Tag: filmmaking

Cinematographer Nathan Wilson Says Fix It In Prep.

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Cinematographer Nathan Wilson primarily shoots feature films, but still does plenty of spots and promos. So we compare and contrast the workings of them all. Nathan shares his philosophy “fix it in prep”, a mantra we should all embrace. You’ll enjoy his tips on how the DP and the Director can eliminate many potential pitfalls before the camera even rolls. And like myself, he respects the process of blocking, almost an ancient practice in today’s fast moving shoots. Oh, there is so much in this conversation than I can summarize, so dig in. You’ll love this episode, trust me.

Here’s a great promo for Kong Skull Island with Samuel L. Jackson and Jeffrey Ross. And this boxing film I love.

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Tiger from Nathan Wilson on Vimeo.

thanks,

Jordan

This episode is just over 90 minutes. San Antonio! Buy tickets for the August 2nd screening of I Am Battle Comic” to benefit National Military Family Association. Mark your calendar August 8th, 2017 to get <a href=”https://www.montereymedia.com/iambattlecomic/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>”I Am Battle Comic”</a> from Monterey Media!!

<a href=”http://www.commercialdirectingbootcamp.com” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Commercial Directing Bootcamp</a> 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.

The Key To A Successful Career In Filmmaking: Don’t Be A Dick.

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Happy 200th episode! Thanks for your loyal listenership. After reflecting on all the wonderful chats we’ve shared, this is just me advising you to make positivity your default position in life and on set. We are blessed to be filmmakers, so appreciate that. We are solution oriented, decisive people. Creativity is best manifested through positivity, so… don’t be a dick.

Check out my tour dates with “I Am Battle Comic” for the next few weeks, and come out and say howdy. Ticket links here on this site, along with which wonderful charity we’re helping out. Hey, you can also donate straight to them anytime.

thanks,

Jordan

This episode is not quite 11 minutes, and sponsored by Commercial Directing Bootcamp. Next Bootcamp is August 26th, 2017. Sign up quick. Limit 20 filmmakers.

PS Yes indeed you can pre-order the digital download now for just $10 at www.iambattlecomic.com if you please!

Comedian Jeff Capri Shares His Feelings About Performing For Our U.S. Military Overseas.

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Comedian Jeff Capri, one of my dear comedy brothers from “I Am Battle Comic”, tells us about doing shows for our US Troops. He’s LOL hilarious and has traveled the world, so we chat about how shows changed since the war began after 9/11 and the important relief the comedy shows give our men and women who serve. Jeff is the prodigal son of legendary comic Dick Capri. How was that growing up? Going to the Catskills and hanging late at the Friars Club?

Oh, great review out today from a wonderful military spouse, MJ Boice.

You can pre-order “I Am Battle Comic” for $10 and half that goes to MiltiaryFamily.org so do it now. And if you’re in Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Las Vegas or Minneapolis.. find me at a premiere event!! All proceeds go to great charities that help military families and veterans. Click in the menu for screenings and ticket links.

many thanks,

Jordan

The episode is a brisk hour and 20 minutes. And here’s another 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.

The Importance Of Character Development With Cortez Bros’ Bernadette Rivero.

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Cortez Brothers‘ Co Founder and President Bernadette Rivero can’t stress enough how important it is to flesh out your characters. No matter if it’s for a feature film or a :15 second spot, the well-defined character will always make the story shine. She’s even moonlighted as a ghostwriter for hundreds of writers and directors. So have a listen and share with your filmmaker friends.

See you all April 5th in Detroit for “I Am Battle Comic” Premiere. Click for tickets.

thanks,

Jordan

My 7 city tour now includes Phoenix and Las Vegas. Check here for dates and ticket links. All money to various wonderful non-profits.

First Time Directing Festival Fav “Interior NIght” With Writer/Director Al Watt.

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Like myself, Alan “Al” Watt started as a stand-up comic, headlining clubs throughout North America, and performing on many TV shows. He’s won awards for writing including France’s Prix Printemps 2004 (best foreign novel) for Diamond Dogs, and now Al has his debut feature film, “Interior Night” lighting up the film festival circuit.

We chat writing (he also teaches screenwriting), first time directing, his rehearsal process and more.

Oh big congrats to Desiree Johnson, she’s going to see “Cinema Twain” and meet the legendary Val Kilmer at the Irvine Improv, March 29th, 2017. Yay!!

Thanks,

Jordan

All “I Am Battle Comic” ticket info for my 6 city curated screening tour is here on the site. Support our military and enjoy some laughs.

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

Shh can can already pre-buy my new doc at www.iambattlecomic.com knowing the $$ goes to help military families. Thanks!

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 Start To Stardom With Casting Director Lisa London.

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From discovering or casting early in their careers such actors as Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo and Miley Cyrus to casting the latest Adam Sandler film, Lisa London has a keen eye for talent. Lisa and I chat about the casting process, finding future stars and how she builds a cast.

We also read directly from her book, “From Start To Stardom”, a practical working guide for actors at all levels. Buy the book now!

Thanks,

Jordan

The episode is a little over an hour.

Commercial Directing Bootcamp 3.11.2017 is half full so do not dilly dally. All info you need about my new film “I AM BATTLE COMIC” is posted here. 100% of ticket sales from our screening series goes to charity.

Extended trailer is out for “I Am Battle Comic” is tearing up Facebook!

How I Run A Commercial Shoot Tech Scout.

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I’m in deep prep for a huge shoot next week, so I thought I’d share how run my technical scouts with the film crew. All part of the Brady Method. Love to hear what you do. This is the spot I babble about.

Enjoy.

Jordan

This is an 11 minute episode.

Extended trailer is out for “I Am Battle Comic” is tearing up Facebook!

Commercial Directing Bootcamp is March 11, 2017 in Los Angeles is officially half full, so sign up now.

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.

Inside The Mind Of The Professional Extra With Nancy Cohen.

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The wonderful Nancy Cohen walked into my office delivering a Christmas gift on behalf of Idell James Casting, the top shop for casting background artists. Once we got to chatting, I asked Nancy to grace me with an impromptu interview. Thankfully, she agreed and the resulting conversation is a treat.

We talk about how you must keep your head in the game, and how crucial extras can be to bringing the scene to life. Thank you Nancy! Here’s a new spot I made with excellent actors, both as principles and background.

Merry Christmas to all,

Jordan

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 43 minutes, give or take.

From Wienerschnitzel Spots To Virtual Reality 360 With Director Aron P. Orton.

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Director Aron P Orton is a multi-talented filmmaker with a penchant for comedy. We chat about working with repeat clients, balancing editorial work and more. He’s also ventured into the crazy world of VR and done some very cool work. Have a gander at the work.
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Wienerschitzel brats spot from Aron Paul Orton-Director on Vimeo.

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 3 minutes, give or take.

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.

What Filmmakers Should Not Attend Commercial Directing Bootcamp.

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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.

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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.

TV Ads And Tapas With VML Group Creative Director Pat Piper.

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VML Group Creative Director Pat Piper is funny, prolific and one heck of a guy. He’s an award-winning creative that likes to stay busy. In addition to cranking out great ads, he has his own podcast called The Shakes on iTunes. Pat and I have fun talking about what it is like having comedic actors who try to one up each other during a comedy commercial shoot. We also mention how he made some of his classic Sonic commercials, which he originated with his former partner, Matt McKay. Of course, he explains what respecting the process means to him. Please give it a listen and I hope you enjoy it.

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 now before the class fills up. Limit 20.

This episode is an hour and some minutes.

From MTV “Road Rules” To “The Hills” And Beyond, My Chat With Exec Producer Andrew Perry.

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Executive Producer Andrew Perry began his career at MTV Networks, where I’d see him every other day in the hallway. He explains what an Executive Producer does and how he rose to the occasion when presented with a new responsibility, turning each into a career opportunity. Andrew also talks about his new book, a companion to the hit show, “The Hills.” Oh, and the alternate title to this chat might have been called, “Don’t be a dick.” You’ll learn why.

I enjoyed reuniting with Andrew and having him on the podcast and I think you will like what you hear.

Thank you,

Jordan.

Yes! Commercial Directing Bootcamp is already over half full. Los Angeles, December 3, 2016. Sign up now before the class fills up. Limit 20.

This episode is 12 minutes.

My Chat With Presidential Candidate Jimmy Tingle.

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Political satirist and comedian Jimmy Tingle is running for President of the United States of America on the Humor For Humanity ticket. Jimmy has been a staple on the stand up circuit for decades, prolific as he is hilarious. He’s produced his own film, and once owned his own theater. A treat to have Jimmy on the show.

Here’s Jimmy’s take on building a wall to protect our great nation.

Enjoy.

Jordan

Yes! Commercial Directing Bootcamp is already over half full. Los Angeles, December 3, 2016. Sign up now before the class fills up. Limit 20.

This episode is 12 minutes.

My Apology To Stuntman Eddie Braun, Evel Knievel and All Big Dreamers.

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Daredevil Evel Knievel was a huge childhood hero of mine, so it was amazing and super cool that stuntman Eddie Braun successfully replicated and completed Evel’s jump attempt over the Snake River Canyon in September 2016. Bravo Eddie!

But in an uncharacteristic tweet, I disrespected Eddie’s passion and success, and publicly want to set the record straight. It’s cool as fuck and I was wrong to comment anything but respect, positivity and kudos. Looking inward, when I take a shot at someone else’s accomplishments or pursuits, it really must be an expression of frustration with something I have yet to achieve. Lesson learned. Respect the big dreams of others. I am truly sorry Eddie. Please join me on the show.

Here is Eddie’s jump and get this, I just discovered my Ford Super Duty Truck spot is one of the pre-roll spots that before it plays. Kismet?

Yes! Commercial Directing Bootcamp is already over half full. Los Angeles, December 3, 2016. Sign up now before the class fills up. Limit 20.

This episode is 12 minutes.

How To Be A Successful Sound Mixer/Editor In Commercials With Maurice Sydnor.

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Sound Mixer Maurice Sydnor has been my friend and collaborator for over a decade. We’ve made tons of spots, and he helped me get great sound on my documentary “I Am Comic” when I had no budget at all.

Starting out as a rock musician, you’ll love hearing how Maurice continues his self-taught education, always learning and adapting as the industry changes. Listen as two old chums chat about the process. Check out the sound design in his GMC spot. Click here.

Enjoy!

Jordan

Yes! Commercial Directing Bootcamp returns to Los Angeles, December 3, 2016 so sign up now before the class fills up. Limit 20. Don’t miss it cuz then you’ll kick yourself.

This episode is over an hour and 21 minutes.