Growing up in Bakersfield, Filmmaker Julian Acosta discovered his passion for filmmaking later in life, finding his voice through visual storytelling that connects with audiences on a human level. As a globally sought-after director, Julian has navigated the evolving landscape of the industry, embracing new tools like AI while staying true to his authentic creative vision. In this insightful discussion, Julian shares his journey, the importance of respecting the process, and his perspectives on ...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 451
MoinkFest is December 19th, 2024 in Los Angles. It is FREE. Just sign up to attend and give your honest opinions & thoughts on camera. We're celebrating family farmers that bring ethically-raised beef, pork, chicken and lamb to your door. I want city folk to taste the quality of the meat for themselves, while learning what regenerative farming does for the families that own and operate them. And it's great for the planet. As a longtime flavorseeker, ethically-raised meat has really opened my...
Dec 04, 2024•14 min
Directing duo Morgan & Nick (Morgan Bond Grisham and Nickolas Grisham) discussed their journey in establishing their production company CamLock Films , the importance of relationships and reputation in the industry, their use of advanced filmmaking techniques like previz, the challenges of self-promotion on social media, and their recent creative projects. They also touched on their passion for personal projects like the regenerative farming documentary I'm working on. Overall, this spirited...
Dec 01, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 539
Happy Thanksgiving! Just me rambling for 13 minutes about how much I appreciate everyone for listening and engaging over the years. Also so grateful for you, my whole team and just to be a working commercial director. And of course, without my family what is the point? #familyfirst Congrats to filmmaker Kat Raphael is the reipient of Commercial Directing Film School alumni Staci Talley's Female Filmmaker Scholarship 2024! Kat's work and passion for making filmed ads show she is poised to do grea...
Nov 28, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 538
Florence Managing Director and Executive Producer Ned Brown has been a key figure in the commercial production world for as long as I've been in the business. He's a savvy EP and generous with his knowledge, continuing to help to guide the careers of many talented directors. Ned and I discuss the evolution of the industry, the importance of authenticity, and how he supports his directors' creative ambitions beyond just commercial work. NEXT BOOTCAMP IS DECEMBER 14th, 2024 - SIGN UP NOW MY last i...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 537
Veteran commercial directors Marc Scholermann shares his many insights on navigating the industry, building a diverse portfolio, collaborating with agencies, and the importance of maintaining strong client relationships. Wow, there's a wealth of practical advice for both aspiring and seasoned commercial directors looking to elevate their craft and grow their careers. Marc's new book, "Directing Commercials: The Art & Craft Of Commercial FIlmmaking." By Marc's book and while you're waiting en...
Oct 26, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 536
A real pleasure sitting down with industry veteran Michael Pierce for a captivativing conversation and I was eager to learn more about Michael's unique role as a "media fixer." What struck me most was his ability to evolve from a creative freelancer to a strategic media connector, leveraging his extensive network and deep industry knowledge. The role as a " media fixer " is truly multifaceted, encompassing creative, strategic, and technical aspects of the industry. His willingness to take on unc...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 535
Jessica Altina Lee Sanders ’s martial arts action comedy short “THE COCKTAIL PARTY” exploring female empowerment, premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival and won numerous international festival awards. The action packed, playful film tells the story of a cocktail party that turns into an unexpected martial arts action film. Jessica directed and produced the short film “End of the Line” which premiered at Sundance. The visual effects heavy film is based on a short story by acclaimed writer Ai...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 534
Advertising industry veteran Anthony Vagnoni and I had an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of commercial filmmaking and marketing. With decades of experience spanning roles in publishing, PR, and production, Vagnoni provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing up-and-coming directors. From the importance of self-promotion to the shifting dynamics between agencies, brands, and vendors, this conversation offers valuable guidance for filmmakers navigating ...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 533
Born in Vancouver, Canada and now based in Los Angeles, Ilanna Barkusky is an internationally awarded commercial director, filmmaker and photographer. Her creative journey originated in the action sports industry, capturing athletes in the mountains with her camera in tow while completing her Bachelor of Arts at the University of British Columbia. Through her work, she unifies dynamic movement with uplifting storytelling, leading her to collaborate with clients such as Red Bull, Roxy, the LA Cli...
Sep 15, 2024•1 hr 16 min
Susan Munro (on the right) of Hybrid Collective and more recently of her sister company Session City , (seen above with co-founder Starr Session Varga , left) has consistently impressed me with her passion and dedication to the craft. As longtime friends who have worked together for over a decade, I've always admired her ability to blend technical expertise with a deep understanding of how to maximize emotional resonance. We chat Hybrid Collective's innovative pandemic productions, advice on how...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 531
Commercial director Lars Timmermann is a true master of his craft, blending technical prowess with a boundless creative spirit. From meticulously crafted stop-motion miniatures to collaborating with skilled puppeteers, Lars' work is a testament to the power of practical effects and handcrafted elements. I was struck by his unwavering commitment to respecting the entire filmmaking team, fostering a collaborative environment that brings out the best in everyone involved. Lars' insights into the cu...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 2Ep. 530
Audio industry veterans Dawn Redman , Larry Benjamin , and Tim Hoogenakker join me in a lively conversation at Signature Post . Dawn is the director of scheduling, where she oversees operations. Larry is a re-recording mixer who has worked on shows such as Ozark and is currently mixing Jason Bateman's upcoming series Black Rabbit. Tim is also a re-recording mixer and has a background in live music recording, having previously worked as an engineer at Prince's Paisley Park studio in the late 1990...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 2Ep. 529
Executive Producer Scott Dodoro shares how his passion for film led to starting Local Boy Productions after over a decade working for another company. Local Boy, by the way, is a full service production company in Detroit, built for the future. He discusses building his roster of directors and tackling big projects for Buick, Cadillac and GMC> Golly we even talk about using AI in spots. Scott offers inspiration for following creative dreams and taking risks to start your own business. We've d...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 2Ep. 528
The conclusion to my fascinating chat with Filmmaker Jon Finger , my guru of AI filmmaking tools, discusses their impact on the creative industries from the perspective of an early adopter. While acknowledging tools like image generation raise valid concerns, Jon believes AI can empower independent artists by lowering barriers to distribution. Jon shares experiences experimenting with AI storytelling but finds human connection vital. He stresses respecting one's creative process over shortcuts. ...
Jul 02, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 527
Jon Finger , my guru of AI filmmaking tools, discusses their impact on the creative industries from the perspective of an early adopter. While acknowledging tools like image generation raise valid concerns, Jon believes AI can empower independent artists by lowering barriers to distribution. Jon shares experiences experimenting with AI storytelling but finds human connection vital. He stresses respecting one's creative process over shortcuts. We chat about AI-assisted editing, generative content...
Jun 27, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 526
Diane Strand owns JDS Video & Media Productions , a woman-majority owned business with over twenty-five years of expertise in video production and media marketing. Diane began her career in theater production before transitioning to prominent roles at The Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios, focusing on corporate video production known for creativity, punctuality, and cost-effectiveness. Located in Temecula, CA, JDS Studios prioritizes personalized media solutions tailored to enhance b...
Jun 21, 2024•58 min•Season 2Ep. 525
Director JJ Adler of her own Ruckus Films , returns to talk about her award-winning spot for Manscaped that's all the buzz. "The Boys" is truly hilarious commercial that uses the same actors to portray our heroes and those hero's testicles. Forced perspective, shaving and more. Agency Pereira O'Dell has gobbled up the kudos with J.J. and they've got a fun series of behind the scenes they've shared too. Find it on Instagram and LinkedIn. Click here to see the spot, like you haven't already. Thank...
Jun 11, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 524
Retreat Curious? Schedule a call with me to see if our FIlmmaker Retreat is right for you. Wow, great time chatting with stunt drivers Olivia Summers and Dee Bryant . We talk about the precision required for their work - things like practicing hitting marks down to the inch. It was fascinating to hear how they rehearse big sequences. We keep it real talking about the challenges Olivia and Dee face as women breaking into what's traditionally been a male-dominated industry. Check out their Associa...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Retreat Curious? Schedule a call with me to see if our FIlmmaker Retreat is right for you. Director Ryan Christopher McGuire has been based in Tokyo for over a decade, where he is also the Managing Director of Cutters Studios Tokyo. Ryan has a truly global perspective on the film industry thanks to his diverse career path. We discussed what ultimately led him to set up shop internationally. Ryan shared invaluable insights into his transition from editor to director, and the meticulous planning a...
May 24, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 522
Improvisational genius/comic actor Pat Finn is on this very special episode! Pat and I have been collaborating together for almost 20 years making on Valley Toyota spots, and it's always a blast. Agency folks always like casting actors that can improv, but Pat is next level. And he happens to be the one of the top three nicest humans in Hollywood. From sitcoms "Seinfeld" and "The Middle" to films "It's Complicated" and more, Pat Finn creates memorable characters on screen and a lasting impressio...
May 17, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Season 2Ep. 521
Veronica Lombardo of VLM started her career as a below-the-line talent agent before establishing herself as an independent representative and manager. Veronica shares her perspective on representing directors and production companies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, strategy and treating her clients as part of a team. She also offers valuable insights into pitching, treatments and challenges facing creatives. We chat about working with agencies, navigating freelance versus in-house ...
May 11, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Season 2Ep. 520
Commercial director Ed McCulloch shares his unconventional rise to becoming an internationally renowned filmmaker. Ed opens up about his journey of self-discovery through photography, and ambitious do-it-yourself approach to shooting 12 spec commercials that launched his successful global career spanning over 30 countries. Oh fun fact: Ed was a Repo Man in Southern California. Here's all his representation, so you can work with Ed anywhere on the planet: US https://www.seedmediaarts.com/ Canada ...
May 04, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 519
Curious if our Filmmaker Retreat Joshua Tree is right for you? Set up a free quick call with me, and perhaps I'll talk you out of it. Plus, I share how to get your passion project off the ground. It's pretty eazy actually. Just me babbling for 19 mintes. C'mon folks, time to level up, duct tape the monkey brain and keep making stuff. FLOW Use the link plus code JB20 when you try https://www.magicmind.com/jordanbrady chug it daily after your coffee. If you follow me on Instagram you know my geniu...
Apr 26, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 518
Filmmaker Emmanuel Afolabi joins the show for a wide-ranging discussion of his path from Nigeria to pursuing his filmmaking dreams. While relatively young, Emmanuel is very generous with his knowledge, hoping to help others as he himself grows. It was energizing to speak with someone so dedicated to their craft. Through determination and skill, he's already created impactful work while telling important stories. My new pal Emmanuel is a director to watch. FLOW Use the link plus code JB20 when yo...
Apr 20, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 517
Vasanth Seshadri is the Founder, head honcho and Creative Director of the ad agency in Singapore called The Sunny Side . Vasanth shares his non-traditional path into the ad world, starting out as an engineer before catching the creative bug. We talked about his globetrotting career that took him from Singapore to New York and back again. Click here to see some of the cool work The Sunny Side has been cooking up lately. I find it fascinating to hear Vasanth's perspective on building an agency int...
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 516
Wow! What a fun, productive 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 titled "Follow Your Own Road" - including the process of developing the script, shooting it on location in Utah, and editing it down from an initial long cut. 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. Bradle...
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 515
Matt McCain and Michael Boychuk founded their Little Hands of Stone ad agency in 2019 after both having extensive careers working at other agencies and companies like Amazon. Matt and Michael worked together at the legendary Wong Doody in LA in the late 90s/early 2000s. The LHoS founders discuss their fun projects, unique creative process, and illustious careers in advertising. I espscialy enjoyed hearing how they craft memorable campaigns through hands-on production and collaboration. Check out...
Mar 28, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 514
Comedy Director Michael Ryan Fagan was in town, so we chat it up about directing comedy for ads... and we never stop. We discuss his career directing actor Vincent Pastore from The Sopranos, among others. We debate the pros and cons of using LED walls and other virtual production techniques in commercials. MRF shares some stories about creative solutions he came up with to film spots, like using a remote controlled robot camera or taking reference photos at pharmacies. Check out his work here . ...
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr 51 min•Season 2Ep. 513
Cinematographer Dustin Pearlman stops by the podcast for a great chat. We met at the DGA trying to dispel myths to help up and coming directors, and we ended up chums. Dustin has shot for brands, agencies, promos, narrative and doc. I try to nail him down to what he likes best... Stay tuned. Check out his work by clicking his name or here . 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 . My...
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Season 2Ep. 512
