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Comedy Director Michael Martin on Ego, Craft and Landing the Next Big Commercial.

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Michael Martin and I discuss how commercial directors can stand out by developing a distinct point of view, taking creative risks, and making work that reflects their voice. Michael shares the story behind his handmade Starbucks director’s cut, while both directors explore pitching, career setbacks, ego, humility, and the value of enjoying the creative process. Together, […]

Comedy Director Michael Martin on Ego, Craft and Landing the Next Big Commercial. Read More »

Puppet Master Jamie Shannon on the Magic of Simple Puppets for Brands Work.

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Legendary puppeter Jamie Shannon’(opens in new tab)s approach to puppetry shows that the most memorable characters come from simplicity, intention, and a process that leaves room for both the performer and the audience to bring them to life. Check out his Puppet Island(opens in new tab) site. Jamie Shannon is the creator behind beloved puppet projects including Nanalan’, the

Puppet Master Jamie Shannon on the Magic of Simple Puppets for Brands Work. Read More »

Nott Bros. Return to Talk Repeat Clients, Better Commercials and Career Momentum.

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Loved hanging out with Nathan Miller and Mark Danciger of the Nott Brothers – talking about what it really takes to make it as a director. We get into how they approach the business side of directing, how they work with clients and agencies, and why being clear and collaborative makes the whole process better.We

Nott Bros. Return to Talk Repeat Clients, Better Commercials and Career Momentum. Read More »

How P. J. Koll’s Timmy IO Turns Production Chaos into Real-Time Profit Data.

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EP PJ Koll has spent years in production and founded Where the Buffalo Roam before building Timmy.io, a platform shaped by his experience with the chaos of managing creative work. PJ shares a little of that history and how it led him to create a better way for production teams to stay organized. Enjoy! My Filmmaker Retreat has 3

How P. J. Koll’s Timmy IO Turns Production Chaos into Real-Time Profit Data. Read More »

Wild Gravity’s Jon Sneider Is Hacking Advertising.

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Jon Sneider, Founder of Wild Gravity, teaches us how his small, experienced teams can create better work faster than big, layered agencies. Jon shares lessons from advertising, filmmaking, and AI, showing why speed, collaboration, and craft still beat bureaucracy—and why creators who learn to work lean can make stronger ads, save money, and move ideas

Wild Gravity’s Jon Sneider Is Hacking Advertising. Read More »

Beauty Commercial Director Jasmin Kuhn: Finding Your Voice.

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In this conversation with beauty director Jasmin Kuhn, we dig into the path that helped shape her voice as a filmmaker—from her early exposure to visual storytelling to the commercial work that defines her today. Jasmin shares honest insight on craft, collaboration, paid treatments, and what it really takes to build a strong reputation in the

Beauty Commercial Director Jasmin Kuhn: Finding Your Voice. Read More »

Pat Finn Would’ve Loved These Lovebirds with Tom Kenny & Jill Talley.

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Just me rambling about my caldron of feelings over fun new work and grief. Here’s an article about the Lovebirds campaign, but my feelings today are not expressed there. This is just for y’all. My Filmmaker Retreat has 7 spots left so save your spot now! NEW COURSE – VIRTUAL PRODUCTION FOR COMMERCIAL DIRECTORS Filmmkaer and friend

Pat Finn Would’ve Loved These Lovebirds with Tom Kenny & Jill Talley. Read More »

Shiouwen Hong & Nathan Freise Are Married Filmmakers Thriving Apart.

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Explore the dynamic world of Shiouwen Hong and Nathan Freise, married filmmakers thriving on separate creative paths. Shiouwen focuses on impactful documentary projects, while Nathan directs alongside his brother Adam. Discover how these two lovebirds balance personal and professional lives, maintain unique voices, and support each other’s artistic journeys. A key takeaway: embracing individuality can

Shiouwen Hong & Nathan Freise Are Married Filmmakers Thriving Apart. Read More »

“Ikigai Plus” and Your Filmmaker Voice = Reel plus Reputation.

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After the last episode’s babble, I dig into what it really means to “find your voice” as a filmmaker—especially in the commercial world. It isn’t just a visual style, but the combination of your reel and your reputation: the work you put out plus what it’s like to work with you. I talk about the

“Ikigai Plus” and Your Filmmaker Voice = Reel plus Reputation. Read More »

From 30-Foot Colons to CGI Critters: Staying Tool Agnostic as a Commercial Director.

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Just me talking about staying tool agnostic as a commercial director—moving between live-action, CG, and AI without losing my point of view. I share recent job stories, how I’m using my Filmmaker Retreat Joshua Tree and Posh Duo promos as testing grounds for new tools, and why I still put actors, crew, agency team –

From 30-Foot Colons to CGI Critters: Staying Tool Agnostic as a Commercial Director. Read More »

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