How To Avoid Filmmaker Burnout.

A good filmmaker friend, who like me is always shooting and always pitching for the next gig, asked me how I avoid burning out. My answer is simple.. shoot and edit more. But what if you are getting burnt from trying, hitting a wall because you are not shooting or pitching enough? Don’t give up… do this. Listen.

If you’re ever in a bad place, you can always hit me up.

Truly,

Jordan

You know it’s just me today for 8 minutes.  August 8th is “I Am Battle Comic” and click and buy from this link and some money goes to National Military Family Association. San Antonio! Buy ticket for the August 2nd screening of I Am Battle Comic” to benefit National Military Family Association on this site.

Bootcamp has one seat left for August 26th, in Los Angeles.

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.

The Rebirth Of Commercial Director Jeff Gordon.

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.

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.

Pioneering VR Filmmaker Pierre Friquet Is A Virtual Reality Juggernaut.

Virtual reality aka VR is the buzzword du jour, but filmmaker Pierre Friquet has been immersed in it since 2010. He’s directed more than a dozen VR fictional stories, documentaries, music videos, dome and interactive experiences. So we hopped on the Skype and chatted about it all.

Pierre has won awards for this original VR fiction, JETLAG, including best live-action award at the Kaleidoscope VR festival and was selected at Cannes film festival. His HTC Vive experience, RED PATTERNS, won the best immersive award at Festival du Nouveau Cinéma in Montréal. Have a look and dive into this wonderful VR documentary film pilot of Pierre’s. I urge you to explore:

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 Get Real Emotions Into Branded Films With Director Jeannette Godoy.

Filmmaker Jeannette Godoy recently crafted 10 short films for Home Helpers, profiling 10 outstanding caregivers, each nominated for Caregiver of the Year. To do so, she and her documentary crew crisscrossed these United States in two action-packed trips. Jeannette shares her diligent prep secrets and shooting techniques. Moreover, she divulges her secret to getting real people to relax on camera. Many had never seen a film crew, let alone be on camera.

I urge you to watch them all, like Christine Villa below, to have a context for this great conversation. Note all of Jeannette’s were uploaded to Youtube in April 2017. The older ones are great stories too, but Jeannette’s have that unique that extra special sauce she brings.
Also check out her Myles Yachts Project:

I love Jeannette madly. As in I am in love with her.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is just over an hour. And here’s that sweet review from the discerning Sean L. McCarthy, aka the comics’ comic. Read it here.

Everything about these theatrical events is here on this site. Buy your tickets now. Click here for all screening info.

I’m Giving Away 2 VIP Tickets For Val Kilmer’s “Cinema Twain” Live Tour.

I saw Val Kilmer’s mind-blowing one man show “Citizen Twain” live in Los Angeles, and it blew my mind. Hence the phrase. We know Mr. Kilmer immerses himself in his characters (e.g. Jim Morrison, Doc Holliday), and this show had you forget Val and believe you were watching Mark Twain do a one man show. At the end of the run, Val has filmed the stage play and is now touring art houses with the movie. “Cinema Twain” is a must see and special evening with Val Kilmer live.

Helen and I are going, and we have two VIP tickets for Wednesday, March 29th, 2017 at the Irvine Improv. Tweet at me, Facebook me, and two lucky fans will go too!

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is under 4 minutes. Please share. Again, here is the link to “Cinema Twain” on valkilmer.com. Enjoy.

Everything you need to know about my documentary “I Am Battle Comic” on this very site. Or heck, just pre-buy it at www.iambattlecomic.com knowing the $$ goes to help military families. Thanks!

Commercial Director Kip Hewitt Makes Golf Clubs And Power Tools Sexy.

Commercial Director Kip Hewitt knows how to add drama to a power drill and sexiness to a dishwashing liquid. His golf spots are epic. So it’s a real joy to talk shop with Kip. He kinda hijacks the interview and asks me more questions. Which I love. We chat treatments, pitching on conference calls, and everything in between. Here’s a great spot from Kip.

Enjoy!

Jordan

Visit Commercial Directing Bootcamp and sign up for my popular seminar March 11th, 2017, my last for a while. Oh wait, it’s sold out.

Morphing From Photographer Into Busy Filmmaker With Kristyna Archer.

Filmmaker Kristyna Archer has a style and aesthetic I admire: it’s crisp, bold and colorful. A busy professional photographer, we chat about how her career has morphed into more and more directing gigs, as she explores new outlets of creativity. She also is the creator of the MergeLeft Podcast, a podcast exploring art and commerce thru conversations with shape-shifters in arts, media, advertising, and entertainment, which I am an upcoming guest on. Soon people. Check out this spot we discuss at length.

Daymond John for Xedo.com from Kristyna Archer on Vimeo.

Thank you,

Jordan

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is March 11, 2017 in Los Angeles. Only 20 filmmakers are accepted. Sign ups happening now!

By the way, thet new extended trailer is out for “I Am Battle Comic” is tearing up Facebook!

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is March 11, 2017 in Los Angeles and will sell out again so sign up now.

The episode is 67 minutes of fun.

Ad Agency Creative Director Turned Fantastic Commercial Director John Grammatico.

Our most popular episodes spotlight Commercial Directors or Ad Agency Creative Directors, so this chat with fantastic spot helmer John Grammatico makes for a perfect storm of a podcast. We discuss bidding for the same gigs, how he made that transition to full-time directing, and his process when he gets a storyboard. Oh, and I babble about listening and understanding the client. Check out this behind the scenes on his Anna Faris shoot for Lay’s.
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And I love this Cream Of Wheat spot.

Check out John’s work here and enjoy! You’ll recognize the work of my new friend.

Thanks,

Jordan

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.

This episode is an hour and 13 minutes, give or take.

Filmmakers Kristyna Archer & Monty Marsh Take Superlounge Diversity Award.

Filmmakers Kristyna Archer and Monty Marsh are dual recipients of the inaugural Superlounge Diversity Award. Each will attend Commercial Directing Bootcamp for free December 3rd, 2016 in Los Angeles. Both Monty and Kristyna display a keen proficiency in short form visual storytelling that I know can be channeled to make great ads. Bravo!!

Huge thanks to all the filmmakers that submitted great work.

Thank you,

Jordan

What Filmmakers Should Not Attend Commercial Directing Bootcamp.

My wildly successful Commercial Directing Bootcamp returns to Los Angeles next month, and not every filmmaker may be qualified. This is just me babbling for three minutes telling you why you should or should not enroll. If you think you have what it takes, do not wait and do sign up today, because we are almost full. Limit 20 filmmakers.

My spots starring Fiat’s Hipster Santa, flanked by his adorable elves, Jeep’s spot with the guy camping out, and those perky PacifiKids all aired during the World Series game 7, so I was delighted. I’ll post when they hit the web. Do I dissesct those shoot in Bootcamp? Did the Cubs win? Until then, here’s one of my many Jim Gaffigan spots from this summer that still gets played.

Thanks, and go ahead and please share with a mate that might benefit.

Jordan

True! Commercial Directing Bootcamp is already over half full. Los Angeles, December 3, 2016. Sign up people or suffer the rest of your career.

This episode is an hour.

Respect The Hustle With Producer Director Abraham Roofeh.

Abraham Roofeh is a director and producer with his own shop, Crowned Kings. Abe is constantly pumping out great content: spots, branded content and music videos, you name it. We chat about how he gets his work, what it means to find one’s voice as a storyteller and how filmmakers need to have a bit of entrepreneurial zeal these days.

Actors – check out the Dan Velez Fund, a scholarship for actors established by our friends at www.spacestationla.com to honor of this wonderful casting director that passed too soon. Go to www.DanVelexFund.org for more info.

Enjoy.

Jordan

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 people or suffer the rest of your career.

This episode is an hour.

Docu “Outcast Forever” Rides Along w First All-Black Motorcycle Club & Filmmaker DeVaughn Hughson.

Filmmaker and friend DeVaughn Hughson spend six years documenting Outcast, the first all-Black Motorcycle Club, literally living among these true rebels day and night. The result is an artistic peek into their raucous den and time-honored rituals. It’s a must-watch doc and the closest you’ll ever get to this unique world.

I find DeVaughn’s film a riveting study of alpha male culture, where individuality flourishes, yet everyone still supports the tribe at large. “Outcast Forever” is more than just the name of the film, it’s a lifelong bond for these proud men.

We chat filmmaking, the artistic choices, and how DeVaughn earned the Members’ trust. Support indie film and spread the word. Click DeVaughn’s name. Enjoy the trailer.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is an hour and 11 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.

Acclaimed Film Producer Miranda Bailey On Producing “Don’t Think Twice”.

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Miranda Bailey is a prolific film producer, actress and director. Currently, she’s got two wonderful films in theaters, “Swiss Army Man” and “Don’t Think Twice”, the latter opening wide this weekend. Go see it. It stars Keegan Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs, Tami Sagher, Chris Gethard, Kate Micucci and the film’s writer/director Mike Birbiglia. It’s funny, sad, heartfelt and the best look at the world of improvisational comedy ever.

Miranda has her own production company, Cold Iron Pictures, and started a distribution company, The Film Arcade. Click the words. She’s the real deal.

The last half of our chat reveals that I am indeed an old fashioned sexist. Eye opening, as we delve into the topic of gender inequality. Truthfully, I wanted to leave that alone and just talk to Miranda as a producer, but felt it was needed so we explore and shed a little light. Enjoy the trailer, then buy tickets:

Enjoy. Share. See the film. Thank you!!

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 an hour, give or take.

Bowling With Filmmaker Werner Herzog, He Loves My Commercial Directing Bootcamp Chicago.

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After three intense days shooting for Toyota and Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles, I took up my usual post shoot ritual of bowling. Surprisingly, I ran into my favorite filmmaker, Director Werner Herzog. He indulged me with a quick exchange about my Commercial Directing Bootcamp in Chicago, August 13th, 2016.

I am so deeply humbled Mr. Werner Herzog had any knowledge of it. I am currently taking his Masterclass, by the way, which I recommend to every filmmaker. Here’s a prior Toyota spot, forgive me if I posted this. It’s one of over 25 I’ve made with my team.

Sign up today for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp today. Limit 20.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is under 4 minutes

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

The Influences Of Pop Culture With Visionary Filmmaker Marcus Nispel.

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Director Marcus Nispel is a ground-breaking filmmaker and visionary. His illustrious career includes your favorite big budget music videos, six awesome feature films and some 1200 plus commercials for every major brand. He’s work influenced my own while his philosophy towards the art and craft of commercial filmmaking inspired me long before we ever met. So you can imagine what a treat it is to sit down and chat with him on the shores of Malibu.

Check out his work at his site. Marcus has added personal notations below each spot. Here’s a new spot and a classic music video we discuss that sums up an era:

Enjoy and please leave me some feedback.

thanks,

Jordan

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

Comedy Filmmaker Brad Hasse Invents Texting Hat.

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Commercial Filmmaker Brad Hasse has seen his art become a reality. His short film, “Texting Hat” became so popular that people started asking him if they could order their own chapéu. And now they can. He’s also the only helmer I know that’s done spots for two different types of mouthwash. We chat about the importance of personal passion projects, finding your voice as a director and much more.

Enjoy “Texting Hat”.

Big shout out to the swanky iPhone case maker IOM Cases for sponsoring the show.

My next Commercial Directing Bootcamp will be in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, December 19th, 2015 – so sign up for Commercial Directing Bootcamp today! Read the reviews on this site. Pretty flattering. #blush.

thanks,

Jordan

This episode is 85 minutes, give or take, of our banter. Please like the show on iTunes.