Mos Def, Marvin Gaye and Amerigo Gazaway Bring The Funk To Apple.

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Hip Hop impresario Amerigo Gazaway is one of my favorite music producers. He reworks samples and records so that his songs transcend both original recordings. Furthermore, an Amerigo Gazaway albums tell a story, like LP’s did back in the vinyl days. Moreover, it’s his love for his source material and his authenticity that resinates with listeners. Bombarded with cease-and-desist letters for sampling, it all changed when Apple chose his Mos Def/Marvin Gaye retooling into a “Yasiin Gaye” song “You Are Undeniable” for a commercial. It’s the first unauthorized mashup to be used for a major brand, and a landmark breakthrough for hip hop. Click the song title to purchase & support!

Watch this Apple spot “Jason’s Verse” to hear the funky “Yasiin Gaye” track.

Amerigo schools me on sample trolls, copyright law, his process and the Brazilian “Cannibalist Manifesto”. Near the end of our chat, he turns the tables and asks me about the selection of music for film and commercials.

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

Comedian Turned Documentary Filmmaker Jennifer Rawlings.

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I’ve known Jennifer Rawlings since our days playing the comedy clubs around Los Angeles in the 80’s. She always captivated the crowd with her funny perspective, so I’m not surprised she’s become an accomplished filmmaker. It’s her unusual journey that surprises me.

“Forgotten Voices: Woman in Bosnia” is her first film, and a must see. Made with a camcorder and the desire to expose the world to these stories. Check it out. She then did a Ted Talk on the subject of forgiveness, a story told in the film.

Here’s Jennifer’s Ted Talk:

This episode is an hour with an old friend. Enjoy.

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 an hour 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

Commercial Editor Tessa Davis Cuts Fast & Furiously Funny.

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.

What A Production Designer Does With Evan Rohde.

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The Production Designer runs the Art Department, and is responsible for fabricating the Director’s dream into a physical world to be filmed. Top Production Designer Evan Rohde does this magically, and it’s a privilege to work with him.

We chat right after wrapping a long day. He explains his dual roles as both a creative collaborator and fiscally responsible department head. I marvel at Evan’s creativity and love how he incorporates digital design plans to show me what he’s bringing to life.

Here’s his music video for Coldplay:

Click Evan Rohde to see his Emmy-Award winning spot for Sunday Night Football.

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

What Does A Cost Consultant Really Do? Ron Hacohen Explains The Dark Side.

Part two of my enlightening conversation with production genius Ron Hacohen. Why is it harder to break into directing if your female or a minority? Ron explains he’s actually a “production consultant”. He strives to inform clients of the process, because of the increased efficiencies. We end the talk with his advice for people breaking into commercial directing.

Today, Ron is a Brand Executive Producer/Consigliere at Advertising Production Resources (APR), the fabulous consultancy that helps clients understand the advertising process. He introduces me to the RACI system of accountability, approval and efficiency. Some trippy stuff that shows us how advertising is a small part of the client’s marketing plan, and production a sliver of that. Learn what a SME is. Answer: Subject Matter Expert.

Here’s a spot we did way back in the day.

This is part two 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.

Anchorman 2 Composer Andrew Feltenstein Plays It Straight.

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Top shelf composers, songwriters, lyricists Andrew Feltenstein & John Nau own Beacon Street Studios in Venice, California. They’re the go-to guys for any musical genre, but certainly have made a name scoring for “Funny Or Die” titans Adam McKay and Will Ferrel. Credits include “Anchorman 2”, “The Spoils of Babylon” and more.

Andrew and I chat about the process of scoring commercials, inspiration, late hours and how playing the music straight buoys the comedy.

Watch the trailer for “Casa de mi Padre”, a favorite Will Ferrell film. Buy the soundtrack today!

This episode is just over 20 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and “like” us on Facebook pretty please.

“Nathan For You” Co-Creator Michael Koman On Running The Show.

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The “Dumb Starbucks” episode of Comedy Central’s “Nathan For You” is an instant classic. Michael Koman is what we call the “showrunner” for the series. Along with co-creator and star Nathan Fielder, Michael leads the writers to invent bits, executes them and then deals with the network. It’s a laborious task steeped in creativity. Mr. Koman’s comedy pedigree includes “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”, “Eagleheart” and “Important Things with Demetri Martin.”

My dear pal, director/showrunner Michael Addis conducts the interview, the first in a series of “Showrunner” chats. Mr. Addis was my esteemed guest back in January 2013 on this very podcast. Here’s the episode link: Hidden Camera with Michael Addis

Watch this if you’ve not seen the show. Genius.

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

Theodore Melfi Directs Bill Murray In “St. Vincent”.

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Writer/Director Theodore Melfi has been making commercials and indie films for a decade. So when he nabbed Bill Murray for the starring role of his script, he was more than ready to deliver. Listen to this great casting tale, his hanging with Jack Nicholson, and how his real life inspired his script that he hand-wrote in four weeks. I’ve known Theodore since he started directing, and he’s as genuine a man as he is talented.

“St. Vincent” opens in LA & NYC on October 10th, then goes wide October 24th. Watch the trailer and go opening night in your city! Take the family!

He’s launched his own production company, Brother. Check it out. Here’s one of many spot I love from Ted:

Slimfast “Lights On” from brother on Vimeo.

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

Green Screen Animals’ Mark Shockley Has Already Filmed Your Beast.

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.