Category: Film

Freelance Agency Producer By Day, Comedian By Night With Peter Ostella.

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Peter Ostella explains the ins and outs of being an in-demand agency producer. From how he facilitates the creative teams he works with to managing the clients, he spells it out. Does he ever present new directorial talent? How does he deal with newbie clients that have never shot a spot before?

Additionally, we share our love of the stand-up comedy.

This episode is part one of a two-part great chat. Leave feedback and share with friends.

Thanks,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp will next take place in August. Where? Dunno.
This episode is 65 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

Meeting Prince At My Movie Premiere With Powdered Donuts.

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Everyone is telling their personal stories about meeting the genius that is Prince. This is mine.

thank you,

Jordan

Next Commercial Directing Bootcamp is in August.

This episode is 7 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

Living La Vida Creativa With Creative Director/Art Director Juan V. Perez.

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My guest Juan V. Perez is constantly looking to explore the world through an artistic lens, for personal creative fulfillment and to inform his work. We discuss staying relevant in this digital era of constant change.

We dissect his beautiful spot for Comcast that speaks to bilingual American Latinos with just an English voice over, and we find out why. Check out this spot here. Juan asks me the origin of “Respect The Process” as a podcast title and I oblige. It’s a great chat you’ll find motivating.

Thanks to all the filmmakers that attended Commercial Directing Bootcamp in NYC that week. What a blast! Write me if I should come to your town.

thank you,

Jordan
Here’s more about Commercial Directing Bootcamp.

This episode is 63 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

You Be Creative And Get Help Running Your Business With Joel Pilger.

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Production veteran Joel Pilger helps directors, artists and such focus on the creative side of things, while he and his team at RevThink help you run the business side of things. We chat about his company and his mission to take the pain out of running your own company. Cuz when you hit a certain level of success, shit happens. Stuff you do not want to deal with.

Joel also hosts a great podcast called RevThinking of iTunes. Check it out, and compare his episode interviewing me. He also introduced me to the term solopreneur. Oh, the phone rings but I left it in to offer you a peek behind the curtain of podcasting. And I’m lazy.

Enjoy.

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is this Saturday, April 16th, in Manhattan and I am thrilled with the quality of filmmakers that are attending. Still room for you, if you’re special.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is 65 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

What The Executive Producer Does In Commercial Production With EP Mark Androw.

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My guest is the charming Mark Androw, Executive Producer of STORY, a long-thriving production company he owns. Mark has dominated the spot business for many years, and he passionately explains just what an Executive Producer does. The EP, in tv commercial parlance, is the life-blood of the commercial production company. He/she develops the directorial roster, the business end of things and maintains the relationships with ad agencies, among many things.

Mark also loves living and shooting in Chicago, and explains why. Aspiring Production Assistants should know that the AICP has a free PA seminar April 30, 1026 in Chicago. Click here for more info. Or email Mark directly at mark@storyco.tv – crazy nice huh?

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is next Saturday in Manhattan and I am thrilled with the quality of filmmakers that are attending. Still room for you, if you’re special.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is under 90 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

Still reading? Ok, 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.

The Medium Serves Your Message.

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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.

A New Branded Comedy Boutique Called “Yes Brand” with Hersh Rephun.

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Comedian, copywriter, marketer Hersh Rephun explains how he’s carved a niche making the funny for challenger brands. His new shop is called “Yes Brand” and they’ve just launched with a piece of branded content for Manatawny Still Works that stars Hersh himself.

We chat about creativity, synchronicity, quote Paul Newman and discuss everything under the sun as far as comedy and advertising go. Hersh is one of my favorite fun people to shoot the breeze with, hope you enjoy this as much as we did.

Check out Yes Brand’s debut branded content piece we discuss, elegant and to the point:

Commercial Directing Bootcamp NYC is filling up, so do not miss it. April 16th, 2016.

Thanks,

Jordany.

Oh, 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.

How I View My Rate As A Filmmaker.

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My view of rates as a filmmaker may be unorthodox, but it sure keeps me sane and humble. I see it as shooting for free, and the big payday is for all the prep, production details and post. It’s a healthy attitude that treasures the shoot day as a reward.

Filmmakers are already signing up for Commercial Directing Bootcamp so hurry. Limit 20 filmmakers, because I custom-tailor the program to address the needs of the attendees.

Thank you.

Jordan

Rise Of The Freelance Creative Director With CD Jon Shore.

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Both a Creative Director and prolific Copywriter, Jon Shore and I have worked on and off for over a decade, cranking out dozens of comedy spots. After 25 years at one shoppe, Jon headed out on his own and never looked back. Visit jonshorecreative.com for his work.

We chat about collaborating, getting the most out of others, and letting go of certain aspects in order to see a project grow. Jon gives kudos to the Account Teams as well for setting the process in motion the right way. A first on the show. We also briefly wax about the Oscar movies, which may be in the past by the time you hear this.

Here’s a few favoritea I shot with Jon and his former CK Team, starring Pat Finn, starting with a gem called “Flowers” appropriately.

Oh, 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.

What Commercial Directors Should Know About Their Client With Imagine One Mobile CEO Scott Friedland.

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Scott Friedland is President and CEO of Imagine One Mobile, a marketing/advertising agency that helps marketers and brands increase sales and secure higher Returns On Ad Spend (ROAS) – across all platforms, devices and screens. Oh, this episode is plum full of acronyms, so hold on tight. Scott and I go back to when he hired me to direct and produce on NBC’s “Name Your Adventure”, a Saturday morning show in the 90’s, after the network introduced me to be co-host. By bringing me on staff, Scott gave me an opportunity that changed my life. Bravo!

We talk how a filmmaker should know the context of the brand and the brand’s positioning, as well as know where the spot is going to play.

Here’s a clip from “Name Your Adventure” I directed and host. Go ahead and laugh at me:

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.

Film & TV Quality Control Demystified With Master Quality Controller Britta Meleson-Bordeaux.

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When your film is done and before it hits TV, cable or Netflix, your baby must pass the test of Quality Control. My guest is the delightful Britta Meleson-Bordeaux, rated one of the Top 10 Master Quality Controllers in Los Angeles. She breaks down the process and offers invaluable advice for mastering your project.

The tech-talk is strong on this episode, but Britta makes the knowledge accessible to all filmmakers. Please share and enjoy. Not necessarily in that order. Oh, be sure and check out these podcasts, Bananaland with Bob Rubin, The Ralph Nader Radio Hour and The David Feldman Show. Britta and Jimmy have got producer’s hands on both. Why? Because Britta and Jimmy have been true comedy nerds before the term was coined. Please check out Jimmy’s site for more.

thanks,

Jordan

Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

How Mid-Americans React To Super Bowl 50 Commercials, Live From Kitty’s Sports Bar.

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Asking advertising creatives and fellow directors about the Super Bowl 50 spots is fun, but this year, I had a thirst for what real Americans thought. So I flew to Kitty’s Sports Grill in Cincinnati, Ohio just to see how Americans react to the show within the show.

I loved seeing the work of so many friends and people I’ve worked with: Keegan Michael Key, Kevin Hart, Janine Edwards, Hayes Hargrove, T.J. Miller, and my pal Pam Parsons and her team at Saatchi LA for two great Prius spots, including this one:

thanks,

Jordan

I know you’ll find this talk entertaining and informative. Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

Adapt Or Die: Why Filmmakers Need To Shoot Tests.

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This episode is just me explaining how I shoot various tests to help land big gigs. It certainly helped with my current batch of spots with Saatchi & Saatchi, who are some of the coolest and most creative folks in the business. These tests, which filmmakers have done for years, not only help win the assignment, but tests help us execute with my team, knowing it will work. Shoot with confidence.

So, when I’m shooting I’ve got to respect that process, so this is a quickie. Let me know what you all think! Oh, and fear not, I’ve got plenty of great interviews in store. And I’ll post the spots when they roll out.

thanks,

Jordan

I know you’ll find this talk entertaining and informative. Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

What A Stunt Driver Does With Stunt Driver Donnie Bailey.

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Donny Bailey has been the stunt driver on all your favorite action films, “Mad Max: Fury Road”, “The Dark Knight Rises”, and “Captain America: Civil War” …and I was privileged to shoot my Buick spots with him. In fact, it’s all the same to Donnie, for he approaches the work on a shot by shot basis. The consummate professional, Donnie stays calm under pressure and takes charge to execute the most intricate camera moves. Check out Performance Filmworks and their impressive work!

You’ll love his stories of a 26 foot crane used to shoot Mad Max. And I ask is the guitar playing freak really up there playing live on camera? How do you drive alongside Captain America? What happens when the DP and Director disagree in the car? Just a few of many great questions. Thank you Donnie!

Please share and enjoy. Not necessarily in that order.

thanks,

Jordan

I know you’ll find this talk entertaining and informative. Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

What A Digital Imaging Technician Does With D.I.T. Ryan Kunkleman.

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Thank you Ryan Kunkleman for explaining the mysterious role of the D.I.T. to me! The Digital Imagining Technician has become a critical member of the filmmaking team since the digital revolution. Ryan is one of the best, having done feature films, television and commercials. Can you say “Captain America: Civil War”? He not only tells us the different approaches to his craft in the various mediums, but he knows the history of the gig too.

Working closely with the cinematographer, the D.I.T. helps set the “look” and keeps the photography on point. Please note, Ryan is also a talented cinematographer himself, so he shares his journey of his illustrious career. Here’s a recent interview with Ryan.

The tech-talk is flowing on this episode, but Ryan makes the knowledge accessible to all filmmakers. Check out this vid and his DP reel:

Please share and enjoy. Not necessarily in that order.

thanks,

Jordan

It’s an one chat that I know you’ll find entertaining and informative. Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

How To Be A Successful Comedy Director With Comedy Director Ric Cantor.

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Ric Cantor is a director and writer of commercials, television and film. We met on a lark at a Directors Guild Of America conference, and I loved his work and wit so I’m very happy he’s on the show. We discuss Steven Seagal, the contractual and creative differences between directing spots in England versus the United States, as well as common trends we’ve noticed. He also tells how he readies himself for a pitch. And we discuss Director’s Cut and how strategically they fit on your reel. Invaluable stuff people.

Check out Ric’s website, he’s always adding new work. We talk about this older shoot:

thanks,

Jordan

It’s a hefty 90 minute chat that I know you’ll find entertaining and informative. Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

Problem Solving And Manifestos, Part Two With Director Marcus Nispel.

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This is part two with Director Marcus Nispel, the innovative filmmaker of commercials, music videos and film. His work and work ethic have both inspired me since starting in commercials, including his famous manifesto, which we discuss. Marcus expresses the joy he still gets from solving problems, be they in the script or in a challenging execution. Click his name to see his expansive body of work, as well as the comments he’s added to describe the challenges of each spot.

thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour and change. Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

Happy Holidays Filmmakers, Be Students of Human Interaction.

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Enjoy your Christmas and remember we need to be students of human interaction over these holidays to make ourselves better storytellers. I’ll be back next week with Part 2 of Marcus Nispel.

Peace.

Jordan

This episode is 4 minutes.

The Influences Of Pop Culture With Visionary Filmmaker Marcus Nispel.

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Director Marcus Nispel is a ground-breaking filmmaker and visionary. His illustrious career includes your favorite big budget music videos, six awesome feature films and some 1200 plus commercials for every major brand. He’s work influenced my own while his philosophy towards the art and craft of commercial filmmaking inspired me long before we ever met. So you can imagine what a treat it is to sit down and chat with him on the shores of Malibu.

Check out his work at his site. Marcus has added personal notations below each spot. Here’s a new spot and a classic music video we discuss that sums up an era:

Enjoy and please leave me some feedback.

thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour and change. Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

How To Direct Stop Motion Animation With Director Jed Hathaway.

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Director Jed Hathaway returns to the podcast with more wondrous stop motion filmmaking stories. I visit the set of his So Cal Honda shoot, where Jed and his producer Rosa Tran had over a half dozen miniature stages going at once. Jed leads an army of misfit animators, all specialists at the top of their game, to make holiday cheer. His work puts a fresh twist on a nostalgic style we all love. (Think the “Rudolph The Red Nosed-Reindeer” Christmas specials.) This chat is a very informative peek behind the stop motion curtain.

Check out his Honda work and from earlier this year, animated spots for Oreo S’mores that I adore.

Have you bought your new, swanky IOM iPhone case from IOM Cases? Thank you for sponsoring the show.

Two slots left for 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.

thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour and change. Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.