Filmmaker Damian Fitzsimmons Is Living The Dream With Brave Man Media.

My friend Damian Fitzsimmons is a filmmaker, creative director and company owner but he really just enjoys telling stories. Born in Liverpool and now in South Florida by way of NYC, he started Brave Man Media and has been working non stop ever since. Brave Man, as I call it, is a full service shoppe and we discuss what that entails to stay afloat.

You’ll love Damian’s fascinating journey. After being literally paralyzed for months, he rose like a phoenix and now living life to the fullest. I’m also delighted he and the Brave Man team going bi-coastal, so we can hang out more often. We talk about this spot for Diamonds by Raymond Lee, so watch here.

Check out his music video for Raggy Monster.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is just over 90 minutes. Mark your calendar for August 8th, 2017 to get “I Am Battle Comic” from Monterey Media!!

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is filling up fast for August 26th, in Los Angeles.

Contagious LA’s Co Producer Jordan Flack On Working With Directors.

Jordan Flack and I met at the Source screening of short films in the Spring, and we hit it off like two guys named Jordan should. We discuss how he is working alongside filmmakers to set them up for a successful production. Jordan is always looking for any new, great opportunity for his directors, the kind of person you want on the team. His title is Co Producer at Contagious LA, and yes I ask him about that too.

You’re gonna love this chat.

Jordan

The episode is an hour and 15 minutes.
Commercial Directing Bootcamp is filling up fast for August 26th, in Los Angeles.

How To Be Product Specialists With WoodShop Studio’s EP of Post Production Linda Jackson.


The highly creative team at WoodShop Studios takes a holistic approach to servicing their execution of commercials. So much that they’ve brought in the delightful Linda Jackson as Executive Producer of Post Production, a position not many production companies require. Linda’s experience and leadership inform the way they approach the creative from the start. We discuss how they concept, dissect material and we even chat a bit about her love of puppetry.

On a personal note, huge thanks to Linda and her colleague Brad Tucker for challenging me to do the #22Kill pushups in support of our veterans. (Veterans Suicide Hotline 800-273-8255) And she and her husband Chad came out for our sold out “I Am Battle Comic” premier in LA!!

Take a look at the KFC spot, this is quality stuff my friends.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is about an hour. See you all in Las Vegas May 31st, then Minneapolis June 1st for screenings and Q&A’s! Tickets here.

How To Curate A Showcase Of Short FIlms With Source’s Jamie Madge.

Jamie Madge is the Worldwide Editor of the fantastic website SourceEcreative, what we now just call the Source. Jamie puts together a showcase of short films that he carefully curates to give the crowd a variety of emotions. Then we takes the show around the world. Literally. He likens it to a mixtape, because he has us, the audience, in mind when he choses the content and it’s order. Watch the shorts here.

For those that don’t use the Source, you’re missing one of the greatest tools to study advertising. It’s a comprehensive database of spots with extensive credits from client, agency and production.

Enjoy.

Jordan

This episode is an hour and twenty some minutes. Still tickets left for Detroit’s premiere of “I Am Battle Comic”, so come on out or tell a Motown friend!! All proceeds go to MilitaryFamily.org. See you all April 5th in Detroit for “I Am Battle Comic” Premiere. Click for tickets.

My 7 city tour now includes Phoenix and Las Vegas. Check here for dates and ticket links. All money to various wonderful non-profits.

The Importance Of Character Development With Cortez Bros’ Bernadette Rivero.

Cortez Brothers‘ Co Founder and President Bernadette Rivero can’t stress enough how important it is to flesh out your characters. No matter if it’s for a feature film or a :15 second spot, the well-defined character will always make the story shine. She’s even moonlighted as a ghostwriter for hundreds of writers and directors. So have a listen and share with your filmmaker friends.

See you all April 5th in Detroit for “I Am Battle Comic” Premiere. Click for tickets.

thanks,

Jordan

My 7 city tour now includes Phoenix and Las Vegas. Check here for dates and ticket links. All money to various wonderful non-profits.

Mixing Audio for Commercials vs. “I Am Battle Comic” w Re-Recording Mixer Scott Burns.

Scott Burns is an excellent Sound Mixer who re-records sound for commercials. Technically, a re-recording mixer or audio engineer, so many titles. Scott helped me with my upcoming documentary “I Am Battle Comic”. Scott works at onoe of LA’s most reputable sound houses, Juice Studio. In this interview, he gives us great insight into his career, how he operates, and how my movie was a different beast than a Lexus spot. Scott, who studied sound & film at USC, loves sharing his vast knowledge.

I really enjoyed my chat with my new pal Scott and you will too. Shout out to his Producer Vanessa Carey, and his Executive Producer Dawn Redmann for making the movie mix a reality.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour long.

Please watch my wife and RTP alumni Jeannette Godoy’s new short dance film, “The Myles Yachts Project”.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp 3.11.2017 is almost full so do not dilly dally. All info you need about my new film “I AM BATTLE COMIC” is posted here. 100% of ticket sales from our screening series goes to charity.

TV Ads And Tapas With VML Group Creative Director Pat Piper.

VML Group Creative Director Pat Piper is funny, prolific and one heck of a guy. He’s an award-winning creative that likes to stay busy. In addition to cranking out great ads, he has his own podcast called The Shakes on iTunes. Pat and I have fun talking about what it is like having comedic actors who try to one up each other during a comedy commercial shoot. We also mention how he made some of his classic Sonic commercials, which he originated with his former partner, Matt McKay. Of course, he explains what respecting the process means to him. Please give it a listen and I hope you enjoy it.

Email me at jordan@commercialdirectingbootcamp.com if you think you qualify for the Superlounge Diversity Award to attend December 3rd Bootcamp on Superlounge. Or just sign up.

Enjoy,

Jordan

True! Commercial Directing Bootcamp is already over half full. Los Angeles, December 3, 2016. Sign up now before the class fills up. Limit 20.

This episode is an hour and some minutes.

What A Commercial Director’s Sales Rep Does With Doug Sherin.

Doug Sherin reps commercial directors as well as production companies. He sells talent based on their reel. He’s like our agent, but oh he is so much more than an agent, he’s a partner in the process of developing a director’s career. Check out his stellar roster at his company, Options.

We chat about how communication is key, his joy in finding work for his clients, and donuts. It’s a real treat to finally have my friend on the show.

Enjoy,

Jordan

Yes! Commercial Directing Bootcamp is already over half full. Los Angeles, December 3, 2016. Sign up now before the class fills up. Limit 20.

This episode is an hour and some minutes.

Gary Rose Of Go Film Dissects The Commercial Filmmaking Industry With Me.

Gary Rose is the Managing Director of Go Film, one of the top shops for making commercials. We look at the current state of our business and how the game has evolved. I rarely call it “the game” but hey. Gary has worked alongside one of my favorite filmmakers, Christopher Guest, so I get to learn how Mr. Guest likes to work on the spots he chooses to do. Overall, Gary navigates the business with finesse and surely knows how to pick and develop directorial talent.

We touch on his love of underwater photography. I wish you could see his work on the walls of Go Film. Click here for a taste. Oh, that’s a Billy Idol screenshot from a Go FIlm spot, not Gary.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp Chicago was a blast! Huge thank you to the filmmakers. Now send me podcast feedback people. How are we doing? Questions?

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour and 20 minutes.

My Successful Director/Producer Relationship With Rick Cowan, RIP.

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Filmmaker Rick Cowan was my dear friend and frequent collaborator. He grew to be a mentor and pillar to all who knew him. He passed away this week, and I miss him. RIP Rick.

This conversation is from July 2015 and was posted back then.

Love,

Jordan

This episode is an hour, give or take.

Commercials to Feature Films, It’s All Storytelling For Director Blair Hayes.

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I loved his feature film “Bubble Boy”, so when I met Director Blair Hayes I was a bit star struck. Plus, his reputation as a commercial helmer is legendary. So happy we got to finally sit down and chat about his work. Admittedly, I’m in awe of Director/Camerapeople. If you learn one thing, it will be the meaning of capturing the essence of the moment.

UPDATE*** New MCDonald’s spot from Blair Hayes:

Blair’s new film “Great Plains” is making the festival rounds, so keep an eye out for it. Click here for a Hawaii Tourism spot we dissect. Also this below, and more by clicking his name. Enjoy.

thanks,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is August 13th, 2016 in Chicago. Limit 20 Filmmakers.

Thanks,

Jordan

Jordan

This episode is 85 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

Recording Sound and Producing Puppets With Frankie Fiore.

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Frankie Fiore works non-stop in the sound department, in all areas of it too, but when his pal Anthony Imperiolli asked him to produce his puppet short films for Dairy Queen, Frankie rose the challenge. Check out the behind-the-scenes below. It’s awesome work, hilarious and a great story of how the character of Nonna Maria came to be a viral hit, and a commercial crossover.

Nonna Maria DQ Outtakes 2016 from Frankie Fiore on Vimeo.

We obviously chat about sound, and various and sundry on-set shenanigans.

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp will next take place in August. Where? Chicago!
This episode is about 50 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.

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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.

Living La Vida Creativa With Creative Director/Art Director Juan V. Perez.

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My guest Juan V. Perez is constantly looking to explore the world through an artistic lens, for personal creative fulfillment and to inform his work. We discuss staying relevant in this digital era of constant change.

We dissect his beautiful spot for Comcast that speaks to bilingual American Latinos with just an English voice over, and we find out why. Check out this spot here. Juan asks me the origin of “Respect The Process” as a podcast title and I oblige. It’s a great chat you’ll find motivating.

Thanks to all the filmmakers that attended Commercial Directing Bootcamp in NYC that week. What a blast! Write me if I should come to your town.

thank you,

Jordan
Here’s more about Commercial Directing Bootcamp.

This episode is 63 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

The Medium Serves Your Message.

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I’m fresh off my stand-up comedy tour of the Middle East. We performed for the troops in Kuwait, Afghanistan and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Crazy times with four hilarious comedians that I now call my brothers. I also shot a documentary by myself whilest on this tour. And sure, I could have taken an Alexa mini, Red-Epic-Dragon-Platinum whatever or even a new Sony mirrorless thingy, but I chose a simple Handycam. Yup. Got her at Best Buy. Furthermore, despite the 4K option, I decided at the last minute to “fuck the 4K” the save the ones and zeros by shooting good ol’ 1080.

It’s just me rambling, and I’ll be back with interviews before you know it. Super excited from filming this once in a lifetime experience, and now to jump off the cliff into editing. Check out my comic pals Don Barnhart, Jeff Capri, Bob Kubota and Slade Ham. You’ll be happy.

Thanks and good to be back with you all, oh, yeah…Commercial Directing Bootcamp NYC is filling up, so do not miss it. April 16th, 2016.

Thanks,

Jordan.

Again, Commercial Directing Bootcamp hits NYC on April 16th, 2016. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Spots are being gobbled up. Limit 20 filmmakers.

thanks,

Jordan

Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend. Shout out to today’s sponsor, IOM Cases. Sculpted Metal iPhone cases that make you cool.

How I View My Rate As A Filmmaker.

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My view of rates as a filmmaker may be unorthodox, but it sure keeps me sane and humble. I see it as shooting for free, and the big payday is for all the prep, production details and post. It’s a healthy attitude that treasures the shoot day as a reward.

Filmmakers are already signing up for Commercial Directing Bootcamp so hurry. Limit 20 filmmakers, because I custom-tailor the program to address the needs of the attendees.

Thank you.

Jordan

Rise Of The Freelance Creative Director With CD Jon Shore.

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Both a Creative Director and prolific Copywriter, Jon Shore and I have worked on and off for over a decade, cranking out dozens of comedy spots. After 25 years at one shoppe, Jon headed out on his own and never looked back. Visit jonshorecreative.com for his work.

We chat about collaborating, getting the most out of others, and letting go of certain aspects in order to see a project grow. Jon gives kudos to the Account Teams as well for setting the process in motion the right way. A first on the show. We also briefly wax about the Oscar movies, which may be in the past by the time you hear this.

Here’s a few favoritea I shot with Jon and his former CK Team, starring Pat Finn, starting with a gem called “Flowers” appropriately.

Oh, Commercial Directing Bootcamp hits NYC on April 16th, 2016. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Spots are being gobbled up. Limit 20 filmmakers.

thanks,

Jordan

Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend. Shout out to today’s sponsor, IOM Cases. Sculpted Metal iPhone cases that make you cool.

Adapt Or Die: Why Filmmakers Need To Shoot Tests.

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This episode is just me explaining how I shoot various tests to help land big gigs. It certainly helped with my current batch of spots with Saatchi & Saatchi, who are some of the coolest and most creative folks in the business. These tests, which filmmakers have done for years, not only help win the assignment, but tests help us execute with my team, knowing it will work. Shoot with confidence.

So, when I’m shooting I’ve got to respect that process, so this is a quickie. Let me know what you all think! Oh, and fear not, I’ve got plenty of great interviews in store. And I’ll post the spots when they roll out.

thanks,

Jordan

I know you’ll find this talk entertaining and informative. Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

What A Stunt Driver Does With Stunt Driver Donnie Bailey.

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Donny Bailey has been the stunt driver on all your favorite action films, “Mad Max: Fury Road”, “The Dark Knight Rises”, and “Captain America: Civil War” …and I was privileged to shoot my Buick spots with him. In fact, it’s all the same to Donnie, for he approaches the work on a shot by shot basis. The consummate professional, Donnie stays calm under pressure and takes charge to execute the most intricate camera moves. Check out Performance Filmworks and their impressive work!

You’ll love his stories of a 26 foot crane used to shoot Mad Max. And I ask is the guitar playing freak really up there playing live on camera? How do you drive alongside Captain America? What happens when the DP and Director disagree in the car? Just a few of many great questions. Thank you Donnie!

Please share and enjoy. Not necessarily in that order.

thanks,

Jordan

I know you’ll find this talk entertaining and informative. Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

What A Digital Imaging Technician Does With D.I.T. Ryan Kunkleman.

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Thank you Ryan Kunkleman for explaining the mysterious role of the D.I.T. to me! The Digital Imagining Technician has become a critical member of the filmmaking team since the digital revolution. Ryan is one of the best, having done feature films, television and commercials. Can you say “Captain America: Civil War”? He not only tells us the different approaches to his craft in the various mediums, but he knows the history of the gig too.

Working closely with the cinematographer, the D.I.T. helps set the “look” and keeps the photography on point. Please note, Ryan is also a talented cinematographer himself, so he shares his journey of his illustrious career. Here’s a recent interview with Ryan.

The tech-talk is flowing on this episode, but Ryan makes the knowledge accessible to all filmmakers. Check out this vid and his DP reel:

Please share and enjoy. Not necessarily in that order.

thanks,

Jordan

It’s an one chat that I know you’ll find entertaining and informative. Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.