Just Shoot It: A Podcast about Filmmaking, Screenwriting and Directing - podcast cover

Just Shoot It: A Podcast about Filmmaking, Screenwriting and Directing

Filmmakers Matt Enlow & Oren Kaplanjustshootitpod.com
Just Shoot It is a podcast about directing hosted by directors. Each week we interview filmmakers on writing, cinematography, development and acting to learn how to build a successful career as a filmmaker in the Hollywood industry.

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Episodes

Making Creative Decisions w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 481

Matt and Oren dig into the creative choices director's make. And they kick it off by looking at the growing influence of AI on the process. They also tackle casting and why it’s more than just finding the “right” actor. But also, what makes for the right actor in a commercial? Comedic timing, tone, understanding the game, our grasp of something else? They also share how many actors they callback and put on avail. And what happens when an actor crushes the audition but doesn’t book it. Do you tel...

Jun 26, 202559 min

"Don't Tell Larry" w/Greg Porper and John Shimke - Just Shoot It 480

The directing duo from "Don't Tell Larry" detail their eight-year journey to turn the phrase, "Don't Tell Larry", into a world, a web series, and feature starring Eg Begley., Jr., Dot-Marie Jones, Patty Guggenheim, and Kiel Kennedy. And they chat with Matt and Oren about how their background in unscripted TV prepared them but also left gaps when it came to making the movie they wanted to make, without EPs steering them off-track. From 300 pitches to turning down lucrative investors, the pandemic...

Jun 19, 20251 hr 15 min

Editing Chimp Crazy's 1,500 hours of Footage w/Evan Wise - Just Shoot It 479

"Chimp Crazy" is HBO's top-watched documentary. But being from the team that made Tiger King is both a plus and a minus. In this episode, writer, producer, and editor Evan Wise https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2188036 / chats with Matt & Oren about the hurdles they faced and the moment he knew this doc would be good. We explore the importance of personal connection, being open to letting the story evolve during filming, and the role of editors as writers and storytellers in documentary films. Eva...

Jun 12, 20251 hr 7 min

How to Choose a DP w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 478

Matt and Oren dive into the process of finding the right cinematographer or DP for your project, breaking down key factors like reputation, working methodology, artistry, specialties, reel, website, and even foreign language skills. They also explore how budget impacts these considerations. Like what shifts when you're working with $50K versus $2 million? From personal tastes to professional appearances, this episode takes a deep dive into the nuances of hiring the right visual storyteller for y...

Jun 05, 202548 min

Adventures from Set w/ Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 477

Matt and Oren break down their approach to directing on set—from working with celebrity talent like Neil Patrick Harris to navigating the challenges of directing kids. It's a glimpse into their lives as directors. They also explore how user-generated content and influencers are changing the types of projects advertisers want to create and opening new doors for emerging filmmakers who understand the new landscape. Plus, the guys respond to YouTube comments and discuss how listeners can join the c...

May 29, 20251 hr 6 min

Building "Friendship" w/Cinematographer Andy Rydzewski - Just Shoot It 476

The skyrocketing success of "Friendship," starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, is tied to its distinct visual style. Cinematographer Andy Rydzewski https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2198503 shares the recipe behind the film’s look, breaking down key choices in framing, lighting, and camera techniques. Matt and Oren dive into the details, nerding out over f-stops, open gate, ISO, sensor breaks, and the creative decision by Andy and director Andrew DeYoung to move away from the 28mm lens. Find Andy on I...

May 22, 20251 hr 23 min

Directing The Weeknd's "Hurry Up Tomorrow" w/Trey Edward Shults - Just Shoot It 475

Trey Edward Shults https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4099092/ has been called a visionary film director. Matt and Oren chat with Trey about his bold leap into auteur filmmaking—what it means to claim that title and how he made it happen. What did he learn as a nineteen-year-old loading IMAX film for Terrence Malick on the edge of a live volcano? And is going to Cannes or winning at SXSW really enough to eventually land Hollywood’s most sought-after actors for your film? His latest film, "Hurry Up Tomo...

May 15, 20251 hr 3 min

Editing "The Studio" w/Eric Kissack - Just Shoot It 474

Ever wonder how "The Studio" perfected comedic timing using oners and one-shot scenes? Eric Kissack, who edited the entire season for Seth Rogen, shares his tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes insights into how the show comes together. When the funniest people in the world need to ensure a script or edit is hilarious, they turn to Eric. Matt and Oren chat with him about his journey as a director and editor, across "Veep", "Sausage Party", "Black Monday", "The Good Place", and more. See more of E...

May 08, 20251 hr 16 min

Crafting Spy High for Amazon w/Jody McVeigh-Schultz - Just Shoot It 473

Jody McVeigh-Schultz shares his journey from editor to director of Amazon’s *Spy High*. Matt and Oren quiz Jody on exactly what made him the right fit for the job. And they delve into the techniques he uses to uncover hidden stories in footage directors might overlook. Jody also opens up about landing an agent—and what he wishes he had done differently looking back. You can find Jody on Instagram @jodymcvs and see his work at https://jodyms.com --- Matt's Endorsement: The movie "Scanners" https:...

May 01, 20251 hr 18 min

Production Pivots w/ Carlyn Hudson - Just Shoot It 472

Carlyn Hudson returns! Matt and Oren dive into the art of game-time decisions on set—when to stick to the plan and when a last-minute change is worth the risk. It's a great discussion about leadership, with hands-on, real-world insights that go beyond theory. Carly shares her take on navigating tough calls, balancing respect for the crew, maintaining top-tier quality, and knowing when to let go and adapt to the unexpected. It's a must-listen for anyone aiming to master the dynamics of set life! ...

Apr 24, 20251 hr 10 min

Back to Basics, AI, & Travel Tips w/ Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 471

Matt and Oren are back to basics and pushing creative boundaries. Whether it's tackling passion projects, experimenting with constraints like shooting anamorphic on the vertical, or using AI to spark human creativity, they’re finding new ways to innovate. And hey, sometimes a mocktail and a first-class movie night are all you need for fresh inspiration. --- Get a great deal on Magic Mind! Go to https://magicmind.com/shootitjan until April 25th, 2025. Use the link https://magicmind.com/shootitapr...

Apr 17, 20251 hr 3 min

SNL or Die w/ Oz Rodriguez - Just Shoot It 470

Can a well-timed email get you on SNL as a director? Oz Rodriguez made it happen. But TV was a whole different game back then! The formula, though, remains the same: great comedy actors make comedy directors look great. Oren and Matt chat with Oz about how directors can cast incredible comedic talent. Plus, Oz spills secrets on getting the best performances from actors. Ever wondered what it's like to shoot a video for SNL? Or how much creative freedom a director really has under the watchful ey...

Apr 10, 20251 hr 21 min

Deep Thoughts w/ Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 469

Matt and Oren take a hard look at the current state of the film and TV industry in the wake of the LA fires, pandemic, strikes, AI, and streaming. It’s some real talk about the challenges facing production, including tax incentives, union rates, and the ongoing struggle to keep jobs from leaving the LA area. And they explore potential solutions to get more production peeps working regularly and keep productions from being forced into shooting in places like Austin, Atlanta, Columbia, Mexico, and...

Apr 03, 20251 hr 3 min

How to Make a Rock Opera for Hulu w/ "O'Dessa" Director Geremy Jasper - Just Shoot It 468

Geremy Jasper https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3017455/ , the visionary behind the stylized rock musical "O'dessa" on Hulu https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26304178 , shares the journey of bringing his ambitious project to life, from signing acclaimed talents like Sadie Sink and Regina Hall to crafting an original album for the film. Despite having just one feature under his belt, he successfully secured financing and brought his vision to fruition. OK, his feature did screen at Sundance, but still! Tune...

Mar 27, 20251 hr 12 min

Honest Feedback w/ Pete Chatmon - Just Shoot It 467

Pete Chatmon is one of those select few directors who is constantly working as a director on TV episodes from Ghosts, to Yellowjackets, Chicago Fire, and lots more. He's the host of the podcast Let's Shoot. Matt and Oren quiz Pete on how he sets people up to receive feedback and tough notes. And Pete talks about the importance of knowing what does not work, even though you thought it might. Off which , Oren shares how some brutal feedback changed his career for the better. But unsolicited honest...

Mar 20, 20251 hr 21 min

F*** My Shoot w/Laura Murphy (Part 2) - Just Shoot It 466

AWESOME EVENT! Help victims of the California wildfires (*) by attending a screening of a new episode of "Yellowjackets" with a discussion with Director Pete Chatmon at Let's Shoot at Dynasty Typewriter, Wed. Mar 19, 7:30 PM. Live and Streaming tickets are available at https://www.dynastytypewriter.com/calendar-squad-up?event-id=106932 (*) All proceeds benefit the Altadena Community Preservation Fund. ABOUT THIS EPISODE. Laura Murphy chats with Matt and Oren about directing her new film "F*** Ma...

Mar 13, 20251 hr 8 min

F*** Marry Kill w/Laura Murphy (Part 1) - Just Shoot It 465

Laura Murphy chats with Matt and Oren about directing her new film "F*** Marry Kill" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22528200 And they talk about the process to become a director on a film like this, is there a list you need to be on? And what can directors do to get on the "list"? In this first of a two-part interview, you can hear whether being on time and on budget really makes a difference in the long run. As a bonus, Matt and Oren kick things off with some insights from Oren's latest commercia...

Mar 06, 20251 hr 1 min

Conquering Production Hurdles w/ Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 464

Oren's on another commercial shoot and Matt's just started another new show! Everything's great, or is it? Matt and Oren chat about why the vision you pitch can be really, really hard in reality. Especially as budget, storyboard, timings, weather, and the nuances of handling this particular client unfold. And the guys go deep into a discussion of the first principles of filmmaking, and when might be a good time to break or rethink them. --- Get a great deal on Magic Mind! https://magicmind.com/s...

Feb 27, 20251 hr 8 min

Directing My Dead Friend Zoe w/ Kyle Hausmann-Stokes - Just Shoot It 463

First-time director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes IG @kylehausmannstokes https://www.instagram.com/kylehausmannstokes / shares how he landed Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman for his film "My Dead Friend Zoe". https://mydeadfriendzoemovie.com IG @mydeadfriendzoe https://www.instagram.com/mydeadfriendzoe/ And he chats with Oren and Matt about why his pitch was so successful. Hear the journey that led to the film’s big win at SXSW, as well as the ups and downs to maintain the project's momentum, land the rights...

Feb 20, 20251 hr 17 min

Good Times w/ EP Eric McCasline - Just Shoot It 462

Executive Producer (EP) Eric McCasline talks about building his new, top-tier production company, Good Times. https://ItsGoodTimes.com / And he chats with Matt and Oren about how directors can get on the roster, win jobs, and why you as a director need to know your lane and understand how reps will pitch you. It's a "Moneyballl" game to get on and stay on, are you playing your game right? The conversation goes deep into budgets, incentives, permits, fees as well as the shifting aesthetic of comm...

Feb 13, 20251 hr 39 min

A Director and a DP Get Lost w/ Andrew Kightlinger & Idan Menin - Just Shoot It 461

Director Andrew Kightlinger [email protected] and DP Idan Menin IG:@idanmenin talk about their film, from Sylvester Stallone's Balboa Productions, "Lost On a Mountain in Maine" https://www.lostonamountaininmainemovie.com/ Matt and Oren go deep about the tough trade-offs they made between budget, VFX, and the need to look realistic. And the guys delve into a wider discussion about the dance between great cinematography and awesome storytelling. Can you shoot on an iPhone and use it alongside an Alexa...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 19 min

Choreograph Your Career w/Daniel Russell - Just Shoot It 460

Daniel Russel https://www.daniel-russell.com/ went from an assistant for Dave Meyers www.radicalmedia.com/us/directors/dave-meyers to directing music videos for Justin Timberlake and Jason Derulo. And he chats with Matt and Oren about the moves that built his career. What's the secret to pitching and landing impressive jobs? How can you work with a choreographer and inspire them to create the movement you need? And where can you find the best sources for visual inspiration? You won't want to mis...

Jan 30, 20251 hr 12 min

LA Stories w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 459

Matt & Oren chat about the LA fires and their impact on freelancers, filmmakers, and the industry. It's a conversation about navigating so-called 'normalcy' -- where normalcy is lacking. And the tough decisions around where you're needed most when friends and so many others have lost so much in the fires, It's firsthand and unfiltered. With that backdrop, Matt and Oren take up a broader conversation about bringing more commercial work into LA. What's some of the math for shooting outside LA?...

Jan 23, 20251 hr 6 min

New Year, New Goals w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 458

Matt and Oren chat about 2024, what they learned and what they're planning to do for 2025. Everything from posting on Instagram & LinkedIn, being more productive, toilet training, and gold stars. Then they tackle a question from commercial director Jon Schwartz https://www.ajaxcreative.com/en/commercial-director/jon-schwartz . And delve into point of view (POV), what it means to different audiences, and when to just break the rules. Check out the episode! Matt's Endorsement: "Thelma", the fi...

Jan 16, 20251 hr 6 min

Finding Success in 2025 w/Carlyn Hudson, Maureen Bharoocha, and Roxy Shih - Part 2 of 2 - Just Shoot It 457

"Survive til '25", mission accomplished! But what really sustained the Hollywood and LA production scene -- TV, TikTok, commercials, or movies? Matt and Oren are joined by Maureen Bharoocha , Carlyn Hudson , and Roxy Shih in this panel discussion. The crew is back together since their last in-person episode in December 2023. And in this first of a two-episode series, they talk about their wins, staying balanced, what kind of hustles paid off in 2024, and what adventures lie before them for 2025!...

Jan 09, 20251 hr 10 min

Finding Success in 2025 w/Carlyn Hudson, Maureen Bharoocha, and Roxy Shih - Part 1 of 2 - Just Shoot It 456

"Survive til '25", mission accomplished! But what really sustained the Hollywood and LA production scene -- TV, TikTok, commercials, or movies? Matt and Oren are joined by Maureen Bharoocha , Carlyn Hudson , and Roxy Shih in this panel discussion. The crew is back together since their last in-person episode in December 2023. And in this first of a two-episode series, they talk about their wins, staying balanced, what kind of hustles paid off in 2024, and what adventures lie before them for 2025!...

Jan 02, 20251 hr 3 min

10 Tips from Thailand w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 455

What's different about directing a commercial internationally? Everything!! Oren's back from 3 weeks in Thailand and he's got 10 things to remember when shooting overseas. Matt and Oren talk health, prep, working with actors from different countries, and a heck of a lot more. Have you ever been called to fill these roles on set? Matt's Endorsement: Use ChatGPT to take your 2025 goals and create a plan of action, you can live with. Oren's Endorsements: Airmoto tire inflator/compressor https://go....

Dec 26, 20241 hr 7 min

Finding Your Filmmaking Superpower w/ G. G. Hawkins - Just Shoot It 454

How can you give your film a big budget look, on a tiny budget? Matt and Oren chat with G. G. Hawkins about her latest feature, "I Really Love My Husband" and all the ways she gave it a premium look without spending a lot of money. G. G. started her career on the corporate side of monetizing podcasts. And she shares what she learned about pitching and how that helped fund her films. You can find her on Instagram at @lostingraceland [https://www.instagram.com/lostingraceland/](https://www.instagr...

Dec 19, 20241 hr 13 min

Freaking Out w/ Oren & Matt - Just Shoot It 453

Being flown around the world as a commercial director, or working daily with celebrity artists sounds amazing. But how about over Thanksgiving and the holidays? Is there a way to work big directing jobs and still have the time to find the next one? And what happens when your day job as a showrunner or director hinders you ability to keep your chops up as a screenwriter? Matt and Oren are freaking out. And they chat about balancing family with the demands of successful directing careers. The good...

Dec 12, 202442 min

Twisting Genres in "Samson" w/Ruth Du - Just Shoot It 452

What's the secret to getting accepted into director development programs? Are you making these common mistakes when pitching by email? How can you standout and launch your movie directing career? Matt and Oren chat with Ruth Du about how she broke into Hollywood as a film director. And she talks about what makes her latest film, available on Apple TV, "Samson" something you have to see. You can find Ruth Du on Instagram @ruthie06 Follow Samson (Nov 29, 2024 release) on Instagram @samsonmovie23 a...

Dec 05, 20241 hr 11 min
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