No Film School’s Jo Light records live from Aspen Shorts Fest with Julia Aks and Steve Pinder, the co-writers and co-directors of Jane Austen’s Period Drama. The conversation covers how the short grew from a period-drama pun into an Oscar-nominated comedy, what it took to produce an ambitious period piece on a limited budget, and how the filmmakers navigated festivals, awards qualification, campaign strategy, and the career momentum that followed.
In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins, Jo Light, and guests Julia Aks and Steve Pinder discuss...
How Julia Aks and Steve Pinder first met through a USC student film and developed their creative partnership
Turning a comedic pun into a short film with emotional depth and a clear central event
Why successful short films often focus on a small moment instead of compressing a feature-sized story
Budgeting the short, finding the right producer, and learning where production money shows up on screen
Calling in community favors for period costumes, crew, and production support
Working with Snow White the chicken and planning animal scenes safely
Balancing Julia’s roles as actor, co-writer, co-director, and editor
Building a festival strategy after early rejections and learning the importance of premiere status
Why Aspen Shorts Fest became a key Oscar-qualifying opportunity for the film
How live festival screenings shaped the filmmakers’ understanding of the comedy
Handling polarizing reviews and why strong reactions can signal that a film took risks
What happens after winning a qualifying award, from the long list to the short list to nomination
The cost, strategy, and labor behind an Oscar campaign for a short film
How Emma Thompson became the film’s “Executive Menstrual Advisor”
Why live screenings became central to their campaign strategy
The career impact of receiving an Oscar nomination, even without winning
Developing the feature version of Jane Austen’s Period Drama and future musical comedy ideas
Memorable Quotes:
“When short films are very successful, I think they take a small moment or they take a small piece of humanity or a small observation about life, and then really maximize and explore that small thing.”
“We never wanted to make a proof of concept that didn't stand on its own. We wanted to make a short film that was a short film.”
“Everything makes sense, and also nothing makes sense.”
“Be bold, be brave, make a zero or a 10. Don't make a five.”
Guests:
Julia Aks
Steve Pinder
Resources:
Jane Austen’s Period Drama
Jane Austen’s Period Drama on IMDb
Aspen Shortsfest
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