New Tricks And Old Fashion Discipline with Cinematographer Alex Jacobs.

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Cinematographer Alex Jacobs may be the last director of photography I’ve ever met that learned while shooting actual 35mm film. A young man, he knows all the tricks of the DSLR revolution, but came up through the ranks with the discipline of the camera department. Ours was an arranged marriage on a promo shoot with Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart, in which we had 35 minutes to shoot. Through planning and communication, the shoot was amazingly efficient and funny.

Check out his reel at AlexJacobs.tv. I like his splendid montage with the dope track.

Here’s the on-air version of our collab.

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.

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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.

Comedian Derek Gaines Stars in AOL/Morgan Spurlock’s “Connected” and MTV’s “Broke Ass Game Show”.

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Y’all are going to love comedian Derek Gaines. Minutes before my interview with Morgan Spurlock, I got to chat with Derek, one of the stars or Mr. Spurlock’s newest project “Connected”, the awesome first-person filmed series for AOL.com for AOL Originals.

Derek and I discuss stand=up comedy, how real the show really is, how he got picked by Morgan, AOL, MTV and his future dreams. Little did we realize how parallel our journey’s are. Check Derek out on MTV’s “Broke Ass Game Show”. Here’s a funny set of Derek:

My son Benz Brady has a new music video for his song “Levitate”:

Lastly, for #ThrowBackThursday, a clip of another stand-up comedian tapped to host an MTV game show:

(The pimp that time forgot.)

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 30 minutes. 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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

Comedian Turned Documentary Filmmaker Jennifer Rawlings.

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I’ve known Jennifer Rawlings since our days playing the comedy clubs around Los Angeles in the 80’s. She always captivated the crowd with her funny perspective, so I’m not surprised she’s become an accomplished filmmaker. It’s her unusual journey that surprises me.

“Forgotten Voices: Woman in Bosnia” is her first film, and a must see. Made with a camcorder and the desire to expose the world to these stories. Check it out. She then did a Ted Talk on the subject of forgiveness, a story told in the film.

Here’s Jennifer’s Ted Talk:

This episode is an hour with an old friend. Enjoy.

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 an hour long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

What The Gaffer Does With Pat Grosswendt.

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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.

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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”.

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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.

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.

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

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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.

“I Am Santa Claus” Documentary Director Tommy Avallone.

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Who’s lap is your kid sitting on? “I Am Santa Claus” is a wonderful documentary that answers that very question. From an queenly bear Santa, to WWE Champion wrestler Mick Foley, Santa’s come from varied backgrounds. My chat with Director/Producer Tommy Avallone is like two old friends gabbing about filmmaking, despite having just met online. We discuss research, how to choose who to follow, funding and everything in between.

Watch the film on Netflix or buy it from Tommy’s site, click “I Am Santa Claus”, there are many options. Here’s the trailer:

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.

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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.

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.

The Fascinating Journey Of Director Jeannette Godoy.

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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.

Cinematography Tips with DP Afshin Shahidi.

DP Afshin Shahidi toured Europe with Prince. In fact, one of Afshin’s first gigs in film was a music video for his Purple Badness. Turns out, we have several mutual friends (not just Prince) that he’s shot with, so it was fun to meet via the podcast. His work speaks for itself, but we sat down for a chat nonetheless.

This episode is chalk full of tech talk and praise for collaboration. Check out this Bridgestone spot Afshin shot with Sugar director Chris Smith. It was a bonus spot. The Advil spot was shot on a stage.

Cinematographer Jordan Levy Beseeches Young Filmmakers to Respect The Process.

My friend Jordan Levy is a great cinematographer, always in demand.  He’s been busy shooting comedy spots, high fashion, luxury cars and Comedy Central’s The Jeselnik Offensive.  He claims comedy is harder to shoot than fashion. Who knew?

Find out who’s a bigger diva: Oprah or Snoop Dog?  This episode settles into a very technical talk: Angénieux zoom lenses, Kubrick primes and custom-made Russian lenses. We talk RED Camera vs. Arri Alexa vs. 5D. Jordan has mastered them all, so hear his opinion.  With 35mm film going bye-bye, how does that effect the cinematographer’s control of the look?  Jordan tells how he maintains influence.

We end the chat with Jordan stressing the importance of respecting both the process & everyone’s role on set.  Especially you young filmmakers! Listen up, whippersnappers.

Watch this trippy music video Jordan shot for Snoop Lion and Miley Cirus. How much of this is in-camera? Did Miley behave? Can we call him Snoop Dog again please? Answers revealed in the podcast.

Click here for more of Jordan’s work.  Please rate us on the iTunes.  I’ve also started a Facebook page, so comment.