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.

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.

Chief Creative Officer Ryan Berman Claims Content Is King And Context Is Queen.

ryan-berman-short

After I interviewed Ryan Berman, I found his blog post called “Comedy on a Commercial Production.” I agree with most everything he says, which probably explains why we’re friends and have shot together a bunch. Ryan is Founder and Chief Creative Officer of i.d.e.a., a great advertising agency in San Diego. We chat about creating a fun culture, staying one step ahead of the trends, and why San Diego stays classy.

He produced a documentary with client’s money that played at SXSW called “Inventing To Nowhere” about the patent industry. It’s an eye opener.

A forward thinker, his agency also acquired a local production company of scrappy filmmakers, and they do awesome work. 4120 Productions. Click the name, duh.

Buy your tickets now for my webinar on February 10th at 6pm West Coast/ 9pm East Coast on StageIt. Live Q&A. It will sell out. It’s my live presentation on being a director of tv commercials. “Confessions of a Commercial Filmmaker”.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is 60 minutes. 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.

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.

It’s 2015, Now Pick A Date To Start Your Passion Project.

Jordan Brady Headshot

Happy New Year, now let’s make some plans to make some fun stuff. A short film? Feature? Finish that script? A new spec commercial for the reel? Whatever personal project you want to do, first you must set a date and write that date down in your calendar.

There are many great filmmaking podcasts and blogs that you probably know. So here are a few links that inspire me to get stuff done. The Gumroad Resource Center is cool for all types of creative products to market. I use them to sell “I AM ROAD COMIC” and they’re cool people. Over the holiday, I discovered Seth Godin’s blog and like it for it’s simplicity, yet it is most motivating.

Please send me any cool blogs and podcasts you like. (Facebook is great for that.) And let’s 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.

Infinite Wisdom on the Art of Storytelling with Guru Larry Jordan.

Larry Jordan

Larry Jordan is the one person that has always been there for me, to answer every production question. His 35 years plus of experience are readily found whenever you google a question about directing, editing, shooting, lighting, audio, you name it. And his courses cover the gamut of production, post and theory. Please check them out if you’re serious about upping your game.

His podcast “2 Reel Guys” is highly recommended, and his classes on Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro CC are phenomenal. Click here for more info on that.

We discuss editing comedy vs. horror, film school vs. the real world, and the need for self-discipline. Larry’s definition of “respecting the process” is a unique one, and I promise you’ll gain much from this talk. Big thanks Larry for joining me.

I’ve also listed my Top Ten Downloaded Episodes of 2014. You can find them in the Archives on this site, or easily here, on the Sideshow Network. So grab a notepad app and jot them down. Big thanks to all my guests. Look forward to more great chats in 2015.

Cheers,

Jordan

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

Moonlighting In Communist Romania To Producing in NYC With Saatchi & Saatchi’s Radu Olievschi.

FILE PHOTO FROM ROMANIAN 1989 ANTI-COMMUNIST REVOLUTION IN BUCHAREST

I met Radu Olievschi, a wonderful agency producer at Saacthi & Saatchi NYC, this summer and was intrigued with not just his journey to America, but his immense passion for filmmaking. Growing up in communist Romania did not lend itself to becoming a filmmaker, let alone a producer at an ad agency (especially unlikely since the one hour of State-run tv had no advertising), but Radu knew early on it was his destiny. Enjoy Radu’s story and hear the passion in his telling.

Here’s a PSA Radu produced called “The Bill of Rights for Dumbasses”. A favorite of mine directed by Seth Gordon.

This episode is just over 60 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

How Ad Agency Creatives Team Up with Drew Wright & Nick Marine.

dodge-challenger-richard-rawlings-big-talker-ss-01

Moments after we wrapped on Friday, I grabbed Art Director Drew Wright and Copywriter Nick Marine for a mini-interview. Both are Associate Creative Directors at Doner Detroit. They’re a newly conjoined creative team, and it’s already crystal clear that it’s a great fit, given the way they crank out quality scripts that sell. I’m grateful for their oddball minds as well as their friendship.

Please help comedian Margaret Cho as she raises money to help the homeless. Here’s her GoFund link. If you buy “I AM ROAD COMIC” this week, I’ll be giving 100% of the money to her fund. Thanks!

This episode is just over 15 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Commercial Editor Tessa Davis Cuts Fast & Furiously Funny.

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.

What A Production Designer Does With Evan Rohde.

coldplay-840435548


The Production Designer runs the Art Department, and is responsible for fabricating the Director’s dream into a physical world to be filmed. Top Production Designer Evan Rohde does this magically, and it’s a privilege to work with him.

We chat right after wrapping a long day. He explains his dual roles as both a creative collaborator and fiscally responsible department head. I marvel at Evan’s creativity and love how he incorporates digital design plans to show me what he’s bringing to life.

Here’s his music video for Coldplay:

Click Evan Rohde to see his Emmy-Award winning spot for Sunday Night Football.

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

What Does A Cost Consultant Really Do? Ron Hacohen Explains The Dark Side.

Part two of my enlightening conversation with production genius Ron Hacohen. Why is it harder to break into directing if your female or a minority? Ron explains he’s actually a “production consultant”. He strives to inform clients of the process, because of the increased efficiencies. We end the talk with his advice for people breaking into commercial directing.

Today, Ron is a Brand Executive Producer/Consigliere at Advertising Production Resources (APR), the fabulous consultancy that helps clients understand the advertising process. He introduces me to the RACI system of accountability, approval and efficiency. Some trippy stuff that shows us how advertising is a small part of the client’s marketing plan, and production a sliver of that. Learn what a SME is. Answer: Subject Matter Expert.

Here’s a spot we did way back in the day.

This is part two 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.

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

Screen-Shot-2014-07-01-at-6.28.09-PM

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.

jeannettegodoy2014

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.

Adam McKay Uses Rainbow Alpacas & Lollipops To Learn Us The Inequality Gap.

B0HAkCVCEAADrj8

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.