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.
LA-based director Jens Gehlhaar’s spots for Nissan, Square, Skylanders, and Sodastream are just a few examples of his design sensibility and impeccable ability to merge immediacy, timeliness and humor through a variety of different projects. As a creative director, Jens has worked on a broad range of styles and concepts for Coca-Cola and MTV, KCRW, and This American Life, creating perfectly crafted visual stories. He’s also the first guest to have invented his own font.
Kiran Koshy is both an agency Creative Director and Commercial Director. His story is compelling because like many of us, he followed his bliss into filmmaking. His journey just earned more frequent flyer miles. His voice as a storyteller rings out so loud and clear in his work.
You’ll be inspired by what he accomplishes with little money, so be sure and check out his spots by clicking his name. We love this one:
Happy 5 year annersary to Helen and I!
Jordan
Commercial Directing Bootcamp is January 19th, 2019 in LA so sign up now. Oh yeah, Commercial Directing Voodoo is on Audible, Kindle & Amazon.
Commercial Director Clay Williams makes the kind of spots I see on tv and salivate over. His humor is sly, subtle and understated even when the premise is crazy. Clay shares his thoughts on filmmaking, working with improvisational actors, crew and more.
Once an agency creative at TWBA/Chiat/Day, Clay started directing and never looked back. His collaborative nature is something we should all aspire to.
Director Toby Wosskow hit it out the park with his spec spot for BMW and shares his tedious plot that made it work. Not only did BMW run the spot on their site, but the agency hired him to shoot everything under the sun, including the Foot Locker’s “House of Hoops x Nike” for the NBA finals this year.
Since our interview, Toby’s film “Sides of the Horn” was just picked up by Sir Richard Branson personally. The short is the first film to tell the story of South Africa’s poaching war from both sides of the fence. I predict this will make a great feature.
Enjoy Toby’s passion for filmmaking and his dedication to the craft. We expect big things from this talented director. Check out his work:
PRETTYBIRD President & Co Founder Kerstin Emhoff is recognized for her successful and enduring relationships with top agencies, clients, artists and managers, and her experience and unique style across various mediums and platforms. Under her leadership, PRETTYBIRD has collected Grammys, Emmys, D&AD Awards, Cannes Lions & Grand Prix, Clio’s and MTV Video Music Awards – in addition to being named Creativity’s 2015 Production Company of the Year.
“Half The Picture” Director Amy Adrion stops by the podcast to talk about her amazing, insightful film. HALF THE PICTURE consists of interviews with high profile women directors including Ava DuVernay, Jill Soloway, Lena Dunham, Catherine Hardwicke and Miranda July, among many others, who discuss their early careers, how they transitioned to studio films or television, how they balance having a demanding directing career with family, as well as challenges and joys along the way.
Buy/rent/watch everywhere, like iTunes. Check out the trailer:
I love chatting with innately funny people, and Tal Wagman is one such a person. We met shooting our wildly popular “Built To Amaze” campaign for Toyota via Saacthi. Now Tal has moved his humor mill over to Zambezi working on Vitaminwater and Venmo.
We chat about RottenApples, a website database that informs us whether or not a film or show is tied to a person accused of sexual misconduct. It’s a great resource. I love this spot of Tal’s and wish I directed this sly performance:
thanks,
Jordan
This runs 90 minutes. Podcast Wax for affordable podcast editing.
The Moon Unit is a creative services boutique that helps storytellers develop ideas into words, gorgeous visual treatments, mood boards and pitch decks and more. Katniss and I skyped to cover a lot of ground. After describing a great pitch and treatments, we dive into how a director can best manage her career.
Mr. Marc Kelly is a Director, 1st AD and more. When I saw his name role up in the credits of “Blindspotting,” I cheered and had to hear more about this film. Marc takes us behind the scenes with filmmaking tips and tidbits, working with Director Carlos López Estrada, Daveed Diggs, Rafael Casal and the crew. Then we delve into race, inclusion, gentrification, and karaoke. The opens this weekend.
Please support this film so it goes wider to audiences that need to laugh and learn.
Thanks,
Jordan
Commercial Directing Bootcamp is August 25th, 2018 in LA so sign up now. Oh yeah, Voodoo is on Audible. More on that later.
Director Liz Hinlein shares how she has successfully navigated her career making brand films, VR gigs, tons of spots and her feature, “Other People Children.” You’ve seen Liz’s Dove Real Beauty starring Shonda Rhimes, I promise. We chat about the commonality in directing these various gigs, staying humble while leading, and the fun in teaching others when we’ve learned. And because she’s also a talented cinematographer, she gives y’all plenty of tech talk in this episode. Check out these spots or see her reel at her shoppe Durable Goods:
Thank you,
Jordan
This episode is an hour and 25 minutes of bliss.
Don’t miss my Bootcamp – it always sells out. Links below.