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Top 5 Ways To Not Screw Up Your Spec Commercial.

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A spec commercial, real or fake, is one you do for free to prove you can make a spot. The big trick is to make your spec spot look not like a spec spot. If it looks spec, it will suck, defeating the very purpose of doing it. Now, every director entering the commercial world needs a spec spot. I’ve seen tons of them, many riddled with mistakes that give away the fact they’re not real. Heed my wisdom, and you’ll succeed.

Here is a spec I made years ago with a script from real DDB Chicago. Almost went to the Superbowl, but almost doesn’t count. It did get me tons of work.

And I still want to hear about your passion project!

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is only 3 and a half minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

It’s 2015, Now Pick A Date To Start Your Passion Project.

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Happy New Year, now let’s make some plans to make some fun stuff. A short film? Feature? Finish that script? A new spec commercial for the reel? Whatever personal project you want to do, first you must set a date and write that date down in your calendar.

There are many great filmmaking podcasts and blogs that you probably know. So here are a few links that inspire me to get stuff done. The Gumroad Resource Center is cool for all types of creative products to market. I use them to sell “I AM ROAD COMIC” and they’re cool people. Over the holiday, I discovered Seth Godin’s blog and like it for it’s simplicity, yet it is most motivating.

Please send me any cool blogs and podcasts you like. (Facebook is great for that.) And let’s hear about your passion project!

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is only 3 and a half minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Infinite Wisdom on the Art of Storytelling with Guru Larry Jordan.

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Larry Jordan is the one person that has always been there for me, to answer every production question. His 35 years plus of experience are readily found whenever you google a question about directing, editing, shooting, lighting, audio, you name it. And his courses cover the gamut of production, post and theory. Please check them out if you’re serious about upping your game.

His podcast “2 Reel Guys” is highly recommended, and his classes on Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro CC are phenomenal. Click here for more info on that.

We discuss editing comedy vs. horror, film school vs. the real world, and the need for self-discipline. Larry’s definition of “respecting the process” is a unique one, and I promise you’ll gain much from this talk. Big thanks Larry for joining me.

I’ve also listed my Top Ten Downloaded Episodes of 2014. You can find them in the Archives on this site, or easily here, on the Sideshow Network. So grab a notepad app and jot them down. Big thanks to all my guests. Look forward to more great chats in 2015.

Cheers,

Jordan

This episode is just over an hour. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

“I Am Santa Claus” Documentary Director Tommy Avallone.

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Who’s lap is your kid sitting on? “I Am Santa Claus” is a wonderful documentary that answers that very question. From an queenly bear Santa, to WWE Champion wrestler Mick Foley, Santa’s come from varied backgrounds. My chat with Director/Producer Tommy Avallone is like two old friends gabbing about filmmaking, despite having just met online. We discuss research, how to choose who to follow, funding and everything in between.

Watch the film on Netflix or buy it from Tommy’s site, click “I Am Santa Claus”, there are many options. Here’s the trailer:

This episode is just over an hour. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Tim & Eric Give Birth To Editor, Writer, DJ, Comedian Doug Lussenhop.

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Comedian Portraits And Performances At The Ice House

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Doug Lussenhop is an editor, writer, performer and hip hop sensation. He cut his teeth editing shorts, tv shows and feature films for Tim & Eric (aka Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim), Portlandia, and Funny or Die. Along with Tim & Eric, plus movie star John C. Reilly, Doug toured this summer with a live show, and it was an absurdist’s wet dream.

Doug and I chat about odd timing, developing his own comedy, finding his voice as an editor, and the joys of old school hip hop technology. (see DJ Douggpound). We also share a passion for oddball sound effects. Thanks Doug.

Here’s a episode of Doug’s homegrown YouTube show, Pound Hosue:

This episode is just over an hour. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

The Gospel According to HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher” EP Scott Carter.

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Playwright, comedian, writer, producer. Scott Carter is all of those things plus Executive Producer of HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher”. He’s also one of the smartest guys I’ve ever hung out with. You’ll love this peek behind the curtain of my favorite show and gain insight into what it takes to make a great live show tick week after week. He’s the show runner supreme.

A great storyteller, Scott mixes fun facts into his tales, and delivers them in a riveting fashion. Big thanks to Michael Addis for interviewing Scott for the podcast.

His play, “The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord” is a hit at the Geffen Playhouse. Click tickets. Running now through Dec. 21st, 2014. Run don’t walk

This episode is just over an hour and 15 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

The Human Side of Healthcare with Jeff Reichert and Farihah Zaman.

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“Remote Area Medical” is a compassionate documentary about Americans in need of help. Watch the trailer and you can see how filmmakers Jeff and Farihah treat their subjects with such dignity and respect.

During a three-day clinic held at Tennessee’s Bristol Motor Speedway, some of the country’s sickest individuals finally received free health care from an all-volunteer force of doctors, dentists and providers. This Hollywood Reporter review sums it up.

I ask the filmmakers about their choices. Who to follow, how they engaged people, and why this story. It’s an eye opening film that we can all relate to. See this in a theater with other human beings. Here’s the Facebook page: “Remote Area Medical”.

This episode is just under 35 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Moonlighting In Communist Romania To Producing in NYC With Saatchi & Saatchi’s Radu Olievschi.

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I met Radu Olievschi, a wonderful agency producer at Saacthi & Saatchi NYC, this summer and was intrigued with not just his journey to America, but his immense passion for filmmaking. Growing up in communist Romania did not lend itself to becoming a filmmaker, let alone a producer at an ad agency (especially unlikely since the one hour of State-run tv had no advertising), but Radu knew early on it was his destiny. Enjoy Radu’s story and hear the passion in his telling.

Here’s a PSA Radu produced called “The Bill of Rights for Dumbasses”. A favorite of mine directed by Seth Gordon.

This episode is just over 60 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

How Ad Agency Creatives Team Up with Drew Wright & Nick Marine.

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Moments after we wrapped on Friday, I grabbed Art Director Drew Wright and Copywriter Nick Marine for a mini-interview. Both are Associate Creative Directors at Doner Detroit. They’re a newly conjoined creative team, and it’s already crystal clear that it’s a great fit, given the way they crank out quality scripts that sell. I’m grateful for their oddball minds as well as their friendship.

Please help comedian Margaret Cho as she raises money to help the homeless. Here’s her GoFund link. If you buy “I AM ROAD COMIC” this week, I’ll be giving 100% of the money to her fund. Thanks!

This episode is just over 15 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Commercial Editor Tessa Davis Cuts Fast & Furiously Funny.

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I got to edit with Tessa Davis earlier this year at Cosmo Street, and she had all the best takes picked out & finessed into a perfect cut long before I could park the car. Editors have commented on the shortened turnaround time but she explains how she’s adapted.  And after the many versions of a spot, which one ends up on air? You may be surprised.

We also chat about women in film, the Glamour Magazine short films done by celebrity female filmmakers and this great Canon short: When You Find Me trailer. Long form is a relative term. I love this two minute piece she edited for HTC with Robert Downey Jr. (see above).

Here’s the EPK Tessa conceptualized, directed and edited. CROWN EPK

This episode is just over 44 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

What A Production Designer Does With Evan Rohde.

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The Production Designer runs the Art Department, and is responsible for fabricating the Director’s dream into a physical world to be filmed. Top Production Designer Evan Rohde does this magically, and it’s a privilege to work with him.

We chat right after wrapping a long day. He explains his dual roles as both a creative collaborator and fiscally responsible department head. I marvel at Evan’s creativity and love how he incorporates digital design plans to show me what he’s bringing to life.

Here’s his music video for Coldplay:

Click Evan Rohde to see his Emmy-Award winning spot for Sunday Night Football.

This episode is just over 40 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

What Does A Cost Consultant Really Do? Ron Hacohen Explains The Dark Side.

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Part two of my enlightening conversation with production genius Ron Hacohen. Why is it harder to break into directing if your female or a minority? Ron explains he’s actually a “production consultant”. He strives to inform clients of the process, because of the increased efficiencies. We end the talk with his advice for people breaking into commercial directing.

Today, Ron is a Brand Executive Producer/Consigliere at Advertising Production Resources (APR), the fabulous consultancy that helps clients understand the advertising process. He introduces me to the RACI system of accountability, approval and efficiency. Some trippy stuff that shows us how advertising is a small part of the client’s marketing plan, and production a sliver of that. Learn what a SME is. Answer: Subject Matter Expert.

Here’s a spot we did way back in the day.

This is part two of a lengthy conversation we had about the advertising business. It’s a must-listen for anyone breaking into the advertising business.

This episode is under an hour. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

How To Do A Winning Conference Call With APR’s Ron Hacohen.

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Ron Hacohen taught me how to be a commercial director, back when he was my Executive Producer at HKM productions, and his Bravo Zulu. Besides being one of the funniest people I know, he’s extremely production savvy, having risen through the ranks of production to run his own shop. He’s a former President of the Association of Independent Commercial Producers’ prestigious West Coast chapter, and when it comes to production, he’s done it all.

Today, Ron is a Brand Executive Producer/Consigliere at Advertising Production Resources (APR), the fabulous consultancy that helps clients understand the advertising process.

We chat about his transition to what some in production call “The Dark Side”, and I learn it’s so much more than you think. Ron preaches transparency and collaboration, and has even shared this very podcast with clients so they better understand what we in production do.

This is part one of a lengthy conversation we had about the advertising business. It’s a must-listen for anyone breaking into the advertising business.

This episode is under an hour. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

The Fascinating Journey Of Director Jeannette Godoy.

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How the multi-talented Jeannette Godoy came to spot directing is quite a fascinating tale. She’s worked on set as a choreographer, a wardrobe stylist, a production designer and even a dialect coach. Then she turned her talents to directing, and was shortlisted at Cannes and plucked for Shoot Magazine’s New Director Showcase for her very first spot. Jeannette brings a warmth and humanity to her work that takes even seasoned directors years to convey.

We talk about how to break into the business, as well as the challenges of being a female in a male-dominated field. And of course we discuss her award-winning documentary, “Free 2 Be Me”, about young dancers with Down Syndrome. It’s a 30 minute film you can watch for free, by clicking the title.

Here’s here Bridgestone commercial that started it all:

This episode is an hour and ten minutes, just about. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Cut+Run’s Michelle Eskin Creates The Right Vibe For Maximum Creativity.

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Michelle Eskin, Partner and Managing Director of Cut + Run has built a creative oasis in Santa Monica. We chat about the importance of setting the tone for doing great work. Despite how the editorial business has changed, she and her editors, effects artists and staff remain cheerful and positive. It’s a real treat to edit there. Young editors listen up.

Here’s my Dodge spot for Doner Detroit starring Texas playboy Richard Rawlings:

This episode is under an hour. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Adam McKay Uses Rainbow Alpacas & Lollipops To Learn Us The Inequality Gap.

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Truly one of the great comedy minds of our time, director Adam McKay has again used his powers for the betterment of mankind. He’s created a magical land inhabited by multi-colored Alpacas who love lollipops and rainbows, to teach us about the growing divide in wealth distribution. It’s called “Unbelievably Sweet Alpacas”. Just one of 20 short films for Morgan Spurlock’s “We The Economy” project.

It’s voiced by a winning trifecta of comedy talent: Sarah Silverman, Amy Poehler, and Maya Rudolph. NPR Host & economist Adam Davidson advised. Cinelan Managing Partner David Laks offers a pre-interview interview, explaining the program. Documentarian Miao Wang made a short docu about Chinese factories in South Carolina that must be seen. She’s in the roundtable with Adam McKay. Damon Smith, Supervising Producer, Cinelan is the moderator.

Big “thank you to the SideShow Network.

Click the links and watch with the kids, like I did.

This episode is just over 35 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Anchorman 2 Composer Andrew Feltenstein Plays It Straight.

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Top shelf composers, songwriters, lyricists Andrew Feltenstein & John Nau own Beacon Street Studios in Venice, California. They’re the go-to guys for any musical genre, but certainly have made a name scoring for “Funny Or Die” titans Adam McKay and Will Ferrel. Credits include “Anchorman 2”, “The Spoils of Babylon” and more.

Andrew and I chat about the process of scoring commercials, inspiration, late hours and how playing the music straight buoys the comedy.

Watch the trailer for “Casa de mi Padre”, a favorite Will Ferrell film. Buy the soundtrack today!

This episode is just over 20 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

“Nathan For You” Co-Creator Michael Koman On Running The Show.

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The “Dumb Starbucks” episode of Comedy Central’s “Nathan For You” is an instant classic. Michael Koman is what we call the “showrunner” for the series. Along with co-creator and star Nathan Fielder, Michael leads the writers to invent bits, executes them and then deals with the network. It’s a laborious task steeped in creativity. Mr. Koman’s comedy pedigree includes “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”, “Eagleheart” and “Important Things with Demetri Martin.”

My dear pal, director/showrunner Michael Addis conducts the interview, the first in a series of “Showrunner” chats. Mr. Addis was my esteemed guest back in January 2013 on this very podcast. Here’s the episode link: Hidden Camera with Michael Addis

Watch this if you’ve not seen the show. Genius.

This episode is just over an hour. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Theodore Melfi Directs Bill Murray In “St. Vincent”.

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Writer/Director Theodore Melfi has been making commercials and indie films for a decade. So when he nabbed Bill Murray for the starring role of his script, he was more than ready to deliver. Listen to this great casting tale, his hanging with Jack Nicholson, and how his real life inspired his script that he hand-wrote in four weeks. I’ve known Theodore since he started directing, and he’s as genuine a man as he is talented.

“St. Vincent” opens in LA & NYC on October 10th, then goes wide October 24th. Watch the trailer and go opening night in your city! Take the family!

He’s launched his own production company, Brother. Check it out. Here’s one of many spot I love from Ted:

Slimfast “Lights On” from brother on Vimeo.

This episode is just over an hour. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Live From The Ad Age Small Agency Conference.

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As a director, I’m hired by advertising agencies of all sizes. Some are huge, part of a global conglomerate, while others are nimble shoppes, but equally as creative. The big agencies are always in the trades, pitching and winning even bigger clients. But I wondered how these smaller agencies got their work. So I traveled to Austin, Texas to the Ad Age Small Agency Conference and chatted with a few attendees. Massive thank you to AdAge.com for having me.

Sitting in on the opening presentation was fascinating. “Hypertelling” was Google Head of Brand Strategy & Insights Eric Solomon’s take on how brands need to be responsive and interactive storytellers. Cool case studies. Eric urges agencies to push the boundaries of what is possible with storytelling in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape.

Then I chatted with Brian Pettigrew from TVGla, Doug Gelfand & Kelly Parriott from the Rally Group in Denver, Darrell Allen from Total Online Marketing, and finally Brett Tesmer from LRXD. All great people. Thanks!

This episode is very short. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.