Category: Film

First Time Director Brendan Mertens Ain’t Afraid Of No “Ghostsheads”.

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“Ghostheads” Director Brendan Mertens reveals all about his new film, “Ghostheads”, yes still killing it on Netflix. This is part two of “Ghostheads”, Part I being with Tommy Avalon.

Ghostheads are not just uber-fans of the film. They form chapters and raise money for charity, while giving each Ghosthead a sense of community. I recommend the film highly, which has interviews with key cast and crew, including Dan Aykroyd, Ivan Reitman, Ernie Hudson, Paul Feig and many more, as well as with Ghostbusters fans all over the world. Enjoy the trailer:

Thank you,

Jordan

PS Way too early to announce, but I’ll tell you that Commercial Directing Bootcamp is December 3rd, 2016 in Los Angeles.

This episode is one hour minutes.

Who You Gonna Call? Ghostheads! Filmmaker Tommy Avallone Returns.

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Filmmaker Tommy Avallone returns to talk about his new film, “Ghostheads”, currently killing it on Netflix. We chat about how he reached out to the director of this fun documentary, Brendan Mertens (my future podcast guest) and his overall involvement. A real inspiring tale for us filmmakers.

Ghostheads are not just uber-fans of the film. They form chapters and raise money for charity, while giving each Ghosthead a sense of community. I recommend the film highly, which has interviews with key cast and crew, including Dan Aykroyd, Ivan Reitman, Ernie Hudson, Paul Feig and many more, as well as with Ghostbusters fans all over the world. Enjoy the trailer:

Thank you,

Jordan

PS Way too early to announce, but I’ll tell you that Commercial Directing Bootcamp is December 3rd, 2016 in Los Angeles.

This episode is one hour and four minutes.

Docu “Outcast Forever” Rides Along w First All-Black Motorcycle Club & Filmmaker DeVaughn Hughson.

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Filmmaker and friend DeVaughn Hughson spend six years documenting Outcast, the first all-Black Motorcycle Club, literally living among these true rebels day and night. The result is an artistic peek into their raucous den and time-honored rituals. It’s a must-watch doc and the closest you’ll ever get to this unique world.

I find DeVaughn’s film a riveting study of alpha male culture, where individuality flourishes, yet everyone still supports the tribe at large. “Outcast Forever” is more than just the name of the film, it’s a lifelong bond for these proud men.

We chat filmmaking, the artistic choices, and how DeVaughn earned the Members’ trust. Support indie film and spread the word. Click DeVaughn’s name. Enjoy the trailer.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour and 11 minutes.

How To Have A Successful Career As A Commercial Editor With Shira Ankori.

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My friend Editor Shira Ankori has edited some of the best comedy spots on my reel for over ten years now. We discuss working with the advertising agency creatives and why directors need to actually cut.

Timing and collaboration are themes we agree on, so have a listen and share with a filmmaker you love.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is one hour.

Bowling Rom Com “Split” By Writer/Director Jamie Buckner.

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Writer/Director Jamie Buckner has made an adorable, funny romantic comedy called “Split”. Jamie tells us about making the short film first to raise the dough and the complications of shooting in a working bowling alley. He smartly went to his hometown to make the film.

Please support the film by clicking here, and watch and enjoy “Split”. My favorite aspect is Jamie spoofs all the tropes of the romantic comedy while using them effectively to tell the sweet story.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour and 03 minutes.

Gary Rose Of Go Film Dissects The Commercial Filmmaking Industry With Me.

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Gary Rose is the Managing Director of Go Film, one of the top shops for making commercials. We look at the current state of our business and how the game has evolved. I rarely call it “the game” but hey. Gary has worked alongside one of my favorite filmmakers, Christopher Guest, so I get to learn how Mr. Guest likes to work on the spots he chooses to do. Overall, Gary navigates the business with finesse and surely knows how to pick and develop directorial talent.

We touch on his love of underwater photography. I wish you could see his work on the walls of Go Film. Click here for a taste. Oh, that’s a Billy Idol screenshot from a Go FIlm spot, not Gary.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp Chicago was a blast! Huge thank you to the filmmakers. Now send me podcast feedback people. How are we doing? Questions?

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour and 20 minutes.

My Successful Director/Producer Relationship With Rick Cowan, RIP.

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Filmmaker Rick Cowan was my dear friend and frequent collaborator. He grew to be a mentor and pillar to all who knew him. He passed away this week, and I miss him. RIP Rick.

This conversation is from July 2015 and was posted back then.

Love,

Jordan

This episode is an hour, give or take.

Acclaimed Film Producer Miranda Bailey On Producing “Don’t Think Twice”.

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Miranda Bailey is a prolific film producer, actress and director. Currently, she’s got two wonderful films in theaters, “Swiss Army Man” and “Don’t Think Twice”, the latter opening wide this weekend. Go see it. It stars Keegan Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs, Tami Sagher, Chris Gethard, Kate Micucci and the film’s writer/director Mike Birbiglia. It’s funny, sad, heartfelt and the best look at the world of improvisational comedy ever.

Miranda has her own production company, Cold Iron Pictures, and started a distribution company, The Film Arcade. Click the words. She’s the real deal.

The last half of our chat reveals that I am indeed an old fashioned sexist. Eye opening, as we delve into the topic of gender inequality. Truthfully, I wanted to leave that alone and just talk to Miranda as a producer, but felt it was needed so we explore and shed a little light. Enjoy the trailer, then buy tickets:

Enjoy. Share. See the film. Thank you!!

Chicago’s Commercial Directing Bootcamp will sell out. Sign up now and I’ll see you in Chicago August 13th, 2016.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour, give or take.

My Chat With “Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero” Comedy Director Jonathan Kesselman.

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Sitting down with Director Jonathan Kesselman was like reuniting with a cousin I’d never met. I’d seen his first film, The Hebrew Hammer, now we talk about his new film “Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero” starring comedian Maz Jobrani. Maz is hysterical in the clubs, on his specials, so I knew the film would be laugh out loud too.

We chat about developing the film, working with actors who wrote the script they star in, and oh, so much more. Enjoy the trailer, then see the movie.

Chicago’s Commercial Directing Bootcamp will sell out. Sign up now and I’ll see you in Chicago August 13th, 2016.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is over an hour and 15 minutes, give or take.

Directing Chimps Vs. Babies With Comedy Director Jeff Gordon.

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I’m honored to chat with Director Jeff Gordon, a versatile filmmaker, but one that can say he specializes in commercials with chimps and babies. In our conversation, he points out one “secret weapon” to his success with infants – his baby wrangler.

It was delightful to hear we’ve both worked with a particular chimp named Bella. She is wonderful to shoot with. All in all this is a such great episode. You listeners will certainly enjoy this one.

See more of Jeff Gordon‘s fun spots by clicking his name. Oh, We’re still taking Filmmakers for Commercial Directing Bootcamp Chicago. August 13th. This live event will sell out. Sign up today!

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is over an hour and 15 minutes.
Sign up today for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp today. Limit 20.

Bowling With Filmmaker Werner Herzog, He Loves My Commercial Directing Bootcamp Chicago.

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After three intense days shooting for Toyota and Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles, I took up my usual post shoot ritual of bowling. Surprisingly, I ran into my favorite filmmaker, Director Werner Herzog. He indulged me with a quick exchange about my Commercial Directing Bootcamp in Chicago, August 13th, 2016.

I am so deeply humbled Mr. Werner Herzog had any knowledge of it. I am currently taking his Masterclass, by the way, which I recommend to every filmmaker. Here’s a prior Toyota spot, forgive me if I posted this. It’s one of over 25 I’ve made with my team.

Sign up today for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp today. Limit 20.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is under 4 minutes

Virtual Reality 101 With Light Sail VR’s Guru Matthew Celia.

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Matthew Celia stands majestically at the forefront of virtual reality filmmaking, having conceived, shot and delivered VR projects for Paramount, GoPro and even the esteemed Dr. Phil. Today, Matt explains the technology and stresses the key element all of you adore: story.

It’s great to chat with Matt because we go back a handful of years. He’s an inspiring storyteller and filmmaker. Check out his work.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp in Chicago August 13th, 2016 already has filmmakers signed up! Limit 20 filmmakers, so do not dilly dally. And hey, let’s all practice loving our fellow Americans, and fellow global humans.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is 1 hour and 12 minutes.

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

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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.

Commercials to Feature Films, It’s All Storytelling For Director Blair Hayes.

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I loved his feature film “Bubble Boy”, so when I met Director Blair Hayes I was a bit star struck. Plus, his reputation as a commercial helmer is legendary. So happy we got to finally sit down and chat about his work. Admittedly, I’m in awe of Director/Camerapeople. If you learn one thing, it will be the meaning of capturing the essence of the moment.

UPDATE*** New MCDonald’s spot from Blair Hayes:

Blair’s new film “Great Plains” is making the festival rounds, so keep an eye out for it. Click here for a Hawaii Tourism spot we dissect. Also this below, and more by clicking his name. Enjoy.

thanks,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is August 13th, 2016 in Chicago. Limit 20 Filmmakers.

Thanks,

Jordan

Jordan

This episode is 85 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

How The Wonderful Comedic Actor Clayton Farris Stays Busy and Booked.

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I’ve only worked a half day with actor Clayton Farris, but I’ve been a fan since he walked in the casting room. He’s the utmost professional and plays the reality of a situation, and is not afraid to immerse himself into a sometimes geeky character. He’s also a nice guy. Clayton always working and you must check out his silly Vine videos he makes for the fun of it.

Here’s a Bud Light Lime-A-Rita spot we chat about and a few more.

Thanks,

Jordan

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp will next take place in August. Where? Chicago!
This episode is 85 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

Love’s In Need, Hate Going Round, Let’s Ban Assault Weapons.

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I’ll post more filmmaking conversations later in the week, but today my heart is broken yet again. The hate we face must stop and assault weapons are just too easy to get. Let’s love one another, practice tolerance, and change our laws to make these automatic rifles hard to get, as well as the ammo used to kill people.

Let Peace Prevail.

Love,

Jordan

Recording Sound and Producing Puppets With Frankie Fiore.

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Frankie Fiore works non-stop in the sound department, in all areas of it too, but when his pal Anthony Imperiolli asked him to produce his puppet short films for Dairy Queen, Frankie rose the challenge. Check out the behind-the-scenes below. It’s awesome work, hilarious and a great story of how the character of Nonna Maria came to be a viral hit, and a commercial crossover.

Nonna Maria DQ Outtakes 2016 from Frankie Fiore on Vimeo.

We obviously chat about sound, and various and sundry on-set shenanigans.

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp will next take place in August. Where? Chicago!
This episode is about 50 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

My Visit To The Space Station LA With David Rispoli And Ben Rovner.

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Space Station is an artist’s paradise. It offers workshops, classes and it’s an affordable place to cast, and even offers actors a free place to tape auditions and pieces for their reel. I sat down with David Rispoli and Ben Rovner to hear all about this unique operation, as well as their Space Station Artist’s Initiative. Their mission is to provide an all-encompassing education for the artists in our community. We deliver unique and diverse seminars, classes, and intensives for all ages and experience levels. Our priority is to remain affordable, practical, and inspiring.
Thanks,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp will next take place in August. Where? Chicago!
This episode is 59 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

The Agency Producer Tells All: Part Two With Peter Ostella.

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Peter Ostella, in part two of our interview, offers a peek behind the agency curtain of producing.
This episode is part two of a two-part chat. Leave feedback and share with friends.

Thanks,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp will next take place in August. Where? Chicago!
This episode is 59 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

My Little Film Is All Grown Up, “I Am Road Comic” On Netflix.

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What makes “I Am Road Comic” getting on Netflix so sweet, is that it represents a victory in micro-budget indie filmmaking. Keeping a tourniquet on spending, crafting a story with notable comics and a podcast-based PR campaign, it’s finally paid off.

This is my 5th film to land on Netflix. It all started with “I Am Comic”, but Netflix was just starting out and Showtime had debuted the star-studded docu. Then “Waking Up In Reno” and “The Third Wheel” were added. But those films were Disney-owned Miramax garage sales no doubt. Maria Bamford’s “Special Special Special” is awesome, and it’s still up, and that’s all Maria. So with “I Am Road Comic”, I have 4 films streaming. I’m the most prolific filmmaker no one’s ever heard of.

Thank you!

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp will next take place in August. Where? Dunno.
This episode is just 2 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.