How A Director And Producer Work Together With Producer Rick Cowan.

Screen Shot 2015-07-16 at 6.18.30 PM

One of my favorite Line Producers and people is Rick Cowan. He’s produced many spots that I’ve directed and he’s always provided everything needed and more. He’s one of the most knowledgable filmmakers out there, having made three feature films as well. Two of the them have made it to the Sundance Film Festival.

Rick was there on set when I started using the term “Respect The Process” repeatedly, and we spend a great deal of this chat discussing how a director can work with her line producer to get the most bang for the buck. I consider Rick a dear friend and trusted ally in my filmmaking journey. This is a great episode to share with a friend.

Only a few slots open for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp is filling up fast. Hurry and sign up. It’s Sunday, September 13th all day. You’ll up your game.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is just over an hour. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please. Email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today. And I’m still accepting candidates for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp. You owe it to yourself.

How To Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck With Filmmaker Steve Stockman.

stevestockman385

Filmmaker Steve Stockman is a successful director, writer, producer and now author. His show “Brew Dogs” is a hit on Esquire TV, he’s shot a few hundred commercials, and wrote and directed the feature film “Two Weeks” starring Oscar winner Sally Fields. We met online after I bought his book, “How To Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck.”

Steve stresses that we’re working in a portfolio business, so he encourages filmmakers at all levels to get out and shoot. He also spells out a “How to” for getting into the reality television game. I encourage you all to buy his book, which preaches story and practical tips. Make sthe perfect gift!

Here’s the book trailer, and just take my word and purchase from Steve’s site.
Here’s the spot I shot in Steve’s garage.Avery Labels “Draft”

Only a few slots open for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp is filling up fast. Hurry and sign up. It’s Sunday, September 13th all day. You’ll up your game.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is just over an hour. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please. Email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today. And I’m still accepting candidates for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp. You owe it to yourself.

Nat Geo Wild’s SharkFest Takes Big Bite Out Of SharkWeek w Sr. Producer James Introcaso.

nat-geo-sharkfest-hed-2015

Senior Producer James Introcaso and I sat down immediately after a successful shoot of our Nat Geo WILD promo for SharkFest. Not SharkWeek, that is totally different. National Geographic Channel’s Sr. VP/Group Creative Director Andy Baker offers the companion piece to this episode over at Andy’s The Client Blog, so be sure to check that out. Oh, and of course the AdWeek feature that touts the greatest of the work.

James and I discuss collaboration, ad-libbing and the process of developing of ideas at Nat Geo. You’ll be inspired by how James made his first film driving around these United States, that landed him a job at Cartoon Network.

Huge thanks to the entire creative team at Nat Geo Channels for a great idea, the most thorough development and comprehensive prep. And to comedian Rory Scovel, who brought his magic to the set. Here’s the spot:

My Commercial Directing Bootcamp is filling up fast. Hurry and sign up. It’s Sunday, September 13th all day. You’ll up your game.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is two hours and 15 minutes and worth every minute. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please. Email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today. And I’m still accepting candidates for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp. You owe it to yourself.

What The 1st Assistant Director Does w Billy Jones.

100

I wanted this 100th episode to be extra special, and by golly is it. Billy Jones is one of the most sought-after 1st AD’s in commercials because of his excellent leadership, communication and knowledge of filmmaking. Billy, and those he’s mentored, lead with a sense of serenity and control.

The 1st Assistant Director schedules & executes the day in a way that helps the Director accomplish her vision, while simultaneously helping the Producer stay on budget. The manner in which the 1st AD communicates to the crew is vital for a cohesive team effort.

Here’s a spot with Flo from Progressive that we chat about. Billy’s lead the charge for 4 years on the popular insurance campaign.

This episode is about an hour and 10 minutes of rich information.

Please celebrate this 100th episode by rating us on iTunes or at jordanbrady.com.

thanks,

Jordan

Shooting Actors Versus Table Top Photography With Cinematographer Jeanne Vienne.

JVienne

Cinematographer Jeanne Vienne is a longtime filmmaking partner. We’ve made literally dozens of commercials, two documentaries and traveled three continents together. I admire how she leads her crew with decisiveness and articulate instruction. Jeanne tells how she lights to protect the actors.

Of late, she’s been shooting mouth-watering table top gigs, so we compare working with fruits and veggies versus actors. We also chat about the trends in cinematography we’ve seen over our years together. And with all the talk about gender inequality in the biz, I could not escape asking how it is being a girl in a predominantly boy’s club.

We reference this fun spot we did for Toyota, and click here to witness Jeanne’s amazing table top spot she shot for Håagen-Dazs with Directors Margaret & Joy.

Do try Rufus Teague’s sauces for your meat. With BBQ season here, it’s time you step it up. Click and enter the discount code “Respect”.
Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is a about 70 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

My Favorite Millennial Writer/Designer/Filmmaker Grant Spanier.

GrantSpanier1

Obviously I like Grant Spanier since he had me on his wonderful podcast, 10,000 Hours. Moreover, I like his enthusiasm, that get ‘er done attitude and his fresh, collaborative nature. See below for his dope music video for “Weightless” by the DJ known as Vaski (Grant directed with his pal Jake Woodbridge). It shows his wonderful whimsy, while his design work showcases that clean look I love. We chat about self-discipline, balancing a multi-faceted creative life, and Grant politely schools me on the Sharing Economy as it pertains to creative learning. A great chat I found inspiring for filmmakers of all ages. Thank you Grant! And y’all check out his site.

“Weightless”

Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is a about 70 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Collaboration Is Everything With Kerry Graham, Vice Chairman/CEO Bohan Advertising.

images

What a treat to talk with industry titan Kerry Graham at Bohan Advertising in Nashville. Kerry has shaped the agency’s collaborative culture by literally ripping down walls and forcing integration so that all departments work together in blissful harmony.

His advice to those starting out? More than just having a resumé, tell your story of your interests and passions. Be able to explain where you want to go in life and why. We also discuss the power of turning down work, something I know is hard to do.

Here’s two spots we talk about. One heartfelt commercial for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee and a funny spot for Dollar General.

Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is about an hour minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Filmmaking Tales From Sr. VP/Director of Content Production Tom Gibney, The Buntin Group.

tom_gibney_color_rev1

While visiting Nashville, I chatted with Tom Gibney, Sr. VP/Director of Content Production at the Buntin Group. He’s a well-respected industry veteran and a super nice guy. We discuss that while it’s now called “content”, it’s still telling stories for clients. Tom feels ultimately the digital tools have helped the filmmaking process, but not without a price. And Tom’s loyalty to his Nashville filmmakers is admirable; he shoots with local crews when possible.

Tom and I share a childlike wonder for shooting table top, the filmmaking process, as well as the philosophy for new directors to “shoot, shoot, shoot”.

Here’s a cool spot from the Buntin Group for Chinet that we discuss in this episode:

Please send me your feedback and YOUR questions about filmmaking queries to RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is about 68 minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Four Filmmaking Phenomena With Cinematographer Julian Whatley.

Julian

Cinematographer Julian Whatley proudly proclaims he’s never had a bad day at work. He loves filmmaking and attacks every gig with 100% of his heart and soul. Coming up through the ranks of the camera department, learning from masters like Bob Richardson, John Toll and Harris Savides, he carries on the discipline and artistry he was taught. But stresses adaptability. I’m lucky to have Julian as an ally and friend.

Julian arrived at the RTP studios with four pillars for discussion: The Beginner’s Mind, Disintermediation, The Emperor’s new clothes and the Invisible hand. It’s a trippy conversation steeped in wisdom.

Here’s my bootleg cut of an AutoTrader.com short film we made:

Please send me your feedback and YOUR questions about filmmaking queries to RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is just about over 90 minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Senior Art Director Laura Gels Is All About The Details.

AAEAAQAAAAAAAAHaAAAAJDFiYmEzNDdmLTRmMWYtNDVlNC1hZTk5LTgzNzBlZDY0ZGRkNw

What’s comforting about filming with Laura Gels, Senior Art Director at Northlich, is having her gives me a second pair of eyes, scrutinizing the details in order to make the work great. She lives with each project for a year, so she wants it right. Respect. We’ve collaborated on three spots, and she’s a director’s dream to work with. I grabbed Laura from her print shoot and we chat about the various phases of joy that come with the process.

This is the third interview of three with the wildy creative folks behind Scooter the Neutered Cat for GiveThemTen.org – from the caring folks of the wonderful Joanie Bernard Foundation.

Enjoy Scooter “Home Kitty”;

Please send me your feedback and YOUR questions about filmmaking. I may not answer right away, but I’ll get to all. Hit me up with any filmmaking questions at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.
Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is just about 30 minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

What The Creative Director Does With Group Creative Director Kerry Broderick.

Kerry-people_lg

Group Creative Director Kerry Broderick shares with us the joy she gets by teaming up a great art director with a talented copywriter. She leads the creative team at the Northlich Agency, who birthed my beloved Scooter The Neutered Cat for GiveThemTen.org and the caring folks of the wonderful Joanie Bernard Foundation. This is the second interview of three with the Scooter creatives.

Kerry explains what a Group Creative Director does, how she matches up talent, and nurtures the best out of them. Always pushing her teams to dig deeper to really mine the idea for everything. She certainly subscribes to one of our podcast mantras: good enough sucks.

Hit me up with ideas, comments, dietary concerns and YOUR questions about filmmaking via the magic of email: RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is just about 52 minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

From “Two And A Half Men” to “Scooter The Neutered Cat” with Sr. Copywriter Terry Dillon.

meet-scooter-new-tv-spot-btn

The immensely creative folks at the Northlich ad agency birthed one of the most fun, silly and effective campaigns I’ve been blessed to shoot. Yes, Scooter The Neutered Cat and GiveThemTen.org – from the caring folks of the wonderful Joanie Bernard Foundation. Over the next three episodes you’ll meet the creatives that spawned these spirited spots. Senior Copywriter Terry Dillon, Senior Art Director Laura Gels and Group Creative Director Kerry Broderick all chat about the creative process and joy of doing great work.

We start with Terry, a laugh out loud funny guy that did a stint on “Two And A Half Men” in tinseltown before setting his sights on the ad game. Listen closely to the interview and you just may recognize his silky smooth voice.. stay cool.

Enjoy Scooter “Home Kitty”;

Please send me your feedback and YOUR questions about filmmaking. I may not answer right away, but I’ll get to all. Hit me up with any filmmaking questions at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.
Thank you,

Jordan

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

Mos Def, Marvin Gaye and Amerigo Gazaway Bring The Funk To Apple.

a2217978452_2

Hip Hop impresario Amerigo Gazaway is one of my favorite music producers. He reworks samples and records so that his songs transcend both original recordings. Furthermore, an Amerigo Gazaway albums tell a story, like LP’s did back in the vinyl days. Moreover, it’s his love for his source material and his authenticity that resinates with listeners. Bombarded with cease-and-desist letters for sampling, it all changed when Apple chose his Mos Def/Marvin Gaye retooling into a “Yasiin Gaye” song “You Are Undeniable” for a commercial. It’s the first unauthorized mashup to be used for a major brand, and a landmark breakthrough for hip hop. Click the song title to purchase & support!

Watch this Apple spot “Jason’s Verse” to hear the funky “Yasiin Gaye” track.

Amerigo schools me on sample trolls, copyright law, his process and the Brazilian “Cannibalist Manifesto”. Near the end of our chat, he turns the tables and asks me about the selection of music for film and commercials.

Please send me your feedback and YOUR questions about filmmaking. I may not answer right away, but I’ll get to all. Hit me up with any filmmaking questions at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.
Thank you,

Jordan

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

Email Me Your Questions & Feedback.

RTP-Icon

Thank you to all that participated in my “Confessions of a Commercial Filmmaker” this week. I literally just landed after a snowy week in Ohio, visiting cool ad agencies and Lightborne, the company behind Katy Perry’s Super Bowl Halftime extravaganza.

This episode is my shout out to you, and a cry for help. Send me your feedback about this podcast or my presentation, and it’s the opportunity to ask YOUR questions about filmmaking. I may not answer right away, but I’ll get to all. Hit me up with any filmmaking questions at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.
Thank you,

Jordan

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

What The Gaffer Does With Pat Grosswendt.

200908260634524788

Veteran Gaffer Pat Grosswendt has taught me so much about lighting during the dozens of commercials we’ve made together. (Click his name for credits from “Cabin Boy” to “Gosford Park” to “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) Have a listen and you’ll learn the history, the mindset and key technical aspects of being the one on set that shapes the light. Pat gives his take on the changes in the technology, but stresses it’s the story that always effects the lighting approach the most, regardless of the toys. Enjoy his fun tips too, like dumpster diving for diffusion, or use bubble wrap.

Scroll down to see some interviews Pat has done. Did I mention he and his partner invented LitePanels? So much more than a gaffer, he’s a mentor.

Just a few tickets left!! February 10th at 6pm West Coast (9pm East Coast), I’ll be doing my live presentation on being a director of tv commercials. Buy your tickets now for February 10th at 6pm West Coast, “Confessions of a Commercial Filmmaker” on StageIt. Live Q&A. It will sell out.

Pat sharing the knowledge:

A great interview on lighting basics.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is 90 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

How To Define Your Creative Space With Spot Director Kevin Donovan.

Watch-Jackie-Chan-Huge-Rhino-Star-in-New-Anti-Poaching-PSA

I met Director Kevin Donovan at a Christmas party and we hit it off. A former agency creative, Kevin learned so much on set, working with great directors like Mark Story and the incomparable Joe Pytka. He’s learned to create a space for himself to deliver the best work, and we discuss balancing serving the agency agenda, while remaining creatively stingy for the reel. A great chat.

I also give my thoughts on the Super Bowl spots. Oh – Get tickets!! February 10th at 6pm West Coast, I’ll be doing my live presentation on being a director of tv commercials. Buy your tickets now for February 10th at 6pm West Coast, “Confessions of a Commercial Filmmaker” on StageIt. Live Q&A. It will sell out.

Here’s a great spot Kevin and Jackie Chan made:

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is 90 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Secrets Of Mark Nickelsburg’s Short Film “Harry Grows Up”.

481635173_640

Mark Nickelsburg made a great short film, “Harry Grows Up” and we chat about how he did it. Effects, puppets, working with a toddler, you name it. Originally part of last week’s interview, the tapes were lost for weeks. Until now.

Buy your tickets now for my live web presentation February 10th at 6pm West Coast, “Confessions of a Commercial Filmmaker” on StageIt. It’s an intro to commercial filmmaking with a live Q&A. It will sell out.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is only 12 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

From Editing Commercials To Directing Them With Mark Nickelsburg.

6575082_300x300

Mark Nickelsburg shall forever live in my heart for dubbing “Respect The Process with Jordan Brady” as the “Rosetta Stone of Filmmaking.” Got to love that. More importantly, Mark has successfully transitioned from the editor’s chair to the director’s monitor. What are benefits and surprises on set, after years of editorial wisdom? I think it’s very interesting path, and thanks Mark.

We both had short films (my “Harold’s Bad Day” and his “Harry Grows Up”) in the Friar’s Comedy Film Festival the same year, but never met. Later, Festival Programmer and filmmaker Eric Johnson suggested we meet.

Watch this short,”Harry Grows Up”; so well done.

Enjoy Mark’s reel at Special Team Films.

Watch Mark’s “Emerald Nuts” spec spot, which fooled me into thinking it’s an actual, for-hire gig. Bravo:

Jeepers! February 10th at 6pm West Coast, 9pm East CoastI’ll be doing a live web event, “Confessions of a Commercial Filmmaker” on StageIt. It’s an intro to commercial filmmaking with a live Q&A. My first, be gentle.
Thank you,

Jordan

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

My Three Secrets To Better Directing.

In the last of my mini-podcast trilogy, I share three top-secret tips that I believe will make you a better filmmaker. Certainly a smarter, more effective director of commercials. If you’re in any leadership position, I imagine that these tips apply to your gig too. So, let me know.

I’m back next week with in-depth interviews with interesting people. Remember, this is a two way conversation and I’d love to hear form you on Facebook or the comments. Oh, and please share the podcast with a loved one who might care.

Thank you,

Jordan

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

Top 5 Ways To Not Screw Up Your Spec Commercial.

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.