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

Posted on December 1, 2014November 22, 2015 Posted in Film, UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, Bill of Rights, Bill of Rights for Dumbasses, Bruce Willis, Cibil Sheppard, cinematography, collaboration, commercials, Communism, communist, creative, Creative director, directing., dubbing, filmmaking podcast, freedom, Moonlighting, Romania, Seth Gordon, television, TVLeave a comment

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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.

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

Posted on November 24, 2014November 24, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, AutoTrader, Challenger, Charger, collaboration, comedy, commercials, copywriter, creative, Creative director, directing., Dodge, Doner, I Am Road Comic, Nick Marine, O'Charley's, Richard Rawlings, Sales Event, Tater chip, web filmLeave a comment

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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.

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

Posted on November 5, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, APR, Chuck Meehan, cinematography, client, client side, collaboration, comedy, commercials, Cost Consultant, creative, Creative director, directing., diversity, filmmaking, Jeannette Godoy, Latina director, marketing, McCann, Minority director, podcast, Production, raci, raci system, respect the process, Rob Reilly, SME, Subject Matter ExpertLeave a comment

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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.

Posted on October 30, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged 2014 Super Bowl Commercials, ad agency, advertising, APR, collaboration, comedy, commercials, conference call, Cost Consultant, creative, Creative director, directing., Executive Producer', filmmaking podcast, indie film, Production, respect the process, spoofLeave a comment

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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.

Posted on October 27, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, award-winning, Baby got back, ballet, Bridgestone, Cannes, choreography, cinematography, collaboration, commercials, creative, directing., film festivals, filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, Free 2 Be Me, indie film, Jeannette Godoy, respect the process, Shoot Magazine, Shots, sir-mix-a-lotLeave a comment

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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.

Live From The Ad Age Small Agency Conference.

Posted on September 23, 2014September 23, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad age, ad agency, advertising, austin, collaboration, creative, directing., filmmaking podcast, respect the process, small ad agency, texasLeave a comment

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As a director, I’m hired by advertising agencies of all sizes. Some are huge, part of a global conglomerate, while others are nimble shoppes, but equally as creative. The big agencies are always in the trades, pitching and winning even bigger clients. But I wondered how these smaller agencies got their work. So I traveled to Austin, Texas to the Ad Age Small Agency Conference and chatted with a few attendees. Massive thank you to AdAge.com for having me.

Sitting in on the opening presentation was fascinating. “Hypertelling” was Google Head of Brand Strategy & Insights Eric Solomon’s take on how brands need to be responsive and interactive storytellers. Cool case studies. Eric urges agencies to push the boundaries of what is possible with storytelling in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape.

Then I chatted with Brian Pettigrew from TVGla, Doug Gelfand & Kelly Parriott from the Rally Group in Denver, Darrell Allen from Total Online Marketing, and finally Brett Tesmer from LRXD. All great people. Thanks!

This episode is very short. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Green Screen Animals’ Mark Shockley Has Already Filmed Your Beast.

Posted on September 17, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged advertising, collaboration, commercials, creative, David Fincher, Deer, directing., elephants, filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, Gone Girl, Green Screen Animals, hoffstock, J.J. Abrams, Katy Perry, lions, Matt Damon, podcast, Reggie Watts, respect the process, Roar, tiger, We Bought A Zoo1 Comment

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Hear why David Fincher, J.J. Abrahms and myself use Green Screen Animals. Simple: Mark Shockley and his animal-loving crew shoot all kinds of creatures on green screen, and then license the footage to you. Best of all, they treat the beasts like the divas that they are. Mark only works with trainers and handlers that share his compassion for all living things.

Having worked with animals on set, I can attest that the time and money his footage saves production is well-worth it. You’ll also discover the key to working with animals: clear communication. Enjoy spots with GSA’s stars below.

Reggie Watts for “Click Clean”:

A behind the scenes, we always love those:

GreenScreen Animals – Behind the Scenes from GreenScreen Animals on Vimeo.

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

Live On Tour, It’s SNL’s Digital Shorts Editor Adam Epstein.

Posted on September 10, 2014September 10, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged Abe Lincoln, Adam Epstein, collaboration, comedy, commercials, creative, Cutting Edge Post Production Tour, digital shorts, directing., editing, film, filmmaking, Lena Dunham, Louis CK, parody, respect the process, Saturday Night Live, SNL, spoofLeave a comment

Filmmaker Adam Esptein is editor of the SNL film unit.

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For decades, the inspired and hilarious short films of Saturday Night Live have been the highlight of show. So what a treat to talk with Adam Epstein, the SNL film unit editor that pulls it all together, literally overnight. We chat about workflow, turnaround, teamwork and the amazing talent both in front of and behind the camera of your favorite digital shorts. Check the links or click on his name above if you want to laugh along with top-quality films that spoof pop culture, all executed with deft aplomb and in brilliant detail.

Adam is currently on tour with the Cutting Edge Post Production Tour. Well worth attending to learn from the master.

SNL’s “Wes Anderson Horror Movie”

SNL’s “The Real Housewives of Disney”

SNL’s “The Begency”

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

Tom Lowe Is A Producer By Day, And An Award-Winning Photographer By Night In The Mohave Desert.

Posted on September 2, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged 5d, advertising, agency, commercials, conference call, creative, Daniel Sheppard, directing., Dodge, Fred Savage, G2 Gallery, Honda, Kim Bradshaw, Mohave, Mohave Desert, photography, Richard RawlingsLeave a comment

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Tom Lowe is an experienced line producer who produced a few of my epic Dodge spots for the Doner Agency this summer. Naturally, we chat about the creative problem solving the line producer brings to the shoot. His advice to new directors is invaluable. The first half of this engaging, tech-filled interview, we focus on Tom’s stunning photography exhibit running now through September 14th, 2014 at the G2 Gallery on Abbot Kinney in Venice, California. Hurry in! Click the G2 link to RSVP to the reception Friday, September 5th from 6:30pm to 9pm.

Scroll down and marvel at a few Tom’s shots and the spots we talk about. Oh, I reveal my approach to a conference call, rant against two cameras and praise my fellow filmmakers.

Tom’s Honda spot he produced for Fred Savage:

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

The Perlorian Brothers Brilliantly Blend Absurdity With Humanity.

Posted on July 30, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, Canadian, comedy, commercials, creative, directing., duo, fuck the process, Geico, respect the process2 Comments

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The Perlorian Brothers make comedy spots that I wish I’d made. Admittedly, I was giddy interviewing the dynamic directing duo from the Great White North, because I’ve held them in such high regard since I began, and because Canadians are genetically funnier than most. Ian Letts and Michael Gelfand sat down with me at the noisy airport cafe to discuss how they make the magic.

Ian and Michael started as agency creatives, and offer up great advice for creatives choosing a director. We chat about finding the humanity amidst the absurdity, casting, and sometimes subverting the process if it’s getting in the way of greatness.

Here’s a sampling of their work we talk about:

Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Good Enough Sucks, Says Bill Wright, Global Co-Exec Creative Director at McCann Erickson.

Posted on July 22, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, Arco, Canadian, comedy, commercials, creative, directing., duo, fuck the process, Pumping with Confidence, respect the processLeave a comment

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This episode dropped in February, and as i am traveling to Austin this week, I picked it as my debut repeat. Why? Cuz it’s worth the listen!

Since the interview, ad-innovators Bill Wright and James Dawson-Hollis have moved to McCann Erickson. (Read this Ad Week article, I’m not making it up.) Oh, and James & his lovely wife Vivienne Wan had a darling baby! Mazel tov!

Bill & James have won boatloads of awards at Cannes, The One Show and every other major advertising show. This dynamic duo have more Gold Lions than anyone I’ve ever met.

I chatted with Bill in the editing room. He inspires us with his writing techniques, explains his work ethic, and shares wisdom learned while working alongside ad wizard Alex Bogusky from the his tenure at CP+B, and more. Back when I showed my boys the powerful “Truth” anti-smoking spots, I never knew I’d one day work with the man who named the campaign. Truly flattered to have Bill on the show.

Here’s the first spot I directed for them:

A look back: Adweek listed them “Top Creative Minds in Digital”.

Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Avoiding Creative Atrophy With Director Graeme Joyce.

Posted on July 10, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, British, commercials, creative, directing., fuck the process, Monroe, respect the process, storytelling, treatment, visualLeave a comment

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Visual storytelling requires a discerning eye and a strong point of view. My guest has that and more. I sat down with Director Graeme Joyce, whose work I’ve admired for a while now. Naturally, we talk about treatments and the state of the spot business. Graeme also gives us his two cents on why directors change production companies, the “Canon Revolution” and how to get noticed in the internet age. He also coins the phrase “creative atrophy” and avoids it at all costs. A great chat.

Enjoy Graeme’s spot we discuss for Men’s File Magazine.

My Independence As A Filmmaker With Self-Distribution.

Posted on July 6, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged $5 download, ad agency, advertising, comedy, comedy documentary, commercials, creative, directing., fuck the process, Gumroad, I Am Comic, I Am Road Comic, independent film, indie film, respect the process, self-distributionLeave a comment

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Creative freedom feels so good. By self-distributing my new comedy documentary “I Am Road Comic” directly to fans for $5, I’m showing the world an unfettered work. This episode is just me rambling about my grass roots strategy, and being very transparent with how the money flows. The last ten days I’ve been connecting – learning, reacting and interacting with my film’s audience. Oh, don’t fret. I’m simultaneously pursuing other outlets to bring it to the masses. Thanks in advance for your support.

I’m using two (2) turn-key sites: Gumroad and VHX. Each link is on my site, and each can host your film on a dedicated site. It gets a little nutty, and each has it’s strengths: Gumroad has a WordPress button you that makes it easy, but VHX offers PayPal. Listen and let me know what you think of the episode and the film.

Many thanks to all the comedians in the film, and the podcasters helping me spread the word. Here’s the trailer:

This episode lasts a mere 20 minutes. Please rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Busy Commercial Director Chris Smith Talks Repeat Business.

Posted on June 26, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, collaboration, comedy, commercials, creative, directing., filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, respect the processLeave a comment

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Sugar.tv’s Director Chris Smith is a happy commercial director. Like myself, he loves the medium, the process and has built lasting relationships that trust him beyond compare.

We chat about conference calls, spec spots, post vfx (warning: gets very geeky and I love it!). Chris believes knowing the tools make you a better director, but warns don’t get lost in the tech. Oh yes, he loves the Artemis app.

Enjoy his funny Tropicana spot: “Nothing”

This episode lasts 64 minutes. Please rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

What is Sound Design and Who Chose That Music? Matt Miller Explains.

Posted on June 19, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, collaboration, comedy, commercials, creative, directing., filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, I Am Road Comic, indie film, passion project, respect the process, sound designLeave a comment

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Matt Miller is a master at weaving the aural layers in our commercials and often composes original music for them too. Sound design, mixing and finding the right music are the most subjective arenas in all of advertising and Matt is one of the best. He also crafted the stellar mix for my new documentary “I AM ROAD COMIC”, which buoys my camcorder-quality filming. He explains how he put each comic on his/her own track. Insane.

We chat about truncated schedules that plague the process, how he manages a room of clients and agency folks while working, and offers advise to people that want to get into the enchanting world of audio post production. Warning: great tech talk.

Watch Matt’s favorite spot he’s worked on – already a classic. C’mon, it’s the Imperial March for crying out loud.

This episode lasts 63 minutes. Please rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

What Does The Agency Producer Do? Mike Leary Explains.

Posted on June 12, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, collaboration, comedy, commercials, creative, directing., filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, producing, production 101, respect the processLeave a comment

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Mike Leary is one of the most buttoned-up agency producers I’ve had the pleasure of working with. But just what the heck does an agency producer do? For starters, the agency producer guides the matchmaking process, helping the agency creative team find the right director for their project, thus making this a must-listen episode for anyone interested in directing spots.

Mike calls making commercials the “ultimate team sport” and I agree. Our talk is too thorough of a conversation to recap. He is a filmmaker that not only respects the process, but knows it inside and out.

This episode lasts 75 minutes. Please rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Your Mother is A Liar Says Job Propulsion Lab’s Bart Cleveland.

Posted on June 5, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, collaboration, comedy, commercials, creative, directing., filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, respect the processLeave a comment

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If you’re thinking about ad agency life, you need to hear this chat. Top creative Bart Cleveland cherishes seeing people succeed. Bart has always mentored his creative teams, and now he’s founded Job Propulsion Laboratory to help people entering advertising plan and manage a successful career. Oh, we also discuss that the perfect commercial is 42 seconds.

Here’s one of the kooky anti-smoking spot we did together:

This video explains the Job Propulsion Lab experience:

Bart launched “Small Agency Diary” at AdAge.com, always an interesting read.

This episode lasts 60 minutes. Please rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Writer/Director Bobcat Goldthwait Follows His Bliss.

Posted on May 28, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, Bigfoot, Bobcat Goldthwait, collaboration, comedy, commercials, creative, directing., filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, Joseph Campbell, respect the process, Willow CreekLeave a comment

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I’m a huge Bobcat Goldthwait fan for decades. First as a comedian, then as a writer/director. His diverse directorial gigs defy classification. Besides his own films, he directs “Maron”, numerous stand-up specials, helmed many a “Chappelle’s Show” sketch and hundreds of nights of “Jimmy Kimmel Live”, a multi-camera show.

This is a great episode to inspire you to toss off the shackles in your mind and chart your own course. Bobcat’s first film, “Shakes the Clown” influenced me to make a film filled with my comic friends. Imagine how delighted I was when he brought up “The Writer’s Journey” by Christopher Vogler. It’s the one book I always recommend to young storytellers. Enjoy.

Watch the trailer for “Willow Creek”, in theaters and VOD June 6th…

This episode lasts 64 minutes. Please rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Cinematography Tips with DP Afshin Shahidi.

Posted on May 21, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, cinematography, collaboration, comedy, commercials, creative, directing., filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, music video, Prince, respect the processLeave a comment

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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.

From Film Fests to Spot Directing with Superlounge’s Brett Wagner.

Posted on May 14, 2014September 3, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged ad agency, advertising, Care, collaboration, comedy, commercials, creative, directing., Film festival, filmmaking, filmmaking podcast, respect the process1 Comment

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Brett Wagner’s short drama “Care” is a film festival fav, recently winning “Best Drama” at LA Shorts Fest. I first met Brett five years ago when it was called the LA International Short Film Festival, and his magnificent film “Chief” won Best Dramatic Short as well. He’s been steadily gobbling up awards ever since.

Brett directs commercials via Superlounge, so we naturally talk about spot making. How did he get started. Why is there no mentor program for commercials? Do short films pay off?

The trailer for “Care” is gripping; it stars “House of Cards” Rachel Brosnahan.

On the commercial front, here’s two spots that display Brett’s comedic flare:

This episode lasts 55 minutes. Please rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

JORDAN BRADY

Tag: creative

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

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

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

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

The Fascinating Journey Of Director Jeannette Godoy.

Live From The Ad Age Small Agency Conference.

Green Screen Animals’ Mark Shockley Has Already Filmed Your Beast.

Live On Tour, It’s SNL’s Digital Shorts Editor Adam Epstein.

Tom Lowe Is A Producer By Day, And An Award-Winning Photographer By Night In The Mohave Desert.

The Perlorian Brothers Brilliantly Blend Absurdity With Humanity.

Good Enough Sucks, Says Bill Wright, Global Co-Exec Creative Director at McCann Erickson.

Avoiding Creative Atrophy With Director Graeme Joyce.

My Independence As A Filmmaker With Self-Distribution.

Busy Commercial Director Chris Smith Talks Repeat Business.

What is Sound Design and Who Chose That Music? Matt Miller Explains.

What Does The Agency Producer Do? Mike Leary Explains.

Your Mother is A Liar Says Job Propulsion Lab’s Bart Cleveland.

Writer/Director Bobcat Goldthwait Follows His Bliss.

Cinematography Tips with DP Afshin Shahidi.

From Film Fests to Spot Directing with Superlounge’s Brett Wagner.