Filmmaker Daniel Cardenas Talks Commercials, Documentaries and Being A Gun For Hire.

My friend Daniel Cardenas is a talented director and producer, cranking out commercials and videos through his own Bakerbuilt Works. He’s mastered brand stories, product videos and testimonials, but you can tell documentaries scratch Daniel’s itch. We chat imposter syndrome, low budget filmmaking and his award-winning docu “Hopped Up” and a new project as well. 

Stream “Hopped Up” on Amazon, check out the trailer:

Daniel also hosts and produces The Circle Take Podcast, and graciously had me on.

EVENTS & COURSES

My next Commercial Directing Bootcamp is April 22nd, 2023 in Los Angeles is SOLD OUT. Check out my Masterclass or Commercial Directing Shadow online courses. (Note this link to the Shadow course is the one I mention in the show.) All my courses come with a free 1:1 mentorship call with yours truly. Taking the Shadow course is the only way to win a chance to shadow me on a real shoot! DM for details.

So excited for our Second Annual Filmmaker Retreat in Joshua Tree. Join us Sept. 28th to Oct. 1st in the desert for a transformational experience. “Define Your Voice is our theme and you’ll emerge knowing what you want and how better to achieve it.

How To Pitch Ad Agencies and Director’s Treatments Unmasked are now bundled together with a free filmmaker consultation call, just like my other courses. Serious about making spots? The Commercial Director Mega Bundle for serious one-on-one mentoring and career growth.

Amazon Prime!! Jeannette Godoy’s hilarious romcom “Diamond In The Rough” streams on the Amazon Prime! Please support my wife filmmaker Jeannette Godoy’s romcom debut. It’s “Mean Girls” meets “Happy Gilmore” and crowds love it. Here’s the trailer.

Thanks,

Jordan 

This episode is 45 minutes.

My cult classic mockumentary, “Dill Scallion” is online so I’m giving 100% of the money to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. I’ve decided to donate the LIFETIME earnings every December, so the the donation will grow and grow. Thank you.

Respect The Process podcast is brought to you by True Gentleman Industries, Inc. in partnership with Brady Oil Entertainment, Inc. 

Documentary Filmmaker Tim O’Donnell Returns with “Tougher Than A Tank.”

Filmmaker Tim O’Donnell returns with his newest documentary “Tougher Than A Tank” about two Marines injured while deployed in Iraq. While Noah’s injuries are mostly invisible, Eddie was hit by two 7.62mm rounds in the head rending him immobile and with a severe Traumatic Brain Injury. In an attempt to relieve financial burdens and raise money for Eddie’s recovery, Noah embarks on a 145 mile run from his hometown in Somers, CT to Eddie’s in Lake George, NY. In turning to his all civilian training partners to assist with the run, Noah’s journey exemplifies the need for community and reveals the emotional, physical, and financial struggles many veterans face today.

My online Commercial Directing Masterclass has received 100% 5 star reviews. Plus we do a free filmmaker consultation call. We’re closing in on 1000 filmmaker globally that have enrolled.  The inaugural NFT from my etchings is live. Comes with a one hour filmmaker consultation call, so you can sell it can pass along a new free call to the next buyer. This Orca NFT comes with my Masterclass, so take the course and sell the etching to a filmmaker pal.

My next Bootcamp is this Saturday, March 5th, 20212 in Los Angeles. Must be vaxxed.

Check out the new Commercial Director Mega Bundle for serious one-on-one mentoring and career growth.  Join Jake Brady’s Patreon – his entry level to join starts at $2/month gets you BONUS content you’ll love. Go to https://www.patreon.com/respecttheprocess and show your love for the show.

Thanks, Jordan

This episode is 37 minutes and is sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, the hot sauce made by bears. Flavorseeker Fun Pak‘s ship Friday’s at 3pm. SOLD OUT!! My cult classic mockumentary, “Dill Scallion” is online so I’m giving 100% of the money to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

“The Donut King” Director Alice Gu.

Director Alice Gu began her career as a Director of Photography, working with renowned directors Werner Herzog, Stacy Peralta, and Rory Kennedy, among others. She was cinematographer on Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton, a documentary directed by Academy Award-nominated director Rory Kennedy. The Donut King is Alice’s feature directorial debut and was selected to premiere in competition at SXSW 2020. (Here’s my old podcast episode with Werner Herzog.) Check out the trailer:

A mere $2/month gets you BONUS content not heard in the show!! Get a $75 discount on Masterclass, free T-shirt and consultation calls w me, go to  https://www.patreon.com/respecttheprocess and show your love for the show. Join Jake Brady’s Patreon and be a part of our monthly Private Q&A via Zoom. Patreon patrons only.

My online Commercial Directing Masterclass celebrated one year of helping filmmakers globally and has received 100% 5 star reviews. Plus we do a free filmmaker consultation call. Bootcamp on August 28th, in LA is sold out. Check out the new Commercial Director Mega Bundle for serious mentoring and career growth. Next Bootcamp is Saturday, December 4th, 2021 in Los Angeles.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is 41 minutes and is sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, the hot sauce made by bears. Flavorseeker Fun Pak‘s ship Friday’s at 3pm. My cult classic mockumentary, “Dill Scallion” is online so I’m giving 100% of the money to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Docu Filmmaker Tommy Avallone Celebrates Bill Murray Stories.

“The Bill Murray Stories: Life Lessons Learned from a Mythical Man” is Filmmaker Tommy Avallone’s latest documentary. And Tommy is back to chat how he made the movie and what he indeed learned from everyone’s favorite comic genius. The documentary follows Tommy’s quest to find meaning in Bill Murray’s many unexpected adventures. Featuring rare and never-before seen footage of Bill Murray participating in stories previously presumed to be urban legend. Pre-order today on iTunes.

Here’s the trailer. Enjoy!

Jordan

This runs 83 minutes.
Commercial Directing Voodoo is at Amazon, Audible and Kindle. Grab your copy!

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is January 19th, 2019 in LA. Free Voodoo when you sign up! Podcast Wax for affordable podcast editing.

Director Tim O’Donnell Shows How An Indie Is Made With His Feature Doc “Not A War Story”.

“Not A War Story” Director Tim O’Donnell shares stories about the making of his hit feature documentary. The docu is a fly-on-the-wall look at how an all-veteran cast & crew make “Range 15”, an over-the-top, cult horror zombie war movie. Oh, and it’s their first film so they hit every obstacle you can imagine.

You do not need to have seen “Range 15” to love “Not A War Story” but why not watch both! I did. Enjoy the trailer.

Thanks,

Jordan

Welcome our new sponsor Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, made in America by wild bears. This runs just over an hour and five minutes. Commercial Directing Bootcamp is April 21st, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. You can’t get what I’m throwing down anywhere else on the planet. Click here for “I Am Battle Comic” dvd’s and digital downloads. Buy it today!

Michelle Kath Sinclair & Jordan Levy Discuss Their TIFF Hit Documentary “Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience”.

Cinematographer/Producer Jordan Levy returns to the show and he brings Director Michelle Kath Sinclair with him. Michelle’s debut feature documentary is “Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience”, a delightfully charming search for her guitar-shredding father, a founding member of Chicago, who died when Michelle was two years old.

We chat about how the film came to be, the technical and legal challenges and more. We also explore the wonderful, healing effect making the film had on the surviving bandmates.

Rent, steam or buy the film here.

Happy Holidays,

Jordan

“I Am Battle Comic” is the perfect stocking stuffer.

Thanks,

Jordan

This runs just over an hour. “I Am Battle Comic” makes a great gift. Just saying. Click here for “I Am Battle Comic” dvd’s and digital downloads. Buy it today!

Filmmaker Dulanie Ellis Discusses Her Docu “Ground Operations” About U.S. Veterans Becoming Farmers.

Filmmaker Dulanie Ellis joins me for a spontaneous chat about her award-winning documentary “Ground Operations”. It’s an awesome story on the growing network of combat veterans who are transitioning into careers as sustainable farmers, ranchers and artisan food producers. Perfect for Veterans Day! In fact, make it a double feature with “I Am Battle Comic” this weekend. Here’s the trailer:

Enjoy.

Jordan

This is a 45 minute talk. Next Commercial Directing Bootcamp is December 2nd, 2017 and is almost full!
“I Am Battle Comic” is sweeping hearts and funny bones across the nation. Own it today!

Pioneering VR Filmmaker Pierre Friquet Is A Virtual Reality Juggernaut.

Virtual reality aka VR is the buzzword du jour, but filmmaker Pierre Friquet has been immersed in it since 2010. He’s directed more than a dozen VR fictional stories, documentaries, music videos, dome and interactive experiences. So we hopped on the Skype and chatted about it all.

Pierre has won awards for this original VR fiction, JETLAG, including best live-action award at the Kaleidoscope VR festival and was selected at Cannes film festival. His HTC Vive experience, RED PATTERNS, won the best immersive award at Festival du Nouveau Cinéma in Montréal. Have a look and dive into this wonderful VR documentary film pilot of Pierre’s. I urge you to explore:

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is about an hour. See you all in Las Vegas May 31st, then Minneapolis June 1st for screenings and Q&A’s! Tickets here.

Comedian Jeff Capri Shares His Feelings About Performing For Our U.S. Military Overseas.

Comedian Jeff Capri, one of my dear comedy brothers from “I Am Battle Comic”, tells us about doing shows for our US Troops. He’s LOL hilarious and has traveled the world, so we chat about how shows changed since the war began after 9/11 and the important relief the comedy shows give our men and women who serve. Jeff is the prodigal son of legendary comic Dick Capri. How was that growing up? Going to the Catskills and hanging late at the Friars Club?

Oh, great review out today from a wonderful military spouse, MJ Boice.

You can pre-order “I Am Battle Comic” for $10 and half that goes to MiltiaryFamily.org so do it now. And if you’re in Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Las Vegas or Minneapolis.. find me at a premiere event!! All proceeds go to great charities that help military families and veterans. Click in the menu for screenings and ticket links.

many thanks,

Jordan

The episode is a brisk hour and 20 minutes. And here’s another sweet review from the discerning Sean L. McCarthy, aka the comics’ comic. Read it here.

Everything about these theatrical events is here on this site. Buy your tickets now. Click here for all screening info.

Mixing Audio for Commercials vs. “I Am Battle Comic” w Re-Recording Mixer Scott Burns.

Scott Burns is an excellent Sound Mixer who re-records sound for commercials. Technically, a re-recording mixer or audio engineer, so many titles. Scott helped me with my upcoming documentary “I Am Battle Comic”. Scott works at onoe of LA’s most reputable sound houses, Juice Studio. In this interview, he gives us great insight into his career, how he operates, and how my movie was a different beast than a Lexus spot. Scott, who studied sound & film at USC, loves sharing his vast knowledge.

I really enjoyed my chat with my new pal Scott and you will too. Shout out to his Producer Vanessa Carey, and his Executive Producer Dawn Redmann for making the movie mix a reality.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour long.

Please watch my wife and RTP alumni Jeannette Godoy’s new short dance film, “The Myles Yachts Project”.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp 3.11.2017 is almost full so do not dilly dally. All info you need about my new film “I AM BATTLE COMIC” is posted here. 100% of ticket sales from our screening series goes to charity.

Kicking Through The Ashes with Comedian/Writer/Producer Ritch Shydner.

Legendary comedian Ritch Shydner is known to my fans as the true heart and soul of “I Am Comic” (Available on iTunes). To three generations of stand-up comics, he remains a powerhouse of pure monology. Ritch and I met in the 1980’s during the comedy boom when I opened for him. Neither of us remember the details or the city.

We talk stand-up comedy, the road, doing a documentary together, today’s podcast circuit, working with comedians, and his book. “Kicking Through The Ashes” is a great read, especially for the comedy aficionado with ADHD. I love it and you need to buy it here.

Please share. Thanks,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is only for those that want to be great. December 3rd, 2016 in Los Angeles. Limit 20 filmmakers. Sign up now!

Jordan

True! Commercial Directing Bootcamp is almost full. Los Angeles, December 3, 2016. Sign up people or suffer the rest of your career.

This episode is an hour.

Robert Klein Still Can’t Stop His Leg So Marshall Fine Shot It.

Robert Klein

Movie critic, celebrated journalist, author and documentarian Marshall Fine graced me with an interview via the magic of Skype to talk about his new docu, “Robert Klein Still Can’t Stop His Leg.” I really loved the film, a smash hit at Tribeca this year. First because I am a fan of the legendary stand-up Robert Klein, and also as a most candid profile of an American icon.

Bravo Marshall, bravo.

Jordan

thanks,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is August 13th, 2016 in Chicago. Limit 20 Filmmakers. Sign up now or bang your head against the wall for missing out.

This episode is a brisk 45 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

The Medium Serves Your Message.

camera IABC

I’m fresh off my stand-up comedy tour of the Middle East. We performed for the troops in Kuwait, Afghanistan and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Crazy times with four hilarious comedians that I now call my brothers. I also shot a documentary by myself whilest on this tour. And sure, I could have taken an Alexa mini, Red-Epic-Dragon-Platinum whatever or even a new Sony mirrorless thingy, but I chose a simple Handycam. Yup. Got her at Best Buy. Furthermore, despite the 4K option, I decided at the last minute to “fuck the 4K” the save the ones and zeros by shooting good ol’ 1080.

It’s just me rambling, and I’ll be back with interviews before you know it. Super excited from filming this once in a lifetime experience, and now to jump off the cliff into editing. Check out my comic pals Don Barnhart, Jeff Capri, Bob Kubota and Slade Ham. You’ll be happy.

Thanks and good to be back with you all, oh, yeah…Commercial Directing Bootcamp NYC is filling up, so do not miss it. April 16th, 2016.

Thanks,

Jordan.

Again, Commercial Directing Bootcamp hits NYC on April 16th, 2016. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Spots are being gobbled up. Limit 20 filmmakers.

thanks,

Jordan

Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend. Shout out to today’s sponsor, IOM Cases. Sculpted Metal iPhone cases that make you cool.

To Sign Or Not To Sign To A Production Company With Commercial Director Tony Franklin.

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Fresh off a huge 16 day shoot, I chat with filmmaker Tony Franklin. He started as an art director, working for Target’s in-house creative department. Now he has quickly and successfully transitioned into a full-time commercial filmmaker. Tony shares his journey with us. We discuss the crucial decisions around when and why to sign and why not to sign with a commercial production company, as well as how to measure if you and the company are a good fit. We also discuss craft, and how he gets natural performances out of non-actors. We’re like minded, as we both always want to get a new spot for the reel.

Enjoy this Tony Franklin spot, his director’s cut for Academy Sports:

My next Commercial Directing Bootcamp will be in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, December 19th, 2015 – so sign up for Commercial Directing Bootcamp today! Read the reviews on this site. Pretty flattering. #blush.

Get the “Maserati of iPhone Cases” called IOM Cases. Buy one. Super cool, stainless steel. And I’m offering all currently enrolled Film Students and those in Ad School a whopping $75 Student Discount on my Bootcamp.

thanks,

Jordan

This episode is 90 minutes, give or take, of our banter. Please like the show on iTunes.

How Film Trooper Scott McMahon Empowers Indie Filmmakers To Sell Their Films.

Scott McMahon

I discovered Scott McMahon’s Film Trooper Podcast through his tweets, and found the information he provides to be such a valuable part of my toolkit. He also retweets the best film-related articles. We chat about his beginnings in the video game industry, and how that lead to him making a $500 feature film called, “The Cube”. Enjoy the trailer:

He also produces Film Trooper presents “Film Marketing Fridays”, which you’ll find on YouTube. Check out Scott and everything he has to offer.

My Commercial Directing Bootcamp is this Sunday. Only two slots left!

This episode is one hour and fifteen minutes, give or take. Please like the show on iTunes.

thanks,

Jordan

The Origin Story Of Commercial Director Andrew Laurich.

What a treat to sit down and chat with Director Andrew Laurich. The man makes inventive music videos, killer commercials and his latest short film, “A Reasonable Request” has been ripping up the festival circuit. Discover how Andrew started in the vault making reels, then shot second unit with Stacy Peralta in Alaska, which then lead to a gig at the helm.

Here’s the short, but do not watch at work or with the kiddies. Kudos to my friend, comedian Hersh Rephun for knowing how well Andrew and I would hit it off.

My Commercial Directing Bootcamp is in less than two weeks. Sign up to learn my tricks. Just added Cinematographer Julian Whatley and Producer Tom Lowe as special guests. If you’ve heard them on the show, you know how awesome it shall be. And I rarely use the word awesome.

This episode is 77 minutes, give or take. Please like the show on iTunes.

thanks,

Jordan

How To Have A Blossoming Director-Cinematographer Relationship w DP Mateo Londono.

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For the last 10 years or so, Cinematographer Mateo Londono and I have made dozens of great spots together. Sometimes, we barely talk on set, and instead smile in agreement. After all, we’ve worked everything out ahead of time, so the shoot day is about executing that plan, and I am free to focus on performances while Mateo captures it.

We talk about how style is informed by the creative, of course. And as Mateo has a feature career, we discuss the differences between shooting movies and commercials. Basically, this is another fun chat between two old friends, and I promise you’ll enjoy it.

Do try Rufus Teague’s sauces for your meat. With BBQ season here, it’s time you step it up. Click and enter the discount code “Respect”.
Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is a about 77 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Bobcat Goldthwait Returns With Barry Crimmins’ Documentary “Call Me Lucky”.

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Writer/Director/Comedian Bobcat Goldthwait returns to the podcast with legendary Boston comedian Barry Crimmins to talk about their beautiful, haunting and healing documentary “Call Me Lucky”. The film opens August 7th and you need to see it.

We talk about their decades-long friendship and the responsibility Barry felt to speak out against child sexual abuse, after dealing with his being raped repeatedly as a child.

Bobcat presents a loving case study of a man determined to speak up against the most heinous of crimes. The film is passionately compelling and sparks real conversations. Please see it and share the message.

Here’s the trailer for “Call Me Lucky”.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is just 40 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please. Email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today. And I’m still accepting candidates for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp. You owe it to yourself.

How The Special Olympics Beat My Post Shoot Depression.

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Today, I woke up in a funk. It happens. After 8 straight weeks of prep, shooting and working with editors, I caught that Post Shoot Depression. Then we took the train downtown to USC, home of this year’s Special Olympics. The happiness I witnessed lifted my spirits. And seeing my wife’s documentary play as a part of the events reminded me that as filmmakers, we have a gift that we can share. Watch “Free 2 Be Me” about the Free 2 Be Me Dance program for free by clicking here. Below is the extended trailer we made for the Special Olympic event.

Highlights from the documentary "Free 2 Be Me" about young dancers with Down Syndrome.
Watch the entire film for free at www.free2bememovie.com – and please share.

A film by Jeannette Godoy.

Literally only a few slots open for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp is filling up fast. Hurry and sign up. It’s Sunday, September 13th all day. You’ll up your game.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is just over 10 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please. Email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today. And I’m still accepting candidates for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp. You owe it to yourself.

How A Director And Producer Work Together With Producer Rick Cowan.

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One of my favorite Line Producers and people is Rick Cowan. He’s produced many spots that I’ve directed and he’s always provided everything needed and more. He’s one of the most knowledgable filmmakers out there, having made three feature films as well. Two of the them have made it to the Sundance Film Festival.

Rick was there on set when I started using the term “Respect The Process” repeatedly, and we spend a great deal of this chat discussing how a director can work with her line producer to get the most bang for the buck. I consider Rick a dear friend and trusted ally in my filmmaking journey. This is a great episode to share with a friend.

Only a few slots open for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp is filling up fast. Hurry and sign up. It’s Sunday, September 13th all day. You’ll up your game.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is just over an hour. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please. Email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today. And I’m still accepting candidates for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp. You owe it to yourself.