How to Build Your Own Commercial Production Company: Filmmaker Scott Rice on Creative Freedom.

Leave a Comment / Advertising, Film / By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Filmmaker Scott Rice has directed commercials professionally since 2005 and teaches filmmaking at UT Austin. We talk about what film school might leave out—from tech scouts and how a real set works to the business of running a production company—and how his spec commercials helped launch his directing career. Scott shares why he loves teaching, giving

How to Build Your Own Commercial Production Company: Filmmaker Scott Rice on Creative Freedom. Read More »

How to Direct a Vertical Micro Drama With No Scout and Tiny Crew with Filmmaker Andrea Nordgren.

Leave a Comment / Advertising, Film / By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Filmmaker Andrea Nordgren went to Brand Storytelling at Sundance 2026 wanting to direct something in the vertical space. She landed her first vertical series, a SAG romance thriller, after she cast a local actress in a commercial and that actress later invited her to direct. On set she made her shot list on the day,

How to Direct a Vertical Micro Drama With No Scout and Tiny Crew with Filmmaker Andrea Nordgren. Read More »

Filmmaker Azin Miah: From a Built-In Webcam to Directing Commercials.

Leave a Comment / Advertising, Film / By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Filmmaker Azim Miah’s is a director and editor from Northampton whose journey into filmmaking began not with fancy gear or industry connections, but with a built-in webcam and a love of making spots. Now he’s creating ambitious films with limited resources—and pursuing a purpose bigger than himself: helping make the British film industry more accessible to

Filmmaker Azin Miah: From a Built-In Webcam to Directing Commercials. Read More »

Papercut Founder, Editor Biff Butler Explains How Efficiency Can Kill Creativity.

Leave a Comment / Advertising, Film / By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Biff Butler is an accomplished editor and the founder of Papercut, an editorial company built around craft, collaboration, and a strong creative culture. Before post-production, Biff played in a touring rock band, an experience that helped him learn how to bring different creative voices together. He began his editing career at Rock, Paper, Scissors, where

Papercut Founder, Editor Biff Butler Explains How Efficiency Can Kill Creativity. Read More »

Commercial Filmmaker Robert Boocheck’s Freelance Director Playbook.

Leave a Comment / Advertising, Film / By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Commercial Director Robert Boocheck joins me for a candid conversation about the realities of freelance commercial directing—the uncertainty between jobs, the pressure of unpaid pitches, and the work it takes to stay in the mix. Robert shares how he tracks bids across production companies, approaches treatments, decides when to trust his instincts over AI, and

Commercial Filmmaker Robert Boocheck’s Freelance Director Playbook. Read More »

Life Is Wave Selection: James Beshara on Swadharma, Detachment, and Choosing the Right Work.

Leave a Comment / Advertising, Film / By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

James Beshara is an angel investor, podcaster, philosopher, musician (see OPENSTATE_), founder of Magic Mind and friend. We explore how to choose the right opportunities, find the work that feels like your true calling, and stay committed to it without becoming overly attached to the outcome. James shares the idea of Swadharma—the work you’re naturally

Life Is Wave Selection: James Beshara on Swadharma, Detachment, and Choosing the Right Work. Read More »

Cinematographer Ben Brady’s Journey from PA’ing for Radiohead to DP National Spots.

Leave a Comment / Advertising, Film / By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Director/Cinematographer Ben Brady shares the experiences and lessons that shaped his career—from working on productions with Sacha Baron Cohen and shooting a Radiohead music video connected to Paul Thomas Anderson, to learning from leading cinematographers like Darius Khondji and preparing for new, demanding LED-wall commercial. Ben, who moved from camera PA to DP quickly, explains why curiosity

Cinematographer Ben Brady’s Journey from PA’ing for Radiohead to DP National Spots. Read More »

Ben Levy Says Pitch The Wow Before the How.

Leave a Comment / Advertising, Film / By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Ben Levy is a creative coach, author, and expert in helping people present ideas with clarity, confidence, and humanity. In our conversation, we explored his powerful pitching principle: “wow before how.” Whether you’re a filmmaker, agency creative, or entrepreneur, Ben’s advice will help you earn attention, build trust, and turn your next pitch into a

Ben Levy Says Pitch The Wow Before the How. Read More »

How Producer Tony Finley Built a Fairer Model for Directors and Crew.

Leave a Comment / Advertising, Film / By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

I sat down with Tony Finley, founder of We Film Sh*t, for a candid conversation about the changing business of commercial production. We talked about why directors deserve more ownership and profit, how bloated production-company models can hold creatives back, and why creative risk is essential to making better work. Tony also shared his vision for using

How Producer Tony Finley Built a Fairer Model for Directors and Crew. Read More »

Comedy Director Michael Martin on Ego, Craft and Landing the Next Big Commercial.

Leave a Comment / Advertising, Film / By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Michael Martin and I discuss how commercial directors can stand out by developing a distinct point of view, taking creative risks, and making work that reflects their voice. Michael shares the story behind his handmade Starbucks director’s cut, while both directors explore pitching, career setbacks, ego, humility, and the value of enjoying the creative process. Together,

Comedy Director Michael Martin on Ego, Craft and Landing the Next Big Commercial. Read More »

Scroll to Top