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

Posted on October 30, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged 2014 Super Bowl Commercials, ad agency, advertising, APR, collaboration, comedy, commercials, conference call, Cost Consultant, creative, Creative director, directing., Executive Producer', filmmaking podcast, indie film, Production, respect the process, spoofLeave a comment

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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.

Posted on October 27, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, award-winning, Baby got back, ballet, Bridgestone, Cannes, choreography, cinematography, collaboration, commercials, creative, directing., film festivals, filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, Free 2 Be Me, indie film, Jeannette Godoy, respect the process, Shoot Magazine, Shots, sir-mix-a-lotLeave a comment

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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.

Posted on October 23, 2014October 23, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged editorialLeave a comment

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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.

Posted on October 20, 2014October 20, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged Adam McKay, advertising, Amy Poehler, Anchorman, Anchorman 2, Ant Man, Cinelan, commercials, documentary, filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, Funny or Die, Gary Sanchez, head writer, Maria Bamford, Maya Rudolph, Miao Wang, Morgan Spurlock, My Little Pony, parody, Paul G. Allen, podcast, Ricky Bobby, Sarah Silverman, Saturday Night Live, SNL, spoof, Super-Size Me, Talladega Nights, The Other Guys, Vulcan, We The Eonomy, Will FerrellLeave a comment

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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.

Posted on October 15, 2014October 15, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged 2014 Super Bowl Commercials, ad agency, Adam McKay, Anchorman, Andrew Feltenstein, Beacon Street Studios, Better Living Through Chemistry, collaboration, comedy, commercials, composer, Creative director, directing., filmmaking, Hootie, John Nau, Jourdain May, Judd Apatow, Kiafest, music, musician, parody, respect the process, Sam Rockwell, shark, Sideshow Network, spoof, The Spoils of Babylon, Will FerrellLeave a comment

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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.

Posted on October 9, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged Comedy Central, Conan, Demetri Martin, Dumb Starbucks, filmmaking, Michael Addis, Michael Koman, Nathan for You, parody, showrunner, Sideshow Network, spoof, Starbucks, Superbowl, televisionLeave a comment

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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”.

Posted on October 1, 2014October 1, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged acting, Ben Affleck, BIll Murray, Billy Bob, Brother.tv, cat people, cat trainers, celebrity, commercials, filmmaking, IN & OUT Burger, Jack Nicholson, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts, opportunity, SlimFast, St. Vincent, Ted Melfi, Theodore Melfi, Waking Up In Reno, Weinstein, Weinstein Company, writer/directorLeave a comment

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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.

Posted on September 23, 2014September 23, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad age, ad agency, advertising, austin, collaboration, creative, directing., filmmaking podcast, respect the process, small ad agency, texasLeave a comment

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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.

Green Screen Animals’ Mark Shockley Has Already Filmed Your Beast.

Posted on September 17, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged advertising, collaboration, commercials, creative, David Fincher, Deer, directing., elephants, filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, Gone Girl, Green Screen Animals, hoffstock, J.J. Abrams, Katy Perry, lions, Matt Damon, podcast, Reggie Watts, respect the process, Roar, tiger, We Bought A Zoo1 Comment

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Hear why David Fincher, J.J. Abrahms and myself use Green Screen Animals. Simple: Mark Shockley and his animal-loving crew shoot all kinds of creatures on green screen, and then license the footage to you. Best of all, they treat the beasts like the divas that they are. Mark only works with trainers and handlers that share his compassion for all living things.

Having worked with animals on set, I can attest that the time and money his footage saves production is well-worth it. You’ll also discover the key to working with animals: clear communication. Enjoy spots with GSA’s stars below.

Reggie Watts for “Click Clean”:

A behind the scenes, we always love those:

GreenScreen Animals – Behind the Scenes from GreenScreen Animals on Vimeo.

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

Live On Tour, It’s SNL’s Digital Shorts Editor Adam Epstein.

Posted on September 10, 2014September 10, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged Abe Lincoln, Adam Epstein, collaboration, comedy, commercials, creative, Cutting Edge Post Production Tour, digital shorts, directing., editing, film, filmmaking, Lena Dunham, Louis CK, parody, respect the process, Saturday Night Live, SNL, spoofLeave a comment

Filmmaker Adam Esptein is editor of the SNL film unit.

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For decades, the inspired and hilarious short films of Saturday Night Live have been the highlight of show. So what a treat to talk with Adam Epstein, the SNL film unit editor that pulls it all together, literally overnight. We chat about workflow, turnaround, teamwork and the amazing talent both in front of and behind the camera of your favorite digital shorts. Check the links or click on his name above if you want to laugh along with top-quality films that spoof pop culture, all executed with deft aplomb and in brilliant detail.

Adam is currently on tour with the Cutting Edge Post Production Tour. Well worth attending to learn from the master.

SNL’s “Wes Anderson Horror Movie”

SNL’s “The Real Housewives of Disney”

SNL’s “The Begency”

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

Tom Lowe Is A Producer By Day, And An Award-Winning Photographer By Night In The Mohave Desert.

Posted on September 2, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged 5d, advertising, agency, commercials, conference call, creative, Daniel Sheppard, directing., Dodge, Fred Savage, G2 Gallery, Honda, Kim Bradshaw, Mohave, Mohave Desert, photography, Richard RawlingsLeave a comment

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Tom Lowe is an experienced line producer who produced a few of my epic Dodge spots for the Doner Agency this summer. Naturally, we chat about the creative problem solving the line producer brings to the shoot. His advice to new directors is invaluable. The first half of this engaging, tech-filled interview, we focus on Tom’s stunning photography exhibit running now through September 14th, 2014 at the G2 Gallery on Abbot Kinney in Venice, California. Hurry in! Click the G2 link to RSVP to the reception Friday, September 5th from 6:30pm to 9pm.

Scroll down and marvel at a few Tom’s shots and the spots we talk about. Oh, I reveal my approach to a conference call, rant against two cameras and praise my fellow filmmakers.

Tom’s Honda spot he produced for Fred Savage:

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

Big Laughs With Comedian Turned Fox Executive Producer Steve Hofstetter.

Posted on August 27, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged advertsing, comedian, comedy, filmmaking, FOX TV, podcast, respect the process, stand-up comedy, television2 Comments

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Comedian Steve Hofstetter produces a stand-up comedy show for FOX. The show is called “Laughs” and it airs Saturday nights. Steve is busy fulfilling his order for the series. Bravo, I say. I met Steve through director/producer Dane Hanson and marveled at how they’re pulling the show together.

Here’s the extended promo for the show that Steve directed:

Dane’s short that introduced me to his nutty genius.

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

Hair & Make Up Artiste Judd Minter.

Posted on August 21, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged American Idol, commercials, filmmaking, hair, Judd Minter, make up artist, make-up, podcast, respect the processLeave a comment

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Judd Minter is one of my buddies off set. On set, he’s an attentive, detailed-oriented hair & make up artist at the top of his game. He has an acute awareness of not just the “looks” of the characters he creates, but also of the days’ schedule and comedic tone of the commercial we are shooting. Thusly, I consider Judd a valuable member of the filmmaking team.

This episode also debuts my son Jake Brady’s “Movie Moment”. Who has time for an entire review? Jake boils down a film to one instance. Kudos Jake.

Heres’ the Quik Trip spot I did, for which Judd shaved a 10 year old boy’s head.

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

Directing “A to Z” with Michael Patrick Jann.

Posted on August 12, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged A to Z, advertising, calligraphy, directing., Michael Patrick Jann, MTV The State, NBC, Pets.com, pilot, puppet, Reno 911, television, two camera, zenLeave a comment

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Director Michael Patrick Jann brilliantly draws an analogy between directing and the art of ancient Chinese calligraphy. This is a must-listen episode.

Michael knows comedy. Straight from film school to directing MTV’s “The State”, then onto “Reno 911” and countless commercials, he’s been directing the funny non-stop for 15 years. Today, Michael is an accomplished director of single camera tv comedies, and a go-to guy to shape many a network’s pilot episode. His new series “A to Z” debuts this October on NBC.

We talk about shooting pilots, the joy of winning commercials and the fickle nature of making movies. I wish I’d had this chat 15 years ago, I’d be a way better director. Enjoy.

Click Community Films to see his spots and a “Flight of the Conchords” video I love.

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

Comedian Kris Tinkle Made Another Comedy Album.

Posted on August 5, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged CD, comedian, comedy, I Am Road Comic, New Wave Entertainment, Producer, Record, San Francisco Punchline, stand-up, Tony BrookeLeave a comment

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We stray from spot-making, but you’ll love my chat with Kris Tinkle. He’s hilarious and was determined to put out another comedy CD of all-new material. And I got to help, respecting the process of great recording and well-honed material.

Click to get the album on iTunes: “Kris Tinkle: Maybe I Don’t Feel Like Smiling.” We met in NYC, become pals and he’s in “I Am Road Comic”.

Kris’ story is that of yet another artist taking charge and making things happen. Oh, and shout out to Pro Wrestler Colt Cabana and his “The Wrestling Road Diaries Too”. This is a great documentary Kris turned me onto, like “I Am Road Comic” with tights and body slams.

This episode is about 36 minutes.

Oh, do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

The Perlorian Brothers Brilliantly Blend Absurdity With Humanity.

Posted on July 30, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, Canadian, comedy, commercials, creative, directing., duo, fuck the process, Geico, respect the process2 Comments

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The Perlorian Brothers make comedy spots that I wish I’d made. Admittedly, I was giddy interviewing the dynamic directing duo from the Great White North, because I’ve held them in such high regard since I began, and because Canadians are genetically funnier than most. Ian Letts and Michael Gelfand sat down with me at the noisy airport cafe to discuss how they make the magic.

Ian and Michael started as agency creatives, and offer up great advice for creatives choosing a director. We chat about finding the humanity amidst the absurdity, casting, and sometimes subverting the process if it’s getting in the way of greatness.

Here’s a sampling of their work we talk about:

Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Good Enough Sucks, Says Bill Wright, Global Co-Exec Creative Director at McCann Erickson.

Posted on July 22, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, Arco, Canadian, comedy, commercials, creative, directing., duo, fuck the process, Pumping with Confidence, respect the processLeave a comment

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This episode dropped in February, and as i am traveling to Austin this week, I picked it as my debut repeat. Why? Cuz it’s worth the listen!

Since the interview, ad-innovators Bill Wright and James Dawson-Hollis have moved to McCann Erickson. (Read this Ad Week article, I’m not making it up.) Oh, and James & his lovely wife Vivienne Wan had a darling baby! Mazel tov!

Bill & James have won boatloads of awards at Cannes, The One Show and every other major advertising show. This dynamic duo have more Gold Lions than anyone I’ve ever met.

I chatted with Bill in the editing room. He inspires us with his writing techniques, explains his work ethic, and shares wisdom learned while working alongside ad wizard Alex Bogusky from the his tenure at CP+B, and more. Back when I showed my boys the powerful “Truth” anti-smoking spots, I never knew I’d one day work with the man who named the campaign. Truly flattered to have Bill on the show.

Here’s the first spot I directed for them:

A look back: Adweek listed them “Top Creative Minds in Digital”.

Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

The Fine Art of Directing Comedians With Director Steven Feinartz.

Posted on July 16, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged directing., Eddie Pepitone, filmmaking, respect the process, stand-up comedy, The Bitter BuddhaLeave a comment

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Director Steven Feinartz and I met as he was putting the finishing touches on his documentary about comedian Eddie Pepitone called “The Bitter Buddha”. It’s a great character study of a funny man on his own journey. Steven recently shot Eddie’s stand-up special for Netflix, so I wanted to hear how that was different from his other shoots. It’s a short chat on the sidewalk, but inspiring nonetheless. Keep an eye out for the special “Eddie Pepitone: In Ruins” starting August 7th, and keep the other eye on Steven, he’s that good.

Watch the trailer to The Bitter Buddha” and buy it:

This episode lasts a jaunty 13 minutes. Please rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Avoiding Creative Atrophy With Director Graeme Joyce.

Posted on July 10, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, British, commercials, creative, directing., fuck the process, Monroe, respect the process, storytelling, treatment, visualLeave a comment

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Visual storytelling requires a discerning eye and a strong point of view. My guest has that and more. I sat down with Director Graeme Joyce, whose work I’ve admired for a while now. Naturally, we talk about treatments and the state of the spot business. Graeme also gives us his two cents on why directors change production companies, the “Canon Revolution” and how to get noticed in the internet age. He also coins the phrase “creative atrophy” and avoids it at all costs. A great chat.

Enjoy Graeme’s spot we discuss for Men’s File Magazine.

My Independence As A Filmmaker With Self-Distribution.

Posted on July 6, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged $5 download, ad agency, advertising, comedy, comedy documentary, commercials, creative, directing., fuck the process, Gumroad, I Am Comic, I Am Road Comic, independent film, indie film, respect the process, self-distributionLeave a comment

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Creative freedom feels so good. By self-distributing my new comedy documentary “I Am Road Comic” directly to fans for $5, I’m showing the world an unfettered work. This episode is just me rambling about my grass roots strategy, and being very transparent with how the money flows. The last ten days I’ve been connecting – learning, reacting and interacting with my film’s audience. Oh, don’t fret. I’m simultaneously pursuing other outlets to bring it to the masses. Thanks in advance for your support.

I’m using two (2) turn-key sites: Gumroad and VHX. Each link is on my site, and each can host your film on a dedicated site. It gets a little nutty, and each has it’s strengths: Gumroad has a WordPress button you that makes it easy, but VHX offers PayPal. Listen and let me know what you think of the episode and the film.

Many thanks to all the comedians in the film, and the podcasters helping me spread the word. Here’s the trailer:

This episode lasts a mere 20 minutes. Please rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.