Inside The Mind Of The Professional Extra With Nancy Cohen.

Posted on December 21, 2016 Posted in FilmTagged acting, actors, background acting, extras, filmmaking, Idell James Casting, Nancy CohenLeave a comment

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The wonderful Nancy Cohen walked into my office delivering a Christmas gift on behalf of Idell James Casting, the top shop for casting background artists. Once we got to chatting, I asked Nancy to grace me with an impromptu interview. Thankfully, she agreed and the resulting conversation is a treat.

We talk about how you must keep your head in the game, and how crucial extras can be to bringing the scene to life. Thank you Nancy! Here’s a new spot I made with excellent actors, both as principles and background.

Merry Christmas to all,

Jordan

Thanks,

Jordan

My merch page is live, so get yourself the exact t-shirt Helen wears in the booth. Or buy an overpriced coffee travel mug to support the show.

This episode is 43 minutes, give or take.

How The Wonderful Comedic Actor Clayton Farris Stays Busy and Booked.

Posted on June 16, 2016 Posted in FilmTagged @ClaytonFarris, acting, advertising, Clayton Farris, comedic actor, filmnmaking, podcast, respect the process, VineLeave a comment

Clayton

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I’ve only worked a half day with actor Clayton Farris, but I’ve been a fan since he walked in the casting room. He’s the utmost professional and plays the reality of a situation, and is not afraid to immerse himself into a sometimes geeky character. He’s also a nice guy. Clayton always working and you must check out his silly Vine videos he makes for the fun of it.

Here’s a Bud Light Lime-A-Rita spot we chat about and a few more.

Thanks,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp will next take place in August. Where? Chicago!
This episode is 85 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

My Visit To The Space Station LA With David Rispoli And Ben Rovner.

Posted on May 12, 2016May 12, 2016 Posted in FilmTagged acting, actors, advertising, casting, casting studios, collaboration, commercials, podcast, respect the process, Sex With Strangers, televisionLeave a comment

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Space Station is an artist’s paradise. It offers workshops, classes and it’s an affordable place to cast, and even offers actors a free place to tape auditions and pieces for their reel. I sat down with David Rispoli and Ben Rovner to hear all about this unique operation, as well as their Space Station Artist’s Initiative. Their mission is to provide an all-encompassing education for the artists in our community. We deliver unique and diverse seminars, classes, and intensives for all ages and experience levels. Our priority is to remain affordable, practical, and inspiring.
Thanks,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp will next take place in August. Where? Chicago!
This episode is 59 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

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

Posted on November 5, 2015November 5, 2015 Posted in FilmTagged acting, ad agency, Beast, cinematographer, collaboration, commercials, creative, edit, editorial, filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, fuck the process, Groundlings, Helen Hunt, improvisation, IO West, Producer, respect the process, Rob Watzke, spoof, stand-up comedy, televisionLeave a comment

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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 Book National Commercials With Comedian/Actor Wayne Federman.

Posted on October 14, 2015October 15, 2015 Posted in Film, UncategorizedTagged A Special Thing Records, acting, comedy, Commercial Actor, commercials, Creative director, filmmaker, Geico, Henry Winkler, Judd Apatow, Kenny Rogers, parody, podcast, respect the process, stand-up comedy, television, The Chronicles Of Federman, wayne federman1 Comment

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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“.

thanks,

Jordan

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

Commercial Editor Tessa Davis Cuts Fast & Furiously Funny.

Posted on November 21, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged acting, ad agency, advertising, Andrew Feltenstein, collaboration, comedy, commercials, cosmo street, Dragon braggin', editing, filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, HTC, Jeanne Vienne, Justin Timberlake, Qualcomm, respect the process, Robert Downey Jr., spoof, Tessa Davis, Tiffany Rolfe, women in filmLeave a comment

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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.

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.

Top 5 Tips From Casting Director Danielle Eskinazi.

Posted on March 19, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged acting, actors, ad agency, advertising, casting, casting director, collaboration, comedy, commercials, creative, directing., filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, respect the process, talent8 Comments

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Do actors really need to wear the same outfit to the callback as their first audition? How much should you fawn over the director? Hey agency folks, why did you call everyone back? Casting is always crucial, so working with a deft casting director is a must. Danielle Eskinazi is one of the best. She loves actors, exudes positivity and is always on the lookout for that unexpected way to fill the role. So flattered to chat with my friend about the process. Enjoy and share.

Danielle also has an inspirational app on the iTunes store that is as much for daily motivation as it is audition tips.

I could watch this spot all day… cuz I love shoes:

Click here to see the hilarious Stoney Westmoreland as the O’Charley’s spokespatron.

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

JORDAN BRADY

Tag: acting

Inside The Mind Of The Professional Extra With Nancy Cohen.

How The Wonderful Comedic Actor Clayton Farris Stays Busy and Booked.

My Visit To The Space Station LA With David Rispoli And Ben Rovner.

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

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

Commercial Editor Tessa Davis Cuts Fast & Furiously Funny.

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

Top 5 Tips From Casting Director Danielle Eskinazi.