Tag: filmmaking podcast

How To Define Your Creative Space With Spot Director Kevin Donovan.

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I met Director Kevin Donovan at a Christmas party and we hit it off. A former agency creative, Kevin learned so much on set, working with great directors like Mark Story and the incomparable Joe Pytka. He’s learned to create a space for himself to deliver the best work, and we discuss balancing serving the agency agenda, while remaining creatively stingy for the reel. A great chat.

I also give my thoughts on the Super Bowl spots. Oh – Get tickets!! February 10th at 6pm West 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.

Here’s a great spot Kevin and Jackie Chan made:

Thank you,

Jordan

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

Secrets Of Mark Nickelsburg’s Short Film “Harry Grows Up”.

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Mark Nickelsburg made a great short film, “Harry Grows Up” and we chat about how he did it. Effects, puppets, working with a toddler, you name it. Originally part of last week’s interview, the tapes were lost for weeks. Until now.

Buy your tickets now for my live web presentation February 10th at 6pm West Coast, “Confessions of a Commercial Filmmaker” on StageIt. It’s an intro to commercial filmmaking with a live Q&A. It will sell out.

Thank you,

Jordan

This episode is only 12 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook please.

From Editing Commercials To Directing Them With Mark Nickelsburg.

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Mark Nickelsburg shall forever live in my heart for dubbing “Respect The Process with Jordan Brady” as the “Rosetta Stone of Filmmaking.” Got to love that. More importantly, Mark has successfully transitioned from the editor’s chair to the director’s monitor. What are benefits and surprises on set, after years of editorial wisdom? I think it’s very interesting path, and thanks Mark.

We both had short films (my “Harold’s Bad Day” and his “Harry Grows Up”) in the Friar’s Comedy Film Festival the same year, but never met. Later, Festival Programmer and filmmaker Eric Johnson suggested we meet.

Watch this short,”Harry Grows Up”; so well done.

Enjoy Mark’s reel at Special Team Films.

Watch Mark’s “Emerald Nuts” spec spot, which fooled me into thinking it’s an actual, for-hire gig. Bravo:

Jeepers! February 10th at 6pm West Coast, 9pm East CoastI’ll be doing a live web event, “Confessions of a Commercial Filmmaker” on StageIt. It’s an intro to commercial filmmaking with a live Q&A. My first, be gentle.
Thank you,

Jordan

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

My Three Secrets To Better Directing.

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In the last of my mini-podcast trilogy, I share three top-secret tips that I believe will make you a better filmmaker. Certainly a smarter, more effective director of commercials. If you’re in any leadership position, I imagine that these tips apply to your gig too. So, let me know.

I’m back next week with in-depth interviews with interesting people. Remember, this is a two way conversation and I’d love to hear form you on Facebook or the comments. Oh, and please share the podcast with a loved one who might care.

Thank you,

Jordan

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

Top 5 Ways To Not Screw Up Your Spec Commercial.

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A spec commercial, real or fake, is one you do for free to prove you can make a spot. The big trick is to make your spec spot look not like a spec spot. If it looks spec, it will suck, defeating the very purpose of doing it. Now, every director entering the commercial world needs a spec spot. I’ve seen tons of them, many riddled with mistakes that give away the fact they’re not real. Heed my wisdom, and you’ll succeed.

Here is a spec I made years ago with a script from real DDB Chicago. Almost went to the Superbowl, but almost doesn’t count. It did get me tons of work.

And I still want to hear about your passion project!

Thanks,

Jordan

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

It’s 2015, Now Pick A Date To Start Your Passion Project.

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Happy New Year, now let’s make some plans to make some fun stuff. A short film? Feature? Finish that script? A new spec commercial for the reel? Whatever personal project you want to do, first you must set a date and write that date down in your calendar.

There are many great filmmaking podcasts and blogs that you probably know. So here are a few links that inspire me to get stuff done. The Gumroad Resource Center is cool for all types of creative products to market. I use them to sell “I AM ROAD COMIC” and they’re cool people. Over the holiday, I discovered Seth Godin’s blog and like it for it’s simplicity, yet it is most motivating.

Please send me any cool blogs and podcasts you like. (Facebook is great for that.) And let’s hear about your passion project!

Thanks,

Jordan

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

Infinite Wisdom on the Art of Storytelling with Guru Larry Jordan.

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Larry Jordan is the one person that has always been there for me, to answer every production question. His 35 years plus of experience are readily found whenever you google a question about directing, editing, shooting, lighting, audio, you name it. And his courses cover the gamut of production, post and theory. Please check them out if you’re serious about upping your game.

His podcast “2 Reel Guys” is highly recommended, and his classes on Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro CC are phenomenal. Click here for more info on that.

We discuss editing comedy vs. horror, film school vs. the real world, and the need for self-discipline. Larry’s definition of “respecting the process” is a unique one, and I promise you’ll gain much from this talk. Big thanks Larry for joining me.

I’ve also listed my Top Ten Downloaded Episodes of 2014. You can find them in the Archives on this site, or easily here, on the Sideshow Network. So grab a notepad app and jot them down. Big thanks to all my guests. Look forward to more great chats in 2015.

Cheers,

Jordan

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

“I Am Santa Claus” Documentary Director Tommy Avallone.

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Who’s lap is your kid sitting on? “I Am Santa Claus” is a wonderful documentary that answers that very question. From an queenly bear Santa, to WWE Champion wrestler Mick Foley, Santa’s come from varied backgrounds. My chat with Director/Producer Tommy Avallone is like two old friends gabbing about filmmaking, despite having just met online. We discuss research, how to choose who to follow, funding and everything in between.

Watch the film on Netflix or buy it from Tommy’s site, click “I Am Santa Claus”, there are many options. Here’s the trailer:

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

Tim & Eric Give Birth To Editor, Writer, DJ, Comedian Doug Lussenhop.

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Comedian Portraits And Performances At The Ice House

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Doug Lussenhop is an editor, writer, performer and hip hop sensation. He cut his teeth editing shorts, tv shows and feature films for Tim & Eric (aka Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim), Portlandia, and Funny or Die. Along with Tim & Eric, plus movie star John C. Reilly, Doug toured this summer with a live show, and it was an absurdist’s wet dream.

Doug and I chat about odd timing, developing his own comedy, finding his voice as an editor, and the joys of old school hip hop technology. (see DJ Douggpound). We also share a passion for oddball sound effects. Thanks Doug.

Here’s a episode of Doug’s homegrown YouTube show, Pound Hosue:

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

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

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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.

Commercial Editor Tessa Davis Cuts Fast & Furiously Funny.

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I got to edit with Tessa Davis earlier this year at Cosmo Street, and she had all the best takes picked out & finessed into a perfect cut long before I could park the car. Editors have commented on the shortened turnaround time but she explains how she’s adapted.  And after the many versions of a spot, which one ends up on air? You may be surprised.

We also chat about women in film, the Glamour Magazine short films done by celebrity female filmmakers and this great Canon short: When You Find Me trailer. Long form is a relative term. I love this two minute piece she edited for HTC with Robert Downey Jr. (see above).

Here’s the EPK Tessa conceptualized, directed and edited. CROWN EPK

This episode is just over 44 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

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

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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.

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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.

Adam McKay Uses Rainbow Alpacas & Lollipops To Learn Us The Inequality Gap.

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Truly one of the great comedy minds of our time, director Adam McKay has again used his powers for the betterment of mankind. He’s created a magical land inhabited by multi-colored Alpacas who love lollipops and rainbows, to teach us about the growing divide in wealth distribution. It’s called “Unbelievably Sweet Alpacas”. Just one of 20 short films for Morgan Spurlock’s “We The Economy” project.

It’s voiced by a winning trifecta of comedy talent: Sarah Silverman, Amy Poehler, and Maya Rudolph. NPR Host & economist Adam Davidson advised. Cinelan Managing Partner David Laks offers a pre-interview interview, explaining the program. Documentarian Miao Wang made a short docu about Chinese factories in South Carolina that must be seen. She’s in the roundtable with Adam McKay. Damon Smith, Supervising Producer, Cinelan is the moderator.

Big “thank you to the SideShow Network.

Click the links and watch with the kids, like I did.

This episode is just over 35 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

Live From The Ad Age Small Agency Conference.

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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.

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This is a live lion.

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.

Busy Commercial Director Chris Smith Talks Repeat Business.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.