Stay ConnectedOne-on-one chats with commercial directors, advertising agency creatives, actors, editors, producers, crew and more. Filmmaker Jordan Brady has directed of over 1300 spots , 4 feature films, 3 full-length documentaries and one Netflix special. The show is edited by Jake Brady.
Jordan is Founder of Commercial Directing Film School and owner of True Gentleman Industries, aka True Gent, a commercial production company in Los Angeles. Respect The Process, since 2013.
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.
Playwright, comedian, writer, producer. Scott Carter is all of those things plus Executive Producer of HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher". He's also one of the smartest guys I've ever hung out with. A great storyteller, he mixes fun facts into his tales, and delivers them in a riveting fashion. You'll love this peek behind the curtain of one of my favorite shows. Big thanks to Michael Addis for interviewing Scott for the podcast.
His play "The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord" is up now at the Geffen Playhouse. Click tickets. Running now through Dec. 21st, 2014. Run don't walk
This episode is just over an hour and 15 minutes. Do rate us on iTunes and "like" us on Facebook please.
"Remote Area Medical" is a compassionate documentary about Americans in need of help. Watch the trailer and you can see how filmmakers Jeff and Farihah treat their subjects with such dignity and respect.
During a three-day clinic held at Tennessee's Bristol Motor Speedway, some of the country’s sickest individuals finally received free health care from an all-volunteer force of doctors, dentists and providers. This Hollywood Reporter review sums it up.
I ask the filmmakers about their choices. Who to follow, how they engaged people, and why this story. It's an eye opening film that we can all relate to. See this in a theater with other human beings. Here's the Facebook page: "Remote Area Medical".
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 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. 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.
Moments after we wrapped on Friday, I grabbed Drew Wright and Nick Marine for a mini-interview. Both are Associate Creative Directors at Doner Detroit. They're a newly conjoined creative team, and it's already crystal clear that it's a great fit, given the way they crank out quality scripts that sell. I'm grateful for their oddball minds as well as their friendship.
Please help comedian Margaret Cho as she raises money to help the homeless. Here's her GoFund link. If you buy "I AM ROAD COMIC" this week, I'll be giving 100% of the money to her fund. Thanks!
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 expressed the shortened turnaround time and she explains how she's adapted. And after all the versions, which one ends up on air? You may be surprised.
We also chat about 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 as "Best New Director" and plucked for Shoot'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. Enjoy my chat with this director on the rise.
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", a 30 minute film about young dancers with Down Syndrome. Please share the film, you can download for free at free2bememovie.com.
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