Tag: directing.

Michelle Kath Sinclair & Jordan Levy Discuss Their TIFF Hit Documentary “Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience”.

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Cinematographer/Producer Jordan Levy returns to the show and he brings Director Michelle Kath Sinclair with him. Michelle’s debut feature documentary is “Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience”, a delightfully charming search for her guitar-shredding father, a founding member of Chicago, who died when Michelle was two years old.

We chat about how the film came to be, the technical and legal challenges and more. We also explore the wonderful, healing effect making the film had on the surviving bandmates.

Rent, steam or buy the film here.

Happy Holidays,

Jordan

“I Am Battle Comic” is the perfect stocking stuffer.

Thanks,

Jordan

This runs just over an hour. “I Am Battle Comic” makes a great gift. Just saying. Click here for “I Am Battle Comic” dvd’s and digital downloads. Buy it today!

I Get Woke To Sexual Harassment On-Set By Filmmaker Destri Martino.

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Talented Director/Producer Destri Martino founded The Director List, a database of female directors, when she realized there were many qualified, working women directors but none were getting the big opportunities. Check out the site and help build the awareness. Destri and I go way back. She worked as my (overqualified) Director’s Assistant on two feature films, one for Miramax under now-known sexual predator Harvey Weinstein. So we dive deep into the on-set practices that are indeed abusive and harassing. #GetWoke

Thank you Destri for sharing all your insights.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour and 13 minutes. Next Commercial Directing Bootcamp is December 2nd, 2017 and is filling up fast.
“I Am Battle Comic” is sweeping hearts and funny bones across the nation. Own it today!

“Transparent” Cinematographer Jim Frohna Shares His Intimate Filmmaking Process.

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Cinematographer Jim Frohna has shot every episode of Amazon’s hit show “Transparent”, infusing each scene with an intimacy between the characters and the camera. In a sense, he is like the unseen member of the Pfefferman family. Jim has directed the show as well, so you know we chat about that experience too. Plenty of tech talk for ya’ll, but moveover, you’ll feel the love and cohesiveness among the cast & crew. Thank you Mr. Frohna for coming on the show!

thanks,

Jordan

This lasts an hour and 20 minutes.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is December 02, 2017 in Los Angeles and tickets are already being gobbled up. “I Am Battle Comic” is sweeping hearts and funny bones across the nation. Own it today!

The Rebirth Of Commercial Director Jeff Gordon.

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Filmmaker Jeff Gordon has just unleashed new spots for his longtime client, Mothers, makers of quality car polishes and waxes. And lucky for us, he gives us a detailed first-hand account of that entire journey. Soup to nuts.

The first time Jeff visited the pod-studio, we chatted about directing chimps and babies. A great episode in the jordanbrady.com archives or hell, just click here.

Check out the Mothers spot, called “Speed” before you listen.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is just over an hour of fun. 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.

Two Directors, One Interview w Filmmakers Kurt Schneider & Keenan Wetzel.

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Talented filmmakers Kurt Schneider and Keenan Wetzel are two distinct filmmakers thriving in the fabulous city of Detroit. When these two college pals recently visited Los Angeles, I jumped at the chance to interview them. We discuss the benefits of fostering a directing career outside of New York or Los Angeles, doing the work, respecting the process and so much more.

Check out Direct to Podcast, Kurt and Keenan’s podcast about directing commercials. It’s on iTunes and the link may just take you to my episode with them. I dunno.

Michigan Construction | Video Games from Kurt Schneider on Vimeo.

thanks,

Jordan

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

Collaboration And Communication Are Key For Comedy Director Tom DeCerchio.

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I’m a longtime fan of comedy Director Tom DeCerchio, so it was great to sit down and chat on this episode. We share a love for communication and holding the pre-pre production meeting so all are on the same page. Tom tells the tale of being a young copywriter and how that informs him as a filmmaker.

Thanks to my son and podcast editor Jake Brady for filling on the intro here, as I got that flu bug kicking my ass!  Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix and Los Angeles and Minneapolis screenings of “I Am Battle Comic” are selling ticket fast. Click on this site for links.

Cheers,

Jordan

This episode is 90 minutes of fun.

Visit Commercial Directing Bootcamp and sign up for my popular seminar March 11th, 2017, my last for a while.

From Producing At DDB To Directing Comedy Spots Everywhere With Greg Popp.

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Commercial comedy director Greg Popp went from film school to producing classic ads at DDB Chicago, where his work with Anheuser-Busch won literally every major advertising honor. But that directing bug gnawed at him until he said goodbye to the agency side, and now he’s a much sought-after helmer of the funny.

We compare notes on gigs and our process, and swap stories from the trenches of advertising. Enjoy. Click some Greg Popp flavor here. “In the Can” makes me laugh every time.

Bud Light Lime "Can Confessions" from Greg Popp on Vimeo.

Thanks and share this one!

Jordan

The episode is 90 minutes or so. Sign up for the next Commercial Directing Bootcamp in Los Angeles, March 11th, 2017. That’s a Saturday immersed in the process.

My merch page is live, so get yourself the exact t-shirt Helen wears in the booth. Or buy an overpriced coffee travel mug to support the show.

The Joy Of The Unknown While Filmmaking With Commercial Director Scotty Bergstein.

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Commercial Director Scotty Bergstein started out as Ridley Scott’s assistant on the movie “Thelma and Louise”. Talk about a film school like no other. Now he’s a seasoned, sought-after spot helmer. We chat about his process from first getting a storyboard through delivering that edit.

We share the joy of allowing the process to reveal things on set that would not have happened if you didn’t plan properly. Like finding the magic moments between the dialogue. Filmmakers, I know you’ll find this episode inspiring. So check out spots of Scotty’s by clicking his name, or visting Cultivate.media.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Jordan

Jordan

SOLD OUT! Commercial Directing Bootcamp is 100% sold out for Los Angeles, December 3, 2016.

This episode is an hour and 15 minutes, give or take.

My Chat With “Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero” Comedy Director Jonathan Kesselman.

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Sitting down with Director Jonathan Kesselman was like reuniting with a cousin I’d never met. I’d seen his first film, The Hebrew Hammer, now we talk about his new film “Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero” starring comedian Maz Jobrani. Maz is hysterical in the clubs, on his specials, so I knew the film would be laugh out loud too.

We chat about developing the film, working with actors who wrote the script they star in, and oh, so much more. Enjoy the trailer, then see the movie.

Chicago’s Commercial Directing Bootcamp will sell out. Sign up now and I’ll see you in Chicago August 13th, 2016.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is over an hour and 15 minutes, give or take.

Directing Chimps Vs. Babies With Comedy Director Jeff Gordon.

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I’m honored to chat with Director Jeff Gordon, a versatile filmmaker, but one that can say he specializes in commercials with chimps and babies. In our conversation, he points out one “secret weapon” to his success with infants – his baby wrangler.

It was delightful to hear we’ve both worked with a particular chimp named Bella. She is wonderful to shoot with. All in all this is a such great episode. You listeners will certainly enjoy this one.

See more of Jeff Gordon‘s fun spots by clicking his name. Oh, We’re still taking Filmmakers for Commercial Directing Bootcamp Chicago. August 13th. This live event will sell out. Sign up today!

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is over an hour and 15 minutes.
Sign up today for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp today. Limit 20.

Freelance Agency Producer By Day, Comedian By Night With Peter Ostella.

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Peter Ostella explains the ins and outs of being an in-demand agency producer. From how he facilitates the creative teams he works with to managing the clients, he spells it out. Does he ever present new directorial talent? How does he deal with newbie clients that have never shot a spot before?

Additionally, we share our love of the stand-up comedy.

This episode is part one of a two-part great chat. Leave feedback and share with friends.

Thanks,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp will next take place in August. Where? Dunno.
This episode is 65 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

You Be Creative And Get Help Running Your Business With Joel Pilger.

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Production veteran Joel Pilger helps directors, artists and such focus on the creative side of things, while he and his team at RevThink help you run the business side of things. We chat about his company and his mission to take the pain out of running your own company. Cuz when you hit a certain level of success, shit happens. Stuff you do not want to deal with.

Joel also hosts a great podcast called RevThinking of iTunes. Check it out, and compare his episode interviewing me. He also introduced me to the term solopreneur. Oh, the phone rings but I left it in to offer you a peek behind the curtain of podcasting. And I’m lazy.

Enjoy.

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is this Saturday, April 16th, in Manhattan and I am thrilled with the quality of filmmakers that are attending. Still room for you, if you’re special.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is 65 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

What The Executive Producer Does In Commercial Production With EP Mark Androw.

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My guest is the charming Mark Androw, Executive Producer of STORY, a long-thriving production company he owns. Mark has dominated the spot business for many years, and he passionately explains just what an Executive Producer does. The EP, in tv commercial parlance, is the life-blood of the commercial production company. He/she develops the directorial roster, the business end of things and maintains the relationships with ad agencies, among many things.

Mark also loves living and shooting in Chicago, and explains why. Aspiring Production Assistants should know that the AICP has a free PA seminar April 30, 1026 in Chicago. Click here for more info. Or email Mark directly at mark@storyco.tv – crazy nice huh?

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is next Saturday in Manhattan and I am thrilled with the quality of filmmakers that are attending. Still room for you, if you’re special.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is under 90 minutes.
Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

Still reading? Ok, 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.

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.

A New Branded Comedy Boutique Called “Yes Brand” with Hersh Rephun.

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Comedian, copywriter, marketer Hersh Rephun explains how he’s carved a niche making the funny for challenger brands. His new shop is called “Yes Brand” and they’ve just launched with a piece of branded content for Manatawny Still Works that stars Hersh himself.

We chat about creativity, synchronicity, quote Paul Newman and discuss everything under the sun as far as comedy and advertising go. Hersh is one of my favorite fun people to shoot the breeze with, hope you enjoy this as much as we did.

Check out Yes Brand’s debut branded content piece we discuss, elegant and to the point:

Commercial Directing Bootcamp NYC is filling up, so do not miss it. April 16th, 2016.

Thanks,

Jordany.

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.

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.

What Commercial Directors Should Know About Their Client With Imagine One Mobile CEO Scott Friedland.

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Scott Friedland is President and CEO of Imagine One Mobile, a marketing/advertising agency that helps marketers and brands increase sales and secure higher Returns On Ad Spend (ROAS) – across all platforms, devices and screens. Oh, this episode is plum full of acronyms, so hold on tight. Scott and I go back to when he hired me to direct and produce on NBC’s “Name Your Adventure”, a Saturday morning show in the 90’s, after the network introduced me to be co-host. By bringing me on staff, Scott gave me an opportunity that changed my life. Bravo!

We talk how a filmmaker should know the context of the brand and the brand’s positioning, as well as know where the spot is going to play.

Here’s a clip from “Name Your Adventure” I directed and host. Go ahead and laugh at me:

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 To Be A Successful Comedy Director With Comedy Director Ric Cantor.

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Ric Cantor is a director and writer of commercials, television and film. We met on a lark at a Directors Guild Of America conference, and I loved his work and wit so I’m very happy he’s on the show. We discuss Steven Seagal, the contractual and creative differences between directing spots in England versus the United States, as well as common trends we’ve noticed. He also tells how he readies himself for a pitch. And we discuss Director’s Cut and how strategically they fit on your reel. Invaluable stuff people.

Check out Ric’s website, he’s always adding new work. We talk about this older shoot:

thanks,

Jordan

It’s a hefty 90 minute chat that I know you’ll find entertaining and informative. Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.

Problem Solving And Manifestos, Part Two With Director Marcus Nispel.

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This is part two with Director Marcus Nispel, the innovative filmmaker of commercials, music videos and film. His work and work ethic have both inspired me since starting in commercials, including his famous manifesto, which we discuss. Marcus expresses the joy he still gets from solving problems, be they in the script or in a challenging execution. Click his name to see his expansive body of work, as well as the comments he’s added to describe the challenges of each spot.

thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour and change. Please rate the show on iTunes and share with a filmmaking friend.