Category: Film

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.

Indie Rom-Com “This Isn’t Funny” Is Indeed Funny w Writer/Director/Star Paul Ashton.

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My guest filmmaker Paul Ashton is a triple threat: writer, director, actor and I love his new film “This Isn’t Funny.” Click now, buy it on iTunes and then listen to this great chat with Paul. He also stars in Superlounge comedy director Daniel Sheppard’s new series of spots for GMC. Paul and I chat about getting a film made and distributed, our shared love of stand-up comedy, and how to take charge of one’s career.

Enjoy a few Mr. Sheppard’s spots, starring Paul as spokesman, seen here without his native Aussie accent.

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.

What The Set Decorator Does With Chris Coles.

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If you’re wondering just what the Set Decorator does specifically, my guest Chris Coles has the answers. The Set Decorator brings the set to life, interpreting the vision of the Production Designer, who has been in cahoots with the Director. Chris shares similar beliefs as I do about really putting in one’s 10,000 hours to master one’s craft, and we discuss about the “generation of entitlement”, and its effect on the business. We just wrapped a big Toyota job for Cramer Krasselt Phoenix, so we chat about that gig, and you’ll even learn how he met his soon-to-be wife. Their new prop shoppe, Little Bohemia, will be open by the time you click here. Chris is great at what he does and I’m lucky to have him on set.

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

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 45 minutes. Please like the show on iTunes and share with a friend.

Comedy Filmmaker Brad Hasse Invents Texting Hat.

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Commercial Filmmaker Brad Hasse has seen his art become a reality. His short film, “Texting Hat” became so popular that people started asking him if they could order their own chapéu. And now they can. He’s also the only helmer I know that’s done spots for two different types of mouthwash. We chat about the importance of personal passion projects, finding your voice as a director and much more.

Enjoy “Texting Hat”.

Big shout out to the swanky iPhone case maker IOM Cases for sponsoring the show.

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 85 minutes, give or take, of our banter. Please like the show on iTunes.

To Sign Or Not To Sign To A Production Company With Commercial Director Tony Franklin.

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Fresh off a huge 16 day shoot, I chat with filmmaker Tony Franklin. He started as an art director, working for Target’s in-house creative department. Now he has quickly and successfully transitioned into a full-time commercial filmmaker. Tony shares his journey with us. We discuss the crucial decisions around when and why to sign and why not to sign with a commercial production company, as well as how to measure if you and the company are a good fit. We also discuss craft, and how he gets natural performances out of non-actors. We’re like minded, as we both always want to get a new spot for the reel.

Enjoy this Tony Franklin spot, his director’s cut for Academy Sports:

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.

Get the “Maserati of iPhone Cases” called IOM Cases. Buy one. Super cool, stainless steel. And I’m offering all currently enrolled Film Students and those in Ad School a whopping $75 Student Discount on my Bootcamp.

thanks,

Jordan

This episode is 90 minutes, give or take, of our banter. Please like the show on iTunes.

Commercial Editor By Day, Brilliant Improvisor By Night: Rob Watzke.

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Editor Rob Watzke has cut many of your favorite tv spots over the years, but on nights and weekends, he teaches improvisation. We saw his show the night Helen Hunt played along with Rob and his troupe, Schplotz! The 100% riffed show was amazing. Back in the editing bay, Rob deftly cuts on any tool invented, and works with his agency clients to bring out the best in the footage.

We chat improvisation, editing and discuss the birth of the Frankensteinization of mutli-versions of edits. You’ll enjoy this episode.

Two cool things: my pal launch the Maserati of iPhone Cases” called IOM Cases. Buy one. Super cool, stainless steel. And I’m offering all currently enrolled Film Students and those in Ad School a whopping $75 Student Discount on my Bootcamp.

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 85 minutes, give or take, of our banter. Please like the show on iTunes.

How To Get From Production Assistant To Working Filmmaker With Andrew Furtado.

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You recognize Andrew Furtado‘s name as the editor my documentary “I Am Road Comic”. He started out as a production assistant, but now directs his own projects and edits films like Clive Baker’s “Nightbreed: The Director’s Cut”. He also produced, directed & edited comedian Kyle Kinane’s hilarious special.

We talk self-discipline, how to avoid being set to stop traffic when you’re a PA and want to hang at the monitor, and more. Be sure to check out Andrew’s terrific podcast “Now Streaming Podcast” all about what’s on and soon to be off of Netflix. Enjoy this trailer/music video for “Nightbreed” he cut.

Here’s the link to “A Ballerina’s Tale” that I highly recommend during the intro of this show.

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 85 minutes, give or take, of our banter. Please like the show on iTunes.

An Actor’s Life For Jimm Giannini.

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Continuing the “acting for commercials” theme, I talk with my pal Jimm Giannini for his take on the commercial biz. Jimm’s new web series, “Tyler and Borelli”, is the result of him adapting to new opportunities. Here’s an episode called “Janet” that’s charming, funny and endearing. You can tell these two actors are having fun and connecting. 3 minutes, watch it. Enjoy.

We chat about how actors should approach the auditions, (Do you need to wear a chef outfit for the chef role?) Why it’s important to be honest about yourself and he explains FICOR to me. All in all, a fun chat.

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 about 90 minutes, give or take, of our banter. Please like the show on iTunes.

How To Book National Commercials With Comedian/Actor Wayne Federman.

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Comedian/Actor/Writer Wayne Federman is my favorite comic, and he’s just put out his debut comedy album, The Chronicles of Federman. The box set of three CDs (also available digitally) spans his 30 plus years of unique, killer stand-up.  Judd Apatow, who writes the liner notes, says “Epic, hilarious, inspired and whimsical.” And Mr. Apatow goes on and on. Oh, and I must reveal, Wayne is also my best pal.

Wayne has acted in dozens of national commercials, with a proportionate amount of them being oddly-costumed characters. Regardless, Wayne shares his secrets on how he approaches his auditions and gets booked time and time again. We also chat about how he constructed and edited “Chronicles” himself, so plenty of tech talk here.

Here’s Wayne and Kenny Rogers for Geico:

The Wayne Federman Commercial MegaMix:
Here’s a Toyota spot I directed Wayne in called “Charades“.

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 80 minutes, give or take, of our banter. Please like the show on iTunes.

My Chat With The Incomparable Comedy Director Mike Bigelow.

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Commercial helmer Mike Bigelow started out as a motion animator and VFX technical director working on prestigious films like “The Abyss” and “Total Recall” before directing hundreds of commercials. We chat about our mutual love of doing as much in camera as possible, how comedy plays best in a wider shot, and we engage in a little tech talk. Mike is a gentleman and his sly humor makes for a great listen. Enjoy & share with a loved one.

Here’s one of Mike’s spots for National Car Renal that we discuss:
And here’s the Adidas “Streak” we discuss too:

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 75 fun-filled minutes, give or take. Please like the show on iTunes.