at The New School;
• can all indie filmmakers be teachers?
• how does he feel about gen z as filmmakers? he talks about the ethos of The New School;
• would he recommend film school?;
• how does The New School handle admissions? what would his advice be for a potential applicant?;
• are students fearless enough? I talk about the boundary pushing of filmmakers like Christian Kamaal;
• the importance of nuance in filmmaking;
• shout out to the brilliant Hannah Fidell;
• the career progression for film school graduates -- working as a PA or starting their own YouTube channel?
• discussing the differences between NY and LA for independent film;
• what's next for him? he's excited about AI; the equipment isn't as important as the story.

Apologies to Will Mustin -- he's shooting in 16mm, not 35.

Links:

Vladan Nikolic Biography