How Black History Inspired Sahir Champion To Pursue Filmmaking Part 1.

S7 Founder Sahir Champion is Producer, Director that started out as an Editor. (You’ll hear the Jake Scott story in the chat. Spoiler alert – it features a giant tampon.) So you can correctly surmise Sahir is an expert at delivery in every step in the production process. Client list includes high profile advertising agencies, record labels, production and editing companies on projects ranging from commercials and music videos to public service announcements and films. He’s purpose-driven and we bonded over that instantly. Check this PSA S7 made about having “that talk” with your teenage sons.

Join Jake Brady’s Patreon and you’ll get invited to our next “Ask US Anything” where he and I answer all questions. His entry level to join starts at $2/month gets you BONUS content you’ll love. Go to https://www.patreon.com/respecttheprocess and show your love for the show. Join and be a part of our monthly Private Q&A via Zoom. Patreon patrons only. Next one is Tuesday, October 26th at 5pm Pacific. Join! 

My online Commercial Directing Masterclass celebrated one year of helping filmmakers globally and has received 100% 5 star reviews. Plus we do a free filmmaker consultation call. 

Check out the new Commercial Director Mega Bundle for serious mentoring and career growth. My next Bootcamp is Saturday, December 4th, 2021 in Los Angeles and 6 seats remain. Must be vaxxed. 

Thanks, Jordan 

This episode is 67 minutes and is sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, the hot sauce made by bears. Flavorseeker Fun Pak‘s ship Friday’s at 3pm. My cult classic mockumentary, “Dill Scallion” is online so I’m giving 100% of the money to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Kaboom Productions Head of Production Steve Sills Knows Commercial FIlmmaking.

Steven Sills is the intrepid Head of Production at kaboom productions —a role to which he brought 16 years of national and international production experience working for such companies as Furlined and Headquarters. As a highly skilled producer across numerous platforms, steven plays a central role in kaboom’s many productions, serving both as HOP and line producer. With the wide array of needs that arise with today’s productions, from very long lead time to immediate turn-around, having Steve in the thick of things best serves the process, agency, client, and director. It’s part of how kaboom puts relationships first at every turn.

“Orca” is one of six spots Steve Sills produced that I directed for Kaiser Permanente Thrive.

Join Jake Brady’s Patreon and you’ll get invited to our next “Ask US Anything” where he and I answer all questions. His entry level to join starts at $2/month gets you BONUS content you’ll love. Go to https://www.patreon.com/respecttheprocess and show your love for the show. Join and be a part of our monthly Private Q&A via Zoom. Patreon patrons only. Next one is Tuesday, October 26th at 5pm Pacific. Join! 

My online Commercial Directing Masterclass celebrated one year of helping filmmakers globally and has received 100% 5 star reviews. Plus we do a free filmmaker consultation call. Check out the new Commercial Director Mega Bundle for serious mentoring and career growth.

My next Bootcamp is Saturday, December 4th, 2021 in Los Angeles and 6 seats remain. Must be vaxxed. 

Thanks, Jordan 

This episode is 54 minutes and is sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, the hot sauce made by bears. Flavorseeker Fun Pak‘s ship Friday’s at 3pm. 

My cult classic mockumentary, “Dill Scallion” is online so I’m giving 100% of the money to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Cinematographer Barry Berona.

Cinematographer Barry Berona and I reunited after decades and we had a blast chatting all things commercials. His versatile, award winning commercial work extends to many sub-genres including automotive, tabletop, and beauty for such recent clients as, Google, PGA & GolfTV, Nike, Subaru, Toyota, GM, Ford, Renault, Mitsubishi, Harley Davidson, Sony, US Navy, Snickers, Honda, Coors, Priceline and Pure Michigan Tourism. He recently lensed the acclaimed Superbowl spot for Dannon/Oikos Yogurt featuring John Stamos. Check out his site as well as the spots we chat about.

https://vimeo.com/486170450

My online Commercial Directing Masterclass celebrated one year of helping filmmakers globally and has received 100% 5 star reviews. Did I mention the free filmmaker consultation call upon completion?

Join show editor Jake Brady on his new Patreon! A mere $2/month gets you BONUS content not heard in the show!! Get a $75 discount on Masterclass, free T-shirt and consultation calls w me, go to  https://www.patreon.com/respecttheprocess and show your love for the show. Join and be a part of our monthly Private Q&A via Zoom. Patreon patrons only.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is SOLD OUT for May 22, 2021 in LA. Next is August 28th, in LA and seats are now open. Check out the new Commercial Filmmaker Mega Bundle for serious mentoring and career growth.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is 62 minutes and sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, the hot sauce made by bears. Flavorseeker Fun Pak‘s ship Friday’s at 3pm.

My cult classic mockumentary, “Dill Scallion” is online so I’m giving 100% of the money to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Commercial, Music Video & Film Director Nicholas Lam.

Filmmaker Nicholas Lam directs award-winning spots, music videos and films. He’s helmed international campaigns for Google, Samsung, Disney, P&G and Nestle, working with BBDO, Ogilvy & Mather and Iris Worldwide and more. In the music world, Nicholas is an MTV VMA nominated director having shot videos for Nick Jonas, Blink-182, Sara Bareilles, Monsta X (see below) and more. This is one chat you’ll be glad you dove into. But wait, there’s more… be sure and read this Little Black Book article all about Nicholas here. You can see more work of his at Hound Content.

Shout out to Caio Shindo and Bootcamp Alumni Ben Blair, Jake’s newest patron! Join Jake and I for our patron-only VIP “Ask Us Anything” via zoom April 6th at 5pm pacific. Tomorrow!

Join show editor Jake Brady on his new Patreon! A mere $2/month gets you BONUS content not heard in the show!! Get a $75 discount on Masterclass, free T-shirt and consultation calls w me, go to  https://www.patreon.com/respecttheprocess and show your love for the show. Join!

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is SOLD OUT for May 22, 2021 in LA. Next is August 28th, in LA and seats are now open. Check out the new Commercial Filmmaker Mega Bundle for serious mentoring and career growth.

My online Commercial Directing Masterclass has helped over 750 filmmakers globally and has received 100% 5 star reviews. Did I mention the free filmmaker consultation call upon completion?

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is 1 hour and 17 minutes and sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, the hot sauce made by bears. Flavorseeker Fun Pak‘s ship Friday’s at 3pm.

My cult classic mockumentary, “Dill Scallion” is online so I’m giving 100% of the money to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Winston Wolfe’s Nancy Jacobs.

Nancy Jacobs runs Winston Wolfe, a creative resource representing directors for work within the internal production divisions of ad agencies and brands, globally. We talk about how this can be a great source of work for filmmakers wanting to tell stories for brands, and how this model is growing and thriving within agencies. You’ll love the chat! Here’s a spot from director Sam Washington from the site.

Shout out to Scotty Shuckies – Jake’s newest patron! Click his name to see Scotty’s work. Join Jake and I for our patron-only “Ask Us Anything” via zoom April 6th at 5pm pacific.

Join show editor Jake Brady on his new Patreon! A mere $2/month gets you BONUS content not heard in the show!! Get a $75 discount on Masterclass, free T-shirt and consultation calls w me, go to  https://www.patreon.com/respecttheprocess and show your love for the show. Join!

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is SOLD OUT for May 22, 2021 in LA. Next is August 28th, in LA and seats are now open. Check out the new Commercial Filmmaker Mega Bundle for serious mentoring and career growth.

My online Commercial Directing Masterclass has helped over 750 filmmakers globally and has received 100% 5 star reviews. Did I mention the free filmmaker consultation call upon completion?

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is 35 minutes and sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, the hot sauce made by bears. Flavorseeker Fun Pak‘s ship Friday’s at 3pm.

My cult classic mockumentary, “Dill Scallion” is online so I’m giving 100% of the money to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Spears & Arrows Founder, Managing Director Jason Wolk.

Jason Wolk is Founder and Managing Director of Spears & Arrows, a top production company with a stellar roster of commercial directors. We talk covid protocols, relationships, his fine roster, director career management and how it all starts with tending to the story.

Hey Patreon patrons – join Jake and I for our patrons-only “Ask Us Anything” on zoom April 6th at 5pm pacific. Join show editor Jake Brady onn his new Patreon! A mere $2/month gets you BONUS content not heard in the show!! Get a $75 discount on Masterclass, free T-shirt and consultation calls w me, go to  https://www.patreon.com/respecttheprocess and show your love for the show. Join!

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is back May 22, 2021 in LA. Only 3 spots of the 15 remain. Check out the new Commercial Filmmaker Mega Bundle for serious mentoring and career growth.

My online Commercial Directing Masterclass has helped over 600 filmmakers globally and has received 100% 5 star reviews. 

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is 64 minutes and sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, the hot sauce made by bears. Flavorseeker Fun Pak‘s ship Friday’s at 3pm.

My cult classic mockumentary, “Dill Scallion” is online so I’m giving 100% of the money to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

ACD/Copywriter Nick Micale and ACD/Art Director Bennett Austin.

We’re closing out 2020 strong with my two distinguished guests, creatives: ACD/Copywriter Nick Micale and ACD/Art Director Bennett Austin, of David & Goliath. You’ll recognize their work in the emotional Super Bowl spot for Kia called “Tough Never Quits” with Josh Jacobs (directed by Serial Pictures’ director John Hillcoat.)

I urge y’all to check out Nick and Bennett’s personal sites as well, click on their names folks) for tons of more great spots as well as their respective passion projects that will inspire and delight. I had the privilege of collaborating with the gentleman on my Conscious Creative Movement profile, the most humbling honor of the decade personally and professionally. Huge shout out to David & Goliath Chairman & Founder David Angelo for the introduction.

Commercial Directing Masterclass has helped over 540 filmmakers globally and has received 100% 5 star reviews. DM me if it can help you.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp has 1 seat left for 01.16.2021 in Los Angeles. Limit 12 filmmakers cuz covid sucks and let’s be safe.

Happy 2021!

Jordan

This episode is sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, the only hot sauce made by bears. Flavorseeker Fun Pak‘s ship Friday’s at 3pm.

My cult classic mockumentary film, “Dill Scallion” is online for rent and I’m giving 100% of the gross money raised to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in fact I’ll match it. Roger Ebert called it “The country music ‘This is Spinal Tap'” so that sums it up. All star cast and a great cause.

Commercial Director Michael Koerbel.

Commercial Director Michael Koerbel has been featured by Adweek, Apple, Creativity, SHOOT magazine, the New York TimesCNN, The Guardian, PBS, NPR, and USA Today. Known as a pioneer in the iPhone filmmaking world, he has been invited to speak at The Academy of Arts and Sciences, SAG, the DGA, TEDx, and SXSW. If you really want to go down a rabbit hole, check out Michael’s iPhone work here.

We chat about everything, trust me just listen and love.

Commercial Directing Masterclass has helped now 476 filmmakers globally with 100% 5 star reviews. My goal is 500 by end of 2020.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp has 8 seats left for 01.16.2021 in Los Angeles. 

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is 96 minutes and sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, the only hot sauce made by bears. Flavorseeker Fun Pak‘s ship Friday’s at 3pm.

My first film, “Dill Scallion” online for rent or purchase and I’m giving 100% of the gross money raised to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in fact I’ll match it. Roger Ebert called it “The country music ‘This is Spinal Tap'” so that sums it up. All star cast and a great cause.

Director Andrea Ball.

Commercial Director Andrea Ball started in the business assisting Oscar® Award Winning producer Nicholas Chartier and renowned music video director Samuel Bayer, but she certainly has a style all her own and is a busy director of spots. We talk about self-motivation, treatments and more… Click here to check out her reel, and I’m in love with these spots:

https://vimeo.com/444572898
https://vimeo.com/315737864

Commercial Directing Masterclass has helped now 450 filmmakers globally with 100% 5 star reviews. My goal is 500 by end of 2020.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp has 12 seats left for 01.16.2021 in Los Angeles. 

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour and 12 minutes and sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, the only hot sauce made by bears. Flavorseeker Fun Pak’s ship Friday’s at 3pm.

My first film, “Dill Scallion” online for rent or purchase and I’m giving 100% of the gross money raised to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in fact I’ll match it. Roger Ebert called it “The country music ‘This is Spinal Tap'” so that sums it up. All star cast and a great cause.

Cinematographer Stoeps Langensteiner.

Cinematographer Stoeps Langensteiner and I social distanced back at the start of this quarantine and chatted about his fabled career. From his start in pornography to Cannes-winning commercials and more. Stoeps lensed many of my favs, like “Ear Tennis” and Jimmy Dean Sausage “Anthem” by RTP alumni The Perlorian Brothers. It’s a good interview.

Actor pals, check out my pal Jen DiBella’s new course on running your career. August 12th from noon to 2pm Pacific, only $30. DM her @jendibella on the ‘grams. We’ve worked together and I know she’s on top of her game.

Also shout out to Cedric Parker and his Abanoub Beard Butter. I love this stuff and I am handsome AF.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode runs about 1 hour and 25 min. Commercial Directing Film School has all my stuff. Let me know how I can help. Bootcamp is 10.10.2020 for only 15 filmmakers, so 7 seats left. Masterclass is every ready for ya.

Cinematographer David C. Weldon, Jr.

Cinematographer David C. Weldon, Jr. recently lensed the latest campaign for the iconic British luxury brand Rolls Royce for their newest vehicle the “Black Badge.”  He’s shot music videos and commercials for directors Joseph Kahn and others for artists DJ Khalid, the Jonas Brothers, Post Malone, Travis Scott, Sza, Ciara, Imagine Dragons, Bebe Rehxa, Shaggy and Sting

Bootcamp is 10.10.2020 in Los Angeles and we’ve got 6 spots left. Masterclass is available online right now for you to level up. Everything is at Commercial Directing Film School. You can always DM me on the socials with questions.

Thanks,

Jordan

This is 90 minutes of fun. Be sure and write me at jordan@commercialdirectingfilmschool.com and ask about chats we’ve already aired. I’ll write back with links. 

ACD/Sr. Art Director Dan Councilor Shares The Joys of Making His Super Bowl Spot With LeBron James.

I’ve been fortunate to shoot with Dan Councilor, Associate Creative Director at Leo Burnett, a few times now for Buick and it’s always a blast. Just as important, maybe more so, is the quality of the spots we make. Dan shares his journey to the Super Bowl LIV for Hummer’s EV with the king, LeBron James. Take a look:

Dan’s Super Bowl spot for the all-new Hummer EV w the GOAT.

We also chat about making ads just for fun, collaboration and how Dan hires Directors for his spots. Check out the work we chat about here.

Both my Commercial Directing Masterclass and Bootcamp are now at one easy-to-use link: Commercial Directing Film School. Bootcamp is 10.10.20 in LA. Join us if you can.

Thanks,

Jordan

This is an hour and 17 minutes. Enjoy! PS. Oso Delicious Hot Sauce is SOLD OUT! But we’re making more.

Co-Exec Creative Director Tina Tackett Tells Us How She Hires A Filmmaker.

Tina Tackett is Co Executive Creative Director at the Loomis Agency, and I had the pleasure of working with Tina and Creative Director Jim Green earlier this year. Tina delivers an extraordinary eye for design, a strong talent for art direction and a creative mind for marketing. In this one zoom chat, Tina Tackett basically shows us filmmakers how she picks her directors to collaborate with on her shoots. Thank you Tina for these invaluable insights. Y’all should check out these spots cuz we chat about them in depth and they’re great. Stanley Steemer work is gorgeous and gross and enjoyed here. And the “Thanks for Everything” below was a tribute that Loomis did to salute the folks keeping us feed. Rug Doctor is classic comedy I love.

Thanks for Everything from LOOMIS on Vimeo.

Commercial Directing Masterclass is online and corporate bastards are jacking the price up $50 on June 15th, 2020. I’m honoring free consultations regardless so we can stick it to the man! Commercial Directing Bootcamp is 10.10.2020 and is limited to 20 filmmakers. 

Thank you,

Jordan

This is one hour and 14 minutes of gold.

International Commercial Director Rachel Harms Says Suck It Up, Cupcake.

Filmmaker Rachel Harms‘ deft hand as a storyteller and her extraordinary communication skills with adult and child actors have enhanced her international profile and placed her in demand for spot work worldwide.

A four-time Emmy Award winner for her original Sesame Street films, Harms brings the same soulful, humanistic approach to her work as a commercial director. Whether the content is serious, quirky or whimsical, she finds the heart of the matter and delivers it to the screen, creating acclaimed campaigns for Southwest Airlines, ExxonMobil, Tide, Wells Fargo, Pillsbury and Quaker Oats among many others. Her timeless Folgers spot, “A Dancer’s Morning” is considered to be one of the brand’s most successful ads in P&G history. Check out this Enfamil spot and start your deep dive into Rachel’s word.

Enfamil from Rachel Harms on Vimeo.

Congrats to Filmmakers’ Diversity Award recipients Sonia Megerdichian, Ali Balusch and Carly Usdin who all attended Commercial Directing Bootcamp in January, sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce. Next Bootcamp is 06.27.20 and always sells out.

Please donate to my passion project, the Veterans Green Bus. It transports veterans to rebuild after natural disasters strike and trains veterans when not on mission. Visit our GoFundMe to learn more. We need to get her on the road. 

Thanks,

Jordan

This is an hour and 15 minutes. 

How VFX Can Save A Commercial With Adam Elder Of Spiffy.

My friend and collaborator Adam Elder of Visual Effects and Finishing house Spiffy drops by to tell us how effects enhance spots in ways we never see. Other assignments are more obvious, obviously. You’ll learn a lot of how that process flows. Check out Spiffy’s VFX showreel.

Spiffy 2020 VFX Reel from Spiffy on Vimeo.

Please share these with filmmaker friends and hit me up with topics to chat about. 

Thanks,

Jordan

This is 52 minutes. Commercial Directing Bootcamp is half full for January 18th, 2020. Our Filmmakers’ Sunday Mixer is the next day from 10am to noon. Our sponsor is the only hot sauce made by bears, found only at www.OsoDelicious.org.

The Only Thing I Take To Set Directing Commercials.

If I’ve planned my shoot well and communicated with the team properly, I only need my storyboards on set. They’re covered with scribbled jokes, notes and alternate lines I want to try. On set, I’ll magically think of the ad-libs I’ve written. By planning, it allows for the on-set magic to flourish. So, yes I go to work with a simple piece of paper in my pocket. Printed, not on the phone.

Go see “Queen & Slim” and “Ford vs. Ferrari”… listen why.

Happy Thanksgiving, 

Jordan

This is under an hour. Commercial Directing Bootcamp is Jan. 18th, 2020 and always sells out. January 19th, 2020 is our first ever Filmmakers’ Sunday Mixer and Q&A, 100% of the proceeds go to Stand Up To Cancer. Click for more info. 

Oso Delicious is the only hot sauce made by bears, in America. Thanks to Oso and the bears for sponsoring our show. $1 from every bottle we make goes to www.militaryfamilies.org so buy you some.

How I Communicate On Scouts Plus Our New Filmmakers’ Sunday Mixer.

I will occasionally direct dogs and cats.

While scouting or showing the agency my location selects, I’ve been using my iPad Pro and poorly drawn stick figures to effectively communicate. What are your tricks and treats?

Our first ever Filmmakers’ Sunday Mixer will be January 19th from 10am to Noon, we’re gonna talk all things practical pitch, prep, production and post… and hold a Q&A.

FREE to all current and alumni Bootcamp Filmmakers. Join myself and Editor Susan Munroe and Special Filmmaking Guests for a Q&A to follow up Commercial Directing Bootcamp. We’ll spend time together answering questions and discussing best practices from pitching through post production, as well as how to gain more slash better directing opportunities. I promise it’ll be fun!

$50 and 100% of that goes to Breast Cancer Awareness. 

thanks,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is Jan. 18th, 2020 and sels out fast. Our sponsor is Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, the only hot sauce made by bears. 

Music Videos, Commercials And Branded Content Keep Gregory JM Kasunich Busy.

Gregory JM Kasunich is an award winning filmmaker and commercial director, helming campaigns and short form content, for brands such as Disney, Lucasfilm, General Mills, DirectTV, Mattel, iHeartRadio and wait for it… Taylor Swift. I had a hard time choosing what to post, but love this so much:

Sophie Strauss | Dog Fight from Gregory John Michael on Vimeo.



Gregory’s work is visually stylized, musically and rhythmically driven, often times incorporating elements of animation, choreography, and highly technical camera work. His work generally contains minimal dialogue and leans more into the visual aspects of storytelling in order to minimize the distance between the audience and the subject.

Enjoy!

Jordan

This episode is 52 minutes. Our sole sponsor is Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, $1 per bottle goes to www.militaryfamilies.org to enjoy. Commercial Directing Bootcamp is SOLD OUT for October 12th, 2019. Next workshop is January 18th, 2020 in LA. Earlybird price until Oct. 11th.. grab a seat and soar!

Director Joe Harris Is Thriving In The Texas Film & Advertising Community.

Commercial helmer Joe Harris of Side Chops in Dallas, Texas directs, shoots and edits, which keeps him very busy. But as his projects have grow in scale and scope, he’s finds himself focusing on the directing and collaborating with his cadre of fellow filmmakers. I always find this fascinating transition and Joe shares his lessons with us.

Joe was kind enough to direct this PSA for For Veterans Sake, which provides therapy dogs to U.S. Veterans suffering from PTSD, and at zero cost to the Veteran. Thanks Joe! More of his work with avant guard agency Whiskey Bacon Club.

For Veterans Sake from Side Chops on Vimeo.

Thank you,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is October 12th, 2019 and over half filled up. Limit 20 filmmakers. Buy your Oso Delicious Hot Sauce and support the show, as well as https://www.militaryfamily.org/ We donate $1 from every bottle sold, given away or broken to this great charity. 

The chat is 90 minutes.