Building a Directing Career with Seed Media Arts’ EP Bradley Johnson and Filmmaker Matthew Underwood

Wow! What a fun, insightful talk with Bradley Johnson, Managing Director and EP at Seed Media Arts, and Seed Director Matthew Underwood. We discuss Matthew’s spec spot for Chevy, including the process of developing the script, shooting it on location in Utah, and editing it down from an initial long cut to his reel. Matthew’s started shooting weddings and music videos then moved to directing documentary and corporate work. Now he’s crushing it in the commercial game.

Bradley provides insights from his perspective as an executive producer. The conversation also touches on building a director’s reel, respecting the creative process, and Matthew’s relationship with Seed Media Arts. Great conversation you’ll learn from. Thanks Bradley and Matthew. Here’s the Chevy spot:

Here’s the Lbb Director’s Playbook article sharing my pitch secrets. 

My next in-person Commercial Directing Bootcamp is Saturday, April 27th, 2024. Limit 12 Filmmakers. I’ll be at Producer’s Bootcamp is April 28th, 2024 use code DIRECTING100 for a $100 off!

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.

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.

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.

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 1 hour 10 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.

Riding The Squid: Carolyn Chen’s Journey From Director To Helping Creatives Navigate Career Transition.

Veteran commercial director Carolyn Chen returns to offer invaluable career advice, like how storytelling remains key, despite changing tools. My friend has since transitioned to life coaching, helping those in entertainment navigate challenges. She provides candid insights into the emotional toll of freelancing. As the importance of mental health becomes increasingly on our radar, I feel people like Carolyn are needed more than ever.

I love Chen’s metaphorical approach to coaching. By empowering clients through “squids” and other techniques, she’s putting a modern spin on passing wisdom between generations. Her journey shows how we can all continue growing while respecting our process.

Call Carolyn if you feel she can help you. Here’s the link to her site.

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

FLOW

All of January 2024, try Magic Mind for FREE with this link and code JB20 when you subscribe for three months. MAGIC MIND and gobble it up daily after your coffee. If you follow me on Instagram you’ve seen 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, January 20th, 2024 is SOLD OUT.  DM if you’re interested. Next Bootcamp is April 27th, 2024. Limit 12 Filmmakers.

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 90 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.

Oscar Winning Filmmaker Chris Overton Talks Commercials, Shorts And Running Slick Films.

Filmmaker Chris Overton (left) directed “The Silent Child”, written by Rachel Shenton (right), and they won the Oscar® for Best Live Action Short at the 90th Academy Awards®. The film tells the story of Libby, a profoundly deaf 6-year-old girl, who lives a silent life until a social worker, played by Shenton, teaches her how to communicate through sign language. Chris and I discuss about that journey and how it led to a commercial starring the same def actor, Maisie Sly. We also go deep into running their production company, Slick Films and oh, so much more. Great episode!

Enjoy the great chat and the trailer “The Silent Child”.

EVENTS
LIMITED TIME ONLY! Summer Office Hours, a chance for one-on-one consultations to whip your career, spec, rough cut or mojo into high gear. Book now while spots are available.

My next in-person Commercial Directing Bootcamp is Saturday, January 20th, 2024. Sign up soon or miss out.

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 YouTube and has 72,000 views its forst week! 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 85 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 True Gentleman Industries, Inc. in partnership with Brady Oil Entertainment, Inc.