How The Special Olympics Beat My Post Shoot Depression.

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Today, I woke up in a funk. It happens. After 8 straight weeks of prep, shooting and working with editors, I caught that Post Shoot Depression. Then we took the train downtown to USC, home of this year’s Special Olympics. The happiness I witnessed lifted my spirits. And seeing my wife’s documentary play as a part of the events reminded me that as filmmakers, we have a gift that we can share. Watch “Free 2 Be Me” about the Free 2 Be Me Dance program for free by clicking here. Below is the extended trailer we made for the Special Olympic event.

Highlights from the documentary "Free 2 Be Me" about young dancers with Down Syndrome.
Watch the entire film for free at www.free2bememovie.com – and please share.

A film by Jeannette Godoy.

Literally only a few slots open for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp is filling up fast. Hurry and sign up. It’s Sunday, September 13th all day. You’ll up your game.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is just over 10 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please. Email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today. And I’m still accepting candidates for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp. You owe it to yourself.

How To Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck With Filmmaker Steve Stockman.

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Filmmaker Steve Stockman is a successful director, writer, producer and now author. His show “Brew Dogs” is a hit on Esquire TV, he’s shot a few hundred commercials, and wrote and directed the feature film “Two Weeks” starring Oscar winner Sally Fields. We met online after I bought his book, “How To Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck.”

Steve stresses that we’re working in a portfolio business, so he encourages filmmakers at all levels to get out and shoot. He also spells out a “How to” for getting into the reality television game. I encourage you all to buy his book, which preaches story and practical tips. Make sthe perfect gift!

Here’s the book trailer, and just take my word and purchase from Steve’s site.
Here’s the spot I shot in Steve’s garage.Avery Labels “Draft”

Only a few slots open for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp is filling up fast. Hurry and sign up. It’s Sunday, September 13th all day. You’ll up your game.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is just over an hour. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please. Email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today. And I’m still accepting candidates for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp. You owe it to yourself.

Nat Geo Wild’s SharkFest Takes Big Bite Out Of SharkWeek w Sr. Producer James Introcaso.

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Senior Producer James Introcaso and I sat down immediately after a successful shoot of our Nat Geo WILD promo for SharkFest. Not SharkWeek, that is totally different. National Geographic Channel’s Sr. VP/Group Creative Director Andy Baker offers the companion piece to this episode over at Andy’s The Client Blog, so be sure to check that out. Oh, and of course the AdWeek feature that touts the greatest of the work.

James and I discuss collaboration, ad-libbing and the process of developing of ideas at Nat Geo. You’ll be inspired by how James made his first film driving around these United States, that landed him a job at Cartoon Network.

Huge thanks to the entire creative team at Nat Geo Channels for a great idea, the most thorough development and comprehensive prep. And to comedian Rory Scovel, who brought his magic to the set. Here’s the spot:

My Commercial Directing Bootcamp is filling up fast. Hurry and sign up. It’s Sunday, September 13th all day. You’ll up your game.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is two hours and 15 minutes and worth every minute. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please. Email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today. And I’m still accepting candidates for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp. You owe it to yourself.

Indie Film Secrets Revealed By Filmmaker & Slamdance Co-Founder Dan Mirvish.

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Filmmaker Dan Mirvish makes great movies, and you’ve got just a few days left to support his latest film, “Bernard and Huey”. Click now here to support Dan’s Kickstarter, then come back and enjoy our talk. We chat about how they came to create Slamdance and the talented alumni of the festival (see: Tres Parker & Matt Stone, Jordan Brady, Christopher Nolan), how he resurrected an Oscar category and his latest project. We share a similar philosophy about how to make your film a reality, and I appreciate Dan’s candor.

Enjoy “How Dan Directs” starring Julia Stiles, Sally Kellerman and more.

You’ve got two days left to save $50 off my Commercial Directing Bootcamp. Hurry and sign up. It’s Sunday, September 13th all day. I promise you’ll up your game.

Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today. And I’m still accepting candidates for my Commercial Directing Bootcamp. You owe it to yourself.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is an hour and 20 minutes, maybe a tad more. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

What The 1st Assistant Director Does w Billy Jones.

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I wanted this 100th episode to be extra special, and by golly is it. Billy Jones is one of the most sought-after 1st AD’s in commercials because of his excellent leadership, communication and knowledge of filmmaking. Billy, and those he’s mentored, lead with a sense of serenity and control.

The 1st Assistant Director schedules & executes the day in a way that helps the Director accomplish her vision, while simultaneously helping the Producer stay on budget. The manner in which the 1st AD communicates to the crew is vital for a cohesive team effort.

Here’s a spot with Flo from Progressive that we chat about. Billy’s lead the charge for 4 years on the popular insurance campaign.

This episode is about an hour and 10 minutes of rich information.

Please celebrate this 100th episode by rating us on iTunes or at jordanbrady.com.

thanks,

Jordan

Director Carolyn Chen Brings Production To The People.

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Director Carolyn Chen has shot hundreds of commercials, always delivering a strong emotional journey, supported by her stunning visuals. Ever-evolving, she’s stayed relevant in a business that loves the flavor of the week. When I discovered her new production company, Production For The People, I had to chat with her. Carolyn has brought her vision, style and experience to the brave new world of Branded Content.

We chat about working with editors, her start as a cinematographer, running a shoot via FaceTime and more. Check out one of her many stories for Tanqueray:

Do try Rufus Teague’s sauces for your meat. With BBQ season here, it’s time you step it up. Click and enter the discount code “Respect”.
Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is a about 86 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Shooting Actors Versus Table Top Photography With Cinematographer Jeanne Vienne.

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Cinematographer Jeanne Vienne is a longtime filmmaking partner. We’ve made literally dozens of commercials, two documentaries and traveled three continents together. I admire how she leads her crew with decisiveness and articulate instruction. Jeanne tells how she lights to protect the actors.

Of late, she’s been shooting mouth-watering table top gigs, so we compare working with fruits and veggies versus actors. We also chat about the trends in cinematography we’ve seen over our years together. And with all the talk about gender inequality in the biz, I could not escape asking how it is being a girl in a predominantly boy’s club.

We reference this fun spot we did for Toyota, and click here to witness Jeanne’s amazing table top spot she shot for Håagen-Dazs with Directors Margaret & Joy.

Do try Rufus Teague’s sauces for your meat. With BBQ season here, it’s time you step it up. Click and enter the discount code “Respect”.
Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is a about 70 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

New Tricks And Old Fashion Discipline with Cinematographer Alex Jacobs.

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Cinematographer Alex Jacobs may be the last director of photography I’ve ever met that learned while shooting actual 35mm film. A young man, he knows all the tricks of the DSLR revolution, but came up through the ranks with the discipline of the camera department. Ours was an arranged marriage on a promo shoot with Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart, in which we had 35 minutes to shoot. Through planning and communication, the shoot was amazingly efficient and funny.

Check out his reel at AlexJacobs.tv. I like his splendid montage with the dope track.

Here’s the on-air version of our collab.

Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is a about 70 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

My Favorite Millennial Writer/Designer/Filmmaker Grant Spanier.

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Obviously I like Grant Spanier since he had me on his wonderful podcast, 10,000 Hours. Moreover, I like his enthusiasm, that get ‘er done attitude and his fresh, collaborative nature. See below for his dope music video for “Weightless” by the DJ known as Vaski (Grant directed with his pal Jake Woodbridge). It shows his wonderful whimsy, while his design work showcases that clean look I love. We chat about self-discipline, balancing a multi-faceted creative life, and Grant politely schools me on the Sharing Economy as it pertains to creative learning. A great chat I found inspiring for filmmakers of all ages. Thank you Grant! And y’all check out his site.

“Weightless”

Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is a about 70 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Comedian Derek Gaines Stars in AOL/Morgan Spurlock’s “Connected” and MTV’s “Broke Ass Game Show”.

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Y’all are going to love comedian Derek Gaines. Minutes before my interview with Morgan Spurlock, I got to chat with Derek, one of the stars or Mr. Spurlock’s newest project “Connected”, the awesome first-person filmed series for AOL.com for AOL Originals.

Derek and I discuss stand=up comedy, how real the show really is, how he got picked by Morgan, AOL, MTV and his future dreams. Little did we realize how parallel our journey’s are. Check Derek out on MTV’s “Broke Ass Game Show”. Here’s a funny set of Derek:

My son Benz Brady has a new music video for his song “Levitate”:

Lastly, for #ThrowBackThursday, a clip of another stand-up comedian tapped to host an MTV game show:

(The pimp that time forgot.)

Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is a about 30 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Director Joe Wladyka Shares How His Film “Manos Sucias” Got Made And Why Spike Lee’s Gotta Have It.

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Director Joe Wladyka has an engaging film out called “Manos Sucias”. It’s the suspenseful story of two Columbian brothers on a life or death drug run up the Columbian coast. The film is chalk full of social commentary on Afro-Columbian racism, extreme poverty, the inescapable drug trafficking and even brotherly love, but I love the film because it’s a gripping story about how far people will go to survive. See it now.

Thank you Joe for a great chat, the tech talk and your generosity in sharing the craft of filmmaking with the people of Buenaventura. You’ll hear how he and his filmmaking team taught the locals, and hired a mostly Buenaventurian crew.

Read more about Joe’s journey to make the film by clicking here and enjoy the trailer to “Manos Sucias”:

Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is a about one hour minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Does Laughter Heal? Comedian Turned Filmmaker Craig “The Lovemaster” Shoemaker.

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I’ve known Craig Shoemaker for over 30 years. First as the popular touring comedian known globally as “The Lovemaster”, and more recently as the producer of National Lampoon’s “Totally Baked: A Potumentary”. Craig’s new mission is to spread the healing powers of laughter with a new documentary, “Laughter Heals”. It started when his best friend, screenwriter Michael Goldberg, got brain cancer. Given 3 months to live, Craig and his pals kept Mr. Goldberg laughing and living for over a decade. They did this through love and constant laughter, documenting much of it along the way. Craig’s true passion and mission is to spread awareness about the power of laughter.

He also has a book “Love Mastered” available by clicking the title.

Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is a whopping one hour and 50 minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

From “Step Brothers” Editing Room to Directing “Walking Man” With Josh Salzberg.

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My guest Joshua Salzberg is a busy filmmaker. He began as an apprentice in the editing room of the Adam McKay & Will Ferrell comedy “Stepbrothers”, where he learned the value of testing the laughs before going public. We chat about that process, employed with great success by Judd Apatow, Paul Feig and others, and how that has influenced him making his own films. He is the editor of the Ferrell/McKay produced “Welcome To Me” starring Kristen Wiig and directed by Shira Piven. Opens May 1st, 2015.

His documentary “Walking Man” is avail to pre order on iTunes now, so support Josh and indie film by ordering today. Other dates are revealed when you click here. Shout out to my son, hip hop artist Ben “Benz” Brady for helping with the interview.

Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is about an hour and 15 minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Collaboration Is Everything With Kerry Graham, Vice Chairman/CEO Bohan Advertising.

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What a treat to talk with industry titan Kerry Graham at Bohan Advertising in Nashville. Kerry has shaped the agency’s collaborative culture by literally ripping down walls and forcing integration so that all departments work together in blissful harmony.

His advice to those starting out? More than just having a resumé, tell your story of your interests and passions. Be able to explain where you want to go in life and why. We also discuss the power of turning down work, something I know is hard to do.

Here’s two spots we talk about. One heartfelt commercial for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee and a funny spot for Dollar General.

Enjoy. I look forward to your feedback on iTunes, jordanbrady.com (which is where you are now). Or heck, just email me at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is about an hour minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Filmmaking Tales From Sr. VP/Director of Content Production Tom Gibney, The Buntin Group.

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While visiting Nashville, I chatted with Tom Gibney, Sr. VP/Director of Content Production at the Buntin Group. He’s a well-respected industry veteran and a super nice guy. We discuss that while it’s now called “content”, it’s still telling stories for clients. Tom feels ultimately the digital tools have helped the filmmaking process, but not without a price. And Tom’s loyalty to his Nashville filmmakers is admirable; he shoots with local crews when possible.

Tom and I share a childlike wonder for shooting table top, the filmmaking process, as well as the philosophy for new directors to “shoot, shoot, shoot”.

Here’s a cool spot from the Buntin Group for Chinet that we discuss in this episode:

Please send me your feedback and YOUR questions about filmmaking queries to RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is about 68 minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Former Penthouse Magazine Exec Turned Podcaster, Steve Belanger Mounts His One Man Show.

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I met Steve Belanger when I was a guest on his podcast, The Gamut with Steve Belanger on the Sideshow Network. A raconteur and funny guy, we’ve become friends. So when he asked me if he should make a short film on life’s odd journey, I said “Absolutely not.”

It’s rare I discourage people from filmmaking, but I knew Steve was mostly a funny performer at heart. What good would mounting a short film do for a busy guy like Steve?

“It’s About Time” opens in New York in April and you won’t want to miss it. Click the title for tickets. Steve wrote and will perform and it’s directed by Broadway veteran and “Three’s Company” star Richard Kline.

We talk about collaboration, being control freaks and balance of the two. Always fun chatting with my pal Steve.

Please send me your feedback and YOUR questions about filmmaking queries to RespectTheProcessPodcast today.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is just about over 75 minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

From “Two And A Half Men” to “Scooter The Neutered Cat” with Sr. Copywriter Terry Dillon.

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The immensely creative folks at the Northlich ad agency birthed one of the most fun, silly and effective campaigns I’ve been blessed to shoot. Yes, Scooter The Neutered Cat and GiveThemTen.org – from the caring folks of the wonderful Joanie Bernard Foundation. Over the next three episodes you’ll meet the creatives that spawned these spirited spots. Senior Copywriter Terry Dillon, Senior Art Director Laura Gels and Group Creative Director Kerry Broderick all chat about the creative process and joy of doing great work.

We start with Terry, a laugh out loud funny guy that did a stint on “Two And A Half Men” in tinseltown before setting his sights on the ad game. Listen closely to the interview and you just may recognize his silky smooth voice.. stay cool.

Enjoy Scooter “Home Kitty”;

Please send me your feedback and YOUR questions about filmmaking. I may not answer right away, but I’ll get to all. Hit me up with any filmmaking questions at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.
Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is just about 40 minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Email Me Your Questions & Feedback.

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Thank you to all that participated in my “Confessions of a Commercial Filmmaker” this week. I literally just landed after a snowy week in Ohio, visiting cool ad agencies and Lightborne, the company behind Katy Perry’s Super Bowl Halftime extravaganza.

This episode is my shout out to you, and a cry for help. Send me your feedback about this podcast or my presentation, and it’s the opportunity to ask YOUR questions about filmmaking. I may not answer right away, but I’ll get to all. Hit me up with any filmmaking questions at RespectTheProcessPodcast today.
Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is only 3 and a half minutes long. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

Chief Creative Officer Ryan Berman Claims Content Is King And Context Is Queen.

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After I interviewed Ryan Berman, I found his blog post called “Comedy on a Commercial Production.” I agree with most everything he says, which probably explains why we’re friends and have shot together a bunch. Ryan is Founder and Chief Creative Officer of i.d.e.a., a great advertising agency in San Diego. We chat about creating a fun culture, staying one step ahead of the trends, and why San Diego stays classy.

He produced a documentary with client’s money that played at SXSW called “Inventing To Nowhere” about the patent industry. It’s an eye opener.

A forward thinker, his agency also acquired a local production company of scrappy filmmakers, and they do awesome work. 4120 Productions. Click the name, duh.

Buy your tickets now for my webinar on February 10th at 6pm West Coast/ 9pm East Coast on StageIt. Live Q&A. It will sell out. It’s my live presentation on being a director of tv commercials. “Confessions of a Commercial Filmmaker”.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is 60 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

What The Gaffer Does With Pat Grosswendt.

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Veteran Gaffer Pat Grosswendt has taught me so much about lighting during the dozens of commercials we’ve made together. (Click his name for credits from “Cabin Boy” to “Gosford Park” to “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) Have a listen and you’ll learn the history, the mindset and key technical aspects of being the one on set that shapes the light. Pat gives his take on the changes in the technology, but stresses it’s the story that always effects the lighting approach the most, regardless of the toys. Enjoy his fun tips too, like dumpster diving for diffusion, or use bubble wrap.

Scroll down to see some interviews Pat has done. Did I mention he and his partner invented LitePanels? So much more than a gaffer, he’s a mentor.

Just a few tickets left!! February 10th at 6pm West Coast (9pm East Coast), I’ll be doing my live presentation on being a director of tv commercials. Buy your tickets now for February 10th at 6pm West Coast, “Confessions of a Commercial Filmmaker” on StageIt. Live Q&A. It will sell out.

Pat sharing the knowledge:

A great interview on lighting basics.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is 90 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.