Two Directors, One Interview w Filmmakers Kurt Schneider & Keenan Wetzel.

Talented filmmakers Kurt Schneider and Keenan Wetzel are two distinct filmmakers thriving in the fabulous city of Detroit. When these two college pals recently visited Los Angeles, I jumped at the chance to interview them. We discuss the benefits of fostering a directing career outside of New York or Los Angeles, doing the work, respecting the process and so much more.

Check out Direct to Podcast, Kurt and Keenan’s podcast about directing commercials. It’s on iTunes and the link may just take you to my episode with them. I dunno.

Michigan Construction | Video Games from Kurt Schneider on Vimeo.

thanks,

Jordan

The episode is over an hour. Commercial Directing Bootcamp is filling up fast for August 26th, in Los Angeles.

Pioneering VR Filmmaker Pierre Friquet Is A Virtual Reality Juggernaut.

Virtual reality aka VR is the buzzword du jour, but filmmaker Pierre Friquet has been immersed in it since 2010. He’s directed more than a dozen VR fictional stories, documentaries, music videos, dome and interactive experiences. So we hopped on the Skype and chatted about it all.

Pierre has won awards for this original VR fiction, JETLAG, including best live-action award at the Kaleidoscope VR festival and was selected at Cannes film festival. His HTC Vive experience, RED PATTERNS, won the best immersive award at Festival du Nouveau Cinéma in Montréal. Have a look and dive into this wonderful VR documentary film pilot of Pierre’s. I urge you to explore:

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is about an hour. See you all in Las Vegas May 31st, then Minneapolis June 1st for screenings and Q&A’s! Tickets here.

How To Be Product Specialists With WoodShop Studio’s EP of Post Production Linda Jackson.


The highly creative team at WoodShop Studios takes a holistic approach to servicing their execution of commercials. So much that they’ve brought in the delightful Linda Jackson as Executive Producer of Post Production, a position not many production companies require. Linda’s experience and leadership inform the way they approach the creative from the start. We discuss how they concept, dissect material and we even chat a bit about her love of puppetry.

On a personal note, huge thanks to Linda and her colleague Brad Tucker for challenging me to do the #22Kill pushups in support of our veterans. (Veterans Suicide Hotline 800-273-8255) And she and her husband Chad came out for our sold out “I Am Battle Comic” premier in LA!!

Take a look at the KFC spot, this is quality stuff my friends.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is about an hour. See you all in Las Vegas May 31st, then Minneapolis June 1st for screenings and Q&A’s! Tickets here.

How To Get Real Emotions Into Branded Films With Director Jeannette Godoy.

Filmmaker Jeannette Godoy recently crafted 10 short films for Home Helpers, profiling 10 outstanding caregivers, each nominated for Caregiver of the Year. To do so, she and her documentary crew crisscrossed these United States in two action-packed trips. Jeannette shares her diligent prep secrets and shooting techniques. Moreover, she divulges her secret to getting real people to relax on camera. Many had never seen a film crew, let alone be on camera.

I urge you to watch them all, like Christine Villa below, to have a context for this great conversation. Note all of Jeannette’s were uploaded to Youtube in April 2017. The older ones are great stories too, but Jeannette’s have that unique that extra special sauce she brings.
Also check out her Myles Yachts Project:

I love Jeannette madly. As in I am in love with her.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is just over an hour. And here’s that sweet review from the discerning Sean L. McCarthy, aka the comics’ comic. Read it here.

Everything about these theatrical events is here on this site. Buy your tickets now. Click here for all screening info.

The Key To A Successful Career In Filmmaking: Don’t Be A Dick.

Happy 200th episode! Thanks for your loyal listenership. After reflecting on all the wonderful chats we’ve shared, this is just me advising you to make positivity your default position in life and on set. We are blessed to be filmmakers, so appreciate that. We are solution oriented, decisive people. Creativity is best manifested through positivity, so… don’t be a dick.

Check out my tour dates with “I Am Battle Comic” for the next few weeks, and come out and say howdy. Ticket links here on this site, along with which wonderful charity we’re helping out. Hey, you can also donate straight to them anytime.

thanks,

Jordan

This episode is not quite 11 minutes, and sponsored by Commercial Directing Bootcamp. Next Bootcamp is August 26th, 2017. Sign up quick. Limit 20 filmmakers.

PS Yes indeed you can pre-order the digital download now for just $10 at www.iambattlecomic.com if you please!

Comedian Jeff Capri Shares His Feelings About Performing For Our U.S. Military Overseas.

Comedian Jeff Capri, one of my dear comedy brothers from “I Am Battle Comic”, tells us about doing shows for our US Troops. He’s LOL hilarious and has traveled the world, so we chat about how shows changed since the war began after 9/11 and the important relief the comedy shows give our men and women who serve. Jeff is the prodigal son of legendary comic Dick Capri. How was that growing up? Going to the Catskills and hanging late at the Friars Club?

Oh, great review out today from a wonderful military spouse, MJ Boice.

You can pre-order “I Am Battle Comic” for $10 and half that goes to MiltiaryFamily.org so do it now. And if you’re in Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Las Vegas or Minneapolis.. find me at a premiere event!! All proceeds go to great charities that help military families and veterans. Click in the menu for screenings and ticket links.

many thanks,

Jordan

The episode is a brisk hour and 20 minutes. And here’s another sweet review from the discerning Sean L. McCarthy, aka the comics’ comic. Read it here.

Everything about these theatrical events is here on this site. Buy your tickets now. Click here for all screening info.

How “I Am Battle Comic” Theatrical Premiere Raised Money For MilitaryFamily.org.

The World Premiere of “I Am Battle Comic” was a smashing success, thanks to the fine citizens of Detroit. Especially the advertising community, as creatives and producers came out in droves. Huge shout out to Marc Henretta of Jeep, Sterling Doak of Fender and my longtime friend Chuck Meehan of Doner for moderating the Q&A.

Midday the great review came out from the discerning Sean L. McCarthy, aka the comics’ comic. Read it here.

Comedians Tammy Pescatelli and Slade Ham, both in the film, showed up to make for a funny Q&A. We raised well over $4,000 for National Military Family Association, with many donations made on the spot. Way to go Detroit!

Everything about these theatrical events is here on this site. Buy your tickets now. Click here for all screening info.

Thank you,

Jordan

PS Yes indeed you can pre-order the digital download now for just $10 at www.iambattlecomic.com if you please!

This episode is 20 minutes.

How To Curate A Showcase Of Short FIlms With Source’s Jamie Madge.

Jamie Madge is the Worldwide Editor of the fantastic website SourceEcreative, what we now just call the Source. Jamie puts together a showcase of short films that he carefully curates to give the crowd a variety of emotions. Then we takes the show around the world. Literally. He likens it to a mixtape, because he has us, the audience, in mind when he choses the content and it’s order. Watch the shorts here.

For those that don’t use the Source, you’re missing one of the greatest tools to study advertising. It’s a comprehensive database of spots with extensive credits from client, agency and production.

Enjoy.

Jordan

This episode is an hour and twenty some minutes. Still tickets left for Detroit’s premiere of “I Am Battle Comic”, so come on out or tell a Motown friend!! All proceeds go to MilitaryFamily.org. See you all April 5th in Detroit for “I Am Battle Comic” Premiere. Click for tickets.

My 7 city tour now includes Phoenix and Las Vegas. Check here for dates and ticket links. All money to various wonderful non-profits.

The Importance Of Character Development With Cortez Bros’ Bernadette Rivero.

Cortez Brothers‘ Co Founder and President Bernadette Rivero can’t stress enough how important it is to flesh out your characters. No matter if it’s for a feature film or a :15 second spot, the well-defined character will always make the story shine. She’s even moonlighted as a ghostwriter for hundreds of writers and directors. So have a listen and share with your filmmaker friends.

See you all April 5th in Detroit for “I Am Battle Comic” Premiere. Click for tickets.

thanks,

Jordan

My 7 city tour now includes Phoenix and Las Vegas. Check here for dates and ticket links. All money to various wonderful non-profits.

First Time Directing Festival Fav “Interior NIght” With Writer/Director Al Watt.

Like myself, Alan “Al” Watt started as a stand-up comic, headlining clubs throughout North America, and performing on many TV shows. He’s won awards for writing including France’s Prix Printemps 2004 (best foreign novel) for Diamond Dogs, and now Al has his debut feature film, “Interior Night” lighting up the film festival circuit.

We chat writing (he also teaches screenwriting), first time directing, his rehearsal process and more.

Oh big congrats to Desiree Johnson, she’s going to see “Cinema Twain” and meet the legendary Val Kilmer at the Irvine Improv, March 29th, 2017. Yay!!

Thanks,

Jordan

All “I Am Battle Comic” ticket info for my 6 city curated screening tour is here on the site. Support our military and enjoy some laughs.

This episode is under 4 minutes. Please share. Again, here is the link to “Cinema Twain” on valkilmer.com. Enjoy.

Shh can can already pre-buy my new doc at www.iambattlecomic.com knowing the $$ goes to help military families. Thanks!

I’m Giving Away 2 VIP Tickets For Val Kilmer’s “Cinema Twain” Live Tour.

I saw Val Kilmer’s mind-blowing one man show “Citizen Twain” live in Los Angeles, and it blew my mind. Hence the phrase. We know Mr. Kilmer immerses himself in his characters (e.g. Jim Morrison, Doc Holliday), and this show had you forget Val and believe you were watching Mark Twain do a one man show. At the end of the run, Val has filmed the stage play and is now touring art houses with the movie. “Cinema Twain” is a must see and special evening with Val Kilmer live.

Helen and I are going, and we have two VIP tickets for Wednesday, March 29th, 2017 at the Irvine Improv. Tweet at me, Facebook me, and two lucky fans will go too!

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is under 4 minutes. Please share. Again, here is the link to “Cinema Twain” on valkilmer.com. Enjoy.

Everything you need to know about my documentary “I Am Battle Comic” on this very site. Or heck, just pre-buy it at www.iambattlecomic.com knowing the $$ goes to help military families. Thanks!

Commercial Director Kip Hewitt Makes Golf Clubs And Power Tools Sexy.

Commercial Director Kip Hewitt knows how to add drama to a power drill and sexiness to a dishwashing liquid. His golf spots are epic. So it’s a real joy to talk shop with Kip. He kinda hijacks the interview and asks me more questions. Which I love. We chat treatments, pitching on conference calls, and everything in between. Here’s a great spot from Kip.

Enjoy!

Jordan

Visit Commercial Directing Bootcamp and sign up for my popular seminar March 11th, 2017, my last for a while. Oh wait, it’s sold out.

Collaboration And Communication Are Key For Comedy Director Tom DeCerchio.

I’m a longtime fan of comedy Director Tom DeCerchio, so it was great to sit down and chat on this episode. We share a love for communication and holding the pre-pre production meeting so all are on the same page. Tom tells the tale of being a young copywriter and how that informs him as a filmmaker.

Thanks to my son and podcast editor Jake Brady for filling on the intro here, as I got that flu bug kicking my ass!  Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix and Los Angeles and Minneapolis screenings of “I Am Battle Comic” are selling ticket fast. Click on this site for links.

Cheers,

Jordan

This episode is 90 minutes of fun.

Visit Commercial Directing Bootcamp and sign up for my popular seminar March 11th, 2017, my last for a while.

Deconstructing Doritos: How Comedy Director Kevin T. Willson Won The Super Bowl Contest.

Comedy Director Kevin T. Willson‘s funny Doritos spots not only aired during the Super Bowl several years in a row, but he freakin’ won the whole thing! Yes, one million dollars. He explains the process, how he meticulously wrote and planned it, and how fast he spent the money. I found Kevin to be a kindred spirit as a filmmaker, testing and prepping like a madman. You’ll love this 90 minute episode I pinky promise.

Here’s Kevin’s self-made animatic and then the $1,000,000.00 spot:

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is almost sold out for March 11th, 2017 and I’ll not be doing the Bootcamp for a while. Limit 20 filmmakers.

Everything you need to know about my documentary “I Am Battle Comic” on my site too. Or heck, just pre-buy it at www.iambattlecomic.com knowing the $$ goes to help military families. Thanks!

Mixing Audio for Commercials vs. “I Am Battle Comic” w Re-Recording Mixer Scott Burns.

Scott Burns is an excellent Sound Mixer who re-records sound for commercials. Technically, a re-recording mixer or audio engineer, so many titles. Scott helped me with my upcoming documentary “I Am Battle Comic”. Scott works at onoe of LA’s most reputable sound houses, Juice Studio. In this interview, he gives us great insight into his career, how he operates, and how my movie was a different beast than a Lexus spot. Scott, who studied sound & film at USC, loves sharing his vast knowledge.

I really enjoyed my chat with my new pal Scott and you will too. Shout out to his Producer Vanessa Carey, and his Executive Producer Dawn Redmann for making the movie mix a reality.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour long.

Please watch my wife and RTP alumni Jeannette Godoy’s new short dance film, “The Myles Yachts Project”.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp 3.11.2017 is almost full so do not dilly dally. All info you need about my new film “I AM BATTLE COMIC” is posted here. 100% of ticket sales from our screening series goes to charity.

From Start To Stardom With Casting Director Lisa London.

From discovering or casting early in their careers such actors as Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo and Miley Cyrus to casting the latest Adam Sandler film, Lisa London has a keen eye for talent. Lisa and I chat about the casting process, finding future stars and how she builds a cast.

We also read directly from her book, “From Start To Stardom”, a practical working guide for actors at all levels. Buy the book now!

Thanks,

Jordan

The episode is a little over an hour.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp 3.11.2017 is half full so do not dilly dally. All info you need about my new film “I AM BATTLE COMIC” is posted here. 100% of ticket sales from our screening series goes to charity.

Extended trailer is out for “I Am Battle Comic” is tearing up Facebook!

My Thoughts On The Super Bowl LI Commercials.

I really liked a lot of the spots, then again I love commercials. Here’s me talking about what we all saw, what I loved and why.

Enjoy.

Jordan

This is a 20 minute episode.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is March 11, 2017 is in Los Angeles, sign up now.

Extended trailer is out for “I Am Battle Comic” is tearing up Facebook!

How I Run A Commercial Shoot Tech Scout.

I’m in deep prep for a huge shoot next week, so I thought I’d share how run my technical scouts with the film crew. All part of the Brady Method. Love to hear what you do. This is the spot I babble about.

Enjoy.

Jordan

This is an 11 minute episode.

Extended trailer is out for “I Am Battle Comic” is tearing up Facebook!

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is March 11, 2017 in Los Angeles is officially half full, so sign up now.

Morphing From Photographer Into Busy Filmmaker With Kristyna Archer.

Filmmaker Kristyna Archer has a style and aesthetic I admire: it’s crisp, bold and colorful. A busy professional photographer, we chat about how her career has morphed into more and more directing gigs, as she explores new outlets of creativity. She also is the creator of the MergeLeft Podcast, a podcast exploring art and commerce thru conversations with shape-shifters in arts, media, advertising, and entertainment, which I am an upcoming guest on. Soon people. Check out this spot we discuss at length.

Daymond John for Xedo.com from Kristyna Archer on Vimeo.

Thank you,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is March 11, 2017 in Los Angeles. Only 20 filmmakers are accepted. Sign ups happening now!

By the way, thet new extended trailer is out for “I Am Battle Comic” is tearing up Facebook!

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is March 11, 2017 in Los Angeles and will sell out again so sign up now.

The episode is 67 minutes of fun.

What A Motion Designer And 3D Artist Does With Laundry’s Uber-Talented PJ Richardson.

Animation Designer & 3D Artist PJ Richardson co-launched Laundry, a creative studio to help brands, agencies and networks bring their ideas to life. You’ll see they deliver a high end aesthetic and polished that is most impressive to the eye. Of course, we chat about how Laundry works and how PJ loves to collaborate.

He also shares his journey from design school to graffiti to advertising. He and his Laundry team espouse the theory of giving people not just want they want, but always present a “wild card” option. Man, do I like his thinking and his work. Check out laundrymat.tv or pjrichardson.tv for groovy stuff for “The Simpsons”, “Sausage Party” and Kevin Hart’s latest movie. I love this spot:

ClifBar 'Skiing' from LAUNDRY on Vimeo.

Kevin Hart 'What now?' Title sequence from LAUNDRY on Vimeo.

Thanks,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is March 11, 2017 in Los Angeles and will sell out again so sign up now.

The episode is an hour and ten minutes of bliss.