Ben Pluimer is a comedy writer/director with a passion for commercials, branded content and television. We chat about his homemade VHS films evolving into a lucrative career. Ben has shot for Comedy Central, Amazon, Funny or Die, ABC, FOX and too many to list. Click his name people, and check out his stellar work.
Watch this cool, spot on re-enactment of Jurassic World that Ben made with toys:
Director John Poliquin joined Superlounge and I couldn’t be happier. His aesthetic is slick, engaging and not by chance. We chat about how he brings his vision to life and yes, we share a love of tests. John is equally at home doing music videos (how he started) and has branched into television, branded films and features.
Here’s the S’well Water spot we talk about quite a bit. You’re gonna love this:
Colorist Clark Muller is one of the most respected artists color grading in the commercial and music video business. Pop over to his shop, Incendio to see his stellar work. We discuss the importance of specialization in an age where we all have the tools. And Clark implores us to explore how the story is to make us feel. That aspect can get lost in today’s world of plug ins.
Check out these music videos we chat about.
Free transcripts, albeit highly inaccurate ones, are now available on my site at jordanbrady.com with the blog.
Ben Silverman is a director and producer making fun, inventive content for brands. We chat about the holy grail of any company, repeat business and how to keep it. His company, Bubba’s Chop Shop, has work you must check out. Here’s one we chat about…
One advantage he has is he can “fix it in post” because they are a complete soup to nuts shop.
Director Cinematographer Jimmy Matlosz is a filmmaker, a storyteller, and a cinematographer who directs great spots, making him a bit of a swiss army filmmaker, if you will. He’s shot stop motion, high speed and IMAX, as well as working in almost every department on set.
Check out his stuff, especially the LeBron spot for Nike. I love Jimmy’s visual aesthetics and clean look, and the performances are authentic.
French Butter Films draws on the combined experience of Director/DP Brett Froomer and Executive Producer Ivo Knezevic to offer food, beverage and restaurant brands a fresh perspective on producing tabletop content, one that transforms advertising into a lifestyle experience. Brett explains his aim is to capture ‘cravability’ in every product he shoot, and the work does just that.
This is a great chat about collaboration. Collaboration between producer and director, between agency folk and clients, and all on set. Check out this Arby’s spot we discuss, and heck all Brett’s spots on the site.
Oh, thanks to Director Ben Pluimer for the shout out in his fantastic article on NoFilmSchool.
thanks,
Jordan
This last a full hour and 48 minutes and it’s all gold. Commercial Directing Voodoo is still just $10 on Amazon and heck I don’t know how much on Audible or Kindle, but it’s there too.
I love watching commercials, and Super Bowl LIII had some really great work, despite the critics and cynics. Ok, a phew snoozers too. What made them all better was my bottomless glass of Clase Azul Reposado tequila, neat. Jake Brady joined me but jettisoned the project at the half, so my stepdaughter Gabi Feingold grabbed the mic.
Here are some links if that give you stats and reviews.
Filmmakers Francis Agyapong and his frequent filmmaking collaborator DP Adisa Duke drop by to inspire us to make stuff on a regular basis. Francis co-writes, co-directs, co-edits, and co-produces with his partner Philip Gladkov. Together they have been outputting content under the banner “Cracking Up in 5” for some time now.
Francis is a Brooklyn-born filmmaker that’s done stints creating video content at places like NYMAG, PopSci, Hearst Digital and most recently The New York Times.
Check out an interesting article Francis wrote for NoFilmSchool and this funny spoof of “Planet Earth” that they recently made.
Just my thoughts on how to handle 16:9 vs 9:16 and that pesky 1:1 Instagram ratio. It’s a brisk 15 minutes of just me babbling. Love to hear your thoughts.
German-born Filmmaker Marc Schöelermann started his directing career at the age of 13 shooting his own Super-8 movies in the basement of their family home. Over the last decade he has directed numerous commercials for clients such as Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Audi, BMW, Toyota, Ferrero, Mazda, Volkswagen, Unilever, Acura, Opel, Nissan, Skoda, Chevy, Buick and many more.
Marc Schöelermann’s commercials have received numerous national and international awards and nominations including the Clio, Cannes Lions, OneShow Pencil, Cresta Award, New York Festivals and Art Director’s Club.
He also directed his first feature film, MGM/Lakeshore’s thrilller “Pathology”, written by Neveldine/Taylor, starring Milo Ventimiglia, Alyssa Milano, Michael Weston and Lauren Lee Smith.
Click his name to see his stellar work but first check this out.
Filmmaker Ben Dolphin, a majorly talented Director and Cinematographer, always stays on the cutting edge of filmmaking technology. He shares his transition from choreography to gaffing to shooting and beyond. His specialty is capturing wonderful moments from smiles to liquids of any viscosity. You’ll love Ben’s story that he shares so openly.
Filmmaker Paulina Lagudi wrote and directed “Mail Order Monster” – a sweet, rare gem of an indie for the whole family. Oh, she produced it as well. Paulini and her Director of Photography Cooper tell us how they made the movie a reality. From casting to finding distribution, this episode is a crash course on getting your indie film made and released.
“Mail Order Monster” is on iTunes and streaming everywhere. It’l be in Walmart on DVD in February 2019.
Director Amir Farhang started his professional career as a writer and creative director for top agencies such as BBH, CP+B, 180, and W+K working for major brands such as adidas, Johnnie Walker, Burger King, Sony, Coca-Cola, Google, Nike, Brand Jordan, Volkswagen and Acura.
His first ad wasn’t even an ad—it was a TV show for Axe and MTV called Gamekillers which enjoyed a two-year run. Following that, he created a one-hour special for NBATV and adidas called The Brotherhood as well as The Rocket Project for Sony and Discovery Channel.
In 2013 he wrote and directed the adidas-produced basketball documentary The Return that followed the comeback of Chicago Bulls NBA MVP Derrick Rose. In 2015, he shot ‘Sweat with the Best’ for Gatorade working with sports superstars Dwayne Wade, Peyton Manning, and Serena Williams.
Most recently he wrote and directed a 3-part web series for Tommy John featuring Kevin Hart and in the Fall of 2018 was selected to participate as a fellow in the prestigious Sony Pictures Television Diverse Directors Program, along with my wife, Director Jeannette Godoy.
Director Erica Eng won awards early on in her career, yet chose to still work her way through the ranks. Recently, Erica she was one of six fellows handpicked out of 400 applicants to participate in the Commercial Directors Diversity Program (CDDP). Through the program, Erica created a “Homeboy Industries” PSA starring the Emmy-nominated actor, Richard Cabral. She was also chosen for SHOOT Magazine’s 16th Annual New Director’s Showcase, where her film “Poison” was screened at the Directors Guild Theatre in New York.
Click on her name above to read more and see more great work. In this chat, we cover her career, strong work ethic, style and those vision boards. Here’s her Homeboy spot we chat about:
The uber-fabulous Meredith Thomas is always working as an actress yet she finds time for her charity work, producing and organizing stellar events. In fact, Meredith arranged everything for the “Disconnected” + “I Am Battle Comic” double feature Friday, November 16th, 2018 at the Van Nuys/Reseda Elks Lodge to benefit Elks’ Families in Need, the VA. Free admission for Active Duty Military, Veterans and First Responders. Just show up with an ID. All others still just $10 and it is all for a great cause.
Meredith shares her journey in this hilarious, no holds barred interview. Her newest film airs Sunday night, December 16th, 2018 on Ion Television, called “A Christmas in Royal Fashion” so set your VCR!
While his official title on the Contagious LA website is “Premier of the Cabinet”, Jordan Flack is a producer, EP, talent scout, problem solver and all ’round bon vivant. Jordan returns to the show to talk about what has changed in the business. Always great to have him on the show.
Please join filmmaker Jeannette Godoy, actor/producer Meredith Thomas and my fine self for a fundraiser double feature of “Disconnected” and “I Am Battle Comic” on Friday Nov. 16th in LA. Military Veterans, Active Duty and First Responders all admitted free.
Nia Peeples is an entertainment icon, well-known for her successful, prolific acting career, so when a mutual friend said she wanted to come on the show, I leaped at the opportunity. Instead of tech talk and behind the scenes stories, we dove immediately into her personal journey, which she openly shared. The result is a deep conversation of self-realization, personal growth and living in the moment.
Nia’s new book is “The Little Apple Tree” all about relationships and she’ll be doing an LA reading Nov. 10th. Check out the video below and her Facebook page.
Please join filmmaker Jeannette Godoy, actor/producer Meredith Thomas and my fine self for a fundraiser double feature of “Disconnected” and “I Am Battle Comic” on Friday Nov. 16th in LA. Military Veterans, Active Duty and First Responders all admitted free.
Thanks,
Jordan
This special episode is one hour 16 min. Bootcamp is Jan. 19th, 2019 and already slots being gobbled up!
“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.
Director Todd Heyman is quite prolific, staying busy and in demand despite remaining freelance versus signing with any one particular production shoppe. Todd began his career by developing marketing campaigns for top Hollywood studios. His first film as writer/director was a finalist at the Tribeca Film Festival, and landed at HBO. From there… well hey just listen to our chat.
Thanks,
Jordan
Check out this badass Nike spot Todd conceived and shot, we dissect it.
Actor/Model/VO Artist Jimmy Fanzo didn’t get his heart transplant just so he could play hipster Santa in my Fiat spots a few Christmas’ ago, but it all happened. Learn Jimmy’s journey into the biz and how I knew the moment he walked in the casting session that he was the guy, despite no white hair, no belly and no beard. And we become instant brothers.
Check out the Fiat spot below and fellows, be sure to click BreakTrueCamp to see about an incredible experience Jimmy has put together. I’m going.