I've watched the incomparable Barry Katz successfully navigate the comedy waters for three decades. He's had a heaping helping hand in launching Louis C.K., Jay Mohr, Dave Chappelle, Tracy Morgan and many more, so it's a treat to chat with him on my podcast. Barry's own show, the Industry Standard podcast on iTunes features everyone from Kevin Hart to Dennis Rodman to Paul Feig. Check it out. Barry so nice and gracious that I thought it was the perfect way to ring in 2017. Thank you all for Resp...
Dec 30, 2016•1 hr 17 min
The wonderful Nancy Cohen walked into my office delivering a Christmas gift on behalf of Idell James Casting, the top shop for casting background artists. Once we got to chatting, I asked Nancy to grace me with an impromptu interview. Thankfully, she agreed and the resulting conversation is a treat. We talk about how you must keep your head in the game, and how crucial extras can be to bringing the scene to life. Thank you Nancy! Merry Christmas to all, Jordan The top quality Respect The Process...
Dec 22, 2016•43 min
Director Aron P Orton is a multi-talented filmmaker with a penchant for comedy. We chat about working with repeat clients, balancing editorial work and more. He's also ventured into the crazy world of VR and done some very cool work. I've posted Aron's stuff at my website jordanbrady.com, so have a gander. Thanks, Jordan This episode is an hour, give or take.
Dec 15, 2016•1 hr 4 min
Our most popular episodes spotlight Commercial Directors or Ad Agency Creative Directors, so this chat with fantastic spot helmer John Grammatico makes for a perfect storm of a podcast. We discuss bidding for the same gigs, how he made that transition to full-time directing, and his process when he gets a storyboard. Oh, and I babble about listening and understanding the client. Check out John's work here and enjoy! You'll recognize the work of my new friend. Thanks, Jordan My merch page is live...
Dec 08, 2016•1 hr 22 min
Stand-up comedian Maz Jobrani tells us how he brought his character Jimmy Vestvood to the big screen. Maz co-wrote, produced and stars in his hilarious film "Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero", and took it to theaters everywhere. We chat about how the limitations of a small budget can fuel creative solutions, as well as shaping one's own destiny. Maz also offers an insightful tour of Iran's colorful history, which I find fascinating. Buy "Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero" today and enjoy. It's all laug...
Nov 28, 2016•1 hr 13 min
Commercial Director Scotty Bergstein started out as Ridley Scott’s assistant on the movie “Thelma and Louise”. Talk about a film school like no other. Now he's a seasoned, sought-after spot helmer. We chat about his process from first getting a storyboard through delivering that edit. We share the joy of allowing the process to reveal things on set that would not have happened if you didn't plan properly. Like finding the magic moments between the dialogue. Filmmakers, I know you'll find this ep...
Nov 23, 2016•1 hr 17 min
Filmmakers Kristyna Archer and Monty Marsh are dual recipients of the inaugural Superlounge Diversity Award. Each will attend Commercial Directing Bootcamp for free December 3rd, 2016 in Los Angeles. Both Monty and Kristyna display a keen proficiency in short form visual storytelling that I know can be channeled to make great ads. Bravo!! Huge thanks to all the filmmakers that submitted great work. Thank you, Jordan
Nov 18, 2016•3 min
Legendary comedian Ritch Shydner is known to my fans as the true heart and soul of "I Am Comic" (Available on iTunes). To three generations of stand-up comics, he remains a powerhouse of pure monology. Ritch and I met in the 1980's during the comedy boom when I opened for him. Neither of us remember the details or the city. We talk stand-up comedy, the road, doing a documentary together, today's podcast circuit, working with comedians, and his book. "Kicking Through The Ashes" is a great read, e...
Nov 10, 2016•1 hr 29 min
My wildly successful Commercial Directing Bootcamp returns to Los Angeles next month, and not every filmmaker may be qualified. This is just me babbling for three minutes telling you why you should or should not enroll. If you think you have what it takes, do not wait and do sign up today, because we are almost full. Limit 20 filmmakers. Thanks, and go ahead and please share with a mate that might benefit. Jordan Commercial Directing Bootcamp is December 3rd, 2016 in Los Angeles. Do it!!...
Nov 07, 2016•3 min
Abraham Roofeh is a director and producer with his own shop, Crowned Kings . Abe is constantly pumping out great content. SPots, Branded Content and music videos, you name it. Click here to see it. We chat about how he gets his work, what it means to find one's voice as a storyteller and how filmmakers need to have a bit of entrepreneurial zeal these days. Actors - check out the Dan Velez Fund, a scholarship for actors established by our friends at www.spacestationla.com to honor of this wonderf...
Nov 03, 2016•59 min
VML Group Creative Director Pat Piper is funny, prolific and one heck of a guy. In addition to cranking out great ads, he has his own podcast called The Shakes on iTunes. Pat and I have fun talking about what it is like having comedic actors who try to one up each other during a comedy commercial shoot. We also mention how he made some of his classic Sonic commercials, which he originated with his old partner, Matt McKay. Of course, he explains what respecting the process means to him. Please gi...
Oct 27, 2016•1 hr 10 min
Doug Sherin reps commercial directors as well as production companies. He sells talent based on their reel. But he's more than an agent, he's a partner in the process of developing a director's career. Check out his stellar roster at his company, Options . We chat about how communication is key, his joy in finding work for his clients, and donuts. It's a real treat to finally have my friend on the show. Enjoy, Jordan Commercial Directing Bootcamp is almost full. Sign up now. Or miss out. Decembe...
Oct 20, 2016•1 hr 14 min
Executive Producer Andrew Perry began his career at MTV Networks, where I'd see him every other day in the hallway. He explains what an Executive Producer does and how he rose to the occasion when presented with a new responsibility, turning each into a career opportunity. Andrew also talks about his new book, a companion to the hit show, "The Hills." I enjoyed reuniting with Andrew and having him on the podcast and I think you will like what you hear. Thank you, Jordan. Commercial Directing Boo...
Oct 14, 2016•1 hr 36 min
Political satirist and comedian Jimmy Tingle is running for President of the United States of America on the Humor For Humanity ticket. Jimmy has been a staple on the stand up circuit for decades, prolific as he is hilarious. He's produced his own film, and once owned his own theater. A treat to have Jimmy on the show. Enjoy. Jordan Commercial Directing Bootcamp is December 3rd, 2016 in Los Angeles. Sign up fast. This episode is over an hour....
Oct 10, 2016•1 hr 15 min
Daredevil Evel Knievel was a huge childhood hero of mine, so it was amazing and super cool that stuntman Eddie Braun successfully replicated and completed Evel's jump attempt over the Snake River Canyon in September 2016. Bravo Eddie! But in an uncharacteristic tweet, I disrespected Eddie's passion and success, and publicly want to set the record straight. It's cool as fuck and I was wrong to comment anything but respect and kudos. Looking inward, when I take a shot at someone's accomplishment o...
Oct 06, 2016•12 min
Sound Mixer Maurice Sydnor has been my friend and collaborator for over a decade. We've made tons of spots, and he helped me get great sound on my documentary "I Am Comic" when I had no budget at all. Starting out as a rock musician, you'll love hearing how Maurice continues his self-taught education, always learning and adapting as the industry changes. Listen as two old chums chat about the process. Enjoy! Jordan Commercial Directing Bootcamp returns to Los Angeles, December 3, 2016 so sign up...
Sep 23, 2016•1 hr 25 min
"Ghostheads" Director Brendan Mertens explains all about his new film, "Ghostheads" , still killing it on Netflix. This is part two of "Ghostheads", Part I being with Tommy Avalon. Ghostheads are not just uber-fans of the film. They form chapters and raise money for charity, while giving each Ghosthead a sense of community. I recommend the film highly, which has interviews with key cast and crew, including Dan Aykroyd, Ivan Reitman, Ernie Hudson, Paul Feig and many more, as well as with Ghostbus...
Sep 16, 2016•43 min
Filmmaker Tommy Avallone returns to talk about his new film, "Ghostheads" , currently killing it on Netflix. We chat about how he reached out to the director of this fun documentary, Brendan Mertens (my future podcast guest) and his overall involvement. A real inspiring tale for us filmmakers. Ghostheads are not just uber-fans of the film. They form chapters and raise money for charity, while giving each Ghosthead a sense of community. I recommend the film highly, which has interviews with key c...
Sep 15, 2016•1 hr 4 min
Filmmaker and friend DeVaughn Hughson spend six years documenting Outcast, the first all-Black Motorcycle Club, literally living among these true rebels day and night. The result is an artistic peek into their raucous den and time-honored rituals. It's a must-watch doc and the closest you'll ever get to this unique world. I find DeVaughn's film a riveting study of alpha male culture, where individuality flourishes, yet everyone still supports the tribe at large. "Outcast Forever" is more than ju...
Sep 13, 2016•1 hr 15 min
My friend Editor Shira Ankori has edited some of the best comedy spots on my reel for over ten years now. We discuss working with the advertising agency creatives and why directors need to actually cut. Timing and collaboration are themes we agree on, so have a listen and share with a filmmaker you love. Thanks, Jordan This episode is one hour.
Aug 31, 2016•59 min
Writer/Director Jamie Buckner has made an adorable, funny romantic comedy called "Split". Jamie tells us about making the short film first to raise the dough and the complications of shooting in a working bowling alley. He smartly went to his hometown to make the film. Please support the film by clicking here , and watch and enjoy "Split" . My favorite aspect is Jamie spoofs all the tropes of the romantic comedy while using them effectively to tell the sweet story. Thanks, Jordan...
Aug 26, 2016•1 hr 3 min
Gary Rose is the Managing Director of Go Film, one of the top shops for making commercials. We look at the current state of our business and how it's evolved. Gary has worked alongside one of my fav's, Mr. Christopher Guest, so I get to learn how Mr. Guest likes to work on the spots he chooses to do. Overall, Gary navigates the business with finesse and surely knows how to pick and develop directorial talent. We touch on his love of underwater photography. I wish you could see his work on the wa...
Aug 18, 2016•1 hr 19 min
Filmmaker Rick Cowan was my friend and frequent collaborator. He grew to be a mentor and pillar to those that knew him. He passed away this week, and I miss him. RIP Rick. This conversation is from July 2015 and was posted back then. Love, Jordan
Aug 10, 2016•1 hr 13 min
Miranda Bailey is a prolific film producer, actress and director. Currently, she's got two wonderful films in theaters, "Swiss Army Man" and "Don't Think Twice", the latter opening wide this weekend. Go see it. It stars Keegan Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs, Tami Sagher, Chris Gethard, Kate Micucci and the film's writer/director Mike Birbiglia . It's funny, sad, heartfelt and the best look at the world of improvisational comedy ever. Miranda has her own production company, Cold Iron Pictures, and s...
Aug 05, 2016•53 min
Sitting down with Director Jonathan Kesselman was like reuniting with a cousin I'd never met. I'd seen his first film, The Hebrew Hammer, now we talk about his new film "Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero" starring comedian Maz Jobrani. Maz is hysterical in the clubs, on his specials, so I knew the film would be laugh out loud too. We chat about developing the film, working with actors who wrote the script they star in, and more. Check out the trailer at jordanbrady.com or click the title above. PS S...
Jul 29, 2016•1 hr 31 min
I'm honored to chat with Director Jeff Gordon , a versatile filmmaker, but one that can say he specializes in commercials with chimps and babies. In our conversation, he points out one “secret weapon” to his success with infants - his baby wrangler. It was delightful to hear we've both worked with a particular chimp named Bella. She is wonderful to shoot with. All in all this is a such great episode. You listeners will certainly enjoy this one. See Jeff's spots by clicking his name, or looking o...
Jul 22, 2016•1 hr 16 min
After three intense days shooting for Toyota and Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles, I took up my usual post shoot ritual of bowling. Surprisingly, I ran into my favorite filmmaker, Director Werner Herzog. He indulged me with a quick exchange about my Commercial Directing Bootcamp in Chicago, August 13th, 2016. I am so deeply humbled Mr. Werner Herzog had any knowledge of it. I am currently taking his Masterclass, by the way, which I recommend to every filmmaker. Sign up today for my Commercial D...
Jul 16, 2016•4 min
Matthew Celia stands majestically at the forefront of virtual reality filmmaking, having conceived, shot and delivered VR projects for Paramount, GoPro and even the esteemed Dr. Phil. Today, Matt explains the technology and stresses the key element all of you adore: story. It's great to chat with Matt because we go back a handful of years. He's an inspiring storyteller and filmmaker. Check out his work by clicking or at my website, jordan brady.com . Commercial Directing Bootcamp in Chicago Augu...
Jul 08, 2016•1 hr 12 min
Movie critic, celebrated journalist, author and documentarian Marshall Fine graced me with an interview via the magic of Skype to talk about his new docu, "Robert Klein Still Can't Stop His Leg." I really loved the film. First as a fan of the legendary stand-up Robert Klein, but also purely as a candid profile of an icon. Bravo Marshall, bravo. Jordan Commercial Directing Bootcamp is August 13th, 2016 in Chicago. Sign up now or bang your head against the wall for missing out....
Jul 01, 2016•41 min
I loved his feature film "Bubble Boy", so when I met Director Blair Hayes I was a bit star struck. Plus, his reputation as a commercial helmer is legendary. So happy we got to finally sit down and chat about his work. Admittedly, I'm in awe of Director/Camerapeople. Blair's new film "Great Plains" is making the festival rounds, so keep an eye out for it. Of course, I've posted some commercials discuss on jordanbrady.com . Enjoy. thanks, Jordan Commercial Directing Bootcamp is August 13th, 2016 i...
Jun 24, 2016•1 hr 14 min
