Commercial Director Nema Vand’s Filmmaking Journey from Commercials and TikTok to Features.

Filmmaker Nema Vand has enjoyed an eclectic career in entertainment, from being an extra on David Fincher’s set, to starting his own casting company to presently directing commercials at VaynerMedia’s in-house production unit Eva Nosidam. A turning point came when Nema documented Mike Winkelmann’s (Mr. Beeple) historic NFT sale, which gained him recognition as a storyteller and filmmaker. Now, Nema’s goal is to direct feature films. As most directors start in commercials, Nema sees an opportunity in short form content on TikTok to prove his salt to launch a feature.

Over the next year, Nema plans to create a series of narrative short films for TikTok completely independent of any brands. His aim is to attract an engaged audience and build a portfolio that shows off his storytelling skills. With proof of his abilities on the platform, Nema hopes to land brand partnerships that will help fund his transition into filmmaking. A great idea if ya ask me. Enjoy this Nick Cannon spot Nema directed for Buffalo Wild Wings.

Through his vast creativity and hustle, Nema is paving his own path in an industry not always open to disruption. His journey shows how social media platforms can level the playing field for emerging talent. Enjoy part one of this chat.

Thanks to our editor Jake Brady We could not do the show without him and love this guy behind words. Need your pod spruced up? Check out his Podcast Wax.

4+ NEW BEHIND-THE-SCENES

I’ve uploaded more raw behind-the-scenes, with dailies, agency interaction, directing top talent and collaborating with my crew, all at  Commercial Directing Masterclass. And you’ll wanna check out the new courses, like Behind The Beard and Winning Director Treatments.

FLOW

Use the link plus code JB20 when you try MAGIC MIND – chug it daily after your coffee. If you follow me on Instagram you know my geniune endorsment of this mighty mind power juice.

EVENTS

Our 3rd annual Filmmaker Retreat Joshua Tree is Thursday, September 26th – Sunday, September 29th, 2024. I always use the word “transformational” in describing the past two years – because our tribe of like-minded filmmakers express that the retreat truly changed their lives. Both professionally and personally. Reserve your spot before the end of the year to take advantage of that last minute 2023 write-off. Limit 20 Filmmakers.

My next in-person Commercial Directing Bootcamp is Saturday, April 27th, 2024. Limit 12 Filmmakers.

Producer’s Bootcamp is April 28th, 2024 and use code DIRECTING100 for a $100 off!

Check out my Masterclass or Commercial Directing Shadow online courses. (Note this link to the Shadow course is the one I mention in the show.) All my courses come with a free 1:1 mentorship call with yours truly. Taking the Shadow course is the only way to win a chance to shadow me on a real shoot! DM for details.

How To Pitch Ad Agencies and Director’s Treatments Unmasked are now bundled together with a free filmmaker consultation call, just like my other courses. Serious about making spots? The Commercial Director Mega Bundle for serious one-on-one mentoring and career growth.

Jeannette Godoy’s hilarious romcom “Diamond In The Rough” streams on the Peacock. Please support my wife filmmaker Jeannette Godoy’s romcom debut. It’s “Mean Girls” meets “Happy Gilmore” and crowds love it.

Thanks,

Jordan

This episode is 68 minutes.

My cult classic mockumentary, “Dill Scallion” is online so I’m giving 100% of the money to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. I’ve decided to donate the LIFETIME earnings every December, so the donation will grow and grow. Thank you.

Respect The Process podcast is brought to you by Commercial Directing FIlm School and True Gentleman Industries, Inc. in partnership with Brady Oil Entertainment, Inc.

Creative Directors Rich Terry And Matt Mowat Reveal How They Hire Directors.

Why do advertising creatives hire their director? Is it that first call or zoom? How important is the treatment? Well, as we wrapped two fantastic, safe days on set, I asked SVP/Creative Directors Rich Terry and Matt Mowat those exact questions. They gave me an impromptu interview in the back of my Cadillac. When Cinematographer Shane Kelly (“Boyhood”) walked by, we grabbed him into the conversation. Rich, a talented copywriter, has directed hundreds of spots himself, so his point of view on how filmmakers get hired is well-informed to say the least. Matt, an art director at heart, hired me for one of my first national spots back in another century, so you know he has great taste. Thank you Sherry Matthews Group and the great state of Texas Dept. of Transportation.

I’m fortunate to work with such a great team, and happy to snag them each and grateful for this inside knowledge. Here’s an older spot I directed for Rich & Matt, plus a pre-covid flu spot we did that Shane shot.

Commercial Directing Masterclass has helped over 540 filmmakers globally and has received 100% 5 star reviews. DM me if it can help you. I’m still offering a free consultation call to help you take over the world.

Thank you and please share this episode with your filmmaking pals.

Jordan

This episode is sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce, the hot sauce made by bears. Flavorseeker Fun Pak‘s ship Friday’s at 3pm.

My cult classic mockumentary film, “Dill Scallion” is online for rent and I’m giving 100% of the gross money raised to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in fact I’ll match it. Roger Ebert called it “The country music ‘This is Spinal Tap'” so that sums it up. All star cast and a great cause.

Why I Wrote My Filmmaking Book “Commercial Directing Voodoo”.

Commercial Directing Voodoo is my first paperback book, really a handbook, packed with valuable tips and filmmaking tricks I’ve learned making commercials for twenty years now. It’s $10 on Amazon and you’ll love it. Free when you attend Commercial Directing Bootcamp, by the way.

It’s meant for you to scribble in and jot down notes during your projects. Hope you like it!

thanks,

Jordan

Jordan

This episode is 3 minutes. Commercial Directing Bootcamp is filling up fast for April 21st. Again, this new handbook, “Commercial Directing Voodoo” on Amazon, is free when you attend Bootcamp.
This is an hour and a half. Hey Commercial Directing Bootcamp is April 21st, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. You can’t get what I’m throwing down anywhere else on the planet. Click here for “I Am Battle Comic” dvd’s and digital downloads. Buy it today!